Miniature Multi-Channel Analyzer
MCA166-USB
User’s Manual
Version 3.0
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................5
2 Hardware..........................................................................................................................6
2.1 Users safety information...........................................................................................6
2.1.1 Power Source..................................................................................................6
2.1.2 High Voltage Supply........................................................................................6
2.2 General Description..................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Power management.........................................................................................7
2.2.2 Switching on.....................................................................................................7
2.2.3 Charging the MCA166-USB.............................................................................8
2.2.4 Connecting the MCA166-USB to a Computer.................................................8
2.2.5 Connection of detectors...................................................................................9
2.2.6 Additional external battery pack and Power Pack.........................................10
3 Software.........................................................................................................................10
3.1 Overview.................................................................................................................10
3.2 SPEC (MS-DOS), WinSPEC (Windows)................................................................11
3.3 MCS (MS-DOS), WinMCS (Windows)...................................................................11
3.4 U235 (MS-DOS), WinU235 (Windows)..................................................................11
3.5 UF6 (MS-DOS), WinUF6........................................................................................11
3.6 LENG......................................................................................................................11
3.7 RATE......................................................................................................................12
3.8 WinSCAN...............................................................................................................12
3.9 Identify....................................................................................................................12
3.10 MCAPlot and MCAPrint..........................................................................................13
3.11 MMCAEVAL...........................................................................................................13
3.12 MCAWAND.............................................................................................................13
3.13 Miscellaneous.........................................................................................................14
4 MCA166-USB parameters for use with different detectors............................................14
5 Some of the most important photon energies................................................................15
6 Technical Data...............................................................................................................16
6.1 MCA166-USB Hardware Specifications.................................................................16
6.1.1 Amplifier.........................................................................................................16
6.1.2 ADC................................................................................................................17
6.1.3 Power supply.................................................................................................18
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MCA166-USB
6.1.4 Preamplifier Voltages.....................................................................................18
6.1.5 High Voltage..................................................................................................18
6.1.6 Battery............................................................................................................18
6.1.7 Computer Interface........................................................................................19
6.1.8 Mechanical specification................................................................................19
6.1.9 Environmental ratings....................................................................................19
6.2 Diagrams and pin connections...............................................................................20
7 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................22
APPENDIX 1 - MCA166-USB spectral data format..........................................................25
APPENDIX 2 - MCA166-USB algorithm, formulas...........................................................32
APPENDIX 3 - Description of the communication DLLs...................................................35
APPENDIX 4 - Description of the MCA166-USB firmware functions............................... 58
APPENDIX 5 - Changing the MCA166-USB Firmware....................................................72
4
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1 Introduction
The MiniMCA MCA166-USB is a battery powered high performance 4K Multi-Channel
Analyzer/Multi-Channel Scaler module comparable in its performance with laboratory
grade MCA. High voltage supply for detector and preamplifier power supply are integrated
as well as an internal amplifier and pulse shaping network. Together with a small detector
it forms a pocket-size gamma spectroscopy system and timer / counter, which is well
suited to the demands of field measurements for international safeguards, environmental
monitoring, nuclear waste treatment facilities, radioactive transport control and similar
applications.
Furthermore, the MCA166-USB supports a vast number of different detectors and its 4k
resolution is adequate to support high resolution gamma spectrometry with HPGe
detectors.
The MiniMCA software allows to operate the device as a general purpose multi channel
analyzer (SPEC, WinSPEC) and multi scaler analyzer (MCS, WinMCS). Additional user
programs which support safeguards specific applications as U-235 enrichment
verification, spectral radiation survey meter mode supporting active length determination
are available. See chapter 3 for more information.
The device can also be operated with the ORTEC software (MAESTRO, GammaVision,
ScintiVision etc.); contact ORTEC for details.
The firmware of the MCA166-USB (software of MCAs internal processor) is described in
Appendix 3 and 4. Instructions how to change the firmware can be found in Appendix 5.
Basic software functions
● File menu: write/read functions with drive/path and file pick list functions
● Setup menu: ADC, Amplifier, Presets, Memory splitting, MCA mode, MCS mode,
Multi spectral recording mode, automated instrument configuration using setup files
● Acquire control: Start, Stop, Clear, Presets
● Automated repeated measurement functions
● Display functions: Automated linear and logarithmic, manual linear Y scale, X axis,
expansion and scrolling, Cursor function, ROI setting and processing
● Peak stabilization
● Analysis functions: ROI peak area and integral, FWHM calculation
● Analysis report function
● Energy calibration function: calibration curve using up to 3 peaks
● Incorporated help texts
5
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MCA166-USB
2 Hardware
2.1 Users safety information
Read all these instructions first!
