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1 INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to help you quickly and easily learn to use your Quantum Composers
Model 9412/9412A pulse generator. Rather than the usual array of knobs and switches, the
9412/9412A uses a menu-driven user interface with "on-line" help -- once you learn the basics
of operating your 9412/9412A, you may never need to refer to this manual again.
The 9412/9412A has some unique features that are designed exclusively for use as a laser
trigger signal generator, but can a
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Custom Modifications The 9412/9412A is microprocessor-controlled and employs a flexible and expandable user- interface. New features and operating modes often can be added, without hardware modifi- cations, by merely modifying the software contained inside the 9412/9412A. Most modifica- tions can be made for a very modest charge -- contact Quantum Composers for details. Safety Issues Normal use of test equipment exposes you to a certain amount of danger from electrical shock because testin
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6. Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if necessary. Training in CPR first aid is highly recommended. 3
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1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS This chapter explains the function of each control and connector on the 9412/9412A. Front Panel The front panel contains the most frequently used controls and connectors. Display The 9412/9412A features a backlit liquid crystal display, which displays menu selections and settings. The left half of the display shows the current menu selection, while the right half shows the current setting of the item associated with that menu. Control Buttons Toggles bet
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Left Button (help) For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is selected for editing. For other items or when the left most digit is already selected for numeric items, pressing and holding this button down displays a brief description of the current item. Right Button (range) For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is selected for editing. For other items or when the right most digit is already selecte
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T2 Channel 2 output -- designed specifically for use as a solid-state laser Q-switch trigger and has all the capabilities of the other output channels, including several special modes which af- fect only the output of Channel 2. Ext/Gate External Trigger or Gate signal input -- used as either an external signal to trigger the genera- tion of pulses or as a gate signal to enable and disable the outputs. Output Voltage Adjustment The maximum output voltage of all output channels is adjusted
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1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS This chapter presents detailed instructions on the operation of the 9412/9412A. Overview The 9412/9412A uses a single-line LCD to display menu selections. The front panel keys are used to "navigate" through sets of menus to set various options and control the pulse genera- tor. Some keys are only active at certain times or have different behavior depending on what state the menus are in -- once understood, the menus can be quickly and easily manipulated. The 941
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Main Menu The Main Menu consists of a set of menu selections used to set the operating mode, time pe- riod and frequency of the 9412/9412A. MODE - Pulse Modes There are five (5) different Pulse modes available. Continuous Mode While in Continuous mode, the 9412/9412A will generate pulses at the rate set by the internal To Period as set in the ToPer menu. The delay of Channel 1 is relative to To, while the delay for Channel 2 is from the active edge of Channel 1. The Ext/Gate input may
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Duty Cycle The Duty Cycle mode is similar to Continuous mode in that a continuous stream of pulses is output. The exception is the outputs are only active for a set number of seconds (DC:On menu), then disabled for another set time period (DC:Off menu) before being re-enabled. This cycle is repeated for a set number of times (CYCLES menu), after which all outputs cease. Setting the number of cycles to zero results in continuous cycling, until the Stop Key is pressed. The Ext/Gate input
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ToPer - To Period Except when in External Trigger or Single Shot mode, all pulse outputs are based on an inter- nal timer called To. This menu is used to select the rate at which To runs by selecting the time period in microseconds between timer pulses. When in Continuous, Burst, or Duty Cycle mode, pulses are output at the rate determined by To. The frequency of pulse outputs in these modes can be found by taking the reciprocal of the To Period setting. Width and Delay Menus This set
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When set to Positive, the output will initially be at 0 Volts. When active, will go high for the specified pulse width time, after which it will return to 0. The voltage level while high will de- pend upon the load and the setting of the output voltage adjustment on the back panel. If set to Negative, the output will normally be at the high voltage level. When the output is activated, it will go to 0 Volts for the specified pulse width time, after which it will return to the high level ag
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T2:Wait The output of Channel 2 can be delayed for a number of pulses. This menu is used to set the number of pulses that must occur on the other channels before the output of Channel 2 is en- abled. This is particularly useful when using Channel 2 as a Q-switch trigger, as it allows the laser to thermally stabilize before activating the Q-switch. This function is active only in Continuous, Burst, and Duty Cycle modes. Channel 2 is delayed at the start of each burst in the Burst mode o
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RECALL Configuration Recalls a previously stored configuration from the specified memory location. To recall a configuration use the Up and Down arrow keys to select the memory location number and press the Left or Right arrow key. You will be prompted to press the key to verify that you want to overwrite the active configuration. If you press any other key, the configuration will not be recalled. Note: A zero configuration is available for recall. This configuration resets the in
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