Global Specialties PB-503A Analog and Digital Design Workstation Instruction Manual

Global Specialties PB-503A Analog and Digital Design Workstation

Product Information

• Product Name: PB-503A Analog & Digital Design Workstation
• Manufacturer: Test Equipment Depot
• Address: 5 Commonwealth Ave Woburn, MA 01801
• Phone: 781-665-1400
• Toll-Free: 1-800-517-8431
• Website: www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
• Date of Instruction Manual: October 2011

Product Usage Instructions

The PB-503A Analog & Digital Design Workstation is designed to provide comprehensive course instruction for various areas of electronics. It includes a fixed DC power supply with a maximum output of +5VDC and current limited. Below are the steps to use the product:

1. Connect the workstation to an AC power source of 115VAC @ 60Hz (typical).
2. Refer to the courseware available separately through the manufacturer’s website or as part of the PB-503 Lab package for comprehensive course instruction.
3. Explore the many options available for the PB-503, such as pre-formed jumper wire kits, test probes, and prototyping accessories through the manufacturer’s website.

Note:
The product is not a standalone device and requires additional courseware for instruction.

FEATURES & APPLICATIONS

The PB-503 Analog & Digital Design Workstation is a robust electronics trainer suitable for all levels of electronics instruction and design. Utilizing the PB-503, students will learn valuable hands-on breadboarding techniques and build a solid foundation in circuit experimentation, construction and analysis. Experienced designers will find the PB-503 an invaluable instrument, providing a reliable platform for the most advanced and demanding design applications. The PB-503 can be used to construct basic series and parallel circuits to the most complicated multi-stage microcomputer circuits, incorporating the latest in industrial technology. Use the PB-503 to construct a wide variety of experiments, including but not limited to.

• Opto-Device Circuits
• Clocks
• Multivibrators
• Oscillator Circuits
• Timers
• Function Generator Circuits
• Logic Circuits
• Gates
• Counters
• Flip-Flops
• Analog-to-Digital Converters
• Digital-to-Analog Converters
• Medium Scale Integration Circuits
• Phase Lock Loops
• Operational Amplifiers

PB-503 COURSEWARE

Courseware is available separately through our website or as part of the PB-503 Lab package.

The PB-503 Lab package offers comprehensive course instruction covering the following areas:

Electronic Fundamentals

• Fundamentals of Electricity Ohm’s Law
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• Combinational Circuits
• Current Control
• Closed, open, shorts
• Switches
• Thevenin’s Theorem
• Wheatstone Bridge
• Capacitors
• Inductors
• Phase Shift Circuits
• Impedance
• Resonant Circuits
• Transformers
• Rectifiers & Filtering
• Integrated Circuits
• Transistor Amplifiers
• Oscillators
• Power Control Circuits

Digital Electronics

• Number Systems & Codes
• Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal, Octal & ASCII
• Logic Gates & Boolean Algebra
• Combinational Logic Circuits
• Flip-Flops
• Digital Arithmetic
• Counters & Registers
• Integrated Circuit Logic Families
• TTL Logic
• MOSFETS
• CMOS
• Interfacing CMOS & TTL
• Medium Scale Integration
• Decoders
• Encoders
• Data Conversion & Acquisition
• Microcomputer Concepts

ABOUT GLOBAL SPECIALTIES

Thank you for selecting the Model PB-503. Since 1973, Global Specialties has been the recognized leader in technical education courses, training equipment and tutorial materials. Our electronics and microcomputer teaching systems have proven to be effective in secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, universities and industrial training departments throughout the world.

We have been leaders in the development of integrated teaching systems and completely packaged courses which include everything required for effective instruction. Comprehensive textbooks, laboratory manuals and instructor guides have been written in a comfortable, non-intimidating style by experienced professional educators, specifically for use with our equipment. Each course is designed to make selections appropriate for a variety of educational levels and course goals The central concept upon which we base our entire product line is education through application. We believe that relevant scientific and technical education is best when it involves permitting students to learn by doing.

Global stands behind it products by offering the industry’s best warranties. The PB-503 comes with full three-year parts and labor warranty and can be returned for prompt repair or replacement to our factory in Yorba Linda California. Low per-student cost, durable and trouble-free hardware and proven tutorial materials combine to make technical and scientific courses from Global Specialties the most effective, economical way to upgrade your lab & curriculum.

Please visit the website to explore the many options available for the PB-503, such as courseware, pre-formed jumper wire kits, test probes and prototyping accessories.