Save these instructions for later use.
Do Not Remove Connectors
To avoid personal injury or damage of equipment, do not remove the connectors for the
High Voltage supply, preamplifier supply, and the input connector until the High Voltage is
shut down and the device is switched off at least for 1 minute.
Do Not Remove Covers
Do not open the device before the power is switched off.
2.1.1 Power Source
This device is intended to operate from an internal accumulator set (high
performance Li-Ion battery) or together with an external wall adapter.
Furthermore the device can be powered directly from a high power USB port (up
to the maximum nominal input power of 2,5W).
Do not apply more than the specified voltage to the wall adapter. Usually it is 230VAC
nominal. The adapter must be in a good condition. Never use a damaged wall adapter!
2.1.2 High Voltage Supply
Make sure that the High Voltage connector and the High Voltage supply cable of
the detector are in a good condition before connecting them to the MCA166-USB
or before switching the High Voltage on. Do not allow anything to rest on the HV
cable.
Never insert objects of any kind into the High Voltage connector as they may touch the
dangerous voltage point. This might cause an electric shock or a damage of the device.
2.2 General Description
The MCA166-USB is an autonomous module. The device has its own battery and
provides power supply to radiation detectors. Together with a computer the MCA166-USB
forms a multi channel analyzer. The spectra are collected in the memory of the MCA166-
USB and are periodically transferred via a serial interface to the computer. The computer
is used to setup the MCA166-USB, to display and process the measurement results, and
to store the data. The design concept of the MCA166-USB also supports a Multi-Channel
Scaler mode.
For operation the MCA166-USB itself has only a power switch and a green LED indicator.
6
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2.2.1 Power management
The MCA166-USB works with a built in rechargeable Li-Ion battery, which has no memory
effect and is deep discharge and short circuit protected. If the device is working, the
remaining battery life time is permanently checked. When the battery voltage has dropped
down to 6.8 Volts, while a data collection is in progress, the MCA166-USB gives out a
warning to the user (the lamp will flash irregularly and the software will show an error
message). The running measurement is automatically stopped and the detector high
voltage together with the preamplifier power supply will be switched off.
Now the user can transfer the measured spectrum to the computer, but should switch the
device off afterwards or connect the charger. If the user does not respond, and the battery
life time is nearly used up (battery voltage 6.5 Volts) , the device switches off
automatically. It is made sure, that the set up and the spectrum gathered previously is
saved in the memory of the MCA166-USB for at least several month.
The remaining battery life time is sufficient to transfer the measured spectrum to a
computer. It is recommended, before reading out the MCA166-USB, to connect it to the
charger.
In the case that the battery voltage drops below its lowest value, the battery itself switches
off. This can be, for example, the result of a lasting short circuit at the preamplifier power
supply. As a consequence the internal setup and the measured values are lost. The
MCA166-USB has to be connected to the charger to recharge the battery.
2.2.2 Switching on
After that, the green power ON LED flashes with a frequency of 2.5 Hz if no MMCA
software runs on the connected computer. If the power switch is already in position ON
(for example after an automatic switch off due to a complete loss of battery power) switch
OFF and to ON again. When the power ON LED does not flash, connect the MCA166-
USB with the charger and repeat once more. The MCA166-USB is on line with the
computer if the LED flashes with 1.2 Hz. Irregular flashing of the lamp indicates an error.
Figure 1:
Front
Panel of
MCA166-
USB
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MCA166-USB
2.2.3 Charging the MCA166-USB
Charging the MCAs battery is usually done by connecting the wall adapter to the ”Charger
In” connector and power it from the mains supply. The wall adapter is able to deliver
enough power to operate the MCA166-USB stationary under a maximum load condition
(HV on, detector draws up to 2W preamplifier power). If the MCA166-USB is operated on
a high power USB hub and the wall adapter isn’t connected, the MCA166-USB can be
charged from the USB port. But there is a limitation of 2,5W nominal input power which is
the maximum power that can be drawn from a high power USB port (real usable input
power depends on hub voltage, voltage loss on USB cable and connectors and efficiency
of internal charger; it is usually about 2W). This is enough power to operate the MCA166-
USB without detector or with a low power detector (e.g. CdZnTe or NaI). If a detector
draws to much power from the MCA166-USB (e.g. some HPGe), charging via USB is still
working but the battery runs out slowly.
