PicoSource PG900 Series®

USB differential pulse generators

Three PicoSource models
Integrated 60 ps pulse outputs: PG911
Tunnel diode 40 ps pulse heads: PG912
Both output types: PG914
Integrated pulse outputs
Differential with deskew
60 ps transition time
2.5 V to 6 V amplitude
Tunnel diode pulse heads
Differential with deskew
40 ps transition time
200 mV amplitude

Advanced features
Output deskew with 1 ps resolution
Low-jitter trigger input and output
User-variable pulse widthInternal trigger clock
Trigger hold-off
Configuration
USB 2.0 connected
Microsoft Windows compatible
Applications
TDR/TDT network and match analysis
Spectral and flatness measurements
Timing, jitter, and crosstalk
determination
Semiconductor testing
Impulse ultra-wideband radars
Laser diode drivers

www.picotech.com

PicoSource PG900 Series
USB differential pulse generators
The fast-transition pulse can stimulate a transmission path, device, or network with a broad-spectrum signal in a single instant. These signals, combined with differential capability,
are valuable for making high-speed broadband measurements in many fields such as time domain reflectometry, semiconductor testing, gigabit interconnect and port testing, and inradar systems.
High-speed differential data is becoming the dominant measurement challenge in digital, computing, interconnect and telecommunications systems. Despite this need, costeffective, fast-transition differential pulse generators were hard to find ... until now.

Key specifications

A versatile, portable pulse generator

PicoSource PG911 and PG914

The PicoSource PG900 Series of low-jitter triggered differential USB pulse generators
offer a range of advanced features:

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Integrated 50 Ω SMA(f) step recovery diode outputs< 60 ps single-ended pulse transition time
Two 2.5 V to 6 V variable amplitude outputs±1 ns timing deskew in 1 ps steps
20 dB 10 GHz SMA(m-f) attenuators supplied fitted to SRD pulse outputs

PicoSource PG912 and PG914
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•
•
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•

External 50 Ω N(m) positive and negative tunnel diode pulse heads< 40 ps pulse transition time
Fixed 200 mV output amplitude±500 ps timing deskew in 1 ps steps
Inter-series N(f)–SMA(m) adaptors included with pulse heads

All PicoSource PG900 models••••

Differential outputs
200 ns to 4 μs pulse width
Adjustable 1 μs to 1 s internal clock period
Typical 3.0 ps RMS jitter relative to external trigger

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The pulse outputs are optimized for broad spectral content (fastest transitiontime) to best suit spectral and time-domain transmission and reflectometry
measurements
The internal clock provides stand-alone, self-triggered operation
Trigger input and output allow the pulse generators to source or respond to system
triggers
Differential outputs ensure that the proliferation of gigabit differential interconnects
and systems (such as SATA, USB3, HDMI, Ethernet) can all be addressed

Essential to any differential measurement is the ability to adjust for small but
significant velocity and path length differences that are bound to exist in any
measurement setup. The PicoSource PG900 pulse generator outputs can each be
adjusted (time-skewed) by 1 ns (integrated pulse outputs) or 200 ps (tunnel diode pulse
heads) in 1 ps increments to deskew path differences before the measurement, or todeliberately stress a transmission path with timing skew.
Despite their small size and portability, PicoSource pulse generators have plenty ofdrive capability, with integrated step recovery diode outputs of up to 6 V pk each
into 50 Ω. That’s a powerful 12 V pk differential pulse amplitude to drive lossy paths
or stress system ports. Outputs are adjustable in 10 mV steps down to 2.5 V pk.
An adjustable amplitude limit is provided to protect sensitive devices, and 20 dB
attenuators are supplied fitted to the pulse outputs for small-signal optimal match
applications.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

Step recovery diode variable-amplitude pulse

The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both ground-referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity to its selected amplitude. This amplitude (the “mark”) is held
for the selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the selected hold-off period and thereafter repeat at 40 ns after the next received trigger.
When the internal clock is selected, the pulse repeats at the selected period and hold-off is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns before every pulse, however initiated.
Pulse transition time is typically 55 ps and spectral content extends to 12 GHz.
The negative (fast fall) pulse can be selected for even faster transition time by selecting “fast” rather than “smooth” mode. Pulse aberration is compromised but transition time istypically 45 ps and spectral content extends to around 14 GHz.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

