An 8K Pulse Height Analyzer and Multi-Channel Scaler with the USB, Ethernet and Wireless Interfaces Featuring Internal Backup File System

Abstract

In this paper we present new enhanced 8K-channel analyzer designed for spectroscopy and intensity versus time measurements. The presented device incorporates three types of interfaces with the host. These are: primary USB interface, Ethernet interface and wireless radio interface. Wireless connection needs additional USB dongle - the USB dongle is used for program authorization as well. The analyzer can also work autonomously without any interface connected. The device hardware is mounted in a separate screened box and can be powered either directly from the USB port or from an external DC source (wall adapter or battery). It may operate in either of two independent operational modes: Multi Channel Analysis (MCA) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS). The most crucial component for the device analog chain — the Peak Detect and Hold circuit - is featuring a novel architecture based on a diamond transistor. The device functionality includes automatic stop on a programmable count in the Region-Of-Interest (ROI) and on preset live or real time. Also starting and finishing the measurement based on universal time is possible. The MCS mode works at medium counting rates of up to 8 MHz. The dwell time, the number of channels and single or multi-sweep mode may be preset. Each of these parameters can also be controlled externally via four user configurable logical I/O lines. A single Altera CYCLONE III FPGA provides all control functions and incorporates build-in 8051 microcontroller core. Internal backup file system (Flash Memory) allows saving up to 21 spectra and organizing automatic session with many individual measurements in chain. Advanced and user-friendly software has been developed for the analyzer on Windows and Linux Platforms.