If the MCA166-USB is connected to a working high power USB hub, charging will start
after 6 seconds automatically. It is possible to disable USB charging by some newer
application programs such as WinSpec. This is very useful if the MCA is operated at a
laptop computer which runs on battery. Connecting the wall adapter to the MCA166-USB
and supply it with power will always disable USB charging.
The old battery chargers supplied with the MCA166 (3 pin LEMO connector) are not
compatible with the MCA166-USB! Don’t try to connect them to the MCA166-USB. The
connectors are mechanically different.
2.2.4 Connecting the MCA166-USB to a Computer
Communication between MCA166-USB and host computer is possible via a standard
serial connection (RS232) or via USB interface. For RS232 communication the RS232
cable with SUB-D9 connector must be connected between the MCAs PC-socket and the
computer, for USB communication the special USB cable with LEMO connector must be
used respectively. Two baud rates can be used for communication on both interfaces,
38.400 Baud and 307.200 Baud. Both baud rates are usable on both interfaces but most
computers doesn't support 307.200 Baud on the RS232 interface. The firmware of the
MCA166-USB is able to detect the baud rate and changes it accordingly. Newer
application programs tries to connect the MCA with the higher baud rate first, if it doesn't
work they try it with 38.400 Baud. This method guarantees that communication always
works on the highest possible baud rate without user interaction and maintains
compatibility to older MCAs (supporting only 38.400 Baud). Because the firmware of the
MCA166-USB is able to detect the baud rate, it is also possible to control this MCA with
older application programs which support only 38.400 Baud.
Running the MCA166-USB on a Palmtop computer or Pocket PC is principal possible but
needs a special communication cable. Please contact GBS-Elektronik for availability. For
proper wiring see Table 5: Wiring Diagram of the PC Interface Connector (female Lemo
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2.2.5 Connection of detectors
To connect a detector switch the device off. Before connecting the high voltage
connector of the detector make sure that the built in High Voltage supply has the correct
polarity and that the power consumption of the detector does not exceed the maximum
value ( 0.5mA or 0.25 Watt).
On the right side of the MCA166-USB case (front view) the high voltage indicator is
located (Figure 1). If it shines red a positive HV module is inserted, if it shines blue a
negative HV module is present. If the indicator is black / dark gray no HV module is
present. Furthermore, it is possible to check the HV polarity by software; go to the menu
setup / high voltage and look at indicated polarity. The correct values for HV, polarity, and
power consumption should be found in the detectors manual.
● Check by the detector manual that the pin assignment of the preamplifier power
supply connector is compatible with the MCA166-USB, and that the power
● Connect the cable for the preamplifier power supply of the detector to the
concerning female D9 connector on the MCA166-USB and attach it by the clamps.
● Plug the BNC Signal connector of the detector to the female BNC input connector
of MCA166-USB.
● Plug the High Voltage connector of detector into the female SHV connector of
MCA166-USB.
If problems occur, it is possible to check the detector signal and the main amplifier signal
(Amplifier Test out, see figure 1) with a scope. A typical signal which should be seen is
shown in figure 2.
0
-0.01
Figure 2:
-0.02
Typical signals which
can be seen at the
detector preamplifier out
-0.03
-0.04
and the amplifier test
out. This example:
1
CdZnTe Detector
SDP310/Z/60,
measuring a Cs137
sample, amplifier setting
200*0.91, negative
pulses, 1µs shaping
time, pulse height
0
0
5
10
15
Time (µs)
equals to about channel
662 of 1024 channels.
9
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MCA166-USB
Typical errors which may be observed with the detector preamp signal are:
● Rise time is too slow (>0.5 µs). This may cause that the pile up rejector does not
work correctly. There may be even a large amount of regular pulses rejected and
especially the high energetic part of the spectrum seriously affected. When using
such detectors switch pile up rejection off.
● The fall time is too fast (time constant resp. 1/e fall time < 40µs). This causes that
the pole/zero setting cannot be correctly adjusted. Consequences may be peak
shift and peak broadening with higher count rates and increased low energy
spectrum cutoff. Try to use another preamplifier.
2.2.6 Additional external battery pack and Power Pack
Because of the changed charging mechanism of the MCA166-USB the older battery
packs and power packs cannot be used! The MCA166-USB offers a higher battery
capacity, improved efficiency and is able to supply more power on ±24V than the older
MCA166. So two main features offered by the battery pack / power pack are now partially
integrated in the MCA itself and makes this devices obsolete. If more battery capacity is
needed, please contact GBS-Elektronik GmbH.
