APP-4SDD Data acquisition software

APP-4SDD
Data acquisition software

Operation Manual
Ver.2 Nov. 2016

TECHNOAP CO., LTD.

Table of contents

1. Safety precautions, disclaimer........................................................................................................................................................

2. General description............................................................................................................................................................................
3. Software 5
3.1. CH tab......................................................................................................................................................8
3.2. Config tab .............................................................................................................................................10
3.3. Histogram tab......................................................................................................................................13
4. Preparation and arrangement .........................................................................................................................................................
4.1. Flow of measurement .......................................................................................................................17
4.2. Adjustment of digital parameter.....................................................................................................23
4.3. Signal processing by externa, input terminal .............................................................................28
4.4 Calculation method of Half width FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum)...............................30
5. Measurement.......................................................................................................................................................................................
5.1. Initializing set.......................................................................................................................................31
5.2. Start measurement ............................................................................................................................31
5.3. Measurement stops...........................................................................................................................32
6. Finish 32
6.1. Software finish ....................................................................................................................................32
7. File 33
7.1. Histogram data file .............................................................................................................................33
7.2. List mode data file ...........................................................................................................................35
8. Miscellaneous......................................................................................................................................................................................
8.1. Software installation ..........................................................................................................................37
8.2. When failed to initialize .....................................................................................................................37

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1. Safety precautions, disclaimer

We thank you for your purchase of data acquisition software APP-4SDD (hereinafter referred to
as “this software” or “APP-4SDD”) for Digital Spectrometer Model: APV8004X (hereinafter referred
to as “this apparatus”) of TechnoAP (hereinafter referred to as our company). Prior to use this
apparatus and this software, peruse this safety precautions, disclaimer and keep the contents to use
correctly.

Even if the accident caused by using this apparatus and software, we are not able to take any
responsibility for the damages of apparatus, detector, peripheral devices, abnormality of software,
breakage and other damages including secondary damages.

Prohibited matters
This apparatus cannot be used for the purpose required special responsibility and quality related
to human life, and accident.
This cannot be used at the places with high temperature, high humidity, and place subject to
vibration.
Do not give strong shock or vibration to the apparatus.
Do not disassemble or modify the apparatus.
Do not wet this apparatus with water or condensation. Also do not operate this apparatus with
wet hands.
Stop operation immediately when iheat generation, deformation, discoloration, abnormal odor
occurs and call local suppliers.

Cautions
The operative temperature of this apparatus is room temperature without condensation.
Turn power off immediately in the event of smaoke or abnormal heat generation.
This is highly precise electronic appliance. Keep an eye on static electricity.
Do not use this apparatus in vicinity of strong wave generating devices, such as mobile phone,
transceiver.
Under the circumstance of full electric noise, it may occur mal function.
Specifications of this apparatus and the contents of related documents may be revised without
preliminary notice.

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2. General description

This is the data acquisition software for this apparatus. This apparatus is a 4-channel digital
spectrometer and is a multi-channel analyzer (MCA) equipped with real-time digital signal
processing function (DSP). The waveform shaping process by the analog circuit becomes
unnecessary. The signal from the preamplifier is converted directly to digital by using the very fast
A/D converter, and by the FPGA pipeline architecture, real-time trapezoid filter processed. This
provides excellent energy resolution and time resolution, and it has excellent stability even at high
counting rate, over 100 kcps.

Connect this apparatus with PC using a LAN cable and using this software it becomes possible to
setting of parameters anddata loading, analysis and acquisition of measured data.

This explains how to handle this apparatus and this software.

*The contents of this document may be revised without preliminary notice.

Revision history
December 2016, Ver. 1 Fisrt edition

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3. Software

*As for installation of software, refer to Chapter 8.1 software installation.

Fig. 1 Starting up screen

Menu
Consists of File, Edit, Config, Clear, Start and Stop

File-open config: Loading of setting file

File-open histogram: Loading of histogram data file
File-save config: Saves current setting to file
File-save histogram: Saves current histogram data in CSV format file
File-save image: Saves capture image of the screen in PNG format file
File-quit: Quit of this software
Edit-copy setting of CH1: Copies setting of CH1 to settings after CH2.
Edit-IP configuration: Setting of IP address, subnet mask and default gateway
Config: Transmits all setting to this apparfatus
Clear: Initialize histogram data and real time
Start: Start of measurement
Stop: Stop of measurement

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Tab
Consists of CH, config and histogram

