.. |MLA (TM)| unicode:: MLA U+2122

..  _mla2-label:


Connections MLA-2
+++++++++++++++++

The connections for the generation-2 |MLA (TM)| are described below.  Some generation-2 |MLA (TM)| have a clean front side without any BNC connectors, and in that case the necessary connections to the host AFM are contained in a composite **AUX** connector on the back side of the |MLA (TM)|.

**Front-side connections**

\  

.. figure:: figures/mla_front_side.png
   :align: center


* ``TRIG IN 1`` and ``TRIG IN 2`` are input trigger ports. In a standard configuration these are configured to receive End-of-Line (EOL) and End-of-Frame (EOF) trigger signals respectively.

* ``IN 1`` and ``IN 2`` are fast inputs which can operate at a maximum of 250 Msam/sec.  The exact speed of these ports can be configured from the software.  The frequencies analyzed at these inputs are set by your firmware configuration.

* ``IN 3`` and ``IN 4`` operate at a maximum of 62.5 Msam/sec.  The exact speed of these ports can be configured from the software.  The frequencies analyzed at these inputs are set by your firmware configuration.

* ``OUT 1`` and ``OUT 2`` are fast output ports.  The user can specify at run-time which drive frequencies are sent to which output ports. 

* ``OUT A`` , ``OUT B`` and ``OUT C`` are three slow output ports run-time controllable by the user, combined speed is 800 kSam/sec. A standard configuration uses ``OUT A`` for AFM feedback.



**Back-side connections**

\  

.. figure:: figures/mla_back_side.png
   :align: center


* ``POWER`` is supplied to the |MLA (TM)| via an external power supply.  Use only the power supply delivered from **Intermodulation Products**.  Using any other supply voids the warranty.

* ``SIGNAL GROUND`` gives external access to the grounding point for all input signals.

* ``RF CLOCK IN`` and ``RF CLOCK OUT`` connections are used for synchronizing the internal clock of the |MLA (TM)| with the clock of some other piece of measurement equipment. They receive and send respectively, a 10MHz square waveform, AC-coupled, voltage range 2 Vpp. Other frequencies and voltage levels can be configured from the software. These ports are designed to connect to a 50 Ohm matching impedance and signal distortions may occur if the receiving or sending connection is not 50 Ohm on the other end.

* ``ETHERNET`` The |MLA (TM)| communicates with the computer via the Ethernet connection. The |MLA (TM)| may be directly connected to the Ethernet connection on the computer, or it may be be put behind an Ethernet router, switch or gateway.

* ``TRIG OUT 1`` and ``TRIG OUT 2`` send trigger signals from |MLA (TM)| to an external device.  If your version of the |MLA (TM)| does not have front-side connections, these ports will be labeled ``TRIG IN 1`` and ``TRIG IN 2`` and they receive End-of-Line (EOL) and End-of-Frame (EOF) trigger signals respectively from the host AFM. 

* ``AUX`` is used for a composite cable connection and it may be empty if your version of the |MLA (TM)| has front-side connections.  If your version of the |MLA (TM)| does not have front-side connections, this port is used for a composite cable connection to the host AFM.  A typical configuration uses an 8-channel DVI connector which connects to a Signal Access Module (SAM), for example for the Bruker Nanoscope V controller (Icon and FastScan SPMs).   The DVI cable contains to the necessary input and output ports, which are otherwise accessible on the front-sided connections.