3 Software
3.1 Overview
There are several programs to operate the MCA166-USB. All of them serve a special
purpose. There are programs for MS-DOS and Windows (32 Bit). The MS-DOS software
was originally developed for the HP 200LX, whose footprint coincident with the footprint of
the MCA166. The Windows programs were developed to operate the MCA166 more
comfortably. Besides, they are (together with at least Windows 98 or Windows 2000)
essential to connect the MCA166-USB via USB cable, for the rest, only RS232
communication is possible.
Furthermore, there are programs and software components to view and evaluate the
measured data.
The following sections give brief descriptions of the programs. You can find more detailed
information on the CD delivered together with the device. You should also use the online
help of each program.
The diagnostics menu of each program shows the primary currents of the preamplifier
power supply (±12V and ±24V). This are not the currents that draws the detector.
However, this currents can be easily calculated using the following formula:
U Batt
I out≈0.8⋅I Batt
⋅
U out
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3.2 SPEC (MS-DOS), WinSPEC (Windows)
These programs are the default programs for measuring spectra. It supports semi-
automated measurements of gamma ray spectra with the MCA166-USB. The spectra are
stored on mass storage media on a PC. There are two variants of WinSPEC. WinSPEC-I
(for Inspectors) was designed for standard use. WinSPEC-A (for Automation) was
designed for unattended measurements. Special features of WinSPEC-A are:
● Automatic restart of the program after lost of mains power, program or operating
system crash
● Sending commands to a special hardware module on LPT1 for monitoring the
”State of health” (already integrated) and other states (not integrated yet)
● Writing zip files
● Data file retrieval to a flashcard
● Archiving of data files
● Writing a log file
3.3 MCS (MS-DOS), WinMCS (Windows)
These programs support semiautomated measurements of time distributions with any
radiation detector (HPGe, NaI, CdTe, CdZnTe and neutron counters. There are two
variants of WinMCS. WinMCS-I (for Inspectors) was designed for standard use. WinMCS-
A (for Automation) was designed for unattended measurements. It contains the same
special features like WinSPEC-A (see above).
3.4 U235 (MS-DOS), WinU235 (Windows)
These programs support stabilized U-235 enrichment verification measurements with a
NaI or CdZnTe detector (PMCN, PMCC). The algorithm bases on absolute intensity
measurement of the 186 keV photon energy. It also needs a two point intensity calibration
with two standards.
Reevaluation/recalibration using previously recorded spectra is possible. Verification results are
documented in a report file, which is automatically saved with the extension *.rep.
3.5 UF6 (MS-DOS), WinUF6
Similar to U235 or WinU235, but optimized for HPGe detectors. Only one intensity
calibration measurement is necessary.
3.6 LENG
This program supports semiautomated active length measurement (HM-4) using a
miniature NaI or CdZnTe detector.
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MCA166-USB
3.7 RATE
This program supports measurements of count rates with any radiation detector (HPGe,
NaI, CdTe, CdZnTe and neutron counters). In the most convenient mode of operation only
the menu button "measurement" needs to be "pressed" to start a measurement and
showing the count rates in form of a LCD display and a bar graph.
3.8 WinSCAN
WinSCAN is used for candu bundle verifications. WinSCAN is in its features somewhere
between MCA and MCS. It can measure up to 500 Spectra and save them in one file.
Evaluation is similar to MCS, just that there is not only an integral spectrum but one
spectrum for every point so it is possible to evaluate courses off arbitrary net or integral
ROI areas.
3.9 Identify
Identify is an intelligent, interactive software tool to evaluate spectra measured with the
MCA166-USB or other MCAs. It does peak search and nuclide identification. HPGe,
CdZnTe and NaI detector gamma spectra are supported. For correct peak search a
starting point for the detector resolution and efficiency is assumed based on detector type
and size. Features:
● includes full master library of gamma lines (derived from table of radioactive
isotopes)
● editor for creating application specific evaluation libraries
● detector function is calculated from detector data sheet, no efficiency calibration
needed
● automatic determination of FWHM of the peaks found in a spectrum as function of
energy
● supports 1 to 3 point energy calibration
● linear, logarithmic, square root, and double log representation possible
● error estimations/confidence assessment for identified isotopes and visualization
(by overlay of calculated spectrum for a certain isotope)
● switching between English and German languages
● interactive nuclide pattern identification
● nuclide assignment suggestions also for each single peak
● instant graphical comparison to simulated spectra by clicking on a nuclide
● Win 3.1 version also available
● IDENTIFY is not included in the MCA price
● IDENTIFY routines are also available as library for MS Windows and Linux
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3.10 MCAPlot and MCAPrint
MCAPlot and MCAPrint are programs to view and print spectra recorded with the
MCA166-USB. Up to 32 spectra can be viewed at the same time and be printed on one
page. Also some evaluation functions are available. MCAPlot is not included in the MCA
price. MCAPrint is a free downgraded version of MCAPlot.
