Electron Plus CTL 503... opinions? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pizzigri
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 01:33:40 pm
content: Hello!I was looking around for a cheap or DIY curve tracer, and found this device from Electron Plus. I could not find a teardown, opinion or anything really here on EEVblog.....https://www.saelig.com/product/ct503.htmAnyone here has one and would like to share some info, good bad and maybe the guts of it?Considering that it’s either an octopus, or the Peak or.... huge + expensive Tek monsters, and really nothing in betweenFranco

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 02:00:10 pm
content: I don't have any experience with this unit but there seems to be a lack of documentation, even on the main product website. Maybe it is quite newly released, but I expect a bit more from test equipment user manuals than some software setup instructions.https://electron.plus/product/ctl503-curve-tracerThe owner of Electron Plus is a member of the EEVblog forum with user name "fcb", and hopefully he will chime in.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/profile/?u=25995I have a Peak DCA75 which is pretty good. It is a bit limited in comparison, but good enough for my occasional needs.

author: cncjerry
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2022, 01:51:43 am
content: I've been looking at curve tracers again after building the one from QST years ago that is excellent. I was recently contacted by someone about my QST build so I was looking around again. The issue with this one, if it is the same one I checked out, was that the maximum current was low and I can't remember what the max voltage was but I think that was low as well.there is a pretty cool Arduino project around and that has current up to 50ma and max 12v but the voltage can be increased with the right opamps to 18v. But the arduino project doesnt do negative voltages.Anyway, all these tracers can get curves but are they displaying accurate values or just relative? and does it matter since most time you are just matching. One other point, there is a step generator type on eBay that someone gave me, it works well, and costs about 1/3 this one. That one works with a scope.

author: pizzigri
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2022, 07:41:48 pm
content: Hey Jerry, that was me!Yes I am interested in both a good Diy and a product, one for learning and one —- well if I cant get it to work obviously...

author: slugrustle
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2023, 03:52:07 am
content: I'm curious if anyone has tried out one of these.

author: Ancato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 30, 2024, 09:19:39 pm
content: I just bought the Electron Plus CTL503 a few days ago and I am quite happy with the functionality, after some initial trouble.The max current (3A) and max voltage (100V) makes CTL503 more capable than other curve tracers that I have (Atlas DCA75 Pro & a selfmade Arduino based curve tracer).Here are my thoughts after a few hours of playing around with the instrument.Pros:The max voltage and current: 100V and 3 A.Both continuous and pulsed mode operation.The CTL503 seems to handle NPN/PNP, NFET/PFET, Diode and SCR (I have only tested different NPN transistors so far).All parameters that I can think of can be easily adjusted from the user interface.The reult data seems to be very precise. There is also a calibration procedure that I havent tested yet.All data from each run is saved in a text-file.Cons:The documentation is unfortunatly still pretty much non existing, see:https://electron.plus/pages/manualsThere are still no reviews or information about the Electron Plus CTL503 on Internet.The user interface is a bit buggy (the 64-bit version of the sofware was very unstable for me - the 32-bit version works better).I miss the possibility to see exact data values with "mouse over" on the curves.

author: ixtern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 02, 2024, 09:46:29 am
content: Would be nice to see some screenshots from the app with trace curves. I am thinking about some USB trace curver to buy and apart form hardware diffs would like to see software differences between DCA75 and CTL503, as I rather don't need high currents and voltages for testing.

author: Ancato
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 07, 2024, 09:19:49 am
content: My software stability issues are gone with the latest software update that came yesterday (CTL24.002). Now everything works smooth.See attached screenshoots of the CTL503 software and my own Excel Viewer.

author: cyo3fff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2024, 08:58:11 am
content: Hello Ancato,Seems that you are the only one testing this instrumentI want to buy one of it but the way they present it is...hm, chines, not made in the UK! The manual is...as you mentioned, none existing.So, I download the latest SW CTL24.002 (64 bit) to have a "feel and look". Don't know if it is due to have no instrument connected but I cannot understand few things.On the graph types I have:- for BJT: VCE-IC; VBE-IC; VCE-IB; IC-IB; than it jumps to FET- FET: VDS-IDand then jumps back to BJT: VCE-IC; VCE-IC; VCE-IC; VCE-IC; (yes! there is no typo, this graph repets 4 times. why?) and then jump to- TEST: VR-VC (don't know what is good for - diodes?)So, could you please clarify if this device is capable to measure and display MOSFET/FET/Diodes - Zener, SCR parameters? If that is so, how do you connect the diodes/SCR?Is there a possibility to customize these graphs? Say for diodes to have I/V plot/measurements of for FET Id/Vgs, etc.Another question is how fast the measurements are taken at full speed and maximum steps (12)?If you have time, maybe you can add a plot for each device (BJT is done) (FET, MOSFET, Diode, Zener and maybe SCR). It will really help.Thank you for your time!BR,Cristian

