Pico PG912 [PP978] USB Differential Pulse Generator

The PicoSource PG912 Differential Pulse Generator is a  high-speed, economical fast-transition source that can drivee transmission paths with a very fast pulse, instantly simulating a wide-spectrum signal. It is suited to high-speed broadband measurements such as time-domain reflectometry, radar systems, semiconductor testing, gigabit port testing, etc. Its tunnel diode outputs can create pulses with less than 40ps rise-time with a fixed >200mV output. 

The USB-connected PG912 offers differential outputs with programmable =/-200ps de-skew in 1ps steps. De-skewing allows timing inequalities in test connections and fixtures to be eliminated, or for timing skew to be deliberately introduced to stress-test a system. Each output can also function in single-ended mode.  It can simulate broad spectral signals driving a 50 ohm cable to a device under test, with the reflected or transmitted pulse monitored and displayed by a broadband or sampling oscilloscope, such as a Picoscope 9300 20GHz Sampling Oscilloscope. This Time Domain Reflection analysis is widely used for testing very fast data paths such as Ethernet, USB, HDMI, SATA, RF, radar and microwave devices, cables, networks and other high speed equipment.

The PG912 offers a transition time of < 40ps with a large and dual >200mV fixed amplitude outputs. These pulses can support high dynamic range and long-distance measurements and can exercise all signal amplitudes in most transmission systems and devices. Connected via USB to a PC running Microsoft Windows, the PicoSource PG912 Generator offers a compact and economical TDR instrument, with the added advantage of the PC’s high-resolution graphical display and easy setup via keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. The reasonable cost and extreme portability of the PG912 now brings RF and microwave test to many on-site measurement situations, and thus can form an essential part of a broadband technician’s toolkit.