The RPR-4000 is a high-powered ultrasonic pulser and receiver system, primarily designed for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) applications. It is intended for use by qualified laboratory personnel. The system is highly configurable, with specific performance details depending on the model (RPR-4000, RPR-4000-HP, RPR-4000-VHP, and RPR-4000-HD).
Function Description:
The RPR-4000 generates high-power RF tone bursts, capable of driving inefficient transducers such as EMATs (Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers) or high-capacitance, low-frequency piezoelectric transducers. This capability allows for measurements that might be unachievable with more conventional instrumentation. The system also incorporates a broadband receiver module for signal acquisition. It supports two primary modes of operation: Pulse-Echo and Through Transmission.
Important Technical Specifications:
Gated Amplifier (Pulser):
- Frequency Range:
- HF model: 200 kHz to 20 MHz
- LF model: 50 kHz to 20 MHz
- VHF model: 200 kHz to 95 MHz
- Custom Range (CF): Contact Ritec
- On/Off Ratio: >140 dB
- Nominal Output Impedance: 50 Ω
- RF Pulse Monitor: -40 dB into 50 Ω
- Output Level Control Range: >30 dB
- Maximum Output (Peak Envelope Power - PEP): Ranges from 400 W to 20 kW PEP, depending on the model. This is measured into a 50 Ω load and calculated by PEP=Vpeak² / 2R. Maximum power is achieved for one decade of frequency starting at the specified low end.
- Equivalent Output Voltage into 50 Ω: Ranges from 400 Vpp to 2850 Vpp, depending on the model.
- Maximum Pulse Width: Ranges from 100 µs to 5 ms, depending on the model.
- Maximum Duty Cycle: Ranges from 0.3% to 10%, depending on the model.
- Trigger Sources: Internal repetition rate generator, External, Remote trigger via RS-232 interface.
- Internal Clamping Diplexer: Available on RPR-4000 & RPR-4000HD models only, used for pulse-echo operation.
- Bias Level Control: 0 to 4.99V
- RF Gain Control: 0 to 4.99V
- Tracking Control: 0 to 100
- Protection Provisions: Over-current turn-off, Over-temperature turn-off, Over-voltage turn-down (all with audible alarm and front panel display indication).
Receiver:
- Multiplexed Receiver Inputs: 2 ea.
- Frequency Range:
- LF model: 50 kHz to 20MHz
- HF model: 200 kHz to 20MHz
- VHF model: 200 kHz to 95MHz
- Nominal Input Impedance (both inputs): 50 Ω
- Minimum Gain: 20 dB
- Maximum Gain: 100 dB
- Gain Control Range: 80dB in 0.4dB steps
- Maximum Output Level: 1 V peak to peak into 50 Ω
- Output Impedance: 50 Ω
- High Pass Filters (LF model): 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 kHz, 2, 4, and 8 MHz
- Low Pass Filters (LF model): 100, 200, 500 kHz, 1.5, 2.5, 6, 12 and 22 MHz
- High Pass Filters (HF model): 200, 400, 800 kHz, 2, 4, 8, 18 and 45 MHz
- Low Pass Filters (HF model): 700 kHz, 1.5, 2.5, 6, 12, 27, 55 and 100MHz
Keypad and Display:
- Keypad: 4 by 4 tactile feedback membrane
- Display: 4 rows by 20 character backlit LCD
Power Requirements:
- Power Input: 95-125 VAC or 195-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 300VA max
Packaging:
- Enclosure: Bench top, 19" Rack (4U x 19") compatible
- Enclosure Ingress: IP20
- Enclosure Impact Rating: IK08
- Dimensions: 19" x 5" x 17" (483 mm x 127mm x 432mm)
- Shipping Weight: 45 pounds (21 kg)
Auxiliary Power Connector:
- -12V @ 100 mA (pin 1)
- +12V @ 100mA (pin 3)
- Ground (pin 2)
Rear Panel Connections:
- External RF Input (CW input): Up to 1V P/P into 50 Ω
- Trigger Out: Positive TTL level
- RF Gate Monitor: Positive TTL level
- Amp Gate Monitor: Positive TTL level
- Trigger Input: Positive TTL level
- Amp Gate Input: Positive TTL level
- Synth. Monitor: -20dB into 50 ohms (0.1V P/P into 50 Ω)
- Clock Output (80MHz): 2V P/P into 50 Ω
- Power Supply Output: +/-12V
- HP RF Output: Rear panel amplifier output which does not pass through the internal diplexer and/or internal attenuator.
