High Power Stimulator Model HP-2a Operator's Guide

Front Panel Layout and Controls

The TRIGGER MODE Switch determines how and when each output pulse will be issued. There are three Modes:
1. Free Run: Output pulses are issued continuously.
2. Follow: The Output current will be set to the value of the Current Adjust pot whenever and for as long as the TRIGGER Switch is held, or at any time the EXTERNAL TRIGGER Input is above 2V. An externally generated stimulate sequence can be fed to the HP2 with the desired pulse width, repetition rate, and duration. 10 microseconds is the minimum time recommended between each input transition.
3. Gated: Pulses are issued as long as the MANUAL TRIGGER Switch is held, or as long as the EXTERNAL TRIGGER Input is maintained above 2V. A momentary push or trigger will issue just a Single Pulse.

The EXTERNAL TRIGGER Input BNC allows remote triggering of the unit, depending on the MODE Setting (above). A logic Low Signal is from 0V to +2V, and a High is from +2V to +15V. Damage will not occur for any signal between ­50V and +50V.

The SYNCH OUTPUT BNC will issue a +5V pulse each time an output pulse of either polarity is issued. The length of this Synch pulse is identical to the Output Pulse Width.

The PULSE WIDTH Switch determines the length of time (100µS, 500µS, or 1mS) that the output is active during each pulse. The Rise and Fall times of the Current Output are less than 10µS.

The PULSE PHASE Switch is used to set the output polarity It can be set to issue only positive pulses, only negative pulses, or pulses of alternating (positive, then negative) bi-phase polarity. These pulses are all referenced to chassis ground.

The PPS MULTIPLIER Switch and the PPS RATE ADJUST Potentiometer together determine how many output pulses are issued per second. Thus, the PPS rate can be selected in three overlapping ranges from 1 to 10 (x1 PPS MULT, Pot set from 1 to 10), 5 to 50 (x5 PPS MULT, Pot set from 1 to 10) and 20 to 200 (x20 PPS MULT, Pot set from 1 to 10)

The CURRENT MULTIPLIER Switch and the CURRENT ADJUST Potentiometer are similarly configured to provide output currents from 1 milliamp to 1000 milliamps (1 Amp) in three ranges. The unit will attempt to put out +/- 60 Volt pulses unless the loading of the output bath is greater than the Current setpoint. When this setpoint is reached during each pulse, the output voltage will be adjusted to maintain that output current.

The MAIN POWER Switch applies the 110VAC line power to the transformer-isolated internal supplies. The unit is protected with a 2 Amp fuse at its 110VAC power connector. There is also a spare fuse inside the fuse holder.

The POWER & PULSES LED Indicator shows Green when the internal supplies are operating properly. This indicator also shows Amber each time an output pulse is issued as an easy verification of unit operation.

The OUTPUT PULSES BNC Connector is the high power output of the unit. For safety, the outer sleeve of this connector and the outer ground braid of the co-ax cables you connect to it are at chassis ground.

The CURRENT MONITOR BNC allows examination of the actual output current pulses being delivered by the unit. The output will produce ­1mV for each 1mA of output current. Note that if the output is not connected to a load, this current monitor will always read Zero.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY NOTE:
The Output's center conductor produces momentary hazardous potentials above 60 Volts. Care should be taken to avoid coming in contact with the center conductor when the unit is operating.

REV 8/2001