CH: Setting related to CH of DSP of this apparatus

config: Setting related to measurement operation and measurement time of this apparatus
histogram: Setting related to ROI (Region Of Interest) and energy calibrtation

Another item on tab

Displays staus information of the system

Module: Used to select the control target device when using plural number of this apparatus
IP address: IP address of this apparatus
Memo: Text box. Use for measurement data management
acq.LED: Flashes while measuring
saveLED: Gets lit on while saving data
errorLED: Gets lit on when an error occurs
mode: Mode. Displays mode setting status.
measurement mode: Measurement mode. Displays either “real time” or “live time”.
measurement time: Measurement time which has been set
real time: Real time (Actual measurement time)
quick scan meas count: Number of loading time of quick scan measurement data

CH: Displays count rate during measurement and so on

input total count: Toptal count. Number of even with input
throughput count: Throughput count. Number of times of processed for input
input count rate(cps): count rate. Number of even with input per second
throughput count(cps): Throughput count rate. Number of times processed for input per
second.
pile-up rate(cps): Pile up count rate. Number of pile-up count per second
dead time ratio(%): dead time ratio (%)

ROI: Displays calculation results between ROI

peak(ch): Ch of maximum count
centroid(ch): Center value (ch.) calculated from gross value of count
peak(count): Maximum count
gross(count): Gross value of count between ROI
gross(cps): Gross value of count between ROI in a second

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net(count): Gross value of count deducting background between ROI
net(cps): Gross value of count deducting background between ROI in a second
FWMH(ch): Full width at Half Maximum (ch.)
FWHM(%): Full width at Half Maximum ÷ ROI swet energy × 100 (%)
FWHM(optional unit): Full width at Half Maximum. Refer to chapter 4.4 Calculation method of
4.4 Calculation method of Full Width Half Maximum. Unit depends on the state of energy
calibration.
FWTM(Optional unit): 1/10 width. While FWHM is the half position of the peak, this is 1/10
width (footpath of peak) from the peak. Unit depends on the state of energy calibration.

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3.1. CH tab

Fig. 2 CH tab

ON: CH usable or not. Use this apparatus with CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 is ON.
ADC gain: Gain of ADC. Select from 8192, 4096, 2048, 1024, 512, 256 channel (ch) as default.
analog coarse gain: Course gain of this instrument analog circuit. select from x5, x10, x20 as
default.
fast trigger threshold: Set the threshold of time information acquisition timing using FAST type filter.
Unit is digit. The setting range is 0 - 4095. While looking at "input total rate (cps)" rate, set it a few
digits higher than the boundary of the noise level where the number increases extremely. The
default setting is 200 digits.
Slow rise time (ns): Set rise time of SLOW filter. The default setting is 500 ns (corresponding to the
shaping time of analog amplifier of 0.25 μ)
slow flat top time(ns): Set flat top time of SLOW filter. Default is 100 mns.
slow pole zero: Set pole zero cancel of SLOW. Default is 115.
slow threshold: Set threshold of timing of start of waveform acuisition using SLOW filter. Unit is digit.
Setting range is 0 - 8191. Set it lower than LLD. While watching “throughput rate(cps)”, set it
several digit higher than boundary of noise level where the number increases extremely. Default is
150 digits.

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LLD: Set energy LLD (Lower Level Discriminator). Unit is ch. ch lower than this threshold is counted.
Set it greater than LOLD and smaller than ULD.
ULD: Set energy ULD (Upper Level Discriminator). Unit is ch.ch higher than this threshold is not
countged. Set it greater than LLD and smaller thajn ADC gain.
digital coarse gain: Digital coarse gain. Select from x1, x2, x4, (default)x8, x16, x32, x64, x128.
digital fine gain: Digital fine gain. Setting range is x0.3333 ～ x1.
inhibit witdth (μs): Set internally the time width of the inhibit signal for the transistor reset
preamplifier. The setting range is 0 to 163 μs. The default is 15 μ sec.
DAC monitor: Select DAC monitor output waveform. By watching DAC output signal on an
oscilloscope, the processing state inside the DSP can be confirmed with an analog waveform. (Full
scale ± 2 V @ 1 MΩ load in combination with polarity)
Preamp: preamplifier signal
Fast: FAST type filter signal
Slow: SLOW type filter signal
CFD: CFD signal

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3.2. Config tab

Fig. 3 config. Tab

”DSP” in config. tab

This is a setting related to DSP operation.

