--- title: "Model 508 | Current Pulse Generator" date: 2024-12-11T07:34:28Z modified: 2026-02-25T00:42:43Z permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/model-508-current-pulse-generator/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 18377 --- [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/bnc_academy_upper_banner.png) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/508_front_on.png) ![Current Pulse Generator 508](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/508_front_on.png) - [ Quote ](/get-quote/?interested_product=Model%20508%20|%20Current%20Pulse%20Generator) - [ Contact ](/contact-us/) - [ Datasheet ](#technical-resources-section) - [ Price List ](/access-pricelist/) - [ RF Selection Guide ](/ProductSelection/) - [ LabVIEW ](/bnc-labview-driver-list/) #### Model 508 | Current Pulse Generator The Model 508 is Berkeley Nucleonics’ most capable current pulse generator, delivering highly precise, repeatable current pulses for critical testing. Designed specifically for airbag deployment (squib detonation), pyrotechnic initiator testing, igniter triggering, and ballistics work, it combines advanced safety, adjustability, simple operation, and programmability for rapid ROI. - 2 or 4 independent channels (19″ 2U rackmount form factor) - Max current: up to 6 A (per channel) - Resolution: 100 ns - Accuracy: 20 ns - Jitter: 10 ns RMS - Built-in capabilities: Current sensing, resistance measurement, pre/post measurements - Firing modes: All-fire, no-fire, DC current, capacitor discharge, Bruceton, Neyer, high current - Advanced safety: Remote interlock, keyed enable switch, fires only when all criteria met Ideal for reliable, safe, repeatable squib/initiator detonation and high-accuracy pyrotechnic testing. This unit sets the standard for precision firesets in automotive safety, aerospace, defense, and research applications. ##### [Features](#features-section) ##### [Specifications](#specifications-section) ##### [Tech Resources](#technical-resources-section) ##### [Media](#media-section) ##### [Downloable Resources](#downloadable-section) ##### [Price List](#pricelist-section) #### Overview ##### Features - Channels: 2 or 4 Independent Channels - Resolution: 100 ns - Accuracy: 20 ns - Jitter: 10 ns RMS - Max Current: 6 Amps - Safety: Interlock and Operator Key ##### Applications - Current Generation - Explosive Testing - High Current Airbag (Squib) Testing ##### Features - 200 ns Timing Steps - 6 amps per Channel - 2 or 4 Channel Outputs - Benchtop or Rack Mount Design - Easy Programming Interface - TTL Sync output to T0 ##### Advanced Features - Integrated 4-wire Resistance Measurement with Pre and Post-Testing features. (per channel) - \* Ability to set the mean and upper/ lower limits to determine what construes a resistance fault - Current and Voltage Monitor Outputs. - Front and Rear Sync Outputs. - Safety features including Remote Interlock and Removable keyed enable switch. - RS232, USB, and optional Ethernet port for remote computer programming #### Specifications ##### I/O Configuration | **Output Modules** | 2 Output Channels 4 Output Channels | | --- | --- | | **Trigger Inputs** | Front and Rear Trigger | ##### Internal Rate Generator | **Rate** | 0.01Hz to 100 kHz | | --- | --- | | **Resolution** | 100 ns | | **Accuracy** | 20 ns | | **Jitter** | 10 ns RMS | | **Output Modes** | Single Pulse, Burst | | **Burst Mode** | 1 to 250 pulses | | **Control Modes** | Internal Rate Generator, External Trigger | ##### External Trigger Inputs | **Function** | Generate individual current pulses (single shot or burst) | | --- | --- | | **Front or Rear** | Selectable between front or rear panel inputs | | **Rate** | DC to 1/(330ns+Longest active pulse) | | **Insertion Delay** | 330 ns | | **Jitter** | 10ns | | **Impedance** | 1kΩ | | **Slope** | Rising or Falling | | **Trigger Filter** | Filters out unwanted “glitch” or “runt” pulses | | **Pulse Width** | 0.02 us to 1 ms | | **Pulse Width Resolution** | 0.02 us | | **Trigger Level** | 2-15V | | **Trigger Threshold Resolution** | 100mV | ##### Outputs | **Amplitude** | 0.10 – 6A | | --- | --- | | **Resolution** | 1mA | | **Accuracy** | 2mA Typical | | **Compliance Voltage Level** | 20V | | Slew Rates | | | **Rising Edge – Inductive (Varies with Load)** | 2A/ us @ 6A 1A/ us @ 3A 0.30A/ us @1A (1 Ω and 50′ cable) | | **Falling Edge – Inductive (Varies with Load)** | -1.60A/ us @6A -0.90A/ us @3A -0.30A/ us @1A (1 ohm and 50′ cable) | | **Rising Edge – Resistive Varies with Load)** | 6.3A/ us @6A 9.5A/ us @3A 2.2A/ us @1A (1 ohm & 2″ cable) | | **Falling Edge – Resistive (Varies with Load)** | -5.2A/ us @6A -4.0A/ us @3A -1.3A/ us @1A (1 ohm & 2″ cable) | ##### Rise Time | **Rising Edge – Inductive Varies with Load)** | 4us (1 Ω, 50′ cable, 6A) | | --- | --- | | **Rising Edge – Resisitve (Varies with Load)** | 550ns (1 Ω, 2″ cable, 6A) | | **Pulse Width Range** | 5us – 100s\* (Maximum pulse width is limited by current amplitude. 1A can go up to 100 s and 6 A is limited to 300 ms. | | **Error** | ± 0.1% | | **Resolution** | 100 ns | | **Delay Range** | 0 to 1 secs | | **Error** | ± 0.1% | | **Resolution** | 100ns | ##### Monitor Outputs | **Voltage Monitor (Isolated)** | 1V/ V | | --- | --- | | **Current Monitor** | 1V/A | | **Error** | < 4% | | **Bandwidth** | 150kHz | ##### Resistance Measurement | **Range** | 0.1 to 150 Ω | | --- | --- | | **Resolution** | .01 Ω | | **Error .5 to 15 Ω** | < 4% | | **Error 16 to 150 Ω** | < 10 % | | **Measurement Current** | 100mA (max) | ##### Sync Outputs | **Front and Rear** | T0, Channels A through D | | --- | --- | ##### Safety | **Remote Interlock** | Interlock | | --- | --- | | **Arming Key Switch** | Removable key switch | ##### Communication | **RS232** | 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 4800 baud | | --- | --- | | **USB** | Serial Bridge | | **Ethernet** | Option | ##### Size | Size | | --- | | 19″ 2Ux10″ Rack Mount | ##### Electrical | 100/240V, 50-60Hz | | --- | #### Technical Resources [ Model 508 Technical Note: Parallel Configuration for Increased Current Output](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/20520/?tmstv=1778700932) [ Model 508 Datasheet](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/20524/?tmstv=1778700932) #### Downloadable Resources Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads). - [Product Datasheets](/downloads#ddg-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#ddg-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#ddg-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#UserManualsPulseandDelay) #### Media ## Playlist ![BNC Model 508 - High Current Pulse Generator Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.](https://img.youtube.com/vi/qWWL9sfJ0cc/maxresdefault.jpg) #### BNC Model 508 – High Current Pulse Generator Berkeley Nucleonics Corp. 2:39 ![Model 508 Fire Resistance Measurement Function: Pre and Post Test](https://img.youtube.com/vi/HvchLQsdJzE/maxresdefault.jpg) #### Model 508 Fire Resistance Measurement Function: Pre and Post Test 3:03 #### Price Lists [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700932) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 130'%2F%3E) ](/products/microwave-rf-signal-generators)