Tunnel diode head fixed-amplitude pulse

The positive (fast rise) and negative (fast fall) pulses are both DC offset referenced and each pulses in opposite polarity by its independent fixed amplitude. This amplitude (the“mark”) is held for the selected pulse width and then returns to ground. Further pulses are prevented for the selected hold-off period and thereafter repeat at 40 ns after the next
received trigger. When the internal clock is selected, the pulse repeats at the selected period and hold-off is inactive. An output trigger is generated 40 ns before every pulse,
however initiated.
Pulse transition time is typically 40 ps and spectral content extends to 14 GHz.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

TDT applications

Connection diagrams
The following diagrams demonstrate differential and single-ended TDR and TDT
setup options for a PicoSource pulse generator, PicoScope® 9300 Series sampling
oscilloscope, and the device under test (DUT). In all setups shown, the PG911 or PG912
pulse generator can be replaced by a PicoSource PG914.
Single-ended connection
Differential connection

20 dB attenuator
Power divider kit

PicoSource pulse generators can also be used to realize time domain transmission(TDT) with a PicoScope 9300 sampling oscilloscope without that function(PicoScope 9301, 9302, 9321, and 9341). They also offer the versatility of a remotelyplaced signal generator for long line or installed system testing when used with any of
the PicoScope 9300 models.

PicoScope
9301

PRESCALE

PicoSource

PULSE +

Positive TD pulse head
Negative TD pulse head

Terminated load, TDR kit

D.U.T.

TDR applications
PicoSource pulse generators can be used to realize time domain reflectometry with a
PicoScope 9300 Series sampling oscilloscope without that function (PicoScope 9301,
9302, 9321 and 9341).

PicoScope
9301

PRESCALE

D.U.T.

PicoSource

TDT and crosstalk application
PicoSource pulse generators can be used with a PicoScope 9341 four-channel
sampling oscilloscope for simultaneous time domain transmission and crosstalkassessment.

PULSE +

PicoScope
9341

PicoScope
9301

PRESCALE

PicoSource

PULSE +

D.U.T.

D.U.T.

PicoSource

Single-ended measurements
Single-ended measurements can be performed with a two-channel sampling

PicoSource PG900 Series®

oscilloscope. Differential measurements can also be tackled by first measuringtransmission and then changing connections for crosstalk measurement. Unconnected
ports should be correctly terminated in this case.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

PicoSource PG900 pulse control software for Windows
PicoSource pulse generators are connected by USB, and controlled by the supplied
PicoSource PG900 software. This straightforward application runs on Microsoft
Windows and features a clear graphical display of the pulse, limits and trigger settings
as they are applied. Default and user pulse settings can be saved for future use, and thesoftware can be tested in demonstration mode.

Front and rear panels
PicoSource PG911

PicoSource PG900 software can be downloaded from picotech.com/downloads.
SRD
pulse outputs

Trigger output
and input

PicoSource PG912

TD pulse head
drive outputs

Trigger output
and input

SRD
TD pulse headpulse outputs drive outputs

Trigger output
and input

PicoSource PG914

All models

DC
power
input

USB
port

Signalgroundterminal

PicoSource PG900 Series®

PicoSource PG900 Series pulse generator specifications
PicoSource PG911 and PG914
INTEGRATED STEP RECOVERY DIODE PULSE OUTPUTS
Positive-going (fast rise) and negative-going (fast fall) outputs returning to 0 V.
Pulse outputs
Adjustable amplitude and timing parameters. Fast transition on leading edge.
Output impedance
50 Ω
Output connector
SMA(f)
Output amplitude
Adjustable 2.5 V to 6 V in 10 mV steps
Output accuracy±10%
Output amplitude limit
2.5 V to 6 V, adjustable in 100 mV increments
Output protection limit±10 V DC, or AC peak
50% maximum (for 2.5 V to 4 V amplitude)
Duty cycle limit
20% maximum (up to 6 V amplitude)
Differential deskew range
Adjustable in 1 ps steps over 2 ns range
Pulse transition time
Pulse aberrations
Trailing edge transition time

