Chapter 1, INTRODUCTION
1-2
fully conversant with operation from the front panel should they then turn to chapter
6 for information on how to use the instrument remotely. Once the structure of the
computer commands is familiar, appendix E will prove convenient as it provides a
complete alphabetical listing of these commands in a single easy-to-use section.
1.2 What is a Lock-in Amplifier?
Since their invention back in the 1960's, lock-in amplifiers have been used whenever
the need arises to measure the amplitude and/or phase of a signal of known
frequency in the presence of noise. Unlike other AC measuring instruments they
have the ability to give accurate results even when the noise is much larger than the
signal - in favorable conditions even up to a million times larger.
Early instruments used analog technology, with manual controls and switches, and
with output readings being taken from large panel meters. Later, microprocessors
were added to give more user-friendly operation, digital output displays, and to
support computer control. In current designs the analog phase sensitive detectors
forming the heart of the instrument have been replaced by DSP (digital signal
processing) designs, further improving performance.
The model 7270 DSP lock-in amplifier uses the latest DSP technology for signal
detection, and a powerful processor for easy user operation. The low-noise analog
signal channel, with its choice of input mode and impedance, complements the
digital technology, giving an instrument that will be of use in many fields of
scientific research, such as optics, electrochemistry, materials science, fundamental
physics and electrical engineering.
In these and other experiments it can function as a:-
AC Signal Recovery Instrument Transient Recorder
Vector Voltmeter DSP Oscillator
Phase Meter Frequency Meter
Spectrum Analyzer Noise Measurement Unit
These characteristics, all available in a single compact console, make it an invaluable
addition to any laboratory.
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