PF-1U-FA Multi-Channel Programmable Filter/Amplifier System

The PF-1U-FA Multi-Channel Programmable Filter/Amplifier System is ideal for conditioning low-level voltage inputs in front of high-resolution digital data acquisition systems.

Fully programmable 8-channel and 16-channel configurations are available in standard or high-performance models. A choice of 4 and 8-pole filter characteristics is available in low-pass and band-pass configurations. Fully programmable gain is distributed around the filter to reduce the possibility of clipping on out-of-band signals.

PF-1U-FA Description

The PF-1U-FA series is a multi-channel programmable filter/amplifier system in a compact rack mountable or benchtop package. Fully programmable 8-channel and 16-channel configurations are available in high performance or standard configurations with a selection of input connector configurations.

For units with BNC input connectors, an optional programmable current source is provided on each channel to interface the PF-1U to IEPE transducers.

For applications requiring balanced twisted/shielded cable inputs, a LEMO connector input option is available. Fully programmable input configuration (single-ended or differential) is supported for systems configured with LEMO input connectors.

Standard PF-1U-FA Model

The standard PF-1U-FA configuration offers 4-pole low-pass filters with five programmable cutoffs and gain programmable to x1,024.

High-Performance PF-1U-FA Model

The high performance PF-1U-FA offers a choice of 4 or 8-pole low-pass and band-pass filters with cutoffs programmable from 1 Hz to 204.6 kHz. The high performance PF-1U-FA has an upgraded wideband (500 kHz) low-noise amplifier with transducer DC suppress capability. Gain is programmable to x8,192.

System Control

The PF-1U-FA system is controlled via an Ethernet interface using the supplied spreadsheet-style application running on a Windows PC. The GUI supports control of all channel and system features and allows for group control of channels. Up to eight PF-1U-FA systems can be controlled by one GUI. The settings are retained when the host PC is disconnected and the system powered down, allowing the unit to be pre-configured for an application in which PC control is not available.

PF-1U GUI

Innovative Technologies and Features

Pre-Filter and Post-Filter Gain

The PF-1U-FA amplifier gain is distributed both before and after the filter to provide protection from large out-of-band energy or transients that could cause clipping before the filter, distorting the data...

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The PF-1U-FA amplifier gain is distributed both before and after the filter to provide protection from large out-of-band energy or transients that could cause clipping before the filter, distorting the data. The post-filter gain has resolution of better than 0.05% to enable system scaling of the outputs to match the full-scale input of the external recording device. Overload detectors alert the user to over-voltage conditions.

Flat/Pulse Low-Pass Filter Technology

The PF-1U-FA low-pass filters may operate in either a “flat” mode for maximally flat pass-band amplitude response with sharp roll-off or in a “pulse” mode for low phase distortion...

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PF-1U-FA low-pass filters may operate either in a flat mode, for maximally flat pass-band amplitude response with sharp roll-off, or in a pulse mode, for low phase distortion and optimized transient response. Flat mode provides passband characteristics nearly identical to a Butterworth filter while providing a much sharper roll-off. This mode is a good choice for applications such as spectral analysis. Pulse mode has time-domain response similar to the Bessel filter yet provides superior amplitude response characteristics. Pulse mode is ideal for time-domain applications, including transient (shock) measurements and waveform analysis.

PF-1U-FA Salient Features

PF-1U-FA Common Features:

Number of Channels:

16 (PF-1U-16FA)
8 (PF-1U-8FA)...