author: bnilsson11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 06, 2024, 10:37:39 am
content: Hi,I am interested in this device too.There are not too many affordable tracers around that can use collector currents >1000mA.One of the measurements I would like to make is to map Hfe vs. collector current for a BJT.It is not one of the standard curve tracing operations, or is it?If not, can the CTL503 be wrestled to do it anyway?

author: Neshco
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2024, 02:43:12 pm
content: Me as well.Is it possible that no one else tested it?

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2024, 04:17:52 pm
content: Mine came in today. I'm taking the first hurdles.Imho you need experience with an analogue curve tracer in order to use this instrument properly.It is not plug-and-play like the atlas; it is not delivered with test leads.I tried to reproduce a simple V_ce/Ic plot of a 2N222. However, using comparable settings, I got different images.This requires quite a bit of study.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 03:35:38 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on November 06, 2024, 04:17:52 pmYour traces seem to be limited by your Ic Max of 10mA (per the message at lower left). Try increasing that to maybe 100mA.But yeah, that looks weird!I'm still interested in one of these units, but don't have a specific need and I already have a Peak Atlas DCA Pro. For higher voltages & currents I surely can script something using one of my programmable PSUs (e.g. BB3) and if needed my K2400 SMU, but it would be nice to have something ready made with a nice automated GUI.

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2024, 03:46:48 pm
content: Thanks for commenting.I tried again with the 32-bit software, which gives better results for both 10mA and 100mA.Then, I switched back to the 64-bit software, and the problem disappeared 9with the same setup).The values in sampling (e.g. 50Hz) are a misnomer: it means 50 points on each trace, it has nothing to do with measurement s per second.The scope graticule (on/off) is not working.If you say I want my info saved at another directory, only the images are saved there, the csv files are in the progrma\n_files. I really dislike that all my data is separate from the program itself.This software is in my lingo alpha state.I'm really in dubio about sending this device back: the hardware is fine, but the software gives me the creeps.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2024, 10:30:42 am
content: Just been made aware of this thread update - will answer as much as I can.Quote from: RAPo on November 09, 2024, 03:46:48 pmThe 50Hz (adjustable from 10 to 100Hz, in 10Hz increments) is actually the effective sample rate (the internal sample rate is much much higher). To understand this better it helps to explain the way the CTL503 operates:When "RUN" is commanded, an HV generator is started and this charges a small bank of capacitors (as well as suppling some other analog rails) to around 115V-130V. After the HV has enough time to reach it's operating voltage and the base/gate generator has stabilised, then the collector circuit is 'released', this will generate a ramped voltage over a number of seconds.Collector voltage is constantly monitored by one of the channels of the dual ADC - this will cut-off the collector circuit when the maximum voltage is reached.Like the base/gate generator, the collector circuit has the ability to be pulsed - this can be for approx. 80us or 300us and this happens at the 10-100Hz, this is done for two main reasons (1) lower heating in an part to be tested (2) so we don't need a >300W PSU (CTL503 is supplied with a 12V, 1.5A adaptor).There is a new version (24.003) of the PC software (CTL) pretty close to release (we were aiming for 1st Nov 2024, but found a couple of things we wanted to improve and automate), this also comes with a better manual. There are a whole slew of improvements and options. I should get time later this week to release it.The software is written by me in a language called PureBasic. It is then compiled into a 32b and 64b version - there should (ostensibly) be no difference between them - we use double floating point precision so there may be something interesting going on at compile that we haven't spotted. Certain anti-virus software complains occasionally about our SW - this seems to have gone away recently and we never really figured out why.

