Best way to pulse a constant microcurrent square wave signal?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around generating a constant microcurrent square wave signal, specifically a 100 µA square wave at 10 Hz with a pulse width of 50 ms. Participants explore various methods to achieve this, including the use of electronic timer relays, solid state relays, and microcontrollers like Arduino and Picaxe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of having a constant current square wave, suggesting that the current must vary to create a square wave.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on how the waveform is produced and what voltage source powers it.
  • Some participants inquire about the design of the current source and the load it will drive, indicating a need for more context.
  • There is a suggestion to consider starting from scratch versus modifying the existing setup, with a mention of exploring Arduino microcontrollers.
  • A participant emphasizes the need for more detailed information about the project to provide meaningful assistance.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the characteristics of a 10 Hz square wave, noting that a 50% duty cycle corresponds to a 100 ms period with a 50 ms positive pulse width.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the square wave and the methods to generate it. There is no consensus on the best approach, and the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided complete details about the current source design or the specific application, which may limit the effectiveness of the suggestions offered.

di_rosa
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I have a constant 100 uA square wave DC 10Hz signal that needs to have a pulse width of 50ms. I was reading up on using an electronic timer relay (recycle type) or a solid state relay controlled via PWM. I need some help choosing which route to take, or if there are better/easier ways to accomplish this. Just a push in the right direction would be appreciated :)

Thanks
 
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I don't think you can have a constant current square wave. It has to vary to be a square wave.

Do you know how this waveform is produced? If so, do you know what voltage source powers it?

Have you used Arduino or Picaxe microcontrollers?
 
There are many ways to do it …
di_rosa said:
I have a constant 100 uA square wave DC 10Hz signal that needs to have a pulse width of 50ms.
If you already have it, why the question? Have you designed the current source yet?
What load will it be driving?
 
I am trying to pulse the output signal of a device I am working with.

Would it be easier to start from scratch versus modify the existing?

I started looking into Arduino microcontrollers recently, but not Picaxe. I'll read up.
 
You really need to give some more details.

We are largely guessing at what you are doing and what you want.

Some of us have limited attention spans when it comes to guessing games, so if you could explain in detail what you are trying to do and why you are doing it and do this in your next post, that would be good.

As Baluncore pointed out, a 10 Hz 50% duty cycle square wave has a period of 100 mS and a positive pulse width of 50 mS.
This is what you asked for.
 

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