SPECIFICATIONS

<5mV

Variable DC: +1.3V @150mA to +15VDC @ 500mA Ripple

< 5mV

Variable DC: -1.3VDC @ 150mA to -15VDC @ 500mA Ripple

< 5mV

Binding Posts

| ****

(4) Ground, +5VDC, Variable +VDC & Variable – DC Power Supply Outputs

Pulsers

| (2) Pushbutton-operated, open-collector output pulsers. Each with 1 normally open, 1 normally-closed output. Each output can sink up to 250mA.

Function Generator

| Frequency Range: 0.1Hz to 100KHz in six ranges

Output Voltage: 0 to + 10Vp-p into 50 Ω Load (20Vp-p in open circuit), short circuit protected Output Impedance : 600Ω 9except TTL Output waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangle &

TTL Sine Wave Distortion: <3% @ 1Khz Typical TTL Pulse: Rise & fall time: <25ns, drive 100 TTL Loads ***TTL Pulse available when Function Generator is set to Square Wave: Rise and fall times <0.5µs

Logic Switches

| (8) Logic Switches select Logic High and Logic Low

Logic Low Level : Ground

Logic High Level : Switchable between +5V and the variable positive power supplies.

(8) green to indicate logic low

Logic High Threshold: 2.2V (nominal) in TTL/+5V mode, 70% (nominal) of selected operating voltage in CMOS mode

Logic Low Threshold: 0.8V (nominal) in TTL/+5V mode, 30% (nominal) of selected operating voltage in CMOS mode

Connectors| (2) BNC – uncommitted
Potentiometers| (2) 1KΩ and 10KΩ – uncommitted
Speaker| 8Ω, 0.25W – uncommitted
Breadboards| Removable Plexiglas Socket Plate (PB-3) with 2520 Tie points with 200 additional buss strip tie points internally connected to power supply outputs and ground
Weight| 7lb
Dimensions| 6.5″ x 16″ x 11.5″

INTRODUCTION

The PB-503 Analog/Digital Electronic Workstation is a versatile, time-saving tool for circuit designers, engineering technicians, students, and hobbyists. A large breadboard area and a wide choice of built-in circuit accessories allow rapid and accurate construction of virtually any type of analog or digital circuit. Circuit power is provided by three power supplies, two variable and one fixed. The circuit breadboard area includes over 2500 contact points. A multiple-waveform function generator supplies sine, triangle, and square wave output for analog circuits. A built-in speaker may be used for analog output.

Outputs also include a TTL-level square wave generator (available when function generator is set to square wave), two debounced pushbutton switches, and a bank of eight logic switches. Eight logic indicators may be used to display high and low logic levels. Two built-in potentiometers and two SPDT switches are provided for circuit control and adjustment. Connections to external test equipment or signal sources may be made using the two BNC connectors on the PB-503. The PB-503 eliminates the clutter and confusion that often results when constructing sophisticated circuits. Alligator clips and similar connectors are seldom needed. Sockets on the PB-503 allow insertion of components or wires of up to 20 gauge.

A detailed panel layout and description of the PB-503 is given in the section “Description of Individual Features”.

DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL FEATURES

In order to properly use the full capabilities of the PB-503, it is highly recommended that the user become familiar with the panel layout and the features of the components.
(See Figure 1)

POWER SUPPLIES
By combining the three DC power supplies on the PB-503, the user may work with virtually any type of integrated circuit or discrete component. The fixed 5 volt supply has become an industry standard for powering digital IC’s. IC’s which require +5 V, +12 V, and -5 V are easily accommodated by the PB-503. The variable supply output voltages may be changed by using the screwdriver adjustment on the front panel. The positive and negative outputs are continuously variable from +1.3 to +15 volts and -1.3 to -15 volts respectively. Both variable supply outputs are referenced to circuit common. This creates a split supply which is often used with differential and operational amplifiers (op amps). The adjustments are recessed to prevent inadvertent voltage changes which could be destructive to a circuit.

FUNCTION GENERATOR
The multi-waveform function generator provides continuously variable frequency signals from 0.1 Hz (for extra-low frequency work) to radio frequency signals of 100 KHz. The frequency is selected in six decade ranges, with a slide potentiometer to adjust frequency within each range. The sine wave output is factory adjusted for minimum distortion. The triangle waveform is adjusted for best linearity. The standard square wave and TTL level outputs are both set at a 5 0% duty cycle. The TTL output (available when the function generator is set to Square Wave), capable of driving up to 10 TTL loads, is continuously available and in phase with the square wave output. The low output impedance of the sine, square, and triangle waveforms (600 Ω) assures maximum coupling of the output signal to the device being driven. All outputs can withstand a continuous short circuit to ground.