3.11 MMCAEVAL
MMCAEVAL is a program for evaluating groups of spectra and extracting information to a
MS Access style data base.
3.12 MCAWAND
MCAWand is a program for converting different file formats. Please note that there may
be always a loss of information as not all kind of information about the spectrum is
supported by every file format. The following information is converted:
● Channel Data
● Energy Calibration
● Energy Calibration points
● Live time, Real time
● Date and Time of measurement
● Spectrum Remark
The following file formats are supported:
Table 1: Supported file formats by MCAWAND
Source
Target
*.spe (MCA166 native)
*.chn (Ortec)
*.spe (Interwinner)
*.spc (Target)
*.dat
*.spe (MCA166 native)
*.chn (Ortec)
*.spe (Interwinner)
*.dat (two column: energy,
Channel content)
*.de1 (Canberra S100)
*.dat (Silena Gamma 2000)
*.spk (Röntgenanalytik)
*.spa (Sarad)
*.usf (URSA)
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MCA166-USB
3.13 Miscellaneous
For communication and evaluation some libraries for MS Windows and Linux are
available. This may help the make own application programs or to integrate the
MCA166-USB in an existing system.
4 MCA166-USB parameters for use with different detectors
This table shall just give an overview of possible settings useful with the MCA166-USB. It
is far from being complete. For actual settings with your detector, see the detectors
manual.
Table 2: Parameters for different detectors
CdZnTe SDP/Z/60
CdZnTe SDP/Z/20
CdZnTe CZT500
Ritec
Ritec
Ritec
+300
+500
+600
x x -
x x -
x x -
-
-
-
neg 1024 90
neg 1024 80
pos 1024 128
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
NaI
Scintiblock
25825
Crismatec +500
Scionix +550
Amcrys-h -800
Eurorad
pos 512
pos 512
pos 512
neg 256
7.2
90
NaI
x x -
x x
-
-
NaI
40*40
14
CsI
Sc1010
-
x x -
160
HPGe
HPGe
HPGe
HPGe
GMX-20190-S Ortec
-3000 x x x x neg 4096 18
+3000 x x x x pos 4096 24
Canberra -3000 neg 4096 11
GEM 15-190 Ortec
GR 2018
GL 0310
7865S
Canberra -2000 x x x - neg 4096 2.3
Si
Ortec
-1000
neg 4096 1.9
planar
HPGe
HPGe
EGC 30-190R Eurisys
EGPC 25-185 Eurisys
-3000
+2000
pos 4096 52
neg 4096 35
2
2
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5 Some of the most important photon energies
Table 3: Photon energies for different isotopes
Isotope
Am241
Cd109
Bi214
Half-life
432.2y
462.6d
Energy (keV)
26.34/59.54
88.03
Branching ratio (%)
2.4/36
3.63
19.9min,
daughter of
Ra226
609.31
46.09
Ce139
Co60
137.64d
5.271y
271.8d
30.07y
13.3.y
165.86
79.87
1173.23/1332.49
14.4/122.06/136.47
661.66
99.85/99.98
9.16/85.6/10.68
85.1
Co57
Cs137
Eu152
121.77/344.28/778.91/ 28.38/26.59/12.98/14.46/
964.11/1112.07/1408. 13.57/20.85
00
Hg203
Mn54
46.61d
312.2d
279.19
834.82
81.84
99.98
Pb214
26.8min,
daughter of
Ra226
241.91/295.09/351.86 7.46/19.17/37.06
Ra226
Sn113
Sr85
1600y
186.11
391.7
514.0
3.28
64.89
98.4
115.09d
64.84d
7.04E8y
U235
143.78/163.37/185.73/ 10.53/4.7/53.15/4.7
205.33
Y88
106.65
898.04
94
Pb fluorescence x- -
rays
74.96/72.79/84.99/
87.34
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MCA166-USB
6 Technical Data
6.1 MCA166-USB Hardware Specifications
6.1.1 Amplifier
1. Type
●
Gaussian programmable shaping amplifier with pile-up rejector and gated base
line restorer
2. Gain
●
●
●
●
●
From 1 ... 1000
Minimum gain step 0.5 channel for 2K scale
Gain tuning under visual control of spectrum
Gain adjustment by peak stabilizer
Integral linearity of amplifier <0.1% for full output range
3. Input
●
●
●
●
accepts positive and negative preamplifier signals
input resistance 1kΩ
DC coupled, accepting +/-200mV DC levels
maximum input signal corresponding to full ADC scale at minimum gain:
+/-3V (+/-10V with external attenuator) and input set to direct input. With input
set to amplifier the maximum voltage step from preamplifier corresponding to
ADC full scale at gain 1 is 9.5V, corresponding to a peak voltage at the test
point of 2.2V.
