PulseBlaster^TM is a general-purpose, multichannel, programmable TTL pulse generator / digital word generator. It offers up to 24 independently controlled channels, up to 64k instruction words, powerful program-flow features, and variable output rates ranging from ns to days per interval.

PulseBlaster^TM implements a novel 80-bit Very-Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture. Due to its versatility and intelligence, it is most commonly used as a powerful timing engine for applications requiring sophisticated pulse sequences and output patterns, precision timing of wide-ranging intervals, and complex system control.

The standard form factor is PCI, and standard clock frequency is 100 MHz. Compact-PCI boards and higher clock rates are available, currently up to 500 MHz.

Key Specifications

• Standard clock frequency of 100 MHz
• High-speed models available, currently up to 500 MHz clock frequency
• up to 24 independently controlled output channels
• 25 mA output current per channel
• DB-25 bracket mounted connector
• IDC headers for on-board access to signals.
• Programmable pulse lengths from five clock periods (50 ns at 100 MHz), to 7 days per instruction.  Pulses as short as 2.0 ns are available (PulseBlasterESR-PRO model at 500 MHz).
• 10 ns pulse resolution (at 100 MHz)
• 512, 4k, 32k, 64k pulse program instruction words
• Advanced pulse-program flow control: nested loops (16 levels), branches, and subroutines
• 20-bit loop counter (over 1 million events/repetitions)
• Software and hardware triggering, up to 5 MHz retriggering frequency
• PCI or Compact-PCI form factor.

Applications

Complex, high-speed, multi-channel pulse, pattern, and word generation. Customers’ applications have included

• Experiment and process control in Electron, Nuclear and Quadrupolar Resonances (ESR, NMR, NQR)
• Mass Spectrometry and related test technologies
• Ultrasound, radar, medical imaging
• Laser control in advanced communication
• Solid state physics experiments
• Nanomagnetism and spintronics applications
• Robotics and process synchronization
• Data bus emulation
• General laboratory use

Models and Ordering Information

PulseBlaster Model PB XX-YY-ZZ

• XX – Number of Channels.  Standard value is 24.   Other available values are 12 and 16.   When more channels are necessary, multiple boards can be synchronized to provide more output channels.
• YY - Clock frequency, in MHz.  Standard value is 100 MHz.   When requested, other values can be provided.  For higher clock frequencies, currently up to 500 MHz, please select our PulseBlasterESR or PulseBlasterESR-PRO line of products.
• ZZ - Number of memory words (512, 4k, 32k, 64k).

Sample Part Number: PB24-100-64k
(24 channels, 100 MHz clock frequency, 64k memory depth).

Typical Models:

Model	Number of Channels	Clock Frequency	Memory Words	Shortest Pulse	Pulse Resolution
PB24-100-64k	24	100 MHz	64k	90 ns	10 ns
PB24-100-32k	24	100 MHz	32k	90 ns	10 ns
PB16-100-4k	16	100 MHz	4k	90 ns	10 ns
PB12-100-4k	12	100 MHz	4k	90 ns	10 ns
PB24-100-32k-Lite	Same as PB24-100-32k but with NO SMA Clock-In Connector, NO SMA Clock-Out Connector, and NO gold-plated PCI header

To inquire about the availiability and pricing of our PulseBlaster line of products, please use our Contact Form.

Product Manuals

• PulseBlaster Manual

Free Software Support

• Available as a part of the SpinAPI Package:
• Example programs (executables and C source files)
• PulseBlaster Interpreter for easy programming without writing C code
• The SpinAPI package available for download on the Software Downloads page.
• Interfaces and examples - LabView, Matlab, IGOR-PRO, Visual Basic, Custom GUI.

Warranty Information

• Standard warranty  - two years
• Longer warranty periods available 
• Money-back guarantee – 30 days.