< 60 ps (10% to 90%)
< +20%, –10% for first 2 ns
< ±7% to 10 ns< ±2% to (pulse width–50 ns)< 8 ns (10% to 90%)

< 50 ps (10% to 90%)
< +40%, –10%

PicoSource PG912 and PG914
DRIVE OUTPUTS WITH TUNNEL DIODE PULSE HEADS
Positive-going (fast rise) output on < 70 mV pedestal.
Fixed amplitude and adjustable timing parameters.
Positive tunnel diode pulse head
Fast transition on leading edge.
Negative going (fast fall) output on < –70 mV pedestal.
Fixed amplitude and adjustable variable timing parameters.
Negative tunnel diode pulse head
Fast transition on leading edge.
Output impedance
50 Ω ±2 Ω
Output connector
N(m)Output amplitude
Fixed 200 mV
Output protection limit±0 V DC, or AC peak, except open or short circuit reflection of the source signal. No prolonged reverse bias allowed.
Output accuracy±25%
Differential deskew range
Adjustable in 1 ps steps over 200 ps minimum, 300 ps typical
Pulse transition time
< 40 ps (10 % to 90%)
< ±20%, for first 2 ns
Pulse aberrations< ±7% to 15 ns< ±2% to (pulse width – 50 ns)

PicoSource PG900 Series®

Trailing edge transition time
Dimensions (each pulse head)
Weight (each pulse head)< 8 ns (10% to 90%)
80 mm x 28 mm x 25 mm
125 g

All models and outputs
PULSE TIMING
Pulse trigger source
Jitter relative to leading edge
Post-trigger delay to pulse leading edge

External input, manual single shot event or internal clock
3.0 ps RMS typical. 3.5 ps RMS maximum.
Fixed 42 ns ±2 ns
Allows leading-edge capture on sampling oscilloscopes
200 ns to 4 µs ±10% ±50 ns, adjustable in steps of 25 ns< 150 ppm of width RMS
Adjustable 1 µs to 1.3 ms in steps of 200 ns, to maximum of 345 ms in steps of < 15 ppm

Pulse width and accuracy
Pulse width jitter
External trigger hold-off
INTERNAL CLOCK SPECIFICATION
Period and accuracy
Adjustable 1 µs to 1 s, ±100 ppm ±10 ns in steps of 200 ns
EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT SPECIFICATION
Impedance
50 Ω ±1%
Connector
SMA(f)
Maximum input level+16 dBm, or ±2 V DC or AC pk
Bandwidth
1 GHz, DC coupled
Trigger polarity
Selectable rising or falling edge
Trigger level
Selectable –1 V to +1 V in steps of 1 mV
Sensitivity< 50 mV pk-pk DC to 100 MHz, rising linearly to 100 mV pk-pk at 1 GHz
Minimum pulse width
500 ps at 100 mV pk-pk
EXTERNAL TRIGGER OUTPUT SPECIFICATION
Trigger output pulse
Fixed amplitude and timing parameters, positive edge polarity, trigger is leading edge
Impedance
50 Ω ±0.5 ΩConnector
SMA(f)
Amplitude and offset> 700 mV fixed, on logic low of 0 V ± < 100 mV
Pulse width
500 ns ±100 ns
Trigger to trigger output delay
4 ns ±1 ns
Trigger to trigger output jitter
2.5 ps RMS typical. 3 ps RMS maximum.
Transition time
< 400 ps (10% to 90%)

PicoSource PG900 Series®

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
AC to DC adaptor
PC connection
PC requirements
Operating temperature range
Storage temperature range
Temperature range for statedspecifications
Operating humidity range
Storage humidity range
Altitude range
Pollution degree
Ingress protection
Dimensions (instrument)
Weight (instrument)
Compliance
Warranty

5 V ±5% at 1.6 A, 8 W, universal plug (adaptor included)
USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 and USB 3.0 compatible), 1.8 m USB 2.0 lead included
Windows XP SP3 to Windows 10+5 °C to +40 °C–20 °C to +50 °C+15 °C to +25 °C or TCAL (temperature of calibration) ±5 °C< 85% RH (non-condensing) at +35 °C< 95% RH (non-condensing)
Up to 2000 m
2
IP20
190 mm W x 180 mm D x 40 mm H
560 g
FCC (EMC), CE (EMC and LVD)
5 years

