109

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Tektronix 109
pulse generator
Tek 109 front

Produced from 1962 to (?)

Manuals
(All manuals in PDF format unless noted otherwise)
Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The Tektronix Type 109 is a pulse generator introduced in 1962.

It uses a GR-874 50 Ω output connector and has a specified rise time of 250 ps.

Key Specifications

Rise time 250 ps
Pulse frequency 550 to 720 Hz
Pulse length 0.5 ns to 100 ns with a single charge line between the two charge line connectors, or up to 300 ns at half pulse rate with one open-ended charge line (other connector grounded)
Pulse amplitude Internal supply: 0 to 50 V variable in three ranges (0.5 V, 5 V, 50 V), positive or negative, or external up to ±300 V

Internals

The 109's operating principle is that of a charged transmission line pulse generator with a mechanical reed switch and external 50 Ω transmission line/lines attached through two GR-874 50 Ω connectors. The length of the external cables determines the impulse width. Using two transmission lines of non-equal length, alternating pulses having different width can be produced. Alternatively, an R-C network can be used to create pulses with R-C decay characteristic but longer duration.

The pulse-generating switch in the 109 is a mechanical mercury switch, which limits pulse frequency to about 600 Hz. Moreover, this switch has a relatively short life time (200 hours) — if the operator forgets to shut the 109 down over the weekend and some holidays, the reed switch will need replacement. Component News 259, 5 May 1978 says:

The most critical usage of mercury reed switches is in Tek's Type 109 Pulse Generator. (The 109 is used in-house for calibrating virtually all our product lines.) Unfortunately, there are no plans to replace this instrument line, which is dependent on the 260-0282-01 mercury reed switch for a 250 ps rise time pulse capability. To make matters worse, these switches are single-sourced from C. P. Clare, who must import them from Belgium. We are also having problems obtaining quality parts. (The raw switch costs approximately $5, but when the cost of rejects and added tooling are figured in , the cost per switch approaches $55.)

The internal voltage source is adjustable from 0 to 50 V in three ranges (0.5 V, 5 V, 50 V), either positive or negative. Using external voltage sources, pulses up to 300 V of either polarity are possible, including alternating positive/negative pulses.

Repair issues

Be aware during servicing that the thermal breaker is on full mains and has no protection cover!

Links

Pictures