MLA-3
Multifrequency lockin amplifier
The MLA™ embodies a new approach to measuring both linear and nonlinear systems. With 80MHz of bandwidth, 6 outputs, 4 inputs, and 6 triggers, all synchronized to one clock, the MLA covers a wide range of applications. It can function as an arbitrary waveform generator, oscilloscope, frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, as well as a 32 frequency lockin amplifier. The MLA™ is multi-frequency, multi-port and multi-purpose.
    Features include:
  • 80 MHz analog bandwidth
  • 4 input and 2 output ports
  • 32 generators and demodulators
  • Powerful graphical software and Python API
  • Multiple modes of operation:
    • 32 frequency lock-in
    • Coherent signal synthesis and sampling
    • Oscilloscope
    • Arb. waveform generator
    Applications include:
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
  • Nonlinear systems analysis
  • Test and measurement
  • Physics research
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Multi-frequency

Excite and measure response amplitude and phase at 32 frequencies

Multi-channel

Multiple parallell inputs and outputs, all fully differential

Multi-purpose

Perfect for both linear and nonlinear system analysis

  • Vivace and the MLA are designed with programming at their center. This makes creating an adaptable measuring procedure incredibly easy. On top of that, IMP is quick to respond to any questions and they are continuously adding new features. Their products have been a great addition to our labs.

    • Ioan Ignat, PhD student, TU Wien, Austria

Connections

  • 4 signal inputs (2x DC - 80 MHz, 2x DC - 16 MHz)
  • 2 signal outputs (DC - 80 MHz)
  • 4 auxilliary outputs (DC - 100 kHz)
  • 3 digital inputs / triggers
  • 3 digital outputs / triggers
  • Gbit Ethernet connection for control / data transfer
  • 10 MHz clock reference input and output

Multifrequency measurement

A nonlinear system will generate response at harmonics (integer multiples of the drive frequencies) and intermodulation products (integer linear combinations of the drive frequencies). With appropriate choice of the drive frequencies we can generate many intermodulation products near a resonance, or in some frequency band where the response can be detected with good signal-to-noise ratio. By carefully tuning of the multiple drive frequencies, the MLA™ can lock in on response at intermodulation products, or mixing products of many drive tones.

Flexible - to fit your experiment

The graphical user interface (GUI) has a built in Python scripting panel so you can directly access the application programming interface (API), inside the GUI. The GUI is simple to use and suitable to many different kinds of measurements. With the well-writen user manual containing numerous example programs and complete documentation of the API, you can make your measurement software do amazing things!

Examples include:

  • Measure transfer functions.
  • Lockin on harmonics, intermodulation products.
  • Rapidly monitor broad band response.
  • Triggered and doubly triggered lockin-measurements.
  • Arbitrary biasing with precision timing.
  • Frequency domain multiplexing.
  • Event counting during measurement.
  • and many more.....

Not only multiple lockins in one box

The MLA™ is highly configurable digital measurement instrument with 4 input, 2 output, 4 analog-out and 6 trigger ports -- all synchronous to one very stable clock. When operated as a lockin, the MLA calculates in real time, the system response at 32 user-defined frequencies. It can also stream optimally down-sampled time-domian data directly to the computer. Because the drive waveform is carefully tuned to the sampling frequency, a Fast Fourier Transform reveals the entire response spectrum with no Fourier leakage in the spectrum. A versatile graphical user interface (GUI) has functionality for arbitrary waveform generator, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, frequency counter, and more.

Screen shot of the MLA Graphical User Interface. Each tone can be individually controlled, or a scripting interface in the GUI is used for advanced construction of frequency combs.