Mode
Select following modes
“histogram”: Histogram mode stores wave height value of preamplifier in max. 8192 ch and creates
histogram.
“list”: List mode transmits data continuously to PC setting time stamp, crest value and ch number as
one event data.

measurement mode
Select either “real time” or “live time” as a measurement mode.
“real time”: Measures prfeliminary set time data
“live time”: Measures until valid measuring time (difference between real time and dead time)
becomes preliminary set time.

Clock
Select clock source from either “internal” or “external”.

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“internal”: Uses internal clock.
“external”: Uses external clock. When using plural number of DSP product, this is used to
synchronize.

NOTE: When using “external”, it is required to supply clock signal of TTL level 25 MHz to LEMO
connector of DSP product.
measurement time: Measurement time set. Setting range is 00:00:00～24:00:00.
number of CH: Number of effective CH of DSP. Set suitable CH number for the equipment.
FIFO read count: FIFO read out count. Number of data which can be read out from internal FIFO
memory. Select from 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. Default is 200. It is more efficient to read it
collectively as the maximum 200 at high count rate. Lower the setting at low count rate so that it can
be read with less number.
* It may be unimplemented depending on the equipment configuration

list transfer length: Transmit data length in list mode. Unit is Byte. Select from 10, 20, 50, 100, 200,
500, 1000, 2000, 10000, and 20000 bytes. When the event data is accumulated for the setting data
length on the DSP side, it becomes readable on the PC side. For high count rate, set it to 20000 bytes
enabling PC side to receive many events. Lower the setting at the low count rate so that events with
less number can be received.
* It may be unimplemented depending on the equipment configuration.

“file” in “config”
This is a setting related to measurement.
histogram save: At the emd of measurement, this saves histogram data in file. File storing
destination is the format mentioned later.
histogram continuous save: Set whether histogram data is to be saved in a file consecutively at
set time intervals. It is effective only when "histogram" is selected in DSP part "mode".
histogram file path: Set absolute path of histogram data file. No extention is also allowed.

NOTE: This is not stored under this file name, but it will be following format based on this file name.

Example: Set “C: ¥Data¥histogram.csv" in "histogram file path", and "10" in "histogram file save time
(sec)", and in case time is 2010/09/01 12:00:00, it starts data saving under file name of "C: ¥ Data
¥ histogram_20100901_120000.csv".
It saves in the file "C: ¥ Data ¥ histogram_20100901_120010.csv" in 10 seconds.
* The above "120010" may be "120009" or "120011".

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histogram files save time(sec): Set the time interval of consecutive saving of histogram data. The
unit is seconds. The setting range is from 5 seconds to 3600 seconds.
list save: Decide whether tob save list data in the file or not. This is valid only when “list” or “coinc list”
or “rise wave”is selected in “mode” of DSP.
list file path: Set absolute path of list data file. Without extention is also OK.

NOTE: Instead of being saved under this file name, a number beginning with "file number" explained
below will be added between the filename and the extension with zero filling and 6 digits based on
this file.

Example: In case setting ”C:¥Data¥list.bin” in “list file path” and “0” in “list file number”, it start to save
under file name of “C: :¥Data¥list 000000.bin”
list file number: Set start number of the number added to the list data file with the ranges between 0
and 999999. When exceeds this amount it is reset.
file name: Displays file name to be saved under the current setting.
list file size (Byte): Set maximum file size of list data file.
If this size is exceeded during saving the list data, this closes the file and continues saving the data
with a new file name with "list file number" incremented by 1. "File size (Byte)" located on the right
side of the setting shows the size of the file currently being saved

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3.3. Histogram tab

Fig. 4 histogram tab

Graph: Histogram graph. Displays histogram during measurfement of “histogram” at “config” tab.
Legent check box: Decide to display histogram per each CH in graph or not
ROI CH: Select the CH number to correspond to ROI (Region Of Interest). Up to 8 ROI can be set
per CH.
ROI start (ch): Sets ROI start position with unit of ch.
ROI end (ch): Sets ROI end position with unit of ch.
Energy: Defines energy value at peak position (ch). Sets in case of Mn-Kα, 5.89 (keV) and in case
of Mn-Kβ, 6.49 (keV). *When using, use values from reliable literature, etc. When selecting “ch” at
next “calibration”, it detects peak between ROIs and from the peak value (ch) and energy value, it
calculated keV/ch, and it applies to the clalculation result of half value width.
Calibration: Selects unit of X axis. According to the setting. label of X axis is changed.
Ch: Display of unit of ch. Units of “FWTM” and FWTM” in ROI are optional.
eV: eV unit display. Calculate the slope a and intercept b of the linear function y = ax + b so that ch
becomes eV by 2-point calibration of two types of peaks (center value) and energy values in one
histogram and set it on the X axis. The unit such as "FWHM" of ROI "FWTM" becomes "eV”.
keV: keV unit display. Calculate the slope a and intercept b of the linear function y = ax + b so that ch
becomes eV by 2-point calibration of two types of peaks (center value) and energy values in one

