Wide Dynamic Range Transimpedance Amplifier HIGHLIGHTS Wide dynamic range Production automation (eg: connectorization, pigtailing) Fine gain spacing 16 gain ranges in 1-2-5 spacing Component testing Small signal rise time (10-90%) Noise equivalent current (NEIRMS) Quality control OEM (eg: PER measurements) These amplifiers have a particularly high sensitivity and large dynamic range. There are 16 gain ranges covering 5 decades of gain in a 1-2-5 pattern. The gain-to-gain accuracy of <1% allows confident measurements of power curves over the full range of sensitivity of the device: 6½ decades of measurement range. Thus even very demanding measurements such as the accurate and high speed, real-time determination of polarization extinction ratio becomes a simple task. These transimpedance amplifiers are particularly useful for the measurement of current from photodiodes. The output is a voltage linearly proportional to input current and thus, to input power in photodiode monitoring applications. The fast response time at high signal-noiseratio makes the TZA400 series particularly useful in systems control feedback loops. The TZA400 series is insensitive to electromagnetic interference by design, an important factor when working in „dirty“ industrial environments. These units are provided in a modular 19“ rack mount system. Each module comprises a 4 channel amplifier stage allowing the user to conveniently upgrade the channel count of an existing unit. MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE This TZA400 series of amplifiers employs precision single ended transimpedance input stages to provide for low offset and high linearity throughout the full dynamic range. The single ended input stage is required for applications where the current source is inherently grounded externally. Artifex Engineering Dortmunder Str. 16-18 26723 Emden, Germany mail: [email protected] http://www.afx-eng.com

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS ORDERING INFORMATION Full order code: TZA400 c g S n Options Description Number of gain ranges (g) 4 Number of channels (n) 110 4 GuN winsmodels For example, a 2 channel, OEM style unit with fine gain spacing would be ordered as: For customized systems (mixed receptacles or units with mixed electrical and optical inputs, for example), please contact us.

SPECIFICATIONS PARAMETER INPUT Current ranges (full scale) Maximum range Minimum range Noise equivalent current (NEIRMS) Output scale with 4 range option Linear analogue Vout = scale x Iin BNC1 and DB25 Connectors Output scale with 16 range option Output range (full scale) Rise / Fall time (10% - 90%) Output impedance LOGIC Current required for switching Dead time during change of range POWER SUPPLY Type DIMENSIONS Wall plug (supplied) 1 channel Adapters for other connector systems available. Limited by settling time. The logical switch is complete within 20ns. 130 mm including case wings

CASE STYLES (Lab style)

CASE STYLES (OEM style) 1 CHANNEL 1 TO 16 CHANNELS IN MODULAR 19“ RACK SYSTEM For example, 16 channel unit with power

APPLICATIONS EXAMPLES Typical applications may be found in measuring currents from photodiodes, photomultipliers, ionisation detectors, etc. with applications in component manufacture and testing, OEM, spectroscopy, as preamplifiers for lock-ins, A/D-converters, etc. LINEAR OR LOGARITHMIC? The question often arises as to which signal processing technique is better: an output linearly or logarithmically proportional to the input current. The use of logarithmic amplifiers results from the large dynamic range of relevant currents in many applications. For example, the TZA500 series can measure from...

THE FRONT AND BACK PANELS The front panel contains the input and output BNC connectors. The upper row of BNC connectors is for the current inputs. The channel count begins at the left. If the current source is a photodiode then the cathode is to be connected to the centre pin of the BNC. If a current source other than a photodiode is to be used, then the current drain is to be connected to the centre pin. The lower row of BNC connectors is for the amplifier outputs. The output is 0-4.5V, linearly proportional to the current input. The channel count begins at the left. The back panel contains...

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEASUREMENT The TZA400 transimpedance amplifiers comprise one to sixteen independent measurement channels, depending on the model chosen. Each channel consists of a BNC receptacled current input and a BNC-output. These two user interfaces are arranged in logical groups (see „The Front and Back Panels“). To make a measurement, proceed as follows: 1. Turn the unit on. For the most accurate measurement, please allow for a 15 minute warm up before using. 2. Connect a single ended output current source to the desired channel via the corresponding receptacle. 3. Connect a BNC-cable...

CONTROL ELEMENTS The interfaces on the back panel allows control of the unit, as well as readout of the measurement values. Interface This unit is designed for „Remote“ mode gain switching. The range is set via the logic pins of the “Gain” interface connectors on the back plane. The logic is switched using +5 V / 0 V (= digital ground) logic, which may be TTL4. The current drawn is less than 1 µA. In the following table, “1” corresponds to 5V logic input and “0” corresponds to 0V logic input. r = 16 option In the above table, only the pinnings for Channel 1 are indicated. The pinnings for Channels...

The pinning of the output interface (DB25-female) is as follows:

DAMAGE The unit may be damaged by exceeding the maximum average input current. Please read „Absolute Maximum Ratings“ for these maximum values before working with the instrument. Use only the power supply and power supply cable provided with the unit. TROUBLESHOOTING In the event that a measurement is not successful, the following possibilities should be analysed: Symptom Possible Errors Ensure the power cord is connected at both ends and switch the system on. Output at full scale, independant of input current Switch to more sensitive range or increase input power Input or output connection not...