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 03:25:20 pm
content: fcb,Thanks for this detailed explanation.Regarding the virus checker part, I had to disable all Avast shields to install the software. After that, I enabled the shields and could run the program.Could I give you the following pointers for enhancing the software?*Please use the same directory the user can specify for images for the CSV files.*the green of the graticule is very bright compared to the trace colours. Could that have less intensity (or make the graticule disappear if the user wants that).*Please add right click action to the graticule part for cleaning the traces*it would be great if the program identifies the kind of object (npn, pnp etc) instead of a user action that can be forgotten*in some intermittent situations (I cannot reproduce it systematically) I have to press run twice to get a good graph. Is there a way to delete a run from within the program?I decided to keep the unit so if you want a betatester don't hesitate to send me a pm.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 03:33:44 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on November 12, 2024, 03:25:20 pmThank you RAPo - I've added your comments to our list however:.."cleaning the traces" - can you elaborate what effect you are hoping to see or what processing you think should be applied?.."identifying object" - do you mean an ID function like Peak's DCA75? Or perhaps have the quick-set (NPN/PNP/NMOS/PMOS/DIODE/SCR) be remembered? or something else?thanks, Ben

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 03:43:48 pm
content: Hi Ben,Thanks for the quick response.In answer to your question:-identifying object: indeed Atlas-like functionality (just the object not switching the channels after identifying)-clearing the graticule: the most ideal situation would be a popup after right-clicking the graticule that gives the user a choice: clean current trace: the selected graph i.e. VCE-IC is cleared: no traces on the screen or a choice: clean all traces: all of the graphs VCE-IC, VBE-IC belonging to the DUT at hand are cleaned. I know that this can conflict with the bottom left bar for the CSV files. Maybe the best way would be to clean the traces and advance the run counter.

author: bnilsson11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 15, 2024, 11:04:28 am
content: Question tofcbabout the measurement setup:Is it possible the user to configure templates/template.csv and miniN.csv to do custom measurements as well, provided that proper documentation is presented on how to do it?

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2024, 05:45:14 pm
content: "template.csv" is primarily for internal use however it's contents are fairly self explanatory.It's exact format and contents changes a little with updates - however the look up is:3=Vr, 4=Vb, 5=Vc, 6=Ir, 7=Ib, 8=Ic, 9=TIB, 10=TVBVr is the measured VCE prior to a pulseVb is the measure VBEVc is the measured VCE during a pulseIr,Ib,Ic selfexplanatoryTIB is Theoretical Base/Gate CurrentTVB is Theoretical Base/Gate VoltageThere is a set of other codes (including HFE) but these will work properly on 24.003 onwards.mini0.csv through to mini9.csv is used to generate mini-graphs on the button - this is going away.

author: rbola35618
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2024, 08:52:18 pm
content: How do you connect a diode to get a curve? I am using the CTL503. If you can produce a video show how to use it would very helpful. The user manuel does not explain any of the function and it would nice to a well documanted user manuel. Regards Robert Bolanos

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2024, 11:23:36 am
content: For a diode you use the emitter and Collector terminalsQuote from: rbola35618 on December 05, 2024, 08:52:18 pm

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2024, 03:44:34 pm
content: @fcb,I was working with negative voltages.The x-axis runs (from left to right) from 0 to the maximum voltage.It would be more logical to show this the other way around, so the 0 voltage is on the farmost right.Could this be updated in the software? (It is not a high priority for me because I always post-process the CSV files.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2024, 03:58:24 pm
content: Good idea. I'll add it to the list of tweaks for 24.004

author: cyo3fff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2024, 01:31:50 pm
content: Hello Ben (Fcb),I still waiting after new SW release (and manual).Do you think it would happen this year?Also, would you be so kind to send a message when this will be released.Still considering to buy your instrument but...the way the actual SW it presented is not attractive at all.Thank you.BR,Cristian

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 12:06:26 pm
content: Hi cyo3fff,We are working on the release of revised CTL software over the Xmas break. Lots of +ve changes.Will post here when it's released.Ben