LOGIC INDICATORS

Sixteen LEDs, eight red and eight green, make up eight Logic Indicators that will display logic high and low conditions based on either TTL or CMOS thresholds, selectable by the user. Operating voltage can also be selected by the user to be either at +5 volts, or at the setting of the 1.3 – 15 volts +V supply. This selection should be the same as the operating circuitry that is to be monitored. The red LEDs will light when the voltages at the inputs are 2.2 volts or higher when in the TTL position, or 70% of the operating voltage or higher when in the CMOS position. The green LEDs will light when the voltages at the inputs are 0.8 volts or less when in the TTL position, or 3 0% of the operating voltage or less when in the CMOS position. An unconnected input, or an input not at a valid logic level, will cause both LEDs to be extinguished. Note that the thresholds determined by the TTL positions are only accurate when the +5 volt range is selected. The 100KΩ input impedance ensures minimal loading effects of the circuit under test.

DEBOUNCED PUSHBUTTONS (PULSES)
The PB-503 uses clocked flip-flops to provide debounced pushbutton switch functions. The pushbutton circuitry has open-collector outputs that can sink up to 250 mA each. This type of debouncing gives the user a sharp, glitch-free trigger source which assures reliable operation in digital circuits. Each pushbutton has a normally open and a normally-closed output. If necessary, a pull-up resistor can connect any pulser output to any of the positive voltage sources.

POTENTIOMETERS
Two potentiometers are provided on the PB-503. The resistance values chosen (1KΩ and 10KΩ) may be used in common circuit applications such as volume controls, DC offset controls for op amps, and timing circuit controls. All leads for both potentiometers are available and uncommitted.

BNC CONNECTORS
The PB-503 may be connected to other pieces of equipment via two BNC connectors. This allows the use of shielded cable to minimize noise and interference.

SWITCHES
Two single pole, double throw (SPDT) switches are provided for general switching functions. All leads are available and clearly marked on the PB-503 for easy connection. Eight switches are configured as Logic Switches to provide a convenient source of digital outputs. These switches will provide logic levels of zero volts (ground) for a logic low, and logic high levels of either +5 volts or the voltage setting of the 1.3 -15 volt +V supply. The high level is determined by the setting of the +5/+V switch. This arrangement makes connecting special digital circuitry such as an eight-bit input port quick and easy, and allows compatibility with virtually any logic family.

CAUTION
Integrated circuits can be destroyed if a voltage is applied to their inputs that is higher than the operating voltage of the ICs. Always insure that the setting of the +5/+V high-level switch is in the correct position before making connections to any device.

CHECKING OUT THE PB-503
The PB-503 may be checked out for proper operation by making a few simple measurements and connections. Begin by connecting the AC line cord to a suitable receptacle. The AC power indicator should light when the power switch is turned on.

Using a DC voltmeter, check for +5 volts between the ground terminal and the +5 volt terminal. Repeat the measurement for the positive (+) variable supply terminal and the negative (-) variable supply terminal. Check the variability of each supply by turning the appropriate adjusting screw. To test the logic indicators, switch the +5/+V operating voltage switch to the +5 position. The TTL/CMOS threshold switch can be in either position. With no input to the logic indicators, all LEDs should be turned off. Connect one end of a jumper wire to the + 5 volt terminal and the other end to logic indicator 1; the red LED of logic indicator 1 should light. Repeat this test for logic indicators 2 through 8. Disconnect the jumper from the +5 volt terminal and connect it to the ground terminal. Connect the other end to logic indicator 1; the green LED of logic indicator 1 should light. Repeat this test for logic indicators 2 through 8.

The function generator may be tested by connecting its output to one of the speaker inputs. Connect the other speaker input to the ground terminal (or one of the connectors on the ground bus strip). Switch the function generator range switch to “1” and the Hz/kHz switch to “kHz”. Move the frequency control all the way to the top. Move the amplitude control upward until you hear a tone coming from the speaker. Switch the waveform selector to select sine, square, and triangle. A changing but clearly audible tone should be heard in each position. Changing the position of the frequency control should vary the pitch of the tone.

If an oscilloscope is available, you may check the function generator for proper waveform and frequency using standard measurement techniques. The debounced pushbuttons can be checked by connecting one side of a resistor (20Ω to 100 KΩ) to +5 volts and the other side to PB1-1, the NC point. Then connect PB1-1 to LED-1 with the Logic Indicator +5/+V switch in the +5 position, the red LED should light when PB1 is pressed and the green LED should light when PB1 is released. Next, move the connections from PB1-1 to PB1-2, the NO point. Now the red LED should be lit when PB1 is not pressed, and the green LED should be lit when PB1 is pressed. Repeat these steps to test PB2.

