MC125A/MC125B Time Interval Analyzer

Continuous measurement of time intervals and pulse widths a resolution of 125ps (8GHz clock)

Ultarlow-cost pulse width analyzer now available from MICRONIX

<Designed solely for time measurement, with data display and analysis by the host>

The MC125A / B pulse width analyzer can measure momentary values of superhigh-speed time (125ps resolution) for the overall evaluation of signal time. These units have been developed as a low-cost version of the well-received MC1250 by taking over its time measurement function only, with data display and analysis performed by a host such as a personal computer. Furthermore, since these units allow high-speed data transfer, they can also be used in production lines, rather than simply for research and development purposes.

Minimum measurement cycle : 70ns <MC125A>, 225ns <MC125B>

Memory capacity : 128KW <MC125A>, 32KW <MC125B>

Reference crystal : Sealed into an oven, supers table <MC125A>, regular highs table <MC125B>

Main features

(1)	A superhigh-speed sampling clock of 8GHz Thanks to its 1GHz oscillator, which uses a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit and an interpolation circuit to generate the multiphase 1GHz clocks, this unit provides a superhigh-speed sampling clock of 8GHz (125ps resolution).

(2)	Capable of measuring momentary signal values without interruption Since this unit's sampling clock can operate at superhigh-speed, it can count signals directly without interruption. Unlike universal counters, therefore, the measured data is not intermittent.

(3)	Data display and analysis performed by a host Since data display and analysis are performed by a host such as a personal computer, the unit is a low-cost measurement system. The transfer software is comprised of simple procedures for only managing two control signals.

(4)	High-speed data transfer through parallel outputs The 32-bit measured data is output in parallel. This allows for a high-speed transfer at a rate of up to 300ns per word.

(5)	Two output mode The unit has two output modes : a memory mode in which the measured data is temporarily stored in the memory before being output, and a real-time mode in which the measured data is successively output without ever being stored in the memory.

(6)	32-bit counter The counter is configured with 32bits including one overflow bit. Consequently, it allows you to count for a long duration of 250ms per operation using an 8GHz (125ps) clocks.

(7)	Large-capacity memory of 128Kwords The count data can be stored in the 128K words memory. Therefore, when measuring a 1MHz signal, for example, it is possible to capture data for a continuous duration of 131ms. (32KW for MC125B)

　

Operating principle

The diagram shown below is a block diagram of the pulse width analyzer. The 125ps resolution is obtained by dividing the 1GHz clock into eight phases. The output data can be either real-time data or data stored in the memory.

The diagram below shows the pulse width analyzer 's channel A / B input circuit. If ECL is selected as the trigger level, the input 's 50ohm resistor is tied to -2V, and the trigger level is set to -1.3V. Conversely, if VAR is selected, the 50ohm resistor is tied to GND, and the trigger level in this case can be set to anywhere between -3.2V and +3.2V.

Input circuit

　Capturing the desired data

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Date-capturing function

RUN / STOP

This function allows you to start or stop measurement. Measurement can be started (restarted) and stopped (paused) any number of times until the memory becomes full.

MEASURING lamp

This lamp remains lit while the input signal is being measured. In other words, this lamp will be lit if the pulse width analyzer is in the RUN state and the gate input is active and CHA or CHB is normally input.

Gate function

Measurement is enabled when the gate input is pulled low.

Example of gate function (A•B interval : from the rise of CHA to the fall of CHB)

Various time measurements are possible

Time measurements items

A•B interval measurement

The time from the rising (or falling) edge of the signal applied to CHA to the rising (or falling) edge of the signal applies to CHB is measured.

Example of A•B interval measurement (From the rise of CHA to the fall of CHB)

Pulse width measurement

The positive or negative pulse width or the signal applied to CHA is measured.

Example of positive pulse width measurement

Data display and analysis performed by the host

System configuration

The diagram below shows a typical system configuration using a personal computer as the host. Connect the pulse width analyzer and the personal computer using the interface cable that is attached to your pulse width analyzer as a standard accessory. Install a conventional PIO (parallel input / output) board, which is readily available on the market, in the slot of the personal computer.

Two output modes for expanded application

When the pulse width analyzer is in the RUN and STOP modes, the output data is as follows :
[During RUN]
The measured data is stored in the memory while, at the same time, being output directly to the interface connector real-time mode. If the measurement time per data is longer than the time required for the data to be taken in by the personal computer, it is possible to transfer data to the personal computer. Furthermore, by adding a simple external circuit to the pulse width analyzer, it is possible to determine limits with respect to the upper / lower limit values (judgement of GO or NO GO), irrespective of the memory capacity, or output the voltage level (i.e., deviation output) which is proportional to a difference from the reference value, thus enabling data to be monitored for many hours.
[During STOP]
The data stored in the memory during RUN is output to the interface connector memory mode. By using the data captured on the host side, it is possible to perform various analyses, including a histogram analysis and a time variation analysis.