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2024, 02:06:50 pm
content: Thanks. Have a good x-mas for you, your team, and you're loved ones

author: ixtern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 17, 2025, 08:46:34 am
content: Quote from: fcb on December 20, 2024, 12:06:26 pm@fcbHi Ben,I am interested in buying CTL503 to measure characteristics specifically at low currents (<1mA, the lower, the better).You have mentioned software version 24.003 to release soon and 24.004 as work-in-progress.On your site the newest version is still 24.002 (released in September 2024).When we would expect the new software?And what is minimal test current in CTL503?Best regards,ixtern

author: ixtern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 28, 2025, 08:36:57 am
content: I see new software version (CTL25.001). I am curious what has changed (especially as the CTL503 is on the way to me).

author: cyo3fff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2025, 06:43:07 am
content: Hello,Already CTL25.004 released on 11.02.2025 (yesterday). Is there someone who has the HW and test this new release please?I saw many "BLANK" in the test/graph mode. Is this customizable? If yes, how?Still there is no help file attached to this SW (new version) so still a poor support.Anyhow, the new SW release is stated as "alpha" so I guess we have to wait more.Look forward after a proper SW review.Thank you.BR,Cristian

author: Sabbatti
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 03:06:48 pm
content: Hi cyo3fff,I just bought the CTL503 last week.When I had a understanding problem for the correct measurement settings for a high power transistor (2N3055) I did send an E-Mail to the electron.plus support.Ben answered my question within a little bit more than one hour.I simply did install the alpha version CTL25.004 with 64 Bit.It seems to run flawlessly.But just one time my curve traces gave non-reasonable results. A diode AK voltage with ~5V at 100mA - doesn´t look good.I just did restart my computer plus the CTL503 and the problem was fixed.I did not find a possibility to configure any measurement method.The sample readings are stored in: C:\Program Files\Electron Plus\CTL\sampleruns ; C:\Program Files\Electron Plus\CTL\saveddata; C:\Program Files\Electron Plus\CTL\savedimagesThis ist not good...The programm should store the results in the user or public profile.The settings are stored in C:\Program Files\Electron Plus\CTL\settings\system_settings.txtAnd the measurement configuration in C:\Program Files\Electron Plus\CTL\settings\TestConfigurations.csvDue to the lack of documentation I would not change these parameters...In the end - the programm works and delivers what I expect.Best regards,SabbattiCurve Trace MJ2955 PNPFull res:https://ibb.co/4ZsHLXt6

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 04:11:53 pm
content: Ben is very responsive. He has informed me the next software release is imminent.I have been in touch about an adapter and Ben designed his own version. I am not sure when it will be available.

author: Sabbatti
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 05:47:31 pm
content: Hopefully we get with the new version an instant reading from the cursor position within the diagram like in this sample from QuickTarget.(You can hardly see the crosshair cursor in the screenshot)

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2025, 06:27:21 pm
content: The next release of SW is imminent.Here's some background:Originally when we released the CTL503 is was written as a 'module' within our software called EPIC (Electron Plus Instrument Control..), the concept was that most instruments we had (or were/are developing, like CTL, SPA, CPA) would have common elements such as graphing, protocols, communications, math processing, etc.. and that 'commoning up' would reduce workload and increase quality. Also it would be easier to maintain an overall look. The original (spoiler alert) EPIC was developed as an extension of the ASA (Analog Signature Analyser) which I developed originally in 2011.A few years ago I split EPIC into it's main component pieces ASA (analog signature analysers), CTL (curve tracers) and SPA (picoammeters) to enhance maintainability. Still based on some of the original code from 2011. One of the main problems we had was that graphics handling was quite basic, it worked OK, but on frame refreshes (like doing a CTL sweep or with the scope displays on the CPA) you could get flicker due to the way frame buffering and mouse was done (we write in PureBasic for bunch of reasons, mainly it produces really small .EXE's and will cross compile to Linux/Mac).So early last year we started a ground-up rewrite of our SW to handle fast graphics. We "benchmarked" (spent time playing) with software like PicoScope, Spike, BenchVue and a bunch of the other leading products, this kinda helped, but also re-enforced what I like and don't like (7 segment displays on an HD screen... really..). Apart from the graphics handling there is a really good integrated help function (just press the ?) and a much more comprehensive manual.So cutting to the chase, we will be replacing CTL software with all new EPIC25 very shortly. This has taken longer than I hoped for various reasons (essentially daughter wedding and parent funeral) and some significant subcontract projects. I'll post some screen shots later, I've forgotten how to do this on the forum.**We have CTL503's, SPA100's and all the ASA's in-stock in the UK, Eleshop in The Netherlands just took another delivery also***

author: Giallograle
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 08:21:00 am
content: I have been looking forward to a Linux version of the software for some time.Ben mentioned in May that there were problems with the Mac compile which he didn't have time to address, but he hoped to get the Linux version (which I'd prefer) working with the EPIC release.Any update?