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Input Connectors:

  • Standard: Individual isolated BNC’s at front panel
  • Option I: Individual BNC input with programmable (IN/OUT) 6mA current source with 26 V compliance for powering IEPE transducers
  • Option 3: Individual isolated LEMO front panel input connectors. Programmable single-ended or balanced differential input

Output Connectors:

  • Individual isolated BNC’s at rear panel

Inputs:

  • Balanced differential input with programmable AC/DC coupling

Outputs:

  • DC coupled, single-ended

Test Support:

  • Test input and monitor output busses

Input Power:

  • 12 to 24 VDC external AC to DC power supply provided with unit

Control:

  • Ethernet remote control
  • Local control via supplied Window based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  • Store up to four setups in non-volatile RAM allowing pre-configured applications

Comparison of Precision Filter/Amplifier Products

PFI Filter-Amplifier Comparison Chart

System or Card PFA-2 Filter/Amplifier System PF-1U-FA High-Performance Filter/Amplifier System PF-1U-FA Standard-Performance Filter/Amplifier System 28608B 8-Channel 200 kHz Filter/Amplifier Card 28618 8-Channel 200 kHz Filter/Amplifier Card 28612 2-Channel 3 MHz Filter/Amplifier Card
Channels 2 per System 8 (PF-1U-8FA) or 16 (PF-1U-16FA) per System 8 (PF-1U-8FA) or 16 (PF-1U-16FA) per System 8 per Card, Up to 128 per 28000 System 8 per Card, Up to 128 per 28000 System 2 per Card, Up to 32 per 28000 System
Inputs Balanced Differential Inputs w/ Programmable AC/DC Coupling Balanced Differential Inputs w/ Programmable AC/DC Coupling; IEPE Current Source with Option I Balanced Differential Inputs w/ Programmable AC/DC Coupling; IEPE Current Source with Option I Balanced Differential Inputs w/ Programmable AC/DC Coupling Balanced Differential Inputs w/ Programmable AC/DC Coupling Programmable Single-ended (SE)/Differential Input with Programmable AC/DC Input Coupling (10 Hz or 100 Hz)
Filter 6-Pole Flat/Pulse Low-Pass; 2-Pole High-Pass with Option H 4-Pole or 8-Pole Flat/Pulse Low-Pass or 8-Pole Band-Pass 4-PoleFlat/Pulse Low-Pass 4-Pole or 8-Pole Flat/Pulse Low-Pass or 8-Pole Band-Pass 4-PoleFlat/Pulse Low-Pass 6-PoleFlat/Pulse Low-Pass
Gain Pre-filter Gain: x1 to x128 in x2 Steps | Post-filter Gain: x1/16 to x16 with 0.025% Resolution Pre-filter Gain: x1 to x512 in x2 Steps | Post-filter Gain: x0.25 to x16 with 0.05% Resolution Pre-filter Gain: x1 to x512 in x2 Steps | Post-filter Gain: x0.5 to x16 with 0.05% Resolution Pre-filter Gain: x1 to x512 in x2 Steps | Post-filter Gain: x1/16 to x16 with 0.05% Resolution Pre-filter Gain: x1 to x64 in x2 Steps | Post-filter Gain: x1/16 to x16 in Binary Steps with 0.05% Resolution x1, x2, x5, x10, x20, x50, x100, x200, x500, x1000
Filter Cutoff Frequencies 5 Hz to 2.555 kHz in 5 Hz Steps | 2.75 kHz to 127.5 kHz in 250 Hz Steps Flat Mode: 2 Hz to 2.046 kHz in 2 Hz steps; 2.2 kHz to 204.6 kHz in 200 Hz Steps (w/ Bypass Option) | Pulse Mode: 1 Hz to 1.023 kHz in 1 Hz steps; 1 kHz to 102.3 kHz in 100 Hz Steps (w/ Bypass Option) FX02: 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 10 kHz, 30 kHz Flat Mode: 2 Hz to 2.046 kHz in 2 Hz steps; 2.2 kHz to 204.6 kHz in 200 Hz Steps (w/ Bypass Option) | Pulse Mode: 1 Hz to 1.023 kHz in 1 Hz steps; 1 kHz to 102.3 kHz in 100 Hz Steps (w/ Bypass Option) FX02: 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 10 kHz, 30 kHz 5 kHz to 315 kHz in 5 kHz Steps | 350 kHz to 3.15 MHz in 50 kHz Steps
Outputs DC-coupled, Single-ended (SE) DC-coupled, Single-ended (SE) DC-coupled, Single-ended (SE) Single-ended (SE) with Ground Sense Single-ended (SE) with Ground Sense Single-ended (SE)