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histogram and set it on the X axis. The unit such as "FWHM" of ROI "FWTM" becomes “keV”.
Example: If 585.25 ch has 5.89 (keV) of Mn-Kα and 6.49 (keV) of Mn-Kβ at 642.14ch, it is
automatically calculated a to 10.144 and b to -23.677 from 2-point calibration.
manual: Sets slope a, intercept b and unit label of the linear function y = ax + b arbitrarily and set it
on the X axis. Set the unit optionally,
Y mapping: Select maping on Y-axis of graph. Label of Y-axis is changed according to setting.
linear: Line
log: Logrithm
smoothing: This is a smoothing function to calculate half value width in case statictics are not
enough.
X-axis range: Right click on X-axis and check “auto scale” iot goes to auto scale. When unchecked,
it will no longer be automatic scale and the minimum and maximum values on the X axis will be fixed.
To change the minimum value or maximum value, place the mouse pointer over the numerical value
to be changed and change it by clicking or double clicking
Y-axis range: Right click on Y-axis and check “auto scale” iot goes to auto scale. When unchecked,
it will no longer be automatic scale and the minimum and maximum values on the Y-axis will be fixed.
To change the minimum value or maximum value, place the mouse pointer over the numerical value
to be changed and change it by clicking or double clicking.
: This is a cursor moving tool. Cursor can be moved on the graph at setting of ROI.
: Zoom. Click it. Following 6 types of zoom-in and zoom out can be selected and executed.

（1） （2） （3）

（4） （5） （6）

Fig. 5 Graph zoom-in and zoom-out tool

(1) Square: Use this option to click a point on display at the corner of zoom sphere and drag until the
square occupies the sphere.
(2) X-Zoom: Zoom-in to graph sphere along X-axis
(3) Y-Zoom: Zoom-in to graph sphere along the Y-axis.
(4) Fit zoom: Auto-scales all X and Y scale on graph automatically
(5) Zoom-out centering the point: Click center point to zoom out
(6) Zoom-in centering the point: Clicik center point to zoom in
: Pan tool. It becomes possible to move on the graph by grabbing plot.

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4. Preparation and arrangement
4.1. Flow of measurement
Flow up to execution of measurement is as follows.

1. Connection
(1) After confirming all devices are turned off, connect in the following procedure.
1.Connect LAN connector and PC/switching hub side connector with a cable.
2.Connect MON output terminal and woscilloscope with a cable.
(2) Turn on power switch of thi9s apparatus.
(3) Connect CH input terminal and preamplifier signal on detector side with a cable.
(4) Turn PC power on.
(5) Turn on power of high voltage power module and signal source of preamplifier power
module, etc.
(6) Wait more than 10 seconds. Check that the PC and this device is connected in the following

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manner.
Default IP address of this apparatus at ex-factory is 192.168.10.128.
Check that “> ping 192.168.10.128” is carried out correctly by “command prompt”.
(7) Start uyp tyhis software “DSP MCA”.

Now connection and confirmation work of this apparatus and detector have been completed.
Go to ② setting.

2. Setting
Set as follows in “CH” tab and “config” tab. Click “config” button.

NOTE
Settings of below are just a reference setting for out SDD measurement for inspection.
Optimal setting may differ depenting on detector, preamplifier, or cirvumstance to be used.

“CH” tab
analog coarse gain: x5
ADC gain: 4096
fast threshold: 50
slow risetime (ns): 1000 *at high counting, 100 or 150
slow flattoptime (ns) 100
slow polezero: 66
slow threshold: 40
LLD: 40
ULD: 4090
digital coarse gain: x16
digital fine gain: 0.5
inhibit width (μs): 10

“config” tab
mode: hisogram
measurement time: 24:00:00 (24Hours)

3. Confirmation of analog input range

The analog input range of the ADC installed in this unit is 4 Vpp centering around the ground level of
the circuit. It is possible to confirm by this MONI terminal output of the front panel whether this range
covers the peak value of the signal corresponding to the energy band of X rays to be measured.

