Model 9307-P pico-Timing Discriminator


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Specifications

Instruction Manual

Detailed Data Sheet (pdf)

Preamplifier for use with < 1 ns Rise Time Inputs

Preamplifier for use with > 1 ns Rise Time Inputs

NIM Bins and Power Supplies

Models 9307-P
pico-Timing Discriminator

Ideal for microchannel plate detectors, microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes, channeltrons, fast silicon photodiodes, and fast photomultiplier tubes
Accepts input pulse widths from 400 ps to 5 ns, and pulse amplitudes from –50 mV to –5 V
Time slewing <±20 ps from –150 mV to –1.5 V
Optimized internal pulse shaping eliminates cable adjustment
One TTL output and two fast negative NIM timing outputs
Threshold adjustable from –25 mV to –1 V

General
The Model 9307-P pico-TIMING Discriminator defines the arrival time of analog pulses from ultra-fast detectors with picosecond precision. Moreover, this superb performance is delivered over an extremely wide range of pulse heights with negligible influence of pulse amplitude on the timing output. With the Model 9307-P, the difficult task of adjusting pulse-shaping cables has been eliminated. The internal pulse shaping in the pico-TIMING Discriminator is optimum for single-photon or single-ion time measurements with microchannel plate detectors, microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), channeltrons, fast photomultiplier tubes, and fast silicon photodiodes.

The instrument accepts analog input pulses with amplitudes ranging from –50 mV to –5 V, and pulse widths from 400 ps to 5 ns FWHM. The amplitude threshold for generating a timing output is adjustable from –25 mV to –1 V with a 10-turn locking dial.

Ultra-fast circuits are incorporated in the Model 9307-P to minimize time slewing. As a result, input amplitudes can vary over as much as a 100:1 range with negligible shift in the timing output. This ensures excellent time resolution, even when the signal source produces a wide range of randomly varying signal amplitudes. A front-panel screwdriver adjustment permits fine-tuning the slewing compensation to match the characteristics of a particular detector. An adjacent test point makes it easy to monitor the adjustment with a voltmeter.

Two fast negative NIM outputs provide the flexibility to trigger a time-to-amplitude converter (TAC) while simultaneously driving other instruments. The 500 ns wide TTL output can be used with instruments that require a positive logic signal, such as counters and ratemeters. A front-panel LED flashes with each output pulse to indicate triggering.

Preamplifier Selection
The Model 9306-P 1 GHz Preamplifier is recommended for amplifying ultra-fast analog signals before presentation to the input of the Model 9307-P pico-TIMING Discriminator. These ultra-fast analog signals require the use of 50 W coaxial cable with SMA connectors. To preserve the 350 ps rise time of the 9306, the total cable length from the detector to the preamplifier, and from the preamplifier to the 9307 should be <1.7 m.

In the case of detectors having rise times >1 ns, a Model VT120 series Fast-Timing Preamplifier should be substituted for the Model 9306. In that case, 50 W coaxial cables with BNC connectors can be used.

The Model 9307-P incorporates a suitable 9-pin D connector on its rear panel to supply power to either type of preamplifier.

Performance
	Time Slewing ("Walk")	<±20 ps shift in the timing output for input signal amplitudes from –150 mV to –1.5 V. (Typically <±50 ps for signal amplitudes from –50 mV to –5 V.) Measured using a 1 ns-wide input pulse with 350 ps rise and fall times.
	Pulse-Pair Resolution	<10 ns at the fast negative NIM outputs
	Maximum Input/Output Rate	Accepts burst rates up to 100 MHz
	Operating Temperature Range	0 to 50°C
	Threshold Temperature Sensitivity	<±0.1 mV/°C (0 to 50°C)
	Transmission Delay Temperature Sensitivity	<±10 ps/°C (0 to 50°C)
Power		The Model 9307-P derives its power from a NIM bin/power supply, such as the Model 4001A-P and 4002D-P combination. Required DC voltages and currents are: +12 V at 35 mA, +6 V at 70 mA, –6 V at 360 mA, and –12 V at 100 mA.
Input		Front-panel SMA connector accepts unipolar input signals with amplitudes in the range of –50 mV to –5 V. Minimum input pulse width: 400 ps (FWHM). Maximum input pulse width: 5 ns (FWHM). Input impedance: 50 W. The input is protected to ±5 V
Controls & Indicators
	Threshold	Front-panel, 10-turn potentiometer with locking dial allows adjustment of the input discriminator threshold from –25 mV to –1 V
	Slewing Compensation	Front-panel, 20-turn, screwdriver fine-tuning to minimize time slewing as a function of input pulse amplitude. Adjustable over a range of approximately ±30 mV. A front-panel test point located next to the potentiometer facilitates monitoring the actual setting. Test point output impedance: 100 W
	Output LED	Front-panel LED flashes on each output pulse to indicate active triggering.
Outputs
	Fast Negative NIM	Front-panel BNC connectors provide two independent, fast negative NIM output logic pulses. Output amplitude is nominally –800 mV into a 50 W load. Pulse width is nominally 2.5 ns
	TTL	Front-panel BNC connector provides a positive TTL pulse, triggered by the fast negative NIM output. The 500-ns width of the TTL pulse is non-updating. Output impedance: <1 W, short-circuit protected.
Preamplifier Power		Rear-panel, 9-pin D connector provides ±12 V and ±24 V power for the Model 9306-P 1 GHz Preamplifier, the Model VT120 series Fast-Timing Preamplifier, or other preamplifiers utilizing the industry-standard preamplifier power plug.
Dimensions		NIM-standard single-width module, 34.3 mm x 221.3 mm (1.35" x 8.714") front panel per DOE/ER-0457T.
Weight	Net	0.9 kg (2.0 lb)
	Shipping	1.8 kg (4.0 lb)

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It includes the businesses formerly trading as EG&G Instruments (Signal Recovery),
EG&G Signal Recovery and PerkinElmer Instruments (Signal Recovery)

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