The output voltage is continuously adjustable from zero to full scale with a calibrated and locking 5-turn dial. Separate outputs are provided for the 0–5 kV and the 0–500 V ranges. A 10-segment bar-graph indicator verifies that the selected voltage is being supplied at the output.
Security against accidentally changing the output polarity to the wrong state is ensured by two features. The selected output polarity is indicated by front-panel LEDs whenever the NIM bin power is turned on. Thus, the correct polarity can be verified before the HV ON/OFF switch is used to turn on the bias voltage to the detector. In addition, the side panel must be removed in order to alter the output polarity. This discourages unintentional changes.
The Model 659 includes a remote shutdown feature to protect the preamplifier FET against damage when a cooled germanium or Si(Li) detector warms up. A BIAS SHUTDOWN input that is compatible with the standard warmup sensor output on ORTEC preamplifiers is provided. When the preamplifier signals a warmup condition, the Model 659 shuts off the bias voltage and turns on a SHUT-DOWN indicator light. The bias voltage remains off, independent of the signal from the preamplifier warmup sensor, until the shutdown mode is manually cancelled by pressing the RESET pushbutton. This protects the preamplifier FET if the detector is cooling down with the HV ON/OFF switch accidentally left on. For further protection against operator error in the ORTEC shutdown mode, the bias shutdown input interprets a disconnected cable or a shorted cable as a warm detector, and responds by turning off the bias voltage. Some detector manufacturers provide a TTL logic level output from their detector warmup sensor. A board-mounted jumper in the Model 659 can be moved to the TTL position to make the bias shutdown input compatible with detectors supplying a TTL output. It is also possible to disable the bias shutdown feature by moving the board jumper to the BYPASS position. The Model 659 is shipped from the factory in the ORTEC mode.
Both high voltage outputs are protected against overload. When the bias supply senses an excessive output current demand, it turns on the overload light and reduces the output voltage until the output current is within tolerable limits. Recovery from overload is automatic when the excessive current demand is eliminated.