--- title: "Model PB-5 | Precision NIM Pulse Generator" date: 2025-01-06T10:30:26Z modified: 2026-03-10T15:14:43Z permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/model-pb-5-precision-nim-pulse-generator/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 19722 --- [ ![](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/pb-5_0000_pb-5_001.jpg.jpg) ![Model PB-5](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0000_pb-5_001.jpg.jpg) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0002_pb-5_003.jpg.jpg) ![Model PB-5](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0002_pb-5_003.jpg.jpg) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0004_pb-5_005.jpg.jpg) ![Model PB-5](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0004_pb-5_005.jpg.jpg) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0006_pb-5_007.jpg.jpg) ![Model PB-5](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/pb-5_0006_pb-5_007.jpg.jpg) [ ![powered by bioz](https://cdn.bioz.com/assets/favicon.png) Powered by Bioz ](https://www.bioz.com/) - [ Quote ](/get-quote/?interested_product=Model%20pb-5) - [ Contact ](/contact-us/) - [ Datasheet ](#technical-resources-section) - [ Price List ](/access-pricelist/) #### Model PB-5 | Precision NIM Pulse Generator The PB-5 sets a new standard for precision pulse generators. It offers full digital controllability with a built-in ramp generator for linearity testing. It provides tail and flat top pulses with outstanding integral linearity and extremely low amplitude change with temperature. The PB-5 is capable of testing the stability, linearity, and resolution of the most demanding spectroscopy circuits and instrumentation. It is the successor to the industry standard, PB-4 pulse generator. #### Publications ##### [Features](#features-section) ##### [Specifications](#specifications-section) ##### [Tech Resources](#technical-resources-section) ##### [Downloable Resources](#downloadable-section) ##### [Price List](#pricelist-section) #### Overview ##### Features - Excellent Linearity, Stability, and Resolution - Built-in Ramp Generator - Digital and Programmable - Fast Automated Testing ##### Applications - Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) Testing - Nuclear Circuit Testing - Pulse Height Analyzer Calibration - Pile-Up and Saturation Tests - Rise-time and Bandwith Characterization - NIM Module System Integration - Radiation Detector Testing - Temperature Stability ±5ppm (world’s best) - Pulse Types: Flat Top, Tail Pulse - Remote: RS-232 - Rise Time: Adjustable - Fall Time (Decay): Adjustable - Amplitude Resolution: 155uV steps #### Specifications **Repetition Rate** 2 Hz to 500 kHz **Width** 100 ns to 1 ms **Delay** 250 ns to 10 ms **Pulse Type** Flat-Top or Tail Pulse **Pulse Width** 100 ns to 1 ms **\***_fixed pulse width in Tail-Pulse mode_ **Rise Time** (10 % – 90 %) 50 ns to 10 µs ( 8 steps ) **\***_fixed 50ns in Tail-Pulse mode_ **Decay Time** (100 % – 37 %) 0.5 us to 1.0 ms ( 11 steps ) **Amplitude** 0 to 10 V into Hi-Z \[0 to 5 V into 50 Ω\] Scalable in Energy units (keV) **Resolution** 155 µV **Jitter** ± 10 ppm **Attenuation** 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 **Integral Non-Linearity** ± 15 ppm \[_0.0015%_\] **Temperature Stability** ± 5 ppm/ºC ( 20 ºC to 45 ºC ) **Polarity** Positive or Negative **External Trigger/Gate** **Frequency Range:** 0 to 500 kHz **Threshold Range:** +100 mV to +3.5 V **Modes** Single Cycle Pulse via a front panel pushbutton; Internal Rep Rate External Trigger External Gate Ramp (Internal Adjustable) **Ramp Mode** Programmable Start and Stop points Adjustable Ramp period from 30 sec to 900 seconds Programmable number of ramp cycles Selectable units ( keV or Volts ) Clamped baseline option to force the baseline to zero prior to the next pulse. **Memory** 9 User Settings plus Power-On default (recalls last parameters when powered on) **Remote** RS232 **Power Requirement** +24V / 170 mA -24V / 150 mA +12V / 450 mA -12V / 5 mA \*See BNC _**[Model AP-3](/model-ap-3)**_ for portable applications **Dimension** Triple-Width AEC NIM module 4.05″ wide x 8.70″ high in accordance with TID-20893 ( Rev 3. ). **Weight** 2 lbs. 13 oz. net, 6 lbs shipping. ##### User Interface Main Menu The 4×16 LCD display, keypad, and a spinner knob provide a user interface that is easy to use. RS232 interface is also standard along with memory that will store and recall nine complete pulse setups. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-1.jpg) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-1.jpg) Pulse Settings The pulse repetition rates, which are variable over a broad range, go up to 0.5 MHz. The higher rates are required when testing for MCA and PHA linearity because of the high number of data points required for a statistically valid test. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-2.jpg) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-2.jpg) Trigger Mode The Model PB-5 pulse generator provides unprecedented performance in a precision pulse generator. It includes a full-featured, highly flexible ramp generator and programmability. As a precision pulse generator, the PB-5 surpasses or equals all existing designs in the important performance areas of resolution, linearity, and stability. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-3.jpg) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-3.jpg) Ramp Settings The built-in ramp generator allows you to control ramp duration, the number of ramps, and the ramp limits. Now you can test the entire range of your system or just a portion of that range. This ramp generator and precision pulse generator combination allows you to tackle the most demanding applications. [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-4.jpg) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-4.jpg) [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-5.png) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/pb-5-5.png) #### Technical Resources [ Model PB-5 Manual](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/27338/?tmstv=1778700939) [ Model PB-5 Datasheet](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/27341/?tmstv=1778700939) #### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [ a #### Model PB-5 | How do I set up HyperTerminal for PB-5 remote remote operation? ](#) Use the following settings for HyperTerminal – Baud rate: 9600, Data bits: 8, Parity: None, Stop bits: 1, Flow control: None, Emulation: VT 100 [ a #### Model PB-5 | What is the minimum amplitude adjustment (resolution) of the PB-5? ](#) 155 uV adjustments can be made on the key pad or spinner knob. Each “click” of the spinner makes this minimum adjustment. (Turning the spinner fast will allow it to slew millivolts or volts.) [ a #### Model PB-5 | Is the “clamped mode” on the PB-5 a baseline restorer for high rate applications? ](#) No, the clamp simply preserves the amplitude of the pulse when the tail time is long compared to the desired rep rate. This feature is accomplished by clamping the pulse to the baseline before the exponential decay is completed thus allowing the next pulse to start from the baseline rather than some point on the tail. It is recommended that the delay time be set to 3 or 4 us to allow a full recovery to the base line. [ a #### Model PB-5 | Why is the flat top pulse not symmetrical for minimum settings (rise time 50 ns / fall time 500 ns)? ](#) Symmetry would require a fast discharge of capacitors used to produce exponential tails. The critical issue in the PB-5 is to preserve exponential decay with a clean return to the baseline. The PB-5 meets the same fall time specification as the PB-4 with a cleaner signal as it decays to the baseline – allowing twice the rep rate (500 kHz) as the PB-4. [ a #### Model PB-5 | How do I run MCA linearity measurements? ](#) Best results are accomplished by multiple sweeps at the shortest ramp time (90 seconds). Set the number of sweeps to 999, giving a run time of just over 24 hours. For unusually demanding needs, the measurement can be repeated for several days. Since any temperature corrections are made between sweeps (not during the ramp), ramp times of 15 minutes may not give the required accuracy. Short ramps allow good random statistics for all channels as long as many sweeps are made. [ a #### Model PB-5 | Can the NIM Pulser be operated remotely from a PC? ](#) Yes, a RS-232 port is available for this feature. Put the PB-5 in “remote” using the main menu. If the manual or PC commands are not available, type “help” and all commands will be listed. #### 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#nim-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#nim-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#nim-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#nim-manuals) #### Price Lists [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700939) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 100'%2F%3E) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/)