Specifications describe guaranteed performance over the stated temperature range and apply after the instrument’s temperature has been stabilized in one hour of continuous
operation. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Factory calibration cycle. For optimum performance, the instrument should have a complete verification of specifications once every 12 months.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

Optional accessories
Order code

Product

Description

TA237

TA237 14 GHz 25 ps TDR kit

18 GHz 50 Ω SMA(m-m) within-series adaptor
18 GHz SMA(f) reference short
18 GHz SMA(f) reference load

TA238

TA238 14 GHz power divider kit

18 GHz 50 Ω SMA(f-f-f) 3-resistor 6 dB power divider
2 x 10 cm precision coaxial SMA(m-m) cable
For use with a PicoScope 9300 Series oscilloscope

TA181
TA261
TA262
TA173

TA181 attenuator 3 dB
TA261 attenuator 6 dB
TA262 attenuator 10 dB
TA173 attenuator 20 dB

10 GHz 50 Ω SMA(m-f)

TA172

TA172 inter-series adaptor

18 GHz, 50 Ω N (f)- SMA(m)TA170

TA170 connector saver adaptor

18 GHz 50 Ω SMA(m-f)

TA263 precision high-flex unsleeved
coaxial cable
TA264 precision high-flex unsleeved
coaxial cable
TA265 precision sleeved coaxial
cable
TA312 precision sleeved coaxial
cable

60 cm, SMA(m-m)
1.9 dB loss @ 13 GHz
30 cm, SMA(m-m)
1.1 dB loss @ 13 GHz
30 cm, SMA(m-m)
1.3 dB loss @ 13 GHz
60 cm, SMA(m-m)
2.2 dB loss @ 13 GHz
SMA/PC3.5/K-type
Preset torque limit 1 N·m (8.85 in·lb)
Across flats: 8 mm

TA263
TA264
TA265
TA312
TA356

Dual-break torque wrench* Prices correct at the time of publication. Sales taxes not included. Please contact Pico Technology for the latest prices before ordering.

Calibration service
Order code

Description

CC054
CC055

Calibration certificate for PicoSource PG911 and PG912 pulse generators
Calibration certificate for PicoSource PG914 pulse generator* Prices correct at the time of publication. Sales taxes not included. Please contact Pico Technology for the latest prices before ordering.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

Kit contents

PicoSource PG911

PicoSource PG912

PicoSource PG914

ALL KITS CONTAIN:
PicoSource PG900 software disk • Quick Start Guide • AC to DC adaptor 5 V DC at 2 A, universal input
USB 2.0 cable 1.8 m • PicoWrench RF combination wrench • Storage and carry case

Order code

Description

Not available separately

Positive 40 ps tunnel diode pulse head (attached to the device)

Not available separately

Negative 40 ps tunnel diode pulse head (attached to the device)

TA172

12 GHz N(f) to SMA(m) adaptor (2 pack)

TA173

10 GHz 20 dB SMA(m-f) attenuator (2 pack)Not available separately

50 Ω coaxial SMA(m-m) pulse drive cable 60 cm (2 pack)

PG911

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PG912

PG914

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Ordering information
Pulse generators

Order code

Description

PP977
PP978
PP979

PicoSource PG911 pulse generator: 50 Ω SMA(f) < 60 ps differential pulse outputs, 2.5 V to 6 V variable amplitude
PicoSource PG912 pulse generator: 50 Ω N(m) < 40 ps positive and negative tunnel diode pulse heads, > 200 mV fixed amplitude
PicoSource PG914 pulse generator: dual-mode generator with both of the above outputs* Prices are correct at the time of publication. Sales taxes not included. Please contact Pico Technology for the latest prices before ordering.

PicoSource PG900 Series®

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United States

Pico Technology
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sales@picotech.com

+1 800 591 2796
sales@picotech.com

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+86 21 2226-5152
pico.asia-pacific@picotech.com

Errors and omissions excepted. Pico Technology, PicoSource and PicoScope are internationally registered trademarks of Pico Technology Ltd.
PicoConnect and PicoVNA are registered trademarks of Pico Technology Ltd.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
MM070.en-9. Copyright © 2015–2020 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.

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8 GHz agile synthesizer

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