Usage Features:
- Front Panel Control: The RPR-4000 features a user-friendly front panel console with a 4-line, 20-character backlit LCD display and a 4x4 tactile keypad. This allows for quick and easy access to system parameter settings.
- Menu Navigation: Parameters are organized into 5 menu pages (Pulser settings 1/2, Pulser settings 2/2, Receiver settings, Trigger settings, Program settings). The MENU key cycles through pages, and the ENTER key cycles through parameters on a page.
- Alpha and Numeric Parameter Entry: Alpha data fields are changed using the UP ARROW key, while numeric data fields can be entered manually using numeric keys or adjusted digit by digit using LEFT/RIGHT and UP/DOWN ARROW keys.
- Pulser Settings: Control frequency (30 kHz to 22 MHz), pulse width (in cycles or time, 0 to 4444 cycles or 0 to 200 µs), output level (CONTROL 0-100), RF control voltage (0-4.99V), and Bias control voltage (0-4.99V). The system displays Burst Peak Voltage.
- Tracking Feature: Allows the operator to manually select RF Gain and Bias Level settings (TRACK N) or have the CONTROL function automatically calculate them (TRACK Y).
- Receiver Settings: Select input channel (1, 2, or A for alternating), adjust receiver gain (20 to 99.9 dB in 0.4dB steps), and set high/low pass filters (8 factory-assigned values each).
- Trigger Settings: Choose trigger source (Internal, External, or XPC via RS-232) and repetition rate (from a predefined table of values).
- Program Settings: Save and load up to 10 sets of instrument settings (0-9) to internal, non-volatile memory.
- Amplifier Mode: The RPR-4000 can be used as an amplifier by connecting an arbitrary waveform generator to the rear panel inputs. Duty cycle must be limited to 1% in this mode to prevent damage.
- Remote Programming (RS-232): The instrument can be programmed remotely via a standard DB-9 female RS-232 serial port.
- Communication Settings: Baud rate 57600, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, NONE parity, Hardware CTS/RTS flow control.
- Command Structure: All commands are case-sensitive and end with a carriage return. Commands are echoed back to the external computer.
- Control Modes:
- Update Mode (Default): Accepts commands from local keypad or RS-232. Updates local display. Maximum 20 commands/second.
- Passthrough Mode: Bypasses local display updates for faster command processing (up to 50 commands/second). Useful for frequency sweeping. Only the CO command is available for amplifier output level control in this mode.
Maintenance Features:
- Environmentally Tolerant Packaging: The internal design separates critical electronics from cooling airflow, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments. High-efficiency zero-voltage-crossing switching power supplies are fully shielded.
- Over-temperature Protection: Automatic shutdown if an over-temperature condition develops. Tested at full duty cycle up to 38 degrees Celsius.
- Error Messages: The system displays error messages on the LCD and echoes them to the serial port for troubleshooting (e.g., 'ILLEGAL COMMAND', 'PUL. COMM. ERR', 'REC. COMM. ERR', 'O.T. DEC DUTY CYCLE', 'O.C. DEC DUTY CYCLE', 'O.V. SET RF/BI', 'O.V. RESET CONTROL').
- LCD Corruption Reset: A procedure to reset the front panel LCD display if unreadable characters appear.
- HV Fuse Replacement: Instructions for replacing the high voltage fuse if the HV power supply is enabled but no RF pulse output is present. Specific fuse types (GBB-8-R or GBB-10-R) are required based on the model.
- Line Fuse Replacement: Instructions for replacing the AC mains line fuse if the unit does not turn on. Specific fuse types (5A 250V or 2.5A 250V) are required based on the input voltage.
- Cleaning: The instrument enclosure can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Disconnect from AC power before cleaning.
- No User Serviceable Parts: The RPR-4000 contains no user-serviceable parts inside. Service and repair must be performed by Ritec or an authorized representative.
- Warranty: One-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
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