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Pulse Generator Programming Channel Rates

This application note describes two approaches for producing different output rates from a pulse generator's channels by using the 'Duty Cycle' mode. The first approach is simpler, setting the period to 1us and subtracting 1 from the desired frequency in microseconds. The second approach sets the period to the fastest rate and divides the frequency time base by the period to determine the number of 'Off' pulses. Both approaches use the 'Duty Cycle' mode with a single 'On' pulse to vary the channel output frequencies below the set period.

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Quantum Composers, Inc.
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41 views2 pages

Pulse Generator Programming Channel Rates

This application note describes two approaches for producing different output rates from a pulse generator's channels by using the 'Duty Cycle' mode. The first approach is simpler, setting the period to 1us and subtracting 1 from the desired frequency in microseconds. The second approach sets the period to the fastest rate and divides the frequency time base by the period to determine the number of 'Off' pulses. Both approaches use the 'Duty Cycle' mode with a single 'On' pulse to vary the channel output frequencies below the set period.

Uploaded by

Quantum Composers, Inc.
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Application Note Title: Individual Channel Rates

Revision #: 1.00

Scope: This application note explains how a user can produce outputs of different rates from a Quantum Composers pulse generator by utilizing the Duty Cycle mode. Two different approaches will be explained; the first is a quick and dirty process that allows a novice user to get the correct setup, while the second approach goes into greater detail about the math behind the process.

Body: This application note is written with the assumption that the user understands the basic features and functionality of the Quantum Composers pulse generators. If after reading this app note there is confusion on how to access and adjust such features as Period, Duty Cycle, the number of On/Off pulses or how to verify the output rate for each channel feel free to contact Quantum Composers technical support. 1st Approach Set the To Period of pulse generator to 1us. Set channel mode to Duty Cycle with an On pulse count of 1. Next take the desired frequency channel output and turn it into a microsecond time base (round to the nearest microsecond); subtract 1 from this number and this gives the number of duty cycle Off pulses needed to achieve the desired output frequency for that channel. For example: Example Channel Mode On Pulses count To (period) Desired channel frequency output Equivalent microsecond time base Number of Off Pulses

Duty Cycle 1 0.000001 seconds (1 MHz) 120Hz 1/120Hz = 0.00833333 sec = 8333us 8333 1 = 8332 (Off Pulse count)

This setup will give the desired channel frequency of 120Hz. This easy approach to individual channel rates is good for outputs of 1 MHz and slower. To accomplish faster output rates see the 2nd Approach. 2nd Approach Set the channel mode to Duty Cycle an On pulse count of 1. Set the To at the desired period; for fastest and most accurate individual channel output frequencies set the period to the highest rate. Next take the desired frequency channel output and turn it into a second time base;

round this number to nearest significant digit as dictated by the To period in seconds. Take this number and divide it by the To time base (in seconds) and round it to the nearest whole number; subtract 1 from this number and this gives the number of Off pulse counts. The following are a couple of examples: Example 1 Channel Mode On Pulses count Example To selection Desired channel frequency output Equivalent microsecond time base Number of Off Pulses calculations continued Example 2 Channel Mode On Pulses count Example To selection Desired channel frequency output Equivalent microsecond time base Number of Off Pulses calculations continued

Duty Cycle 1 0.00000005 seconds 120Hz 1/120Hz = 0.00833333 seconds (rounded) 0.00833333 / 0.00000005 = 166667 rounded 166667 1 = 166666 (Off Pulse count)

Duty Cycle 1 0.0000002 seconds 300kHz 1/300kHz = 0.0000033 seconds (rounded) 0.0000033 / 0.0000002 = 17 rounded 17 1 = 16 (Off Pulse count)

Note that the output frequencies cannot be faster than the To frequency. It can also be noted that the math behind the two approaches outlined in this application note is the same. However, keeping the period set at 1MHz, as described in the 1st approach, and changing to the desired output frequency into microseconds allows for simpler math.

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