Transfer timing chart

The data transfer procedures used during RUN and STOP are exactly the same.

Applications

Evaluation of pit widths in magnet-optical and optical disks
Measurement of the wow / flutter and startup characteristics of precision motors
Measurement of pulse-to-pulse skews, and measurement of timing
Measurement of jitters in pulse widths and cycles, and modulation analysis

Specification

Input section
Input channels	CHA and CHB
Input impedance	50ohm ±1ohm
Attenuator	× 1 / 1
Frequency bandwidth	DC to 250MHz
Sensitivity	more than 200mVp-p
Trigger level	ECL and VAL (CHA and CHB are set commonly)
VAL range	-3.2 to +3.2V, at 100mV step
Trigger slope	Rise and Fall
Input damage level	±40V (DC + ACpeak) max or 1 watt
Gate input section
Input impedance	100kohm ±2%
Trigger level	TTL level
Operation	Active low (measured at low level)
Input damage level	±50V (DC + ACpeak) max
Counter section
Time resolution	125ps (fix)
Measuring range	25ns to 250ms
Accuracy	±50ps (trigger error) ±50ps (time-base error) ±125ps (±1 count error)
Min. measuring period	more than 70ns <MC125A>   /   more than 225ns <MC125B>
Counter memory section
Memory size	128Kwords × 32bits <MC125A>  /  32Kwords × 32bits <MC125B>
Data format	Counted data 31bits, over flow 1bits
Reference frequency
Frequency	10MHz
Aging rate	less than ±1 × 10-9 / day, less than ±3 × 10-8 / year <MC125A> less than ±1 × 10-6 / year <MC125B> After warming up for 48hours
Short term stability	1 × 10-10, 1second average <MC125A>
Temperature stability	less than ±3 × 10-8 <MC125A>  /  less than ±1 × 10-6 (23 ±10°C) <MC125B>
Capture data
Control	RUN / STOP, gate function
Measuring item
A•B interval measurement	Measurement of time from CHA to CHB
Pulse width measurement	Measurement of positive pulse width of CHA (from rising to falling edge of CHA) or negative pulse width (from falling to rising edge of CHA)
Interface
Transfer method	Parallel output
Transfer speed	At RUN   (measuring time)+
	45ns <MC125A>
	200ns <MC125B>
	max. 70ns <MC125A>
	225ns <MC125B>
	At STOP max. 300ns
Output data	At RUN   output counted data directly
	At STOP  output counted data stored in memory
Condition	TTL level
Connector pin assignment Pin no. Signal Pin no. Signal 1 DATA 15 26 DATA 7 2 DATA 14 27 DATA 6 3 DATA 13 28 DATA 5 4 DATA 12 29 DATA 4 5 DATA 11 30 DATA 3 6 DATA 10 31 DATA 2 7 DATA 9 32 DATA 1 8 DATA 8 33 DATA 0 9 DATA 31 34 DATA 23 10 DATA 30 35 DATA 22 11 DATA 29 36 DATA 21 12 DATA 28 37 DATA 20 13 DATA 27 38 DATA 19 14 DATA 26 39 DATA 18 15 DATA 25 40 DATA 17 16 DATA 24 41 DATA 16 17 (NC) 42 TRIG LVL 5 18 (NC) 43 TRIG LVL 4 19 CAPTURED 44 TRIG LVL 3 20 DATA READY 45 TRIG LVL 2 21 DATA ACK 46 TRIG LVL 1 22 MEN RESET 47 TRIG LVL 0 23 RUN / STOP 48 CHB PLRT 24 MEAS MODE 49 CHA PLRT 25 GND 50 GND
General
Operating temperature	0 to 40°C (Guaranteed at 23 ±10°C)
Operating humidity	less than 40°C / 90% RH (Guaranteed at less than 33°C / 80% RH)
Storage temperature	-10 to 60°C, less than 60°C / 80% RH
Power supply	85 to 132V / 170 to 264V AC (switched inside)
Power consumption	approx. 116VA
Dimensions	430 (W) × 99 (H) × 440 (D)
Weight	approx 15.8kg
Accessories
Power cable	(1pc)
Fuse	(1pc)
Interface cable	(1pc)
Instruction manual	(1pc)
Options
Analysis software MAS125
Transmission of measured data and analysis shown in below are performed. [Analysis item]  Histogram analysis, Time variation analysis, Measured values display and Statistics (maximum, minimum, average and 3Sigma)
Memory addition (128Kwords) <MC125B>
Memory addition (512Kwords) <MC125A/B>
Rack mount kit
BNG coaxial cable

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