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 (1) Set “DAC monitor” to “preamp” from DSP-MCA application.
(2) Input a signal of energy known to analog input terminal.
(3) Check rthe signal output from MONI terminal of panel with an oscilloscope and measure
wave height of pulse.
(4) Among X-Ray energy Ex, wave height value of measured signal Vh(V) and energy range
Emax of this apparatus, following formula is built-up.
Emax＝ Ex × 2/Vh・・・・・(1
(5) For an example，input detector signal of Fluorescent X-Ray of Mn to this apparatus and in
case the pulse wave height corresponding to KαRay (5.9 keV) is 200 mV, max,. energy
range is 59 keV.
(6) By changing “analog coarse gain” in CH tab, Vh changes enabling to change energy range.

Fig. 5 Transistor reset type preamplifier output signal

Fig. 6 Preamp signal from MON output terminal

4. Setting of SLOW system filter

(1) Set “DAC monitor” in “CH” tab to “slow”.
(2) Check SLOW system shaping signal from MONITOR output terminal on the rear p-anel of

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 this apparatus with an oscilloscope.
(3) Adjust pole zero at following red circle in “slow pole zero” in “CH” tab.

Fig. 7 After adjustment

5. Confirmation of histogram
Carry out menu “Config”. Transmit all setting to this apparatus.
Carry out menu “Clear”. Clear histogram data.
Carry out “Start”. Start measurement.
Histogram is displayed at the bottom of this software. Confirm it is renewed with the time elapsing.
(Operation of ROI can be done by histogram tab)

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 Fig. 8 An example of high-resolution measurement

Fig. 9 Example of high-count rate measurement

LED flashes during measurement and “real time” and “live time” are renewed.
In “real time” mode, measurement stops when “real time” reaches “measurement time”. In “live time”
mode, measurement stops when “live time” reaches “measurement time”.
In the ROI, the spectra in the range set in "ROI start" and "ROI end" in the "calibration" tab are
sequentially calculated for the following items and the results are displayed.

“peak (ch)”: ch of the maxiu count

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“centroid (ch)”: central value calculatedc from gross total of all count
“peak (count)”: Maximum count
“gross (count)”: Gross total of dcount between ROIs
“net (count)”: Gross total of count deducting background between ROIs
“FWHM (ch)”: Half value width (ch)
“FWHM”: Half value width
“FWTM”: 1/10 width
(5) Carry out menu “Stop” for manual calculation. It stops measurement.
(6) Proceed from the procedure of (1) when re-measurement of continuing measurement with
conditions changed.

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4.2. Adjustment of digital parameter

CAUTION
In the following excplanation, there may be not X-Ray detector or preamplifier output signal is mnot
transistor reset type for conv enience.

1. FPGA
The DSP of this device is incorporated in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). FPGA is a
programmable hardware logic LSI. By programming the algorithms required for the DSP, very large
circuits are included in one chip, enabling significant space reduction. Unlike microprocessing and
DSP (IC) which process by software sequentially, the hardware logic circuit that formed a special
pipeline architecture is processed in real time, so the dead time due to DSP operation and ADC
conversion is It does not occur.

2. Trapezoidal Filter
A trapezoidal filter is used for pulse shaper by the DSP of this system. This carries out Trapezoidal
shaping of two types of fast (Fast) and slow (Slow) signals of the preamplifier. The black waveform in
the figure below is the signal of the preamplifier, the red wave form is the fast type, the blue
waveform is the slow type.

Fig. 10 Two types of signals of preamplifier processed by trapezoidal filter (fast and slow)

Fast type is for obtaining timing. To pick up rising part of preamplifier, set usually at rise time of 0.1 μs
to 0.5μs usually and provide for next pulse by recovering base line as soon as possible. When the

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fast shaper exceeds the set threshold, it detects pulse, performs pile up rejector, and detects base
line.

Slow type is the filter for measuring energy (wave height). Rise time of 0.5 μs to 16 μs can be set. In
measurements wherehigh resolution is required, setting of rise time, flattop, and pole zero are very
important.

