The PDL-100A Series from Colby Instruments are Programmable Delay Line (PDL) Instruments that operate from DC to 18 GHz. These delay lines provide a range of variable and programmable delays up to 100 nanoseconds (depending on specific model) in a single system unit.
The base model PDL-100A-625.0PS offers total delay from 0 to 625.0 ps and signal input bandwidth from DC to 18 GHz. Additional models in the series offer up to 100 ns of delay or more depending on customer requirements. Typical models with delay extensions are at 1.25 nanoseconds (ns), 10.0 ns, and 20.0 ns of total delay. In the standard set-up (series connected), two identical 312.5 ps trombone sections are connected in series via a short semi-rigid coaxial cable accessible at the front panel. Alternatively, if the short semi-rigid coaxial cable is removed to single channel (parallel connected) operation, two very tightly phase-matched delay lines are available each with a total delay range of 312.50 ps and a higher resolution of 0.25 ps.
The model number of each specific instrument determines the maximum delay range available. The last few characters of each model number indicate the total delay range. For example, model PDL-100A-1.25NS has a delay of 1.25 ns, model PDL-100A-100.0NS has a delay of 100 ns, and so on.
An internal stepper motor produces precise delay steps with a resolution to 0.5 ps when operated in series connected single-channel mode. The patented Electro-Mechanical Trombone design has an outstanding operational lifetime with a recommended service interval of 500,000 operations.
These delay lines are available in a benchtop unit that measures 13.375 x 12.875 x 5.625 inches, whereas, all signal input and output connections are easily accessible at the front panel and are terminated with SMA Female (50-ohm impedance) connectors. PDL-100A Series Instruments are programmable and can be locally controlled through an MT-100A Micro terminal (optional accessory available separately) or remotely through GPIB (IEEE 488.2), TCP/IP Ethernet, or RS-232 Serial Port interfaces.
