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1.2
Front-Panel Operation
1 – 3
1.2.1
Inputs
Each of the four input channels of the SIM980 has a front-panel block
consisting of the BNC input connector, a control button, and several
LED indicators.
1.2.1.1
Polarity toggle
Each input can be switched between inverting or non-inverting po-
larity by
briefly
pressing that channel’s control button. When invert-
ing, the
−
LED is illuminated; when non-inverting,
+
is lit. Note
that the polarity is always displayed, independent of whether that
channel is on or o
ff
.
1.2.1.2
On/Off toggle
Each input can independently be turned on or o
ff
by
holding
that
channel’s control button for
∼
1.5 seconds. When on, the channel is
either added to or subtracted from the output (depending on polarity,
section 1.2.1.1). When o
ff
, it does not contribute to the output signal
at all. The
OFF
LED is lit to indicate when a channel is o
ff
.
Unused channels should be turned o
ff
rather than simply left un-
connected, as the Johnson noise of the open 1 M
Ω
input resistor will
dominate the output noise of the SIM980.
1.2.1.3
Offset autocalibration
The SIM980 uses an active input o
ff
set correction to trim all input
circuitry as well as the summing circuitry of DC o
ff
sets. The user
can initiate an autocalibration cycle by disconnecting all inputs and
outputs from the SIM980, and pressing and holding any of the con-
trol buttons for
∼
5 seconds. The entire process takes approximately
1 minute, and is completed when the relays have stopped “clicking”
for at least 10 seconds.
Note that it is important that all inputs be open (or, preferably, shorted
to ground) before initiating an o
ff
set autocalibration cycle. If any
input channel is above
∼
500
µ
V amplitude, the SIM980 will reject the
autocalibration request.
1.2.1.4
Input Overload
Each of the four input channels of the SIM980 has an overload de-
tection circuit. The input is considered overloaded when the signal
magnitude exceeds
±
10 V. This is indicated by the red
OVLD
LED at
the top of each front-panel block.
SIM980
Analog Summing Amplifier