3. Algorithm of Trapezoidal Filter

The filter block composed of the pipeline architecture calculates the delay, add/subtract, integral
required for the trapezoidal filter in synchronization with the 100 MHz clock of the ADC.

n l
FIL (n) =   DIFF r , w ( j ) + DIFF r , w (i )P
i =0 j =0

DIFF r ,w
= v( j ) − v( j − r ) − v{ j − (r + f )} − v{ j − (2r + f )}
P = (exp(CLK /τ) − 1) −1
r = risetime
f = flattoptim e
w = 2r + f = pulsewidth

4. Set value of Trapezoidal Filter

Adjustment of parameter of trapezoidal filter can be set with the same feeling with analog module by
connecting DAC monitor output from MONITOR terminal at the rfear panel.

rise time flattop time

pole zero
（Peaking time）

Fig. 11 Relationship among rise time, flat top time, and pole zero

Referring to the fast type of signal (red) and slow type signal (blue) of the below, here describe points
of setting to realize fast type and slow type trapezoidal filter process.

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 Fig. 12 Examples of wave form of respective signals

Point of setting of slow type (blue)

slow rise time: This is a rise time until reaching the upper bottom of the trapezoid. This value
influences much to the energy resolution. as same with linear amplifier, there tend to be "When it is a
short value, the resolution is bad, but the throughput gets higher," and "If it is a long value, the
resolution is good, but the throughput drops”.
As a guide for setting, since the peaking time of the linear amplifier is generally 2.0 to 2.4 × time
constant, the rise time value of about 2 times the time constant of the linear amplifier shows the
same resolution.
The throughput is, when compared with linear amplifiers, the throughput is 6.0 to 6.5 × time constant
for dead time, and DSP is as follows.

(Rise time + flattoptime) × 1.25

To set the same conditions as when the linear amplifier time constant is set to 6 μs, set the DSP rise
time to 12 μs and the flat top time to 1 μs. Although the setting of the rise time is doubled, since the
DSP becomes about half that of 16.25 μs, while the dead time is 36 μs of the linear amplifier, high
throughput can be obtained even with a long time constant.

slow flattoptime: The time width of the upper base of the trapezoid. Adjust by adjusting the length of
the upper base of the trapezoid by setting the length of the upper base of the trapezoid. Set value is
twice the rise time which is the slowest at 0 to 100% of the rise time of the preamplifier. Usually, it will
be about 0.8 μs to 1.2 μs. For large germanium detectors with large variation in rise time, it may be
set to about 1.2 μs to 2 μs. The default value is 1000 ns

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slow pole zero: The falling undershoots, and overshoot of the slow filter can be reduced by
appropriately setting this value. The default value is 120. Since it varies depending on the detector,
connect the filtered signal output from the MONITOR terminal (DAC monitor output) to the
oscilloscope and set it to the optimum value while adjusting

Example 1: Undershoot

Example 2: Overshoot

Example 3: After adjustment

5. Set values other than filter

fast trigger threshold: This set value incluences to the following 3.

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 1. Threshold of fast type filter. When exceeding this threshold this stamps time as leading-
edge timing (LET).
2. Use as a threshold of gated base line re4storer (BLR).
3. Use as a threshold of pile up rejector. This value is when the apparatus relates to the
detector and should be set as low as possible that can be distinguished from noise.

As a setting method, input a large value (about 100) to some extent and observe Input Rate.
Reduce threshold value gradually and find out the value where Input Rate becomes greater. Since
that value is the boundary between signal and noise, set it to about +3 to +10 from that value.

LLD: Set Energy LLD (Lower Level Discriminator). ch of lower than this threshold is not counted.
ULD: Set Energy ULD (Upper Level Discriminator). ch greater than this threshold is not counted.

○ × ×
ULD

LLD

Fig. 13 LLD and ULD

digital coarse gain: Select the gain digitally from x1, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32, x64, and x128. In the case
of a trapezoidal filter, the integration circuit is calculated by multiply-add operation. The larger the rise
time, the greater number of product-sum operations increases, the larger the numerical value, and
the smaller the rise time the smaller the numerical value. Since this value becomes the output of the
filter as it is, it needs to be corrected. It is used together with the setting value of the rise time
digital-fine gain: Set fine gain digitally. Range of set is 0.3333 to 1.

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4.3. Signal processing by externa, input terminal

By using the front panel LEMO connector "GATE" "CLR" "CLK", the following signal processing is
possible. When using it, TTL level signal is required. The allowable high signal level is 2 to 5 V, but
since it is optimized with the 3.3 V signal, we recommend using it at 3.3 V or less. (Signal amplitude
(pulse width) required varies depending on signal processing used).

Event data acquisitiojmn by GATE signal

To acquire the event data at the time of an event, use the front panel LEMO connector "GATE". It is
measured when it is High, and it is not measured when it is Low. The setting procedure is as follows.