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 09:01:08 am
content: I've been considering getting the CTL503 and maybe an SPA100 for a while, but I've been concerned about the ongoing software support.While I wouldn't expect you to open source your design or application, it would be great to see some openness of the protocol and measurement process. I have no idea of your implementation though, and how much is handled by firmware vs application software.I noticed on the Electron Plus blog there was a step in this direction for the SPA100, but that was over a year ago and it never had any follow up.https://electron.plus/blogs/notes-from-the-bench/spa100-protocol

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 09:34:28 am
content: Giallograle: We found some issues with the Linux version of CTL (some functions written only worked properly in Windows). We've been careful with EPIC (which will replace CTL and SPA) not to use Windows specific functions, but this hasn't been on our main test path. When we have the initial EPIC25 out we will then start more testing.Kean: We will publish the full protocol in the new manuals.On the manuals front, it's defo something people have complained about. We write the manuals in something called Help'n'Doc rather than Word, not cheap but it allows us to have one single master manual document and the way we've set it up is that when we make a change we just hit a single button and it will compile all the individual product manuals (CTL503, ASA100, ASA101, ASA200, SPA100, etc...) in one go, it will also compile .chm help files for each simultaneously which are automatically embedded in EPIC25 and accessed with anchors. So in EPIC25 wherever you see the tiny question mark you can press it and it'll open the manual at the relevant page.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 09:36:15 am
content: Awesome. I'll start saving pennies...

author: Sabbatti
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 19, 2025, 07:43:38 pm
content: Quote from: fcb on August 18, 2025, 06:27:21 pmI bought mine from Eleshop.de (the shop is located in the Netherlands and the parcel was delivered to me in Germany within 2 days with UPS).I think for EU citizens it is easier to order at Eleshop because of no tariff trouble (VAT) and extra charges from the parcel service for their customs service. I already got painful experiences with other orders from the UK since they left the EU.Also if you place a EU-business order at Eleshop from outside the Netherlands you can order without VAT. You need a valid VAT number of your EU-country. Private EU-customers will be charged with VAT for their country.I think at Eleshop they speak at least Dutch (of course ;-), English and German.

author: ixtern
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 07, 2025, 02:42:33 pm
content: I've also bought mine at Eleshop - no problems.In general CTL503 is a very useful device, although current software looks like still in development. Hope that new one will be more polished.CTL is good at measuring characteristics up from about 1mA. Lower ranges are rather not usable - due to device resolution measurements looks ragged.Here are some different semiconductor devices characteristics measured with CTL503:2N3904 (npn BJT),AAP155 (Ge diode),BF245A (nJFET)40411 (power npn BJT)

