High-performance Integrated Broadband NMR Spectrometer 

 

At a Glance

• Compact pulsed NMR spectrometer integrated into a 2U rack-mount system
• Single RF channel with quadrature detection
• Ultra-wide 3–800 MHz operating bandwidth
• 10 ns minimum RF pulse width (10 ns resolution)
• High-speed GUI-based pulse sequencer
• Precision Dual-port 125 MSPS, 14-bit ADC
• Highly affordable advanced spectrometer for NMR/NQR applications
• Field-tested design and reliability for over 25 years

Overview

The MAGRes H¹ (CORe+) is the primary engine of the MAGRes H¹ system—an ultra-wideband, single-channel NMR spectrometer engineered for demanding condensed-matter low-temperature research.

Its homodyne RF module delivers noise-tolerant operation with no blind spots across the 3–800 MHz band, ideal for performing wide frequency sweeps. The built-in AD9914-based DDS frequency synthesizer provides jitter-free output up to 1 GHz with precise frequency, amplitude and phase control for advanced pulse techniques.

The gated RF transmitter features a 5 ns switching time, with fully programmable amplitude and pulse widths. Using the integrated GUI, users can design pulses and full sequences with timing delays as short as 10 ns all at 10 ns resolution.

The actively gated receiver protects the front end during transmit cycles and minimizes amplifier saturation. Signals are quadrature-detected with a 3 MHz baseband bandwidth, digitized by a high-speed ADC subsystem, for accurate low-noise capture and high fidelity.

Software Features

MAGRes systems include a free software license (MAGRes UI) with lifetime upgrades (Windows® only). This software is used by a large number of researchers worldwide for post data-processing and analysis and is available as free download. The MAGRes UI software suite provides complete instrument control including:

• Pulse sequencing, editing, and real-time control
• Automated data acquisition
• Data reduction and analysis
• Magnet and cryogenic temperature control
• Automatic RF tuning & gain calibration
• Remote sample rotation
• MagSCRiPT™ scripting environment
• Built-in Periodic Table of NMR Properties with calculators
• Autotune motor controller integration
• Comprehensive modeling, simulation, and visualization tools

Technical Capabilities and Integration

Advanced Pulse Sequencer

The MAGRes H1 includes a next-generation algorithmic pulse sequencer built around a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, offering:

• Complex sequences with loops, branches, and subroutines
• Variable delays from 10 ns to 22 years per microstep
• High-precision 10 ns resolution across all events
• Up to 16,384 programmable events
• Internal or external trigger options

The integrated GUI allows for a maximum of 429s per event. Longer delays can be implemented using loop structures, allowing maximum flexibility while conserving FPGA memory.

The GUI provides a fast, intuitive interface for building sophisticated pulse programs without coding, with a clear, drag-and-configure interaction for efficient sequence development. Full scripting is also available for advanced users.

 

Integrated Frequency Synthesizer

MAGRes H1 utilizes a versatile programmable DDS Synthesizer for jitter-free frequency generation based on Analog Devices AD9914.

• 100kHz – 1GHz frequency range
• High-stability 2GHz TXCO clock reference
• Programmable amplitude and phase
• 12-bit front-end DAC
• Superfast 5us frequency switching time

System Architecture & Compatibility

MAGRes H¹ (CORe+)’s RF generation, detection, and pulse-control subsystems are implemented on standard PCIe modules housed within a standard 19” 2U rack-mount server for space-saving, easy servicing and modular upgrades.

Additional features include:

• Firmware updates via PCIe or USB
• Industry-standard, user-upgradeable motherboard
• Comprehensive documentation, including online help and a full PDF User Guide covering installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

 

Specifications

 

Computer*

• Processor: Intel Core i9-12900K, Windows 11, 12th Gen, 3.2 GHz
• Memory: 32 GB
• Storage: 2 TB M.2 2280 SSD
• Form Factor: 2U rack-mount server

 

RF Receiver & Transmitter

• Model: MAGRes2000 Integrated RF Module (piggy-back)
• Detection: Full phase-sensitive quadrature
• Transmitter Output: –64 to –0.5 dBm (13 dBm input; manual + software control)
• Receiver Gain: –11.5 dB to +52 dB (2.7 dB noise figure)
• Frequency Range: 3–800 MHz

 

Frequency Synthesizer

• Type: DDS-based MAGRes M9914
• Frequency Range: 100 kHz – 1 GHz, 12-bit DAC
• Phase Control: Full 360° range, 0.0056° resolution
• Amplitude: –30 dBm to +16 dBm
• Clock Reference: 2 GHz TCXO
• Reference Stability: ±20 ppm (−40°C to +85°C)
• Phase Noise: –128 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz offset
• Jitter: 50–65 fs @ 1 GHz
• Frequency Switching: 5 µs (software), 0.5 ns (profile mode)

 

Programmable Pulse Sequencer

• Model: MAGRes MRDIO 100M–16K PCIe x1
• Output Ports: 32
• Trigger: Software (external trigger configurable)
• Minimum Delay: 10 ns
• Maximum Delay: 22 years
• Programmable Steps: 16,384

 

Analog-to-Digital Converter

• Model: ATS9146 PCIe x1
• Channels: 2 (dual-port)
• Resolution: 14-bit
• Sampling Rate: Up to 125 MSPS (8 ns dwell)
• Input Range: 20 mV – 10 V

 

*Note: All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact us for latest information.