1. Watch “slow” of SLOW type filter of DAC monitor output on an oscilloscope.

2. Create a GATE signal within the range where the SLOW filter is determined (a pulse width
covering from the rising edge to the falling edge of the slow signal as a guide) and input it.

slow

GATE

Event data acquisition b y VETO signal

For canceling event data at an event. use “LEMO” connector “VETO” on the front panel. This
measures when it is low, and it does not measure when it is high. Required pulse width is same with
GATE processing.

Use of external clock

It is possible to synchronize by supplying an external clock to the front panel LEMO connector "CLK".
The setting procedure is as follows.

1. Enter a TTL level 25 MHz rectangular signal (Duty ratio: 50%) externally to "CLK"
2. Change “clock” in “config” tab in DSP MCA to “external”. Before setting, do the above 1.
without fail.

Use of external CLR

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Use the LEMO connector "CLR" on the front panel to clear the measurement time and the time
information of the time stamp for measurement time and list data to zero with an external signal.
Clear when High. Enter a signal with a pulse width (high level of 50 ns or more) that allows the
system to sufficiently determine the clear input

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4.4 Calculation method of Half width FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum)

FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) in “ROI” is calculated as follows.

FWHM

fmax

P1 P3
L2 L3
fmax*1/2 L1
P2 P4

offset
ROI start ｘ1 ｘ2 ROI end

Fig. 14 FWHM calculation

1. Detect the maximum value fmax between ROI Start and ROI end in the histogram.
2. Connect the intersection of the histogram and ROI start with the intersection of the histogram and
ROI end with a straight line. Calculate the background offset by obtaining the intersection of the
straight line and the line drawn vertically from the peak value fmax to the x axis.
3. Calculate 1/2 of the part obtained by subtracting offset from fmax and draw a straight line L1
parallel to the X axis.
4. To find the two points where the histogram and L1 intersect, detect the intersecting before and
after points P1 and P2, and P3 and P4.
5. Draw a straight line L2 connecting P1 and P2, and a straight line L3 connecting P3 and P4.
6. Find the X coordinate x1 of the intersection of L1 and L2 and the X coordinate x2 of the
intersection point of L1 and L3.
7. Let FWHM be the difference between x2 and x1

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5. Measurement

NOTE: As this chapter is explanations about measuring part, power source and high voltage and so
on are already applied to the preamplifier and therefore, the procedure is presumed that signals from
preamplifier enters already in INPUT terminal and so on.

5.1. Initializing set

1. Click menu “config”. After execution, all settings inside DSP are transmitted to DSP.
2. Click menu “Clear”. After execution, histogram data inside DSP is initialized.
For continuing poreviously measured histogram and measurement results, start next
measurement without clicking, ”clear”.

5.2. Start measurement

Click menu “start”. Measurement starts.
Measurement state iof respective ch is displayed in CH.
”acq.” indicator flashes.
Measurement set time is displayed in “measurement time”.
Real time acquired from DSP is displayed in DSP.

In case of histrogram mode

”Histogram” is displayed in “mode”.
Respective calculation results are displayed in “ROI”.
Histogram is displayed in “histogram” tab.

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 Fig. 15 Histogram mode

5.3. Measurement stops

”measurement mode”: When ”real time” to ”real time” reaches “measurement time”, measurement
finishes.
In ”quick Scan” mode, measurement stops when numb er of negative edge of external input trigger
entered in QSG terminal reaches “quick scan meas count” set in “config” tab.
To stop during measurement, click menu “Stop”. It stops measurement.

6. Finish
6.1. Software finish
Click menu File – quit. Click quit in check dialog. Then, this software finishes.

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7. File
7.1. Histogram data file

1. File format
File format separated by comma “,”.

2. Name of file
Option

3. Consistence
“Header”, “Status”, “Calculation” and “Data”.

Header part
Measurement mode: Measurement mode. Real time or Live time
Measurement time: Measurement time. Unit is second.
Real time: Real time
Live time: Live time
Dead time: Dead time
Start Time: Measurement start time
End Time : Measurement end time
*Save per each CH
ACG: Coarse gain
ADG: ADC gain
FFR: FAST type rise time
FFP: FAST type flat top time
SFR: SLOW type rise time
SFP: SLOW type flat top time
FPZ: FAST type pole zero cancel
SPZ: SLOW type p-ole zero cancel
THR: FAST type threshold
LLD: energy LLD
ULD: energy ULD
OFF: Offset
PUR: Pile up reject
POL: Polarity
DCG: Digital coarse gain