The logic switches can be tested by connecting the output of logic switches 1 through 8 to the input of logic indicators 1 through 8. Switch the logic switch +5V/+V high-level 12switch to +5, and switch the logic indicator +5/+V operating voltage switch to +5. Select the CMOS position on the logic indicator TTL/CMOS threshold and select switch. Now the logic indicators should reflect the conditions of the logic switches, that is, red LEDs will indicate switches in the high (logic “1”) position, and green LEDs will indicate switches in the low (logic “0”) position. Move each switch between its high and low position to verify proper functioning. Switch the logic switch +5/+V high-level switch to +V and the logic indicator +5/+V operating voltage switch to +V; the relationship between the switch positions and the logic indicator display should remain the same, regardless of the setting of the 1.3 – 15 volts +V supply.

By using an ohmmeter, you can check the potentiometers. To do so, select an appropriate range for measuring 10 KΩ and connect the ohmmeter leads to R1 -1 and R1-2. With R1 rotated fully counterclockwise a reading of 0Ω ohms should be observed. As the potentiometer is rotated clockwise, the resistance reading will be seen to increase linearly up to 10 KΩ ± 20%. Now move the ohmmeter lead from R1 -l to R1-3; with R1 fully clockwise the ohmmeter will read zero ohms, and the resistance will increase linearly to the full value noted previously as the potentiometer is rotated counterclockwise. Select an ohmmeter range appropriate for 1ΩK and repeat these steps on R2 to verify its function.
To test SPDT switch S9, put S9 in the up position and connect an ohmmeter to S9-1 and S9-2. The ohmmeter should read 0 Ω. When the switch is brought to the down position, an open circuit should be indicated. Move the ohmmeter lead from S9-1 to S9- 3 and observe a short circuit with S9 down, and an open with S9 up. These steps can be repeated on S10 to test its functions.

BREADBOARDING TECHNIQUES

This section contains information that may prove useful when constructing circuits using the PB-503. While there are no hard and fast rules for breadboarding, the following tips may save time and trouble.

Unless a circuit is being prepared for a demonstration or display, avoid cutting component leads very short. While short wires and leads may look neat, the clipped components will only fit into a limited “span” of connector sockets, limiting the use of the component. It is perfectly permissible to use untrimmed components while exploring different circuit possibilities. The only time short leads may be necessary is when operating at higher frequencies and experiencing mysterious malfunctions. Sometimes the only way to correct high- frequency circuit problems is to shorten all circuit connections.

Be cautious when using components that have been removed from a tape reel used in automatic insertion equipment. Suppliers of surplus components often sell components that are taped together in small batches. Removing the components from the tape does not always remove the adhesive from the leads of the components. Placing a formerly taped component into a socket connector may result in a poor electrical connection and, worse still, leave tape adhesive in the socket. Avoid this problem by either carefully cleaning taped component leads, clipping the taped portion of the lead off, or avoiding the use of taped components altogether. Be especially careful when inserting integrated circuits into the breadboard sockets. Unless the IC pins are straight, it is very easy to crush the pin into a zigzag shape or fold the pins underneath the body of the IC. Either way the result is a bad connection or no connection at all.

Always use solid wire for breadboard connections. When stripping the wire ends, be careful not to strip more than about three-eighths of an inch of insulation from the wire. Too much bare wire may result in unintentional connections near the wire end. After you have built up a few circuits, you will have a good collection of pre-stripped jumper wires. Save them. By reusing these wires, you can save even more time and effort in assembling future circuits. Pre-formed wires in various sizes are also available from Global Specialties (please visit web site for available options and accessories).

SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION

For instructions on how to obtain a return merchandise authorization number (RMA), please visit our website, or call our customer service department. Global Specialties will service and repair this instrument free of charge for a period of 3 full years, subject to the warranty conditions below.

WARRANTY
Global Specialties warrants the PB-503 to be free from defective material or workmanship for a period of 3 full years from date of original purchase. Under this warranty, Global Specialties is limited to repairing the defective device when returned to the factory, shipping charges prepaid, within 3 full years from date of original purchase. Units returned to Global Specialties that have been subject to abuse, misuse, damage or accident, or have been connected, installed or adjusted contrary to the instructions furnished by Global Specialties, or that have been repaired by unauthorized persons will not be covered by this warranty.

Global Specialties reserves the right to discontinue models, change specifications, price or design of this device at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever. The purchaser agrees to assume all liabilities for any damages and/or bodily injury which may result from the use or misuse of this device by the purchaser, his employees, or agents.

This warranty is in lieu of all other representations or warranties expressed or implied and no agent or representative of Global Specialties is authorized to assume any other obligation in connection with the sale and purchase of this device. All rights reserved. No Part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Contact Information

Test Equipment Depot – 800.517.8431 – 5 Commonwealth Ave, Woburn, MA 01801 TestEquipmentDepot.com.

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