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2025, 03:56:48 pm
content: From the website:Note (1 October 2025): We have released an experimental/alpha version of EPIC25, we will be updating this daily as we enable features and sort bugs. We recommend you stick with CTL25.xxx or CTL24.xxx at the moment.I hope there is a stable/more polished version available soon. CTL25 is a bit buggy.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2025, 04:07:11 pm
content: The limit on low-current measurements is partially architecture and a function of budget.We have 4 resistors that are in the collector chain (27K, 2K55, 270R and ~24R), Ic is measured by effectively measuring the voltage across this collector resistor. Collector resistor can be manually selected or left on Auto (we have a simple algorithm to work out the optimum resistor).With a fixed collector voltage ramp speed (like the CTL503) you are limited to how long a single sweep will take. So with 100Hz sample rate you will only get a fixed number of samples. The sampling subsystem is fairly complex and there is averaging logic in the CTL to deal with this, but it is perfectly possible to change the sample timing, number of samples, framing, etc.. via the protocol. We didn't include this as a user adjustable function simply because it is difficult to describe and the majority of customers wouldn't benefit from it.The collector supply has three main modes: Continuous, 300us pulse and 80us pulse. Continuous and 300us both sample at the same point and average over 5 samples, 80us doesn't average.The base/gate also has three matching modes - logic prevents you from having different pulse lengths for collector and base/gate.Vce and Ic are sampled simultaneously.I've made a note to experiment with perhaps a wider sample/average window to see if we can offer another option, or perhaps we'll make the values adjustable. There's plenty we can play with (see excerpt from EPIC source code):Select CTL_PulseLengthCase 80 ; 80usCTL_QuietTimeStart=92 ; start point for the QUIET TIME ($08)CTL_RampMeasurePoint=98 ; point where we measure the ramp. ($16)CTL_HaltCollectorNonPulseMeasurePoint=98 ; non-pulse measure point ($1B)CTL_BaseGateClampOff =100 ; clamp off ($13)CTL_BaseGatePulseStart=100 ; start point for the basegate pulse ($06)CTL_CollectorPulseStart=100 ; start point for the collector pulse ($14)CTL_SamplerStart=101+2 ; reset accumulators point ($0A) ; offset of +2 and +3 seem to work fine, might need to prove which is bestCTL_SamplerStop=102+2 ; end of sampler ($0B) ; offset of +2 and +3 seem to work fine.CTL_VbSamplerStart=CTL_SamplerStart ; start point of Vb accumulator ($1D)CTL_VbSamplerStop=CTL_SamplerStop ; stop point of Vb ADC accumulator ($04)CTL_BaseGatePulseStop=102 ; stop point for the basegate pulse($07)CTL_CollectorPulseStop=102 ; stop point for the collector pulse ($15)CTL_BaseGateClampOn=103 ; clamp on ($12)CTL_QuietTimeStop=103 ; stop point for the QUIET TIME ($09)CTL_SamplerDividerVc=CTL_SamplerStop-CTL_SamplerStart ; dividerCTL_SamplerDividerVr=1CTL_SamplerDividerIc=CTL_SamplerStop-CTL_SamplerStart ; dividerCTL_SamplerDividerVb=CTL_VbSamplerStop-CTL_VbSamplerStart ; dividerCase 300 ; 300us (default condition)CTL_QuietTimeStart=92 ; start point for the QUIET TIME ($08)CTL_RampMeasurePoint=98 ; point where we measure the ramp. ($16)CTL_HaltCollectorNonPulseMeasurePoint=98 ; non-pulse measure point ($1B)CTL_BaseGateClampOff=100 ; clamp off ($13)CTL_BaseGatePulseStart=100 ; start point for the basegate pulse ($06)CTL_CollectorPulseStart=100 ; start point for the collector pulse ($14)CTL_SamplerStart=101+2 ; reset accumulators point ($0A)CTL_SamplerStop=106+2 ; end of sampler ($0B)CTL_VbSamplerStart=CTL_SamplerStart ; start point of Vb accumulator ($1D)CTL_VbSamplerStop=CTL_SamplerStop ; stop point of Vb ADC accumulator ($04)CTL_BaseGatePulseStop=107 ; stop point for the basegate pulse($07)CTL_CollectorPulseStop=107 ; stop point for the collector pulse ($15)CTL_BaseGateClampOn=108 ; clamp on ($12)CTL_QuietTimeStop=108 ; stop point for the QUIET TIME ($09)CTL_SamplerDividerVc=CTL_SamplerStop-CTL_SamplerStart ; dividerCTL_SamplerDividerVr=1CTL_SamplerDividerIc=CTL_SamplerStop-CTL_SamplerStart ; dividerCTL_SamplerDividerVb=CTL_VbSamplerStop-CTL_VbSamplerStart ; dividerEndSelectQuietTime is the bit where the HV converter is shutdown to lower noise. Any increase in QuietTime or sample rate would have to be modelled as it might impact performance somewhere else in the system.Although creating a low-current, higher resolution mode might be a thing - will think about it.EPIC25 is released on our site for experimentation reasons, I'm updating it daily and releasing iterations every day/few days as I fix bugs and switch on more features.Ben

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2025, 04:13:52 pm
content: Quote from: Grandchuck on October 07, 2025, 03:56:48 pmThere came a point where fixing every flaw in CTL (PC software) was going to be expensive time-wise and I made the decision to roll EPIC25 out ASAP. For various reasons this took longer than I wished (EPIC25 was started from a clean sheet in early 2024). We'll probably recommend using EPIC25 in the next week or so.