Model 508 Current Pulse Generator

1Overview

The Model 508 is a precision current pulse generator built for critical initiator testing. Its defining strength is fast current drive: it delivers highly repeatable current pulses from 0.10 to 6 A per channel with sharp, well-controlled edges, then measures the result. The instrument is designed for airbag deployment, pyrotechnic initiator testing, igniter triggering, and ballistics work in automotive safety, aerospace, defense, and research labs.

What separates the Model 508 from a plain fireset is the measurement and safety layer wrapped around the output. Built-in current sensing and 4-wire resistance measurement let the operator characterize each device before and after firing. A removable arming key switch and a remote interlock mean the unit fires only when every safety criterion is met. Statistical firing modes such as Bruceton and Neyer support sensitivity testing across a population of devices.

The 508 ships in a 19-inch 2U rackmount form factor with 2 or 4 channels, front and rear trigger and sync, and RS232, USB, and optional Ethernet control.

2Key Features

• Fast current drive to 6 A. 0.10 to 6 A per channel with high slew rates and sub-microsecond resistive rise times.
• 2 or 4 independent channels. Each channel sets its own pulse and delay.
• Low jitter, fine resolution. 10 ns RMS jitter, 100 ns timing resolution, 20 ns accuracy.
• Integrated 4-wire resistance measurement. Pre-test and post-test bridge-wire characterization.
• Current and voltage monitor outputs. 1 V/A and 1 V/V isolated monitors for scope capture.
• Statistical firing modes. All-fire, no-fire, DC current, capacitor discharge, Bruceton, Neyer, high current.
• Advanced safety. Remote interlock plus removable arming key switch; fires only when all criteria are met.
• Flexible connectivity. RS232, USB serial bridge, optional Ethernet; front and rear sync.

3Channels & Timing Architecture

The Model 508 carries 2 or 4 output channels in a 19-inch 2U chassis. Each channel generates current pulses independently, triggered from the internal rate generator or from front or rear external trigger inputs. The internal rate generator spans 0.01 Hz to 100 kHz with 100 ns resolution, 20 ns accuracy, and 10 ns RMS jitter, and supports single-pulse and burst output of 1 to 250 pulses.

Speed is the point of the architecture. Into a resistive load, the rising edge reaches 6.3 A/microsecond at 6 A, and resistive rise time is about 550 ns. Into an inductive load with 50 feet of cable, the rising edge is 2 A/microsecond at 6 A with a 4 microsecond rise time. Pulse widths range from 5 microseconds to 100 seconds, with the upper limit set by amplitude: 1 A sustains up to 100 seconds, while 6 A is limited to 300 milliseconds. Delay spans 0 to 1 second at 100 ns resolution.

Output amplitude is programmable from 0.10 to 6 A at 1 mA resolution, 2 mA typical accuracy, into a 20 V compliance. Isolated voltage and current monitor outputs feed an oscilloscope at 1 V/V and 1 V/A with 150 kHz bandwidth.

4Specifications

5Triggering & I/O

The Model 508 triggers from its internal rate generator or from selectable front or rear external trigger inputs. External triggers accept a 2 to 15 V level on a 1 kohm input with rising or falling slope selection and a 100 mV threshold resolution. A trigger filter rejects unwanted glitches and runt pulses, and insertion delay is 330 ns with 10 ns jitter. The unit fires single pulses or bursts of up to 250 pulses.

Front and rear sync outputs provide T0 and per-channel A to D references. Isolated current and voltage monitor outputs, at 1 V/A and 1 V/V, feed an oscilloscope so the operator can capture the delivered pulse directly. Control runs over RS232 at baud rates up to 115200, a USB serial bridge, or optional Ethernet.

6Options & Configurations

The Model 508 is ordered with 2 or 4 channels. Ethernet is an option on top of the standard RS232 and USB interfaces. For higher current than a single unit provides, channels can be run in parallel; Berkeley Nucleonics publishes a technical note covering parallel configuration for increased current output.

• Ethernet connectivity (optional)
• Parallel configuration for increased current output (see technical note)

7Applications

• Airbag deployment testing, squib detonation
• Pyrotechnic initiator and detonator testing
• Igniter triggering
• Ballistics work
• Bridge-wire resistance characterization, pre-test and post-test
• Statistical sensitivity testing (Bruceton, Neyer)
• General precision current pulse generation

8Ordering

To configure a Model 508, specify the channel count (2 or 4) and whether the Ethernet option is required. For pricing, lead time, and parallel-operation guidance, contact Berkeley Nucleonics.

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation · info@berkeleynucleonics.com · 800-234-7858