The Pulse Instruments PI-5800A is a digital pattern generator delivering precise control over timing, output levels, and data formats for digital electronics testing and development. Operating from DC to 50 MHz with pulse durations as short as 10 ns (RZ) or 20 ns (NRZ), the instrument supports 16 to 64 channels with 4K bits of memory per channel, expandable to 8K in cascade mode. Its flexible output formats—RZ, NRZ, high impedance, 50 ohm, and true/complementary—combined with programmable delays in 500 psec increments and sub-pattern repetition up to 1024 times, enable complex signal generation for comprehensive device validation. The menu-driven interface with soft keys simplifies pattern entry and requires no programming expertise. Though discontinued by the manufacturer, the PI-5800A remains functional for legacy test environments and laboratory applications requiring reliable multi-channel digital stimulus generation.
Technical Specifications
Output Performance
• Clock rate: DC to 50 MHz
• Minimum pulse duration: 20 ns (NRZ), 10 ns (RZ)
• Rise/fall time: 6 ns into 1 MΩ || 15 pF; 4.0 ns into 50 Ω
• Output levels: 4.5–5.5 V (high, into 1 MΩ || 15 pF); >2.2 V (high, into 50 Ω); <0.6 V (low, into 1 MΩ || 15 pF); <0.3 V (low, into 50 Ω)
• Channel skew: Maximum 3 ns across 16-channel card
• Fan out: Minimum 4 TTL loads at 20 ns duration
• High impedance control: Enable/disable times 25 ns, set-up time 20 ns
Input Specifications
• External Clock A: TTL compatible, 2.4 V threshold, 10 ns minimum pulse width
• External Clock B: TTL compatible, cascading clock input
• External Halt: TTL compatible, 2.4 V threshold, 20 ns minimum pulse width; selectable edge (positive or negative)
Memory & Control
• Instruction memory: 256 lines per program, expandable to 1000 lines
• Pattern memory: 4K bits per channel, expandable to 8K (cascade mode)
• Internal clock: 1 kHz to 50 MHz in 20 ns increments
• Sub-pattern repetition: Up to 1024 iterations
• Programmable delay: 500 psec increments (optional)
• Dynamic pattern updates during RUN supported
Display & Interface
• 7" CRT display, 80 characters per line
• Menu-driven operation with soft-key control
– Key Features
• Multi-channel architecture: 16 to 64 selectable channels
• Algorithmic pattern entry supported
• TTL-compatible trigger output (2 TTL load fan out)
• Rack-mount chassis design
– Typical Applications
• Digital IC and ASIC verification
• Timing and signal integrity analysis
• Legacy system troubleshooting and maintenance
• Multi-channel digital stimulus generation
– Compatibility & Integration
• IEEE-488 GPIB interface
• RS-232-C serial interface
