The Zurich Instruments HF2LI is a digital lock-in amplifier covering the frequency range between DC and 50 MHz. It is the instrument of choice for the characterization of MEMS devices such as gyroscopes and for measurements in the area of microfluidics. The HF2LI is equipped with the Zurich Instruments control software LabOne, which provides a web-based user interface featuring a spectrum analyzer, a sweeper and a basic oscilloscope, among others. A number of upgrade options can extend the functionality of the HF2LI to adapt to different applications. Furthermore, combining the HF2LI with the HF2TA Current Amplifier enables direct current readout.
50 MHz Lock-in Amplifier
Key Features
- DC - 50 MHz, 210 MSa/s
- 2 independent lock-in units, 2 signal generators
- 1 fundamental and 2 harmonics per lock-in unit
- 4 auxiliary outputs, 2 auxiliary inputs
- USB 2.0, 480 Mbit/s
- LabOne® toolset including Scope, Sweeper, and Spectrum Analyzer
Price
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- Introduction
- Applications
- Multi-Device Synchronization
- Functional Description
- Specifications
- Resources
- Sensing and actuation: MEMS gyroscopes, accelerometers
- Microfluidics
- Non-linear imaging: CARS, SRS, Terahertz, etc.
- Laser spectroscopy
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM)
- Nondestructive testing
- Medical technology
With multi-device synchronization (MDS) it is possible to operate multiple HF2LIs as a single multi-channel device:
- Operate all instruments from a single LabOne user interface and LabOne API.
- Lock in phase all instrument clocks and oscillators (stable phase relationship).
- Synchronize time stamps and sampling rates for automatic alignment of measurement data.
Read more about MDS here.
High-precision inputs
The 2 input paths of the HF2LI are optimized for low noise operation. The sampling rate of 210 MSa/s is 4 times the analog bandwidth to ensure full capture of the signal and avoid aliasing.
Signal outputs
The HF2LI generates 2 high-frequency outputs as a linear combination of up to 6 sinusoids in the range from DC to 50 MHz. The amplitude, frequency, and phase shift can be set for each component with the HF2LI-MF Multi-Frequency option.
Demodulators and filters
The HF2LI provides 6 dual-phase demodulators. Each demodulator can be configured with its own filter properties including the time constant (from 1 μs to 500 s, corresponding to signal bandwidths from 80 μHz to 200 kHz) and the filter order (from 1st to 8th). The filters are implemented in a 128-bit digital architecture. The advantages over traditional analog instruments are a higher dynamic reserve, zero drift, precise phase shifts, and orthogonality.
Integrated toolset
An integrated oscilloscope with memory for 2048 samples provides direct signal-vs-time and spectral views of the input signal. An overview of the incoming and the generated signals is available at any time, making it possible to find the right settings quickly. A frequency response analyzer provides precise signal-vs-frequency plots. The FFT Spectrum Analyzer delivers a high-resolution spectral view of the signals demodulated by the instrument.
Lock-in operating modes
Internal reference mode | Single and dual lock-in |
External reference mode | Single and dual lock-in |
Auto reference mode | Single and dual lock-in |
Dual-harmonic mode | 1 fundamental + 2 harmonics (simultaneous) |
Multi-harmonic mode | 1 fundamental + 5 harmonics (simultaneous), with HF2LI-MF |
Arbitrary frequency mode | 6 frequencies, with HF2LI-MF |
HF analog input
Frequency range | DC - 50 MHz |
Input impedance | 50 Ω or 1 MΩ || 20 pF |
Input noise voltage | 5 nV/√Hz (above 10 kHz) |
Dynamic reserve | 120 dB |
Input range | ±3.3 V |
Input AC range | ±1.5 V (with DC coupling) |
Input full range sensitivity | 1 nV to 1.5 V |
A/D conversion | 14 bits, 210 MSa/s |
HF analog output
Frequency range | DC - 50 MHz |
Output ranges | ±10 mV, ±100 mV, ±1 V, ±10 V |
Signal adder | ±10 V, DC to 50 MHz bandwidth |
D/A conversion | 16 bits, 210 MSa/s |
Demodulator and reference
Number of demodulators | 6 dual-phase |
Output sample rate | On USB: up to 460 kSa/s On auxiliary outputs: 1 MSa/s |
Filter time constant | 1 µs - 500 s |
Filter bandwidth | 83 µHz - 200 kHz |
Filter slope | 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 dB/Oct |
X, Y, R, Theta | 64-bit full range |
Reference frequency resolution | 0.7 µHz |
Reference phase angle resolution | 1.0 µ° |
Scope
Input channels | Signal inputs, signal outputs |
Scope modes | Time domain, frequency domain (FFT) |
Number of display channels | 1 |
Trigger channels | Signal inputs, signal outputs, oscillator phases, DIOs |
Trigger modes | Edge |
Sampling rates | 6.4 kSa/s to 210 Msa/s |
Vertical resolution | 14 bits |
Maximum number of samples per shot | 2048 |
Bandwidth limit mode, vertical resolution increase | Sample decimation, averaging |
Cursor math | Location, area, wave, peak, tracking, histogram |
Spectrum Analyzer
Center frequency range | 0 - 50 MHz |
Spectrum modes | FFT(X+iY), FFT(R), FFT(Θ), FFT(f) and FFT((dΘ/dt)/2π) |
Statistical options | Amplitude, spectral density, power |
Averaging modes | None, exponential moving average |
Maximum number of samples per spectrum | 8.4 MSa |
Maximum span | 460 kHz |
Window functions | Rectangular, Hann, Hamming, Blackman Harris |
Cursor math | Location, area, wave, peak, tracking, histogram |
Sweeper
Scan parameters | Oscillator frequency, demodulator phase shift, auxiliary offset, signal output amplitudes, etc. |
Parameter sweep ranges | Full range, linear, logarithmic |
Parameter sweep resolution | Arbitrary, defined by start/stop value, number of sweep points |
Display parameters | Demodulator output (X, Y, R, Θ, f), auxiliary input |
Display options | Single plot, dual plot (e.g., Bode plot), multi-trace |
Statistical options | Amplitude, spectral density, power |
Preset measurement modes | Parameter sweep, noise amplitude measurement, frequency response analyzer, 3-omega-sweep |
Auxiliary signals
High-speed outputs | 4 channels, ±10 V, amplitude, phase, frequency, X/Y, or user-defined |
D/A converter | 16 bits, 1 MSa/s |
D/A analog bandwidth | 200 kHz |
High-speed inputs | 2 channels, ±10 V |
A/D converter | 16 bits, 400 kSa/s |
A/D analog bandwidth | 100 kHz |
Other interfaces
Host connection | USB 2.0, 480 Mbit/s |
Pre-amplifier control bus | ZCtrl proprietary bus to control external pre-amplifiers |
Synchronization bus | ZSync proprietary bus to locally interconnect ZI instruments |
Digital I/O | 32 bits, general purpose |
General
Dimensions | 45 x 35 x 10 cm (19" rack) |
Weight | 6.2 kg |
Power supply | 110-120 V, 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
Operating temperature | +5 °C to +40 °C |
Operating environment | IEC61010, indoor location, installation category II, pollution degree 2 |
Operating altitude | Up to 2000 m |
Internal oscillator output | Sine, ±1 V, 10 MHz |
Internal oscillator initial accuracy | ±1.5 ppm |
Internal oscillator temperature coefficient | 0.05 ppm/C |