Model 588 1U Rackmount Digital Delay / Pulse Generator
A low-profile 1U rackmount timing instrument in 4 or 8-channel configurations, with 250 ps resolution and ultra-low jitter. A clean alternative to multi-box, multi-cable timing setups.
The Model 588 delivers high-quality timing and synchronization in a compact, low-profile 1U rackmount design. It is built for remote applications, large-system gating, and system integrators who want a clean alternative to the tangle of multiple boxes and cables that distributed timing often requires.
Up to eight independent precision channels fit in a single rack unit. The 588 accepts a low-amplitude clock input, as small as 20 mV up to 100 MHz, and phase-locks to a laser photodiode or an external reference for jitter around 50 ps. USB, RS232, and Ethernet interfaces plus complimentary NI-certified LabVIEW drivers make it straightforward to fold into an automated test rack.
Availability and successor. Berkeley Nucleonics lists the Model 588 as available until 2026 and points to the Model 588B as its successor. For new designs, review the Model 588B datasheet or contact Berkeley Nucleonics to confirm the right choice for your timeline.
2Key Features
8 independent precision timing channels
Accepts a low-amplitude clock input from 20 mV up to 100 MHz
Low channel-to-channel jitter, around 50 ps, when phase-locked to a laser photodiode or external reference
Direct synchronization with laser systems
USB, RS232, and Ethernet interfaces
Complimentary NI-certified LabVIEW drivers
Low-profile 1U packaging optimized for rack integration and remote use
3Channels & Timing Architecture
External sync'd operation. A 10 to 100 MHz external reference clock drives the synchronizer delay generator, producing 4 to 8 channels with independent delays and pulse widths, all synchronized with the external reference and a 100 MHz internal oscillator.
The 588 organizes timing around an internal rate generator and a programmable timing generator with independent channels. Each channel sets its own delay, width, and mode, and any channel can be multiplexed onto any other. The architecture is the same whether the unit is ordered as 4 or 8 channels.
An external reference clock input of 50 mV to 2.5 V allows direct syncing to a photodiode or high-speed logic output. Sync'd operation provides very low external jitter, and all modes (internal and external trigger, gate) remain available with the external clock.
Internally triggered, externally triggered, external gate, each channel independently configurable
Output multiplexer
Any/all channels may be multiplexed to any/all outputs
Delayed output
0 to 9,999,999 pulses
Timebase
Same as internal rate generator
4Specifications
Quick specs
Parameter
Value
Channels
4 or 8 independent channels
Delay resolution
250 ps
Accuracy
1 ns + 0.0001 × delay
Jitter
< 50 ps RMS
Voltage
TTL / 20 V adjustable
Memory
24 storage slots
Programmable timing generator, delay
Parameter
Value
Range
0 - 1000 s
Accuracy
1 ns + .0001 × setpoint
Resolution
250 ps
TTL/adjustable channel outputs
Parameter
Value
Output impedance
50 Ω
TTL/CMOS mode
Parameter
Value
Output level
4.0 V typ into 1 kΩ
Rise time
3 ns typ
Slew rate
0.5 V/ns
Jitter
50 ps RMS
Adjustable mode
Parameter
Value
Output level
2.0 to 20 VDC into 1 kΩ, 1.0 to 10 VDC into 50 Ω
Output resolution
10 mV
Current
200 mA typical, 400 mA max (short pulses)
Slew rate
> 0.1 V/ns
Overshoot
< 100 mV + 10% of pulse amplitude
Rise time (10% to 90%)
15 ns typ @ 20 V (High-Z), 25 ns typ @ 10 V (50 Ω)
Standard features & functions
Feature
Specification
Communications
USB / RS232 / Ethernet
External clock in
10 MHz - 100 MHz in 1 MHz increments
External clock out
5 MHz - 40 MHz
Configuration storage
T0, Rate, Chan, 2x ExtPLL, 1 ExtPLL, ½ ExtPLL, ½ Ext, 40 MHz, 20 MHz, 10 MHz, 5 MHz, and Disabled
5Triggering & I/O
External clock synchronizing example. An 80 MHz laser oscillator (master clock) drives the 588 delay generator and a pulse picker, producing picked pulses with a flexible time window (10 ns to 13 s).
The 588 provides a standard dual channel input, with one trigger input and one gate input. It may be used with the dual trigger firmware option to provide two independent trigger sources. The trigger generates individual pulses, starts a burst, or starts a continuous stream. The gate inhibits pulses or outputs.
System external trigger/gate input(s)
Parameter
Value
Function
Generate individual pulses, start a burst or continuous stream
The 588 ships as a 4 or 8-channel unit with the standard AT20 output module. An optional high-current module, an incrementing option, and dual trigger logic extend the system for demanding setups.
Output modules
Module
Description
AT20 (standard)
Quad channel, TTL/CMOS & adjustable output module
TZ50 (optional)
Quad channel, high current TTL/CMOS (for driving 50 Ω loads) & adjustable output module
System options
Option
Description
I
Incrementing (provides automatic high speed incrementing/decrementing of delay and/or pulsewidth for each channel)
DT15
Dual trigger logic. Provides additional trigger via gate input
Models
Model
Outputs
588-4C
4 independent channel outputs
588-8C
8 independent channel outputs
7Applications
Pulse picking. An 80 MHz pulse train (one every ~13 ns) is reduced to a 1 kHz picked pulse train within a flexible time window (13 ns to 1.3 s). Delay is controlled by the delay generator and computer, stepped through for a time trace.
Timing and synchronizing across distributed systems
Pulse picking
Laser timing, firing flashlamps or diodes before a Q-switch or shutter through delayed channel enables
Single-shot or burst-mode laser pulse bursts
Complex pulse trains assembled through the output multiplexer
The 1U form factor makes the 588 a strong fit for remote installations and large test racks where bench instruments and loose cabling would be impractical.
8Ordering
Choose the 4 or 8-channel model, then add the output module and logic options the application requires.
Step
Selection
1. Base model
588-4C or 588-8C
2. Output module
Standard AT20, or TZ50 for high-current 50 Ω loads
3. Logic and control
I (incrementing), DT15 (dual trigger)
For configuration help, current availability, and 588B migration guidance, contact Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation at info@berkeleynucleonics.com or 800-234-7858.
Verification notes. The Model 588 is listed as available until 2026, with the Model 588B named as its successor; confirm current availability before ordering. The published Model 588 datasheet does not list physical dimensions, weight, power, fuse, or environmental ratings, so those values are not stated here; request them from Berkeley Nucleonics if required (verify). Confirm all values against the latest Model 588 datasheet.
