MPA4: Multiparameter Multichannel Analyzer –

8 channel acquisition system with 6 ns time tagging

The MPA4 is a Multiparameter Data Acquisition System (4 or 8 channels).

Multiparameter System (4 or 8 channels)
The MPA4 Multiparameter System is designed as an ultra fast list mode system with input ports for 4 or 8 ADCs, multiscalers or time-of-flight devices. 16-bit Ports can be combined to 32- or even 64-bit ports. For dependent single- and multiparameter acquisitions coincidence resolving times from approx. 20 ns (in steps of 20ns) to more than 1.3 ms can be selected. Eight 100 MHz 32-bit scalers are optionally available.

In "single mode" a 64 bit event word is inserted for each ADC. It can contain in addition to the ADC data the time in units of 6.4 ns (32 bits). This mode is very interesting also for multiparameter applications as the time for each individual ADC event is available separately.

In "coincident" mode the event word has a variable length of multiples of 64 bit. It contains the ADC data of valid conversions within the coincidence time window, and may contain in addition the time of the event with 6.4 ns resolution (up to 48 bit) and counter data of up to three scalers. It is possible to select special event patterns to drop unwanted events and reduce the amount of list data. 
A 1 kHz timer word is inserted every millisecond. It is used for counting the real- and live time for each ADC. A Realtime preset using this timer is implemented in the hardware. The timer word can contain in addition the scaler #1 data.

Three auxiliary inputs/outputs are available, either as inputs to start a coincidence time window or mark events, or as outputs to monitor selected signals. One of them can be used to reject events.

The MPANT for MPA4 software is a 32- and 64-bit operating program developed to run under Microsoft Windows-XP/Vista/7/8/10 (32 or 64 bit). It is possible to define several single- and dual parameter spectra which can be simultaneously acquired and displayed. Calculated parameters can be defined to do evaluation of position-dependent detectors or any other applications. 
One can accumulate single and multiparameter spectra in the RAM of the PC. Multiple windows of single and dual parameter spectra can be simultaneously displayed. List data can be stored on the local hard disk device or any other directly addressable storage device. Replay software for evaluation of list files is optionally available.

 

Ordering Information 

ModelDescriptionOrder No.
MPA4-4Multiparameter-4 system, 4 ADC interfaces, 1GB Fifo, USB, MPA-NT SoftwareMPA44
MPA4-8Multiparameter-4 system, 8 ADC interfaces, 1GB Fifo, USB, MPA-NT SoftwareMPA48
MPA4-FIFO2Option 1GB Fifo extra (2GB total)MPA4F2
MPA4RTCReal Time Clock for ADC ports, 48 bits, 6.4 ns resolutionMPA4RTC
MPA4COUNTOctal Counter / Scaler option for MPA4 / MPA4T, 32 bit, 8 channels, 100 MHzMPA4C
MPA4UP-DNDual UP / DOWN option for MPA4 / MPA4T, requires MPA4COUNTMPA4UD
MPA4-C1TAG / Counter cable for MPA4 / MPA4T, converts 37-pin D-SUB to 18 1.5m BNC cablesMPA4C1
MPA4-C2TAG / Counter cable for MPA4 / MPA4T, converts 37-pin D-SUB to 18 1.5m Lemo cablesMPA4C2
MPA4RPlayMPA4 / MPA4T Replay software for off-line reconstr. of spectra from listmode, internalMPA4S5
MPA4RPlayExMPA4 / MPA4T Replay software for off-line reconstr. of spectra from listmode, DongleMPA4S6
MPA4RPlay+ExMPA4 / MPA4T Replay software for off-line reconstruction, Dongle + internalMPA4S7
MPA4DLLDLL interface for LabVIEW /“C“/ Visual Basic for the MPA4MPA4S1
MPA4LINUXLINUX drivers for MPA4MPA4S2

Ultra fast Multiparameter Multichannel Analyzer

  • Different versions allow the flexible configuration of 4 or 8 parameter systems
  • Large 2 GB FIFO enables extraordinary high burst count rates and buffering data without without any loss at a continuous throughput of 35 MB/sec.
  • Parallel interfaces for (16 bit) ADCs and/or other compatible frontends like Multiscalers, Position Analyzers, Time-of-Flight devices etc.
  • 16-bit Ports can be combined to 32- or even 64-bit ports.
  • Single mode ADC data optionally with time in units of 6.4 ns (32 bits)
  • 1 kHz timer word is inserted every millisecond for counting the real- and live time for each ADC.
  • A Realtime preset using this timer is implemented in the hardware.
  • The timer word can contain in addition the scaler #1 data.
  • Coincidence mode with resolving times from approx. 20 ns (in steps of 20ns) to more than 1.3 ms
  • Coincidence data may contain the time of the event with 6.4 ns resolution (up to 48 bit, option), counter data of up to three scalers, and two signal bits from auxiliary inputs.
  • Each ADC and two auxiliary inputs can be enabled seperately to start a coincidence time window or not.
  • It is possible to select special event patterns to drop unwanted events and reduce the amount of list data.
  • Three auxiliary inputs/outputs are available, either as inputs to start a coincidence time window or mark events, or as outputs to monitor selected signals.
  • One of them can be used to reject events.
  • Eight 32-bit 100 MHz Scalers (option), all presettable. Individual and common gate. Preset load by external input possible (option).
  • Precise start and stop simultaneously with ADC's and external devices by use of GO-Line.
  • Scalers #2 and #3 can be used as up/down counters with extern controllable count direction.
  • Carry out on Scalers #1 and #2 for 64-bit preset capability

 

Sophisticated MPANT Windows software 

  • 32-bit and native 64-bit operating program developed to run under Microsoft Windows-XP/Vista/7/8 (32 or 64 bit).
  • For each parameter a single- parameter spectra is automatically defined and displayed.
  • It is possible to define several single- and dual parameter spectra in addition which can be simultaneously acquired and displayed.
  • Calculated parameters can be defined to do evaluation of position-dependent detectors or any other applications.
  • ROIs in single- and dualparameter spectra can be defined and evaluated.
  • Rectangular, polygonal, circular and ring ROIs in dualparameter spectra.
  • Projections and slices
  • Conditions can be set on events inside or outside an ROI, conditions can be combined.
  • Replay software for evaluation of list files optionally available.

Applications

  • Ultra fast multiparameter list mode data acquisition with up to 16 external ADCs, multiscalers or Time-of-Flight front-ends
  • Ultra fast single parameter list mode data acquisition
  • Ultra fast multi-spectrum acquisition and display

Application: ΔE Silicon Detector