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TMS: Timing select
CFF: CFD function
CFD: CFD delay
IHW: Inhibit width
*per each CH is up to here
MOD: Mode
MMD: Measurement mode
MTM: Measurement time
CLS: Clock selection
SCK: WAVE sampling clock

Calculation part
*Following saved per each ROI
ROI_ch: Input channel number which are target of ROI
ROI_start: ROI starting position (ch)
ROI_end: ROI finishing position (ch)
peak (ch): Peak position between ROIs (ch)
centroid (ch): Center position between ROIs (ch)
gross (count): Gross total of count between ROIs
net (count): Gross total of count number deducting background between ROIs
FWHM (ch): Half width between ROIs (ch)
FWHM (keV): Half width between ROIs (keV)
Energy (keV): energy value of peak between ROIs (keV)

Status part
*Following are saved per each CH
input total count: total count
throughtput count: throughput count
pileup count: Pile-up count
input total rate: Total count rate
throughtput rate: Throughput count rate
pileup rate: Pile-up count rate

Data part
Histogram data per each channel. Max. 4096 points.

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7.2. List mode data file

1. File format
Binary, big endian format

2. Name of file
It becomes file number with added 0 filling 6 digit to “list file path” in “config” tab.
Example1: When “D:¥data¥123456.bin”is set to “list file path” and “1” is set to “number”,
“D:¥data¥123456_000001.bin”.
Example2: When “D:¥data¥123456”is set to “list file path” and “100” is set to “number”,
“D:¥data¥123456_000100”.

When it reaches “list file size”, it closes file under saving. After that, "list file number" is automatically
advanced by one, a new file is opened, and the data file saving continues.

3. Configuration (in case of APV8004, 4CH)

per event 80 bit (10 Byte, 5 WORD)

Bit79
64
ABS[47..32]
63
48
ABS[31..16]
47 35 32
36 ABSfixed decimal[3..0]
ABS[15..4]
31 29 28
free[2..0] 16
PHA[12..0]
15 5 1 0
6 2 CH[2..0]
free[8..0] UNIT[3..0]
Fig. 16 List data configuration (80 bit)

Bit79 to Bit36: ABS (absolute) count. 44 Bit. 10 ns per Bit. Max. measurement time is apprtox. 48
hours (48 Hrs≒244 * 10ns).

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Bit35 to Bit29: ABS (absolute) count. fixed decimal. 4 Bit. 625 ns per Bit
Bit28 to Bit16: PHA (Wave height value) If ADC gain is max. 8192. 13 Bit, 0 to 8191.
Bit15 to Bit6: Free. 10 Bit
Bit5 to Bit2: Unit number. 4 Bit. Unit 1 is 0, Unit 16 is 15
Bit1 to Bit0: CH number. 2 Bit

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8. Miscellaneous
8.1. Software installation

When using this software on brand new PC or when initializing PC, installation of this software is
necessary.
Procedure to install software is as follows.

1. Confirm working environment. Recommended environment is as follows.

Microsoft Windows 7, 32 Bit recommended, Screen resolution XGA (1024×768) or better
2. Log-in with an account with administrator privileges
3. Executge “setup.exe” in supplied CD “installer” folder. Proceed in interactive form and re-start OS
after installation.
4. Start up this software. Click “Start” – “All programs” – “Techno AP” – “DSP-MCA”. Then, this
software starts.

To uninstall, delete “DSP-MCA” from “Addition and deletion of program” (Windows XP) or
“Uninstallation and alterationof program” (Wiundows 7) in “control panel.

8.2. When failed to initialize

When starting this software, a message saying that connection with the apparatus is failed may be
displayed.
Major causes are as follows.

1. LAN cable on PC side is not inserted sufficiently.

2. LAN cable on this apparatus side is not inserted sufficiently.
3. Power of this apparatus is staying at OFF. Or breakage of LAN cable.
4. Net work set on PC side is DHCP or private address (from 192.168.10.2 to 255, excluding
192.168.128) is not set.
5. Save power mode of Pcfunctions.
6. Port number information in “System” section in setting file is 0.

For resolution of this sympton, do not turn off the power of this apparatus.

In this case, re-start this software after checking cable connection and so on.

Even after the above, if the situation is not improved, confirm connection weith PING command
several seconds after turning power on again.

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