4. Pulse shaping
active integrator and single, pole zero compensated differentiator with two
shaping time constants (1µs and 2µs)
5. Base line restorer (BLR)
Active, gated Base Line Restorer
6. Pole Zero Cancellation (PZC)
●
●
●
●
settings: automated by MCA software and manual setting option
designed for decay time of the preamplifier pulses >40µs; screen indicator
allows PZC without scope
7. Pile UP Rejector (PUR)
settings: OFF and ON
●
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6.1.2 ADC
1. Successive approximation ADC with sliding scale linearisation
●
●
Channel splitting 128, 256, 512, 1K, 2K, or 4K
Full input voltage range 3V, positive and negative (10V with external attenuator)
2. ADC Dead time (including time needed to write into memory)
< 8 µsec
3. Nonlinearities
●
●
●
Differential nonlinearity (over 95% channel range) <2%
Integral nonlinearity (over 95% channel range) <0.1%
4. Peak capturing
Works with pulse of gaussian shaping amplifier (range of shaping time constant
between 0.5µs and 5µs)
5. Temperature Stability
●
●
TK 100 (ADC), TK 500 (Amplifier)
6. Discriminators and threshold
●
●
●
●
Digital LLD and ULD (allows channelwise cutting)
Analogue threshold (2...60% of ADC range)
Multi Channel Scaling (MCS) mode allowing to count the following pulses
TTL input pulses (minimum width of flat top 0.2µs) not routed through the ADC
(maximum rate 1 MHz)
●
●
LLD/ULD counting mode, counting pulses within a preset digital window
Count rate derived from internal amplifier ICR signal (maximum count rate
determined by count rate limitation of amplifier )
●
Dwell time 0.01s to 500s
7. Spectrometric performance:
●
Resolution (FWHM) for typical 500mm² planar HPGe detector for count rates <
10000cps and a Co-57 source at 122keV:
●
●
●
610±20eV at 1µs shaping time
580±20eV at 2µs shaping time
Peak shift:
< 0.5% for 1µs shaping time and count rates from 1000 to 70000cps
< 0.2% for 2µs shaping time and count rates from 1000 to 40000cps
deterioration of FWHM < 5% for both conditions
Throughput in memory:
●
●
at least 25000cps in memory at 50000cps input rate and 1µs shaping time
at least 13000cps in memory at 30000cps input rate and 2µs shaping time
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MCA166-USB
6.1.3 Power supply
● Power supply adequate for commonly used NaI, HPGe, CdTe and proportional
counters
● Current limited mode with indication of overload condition through software; short
circuit protected and automated recovery after overload or shortening
6.1.4 Preamplifier Voltages
● ± 12V; maximum current 60mA for each of the voltages
● ± 24V; maximum current 60mA for each of the voltages
● Maximum total power at least 2W
6.1.5 High Voltage
● Single positive or negative modular HV supply reaching from 50V to 3000V
● Indication of high voltage sign and value by software
● Calibration within 1% at maximum of bias voltage
● Maximum current 0.5mA or 0.25W (e.g. 1000V and 0.25mA)
6.1.6 Battery
● Rechargeable Li-ion battery with no memory effect
● Deep discharge protected
● Battery capacity 32Wh at 20°C
● Charger input: 9V ... 14V / 0.8A
● Measured values of the battery life time
●
●
If no detector connected: 30 hours
Expected battery life time with detection systems connected:
Standard IAEA NaI detector (ORTEC/SCIONIX): 27 hours
Bias:
500V, 100µA
100mW
Preamplifier:
Miniature CdTe detection probe (SDP310, RITEC, Latvia): 25 hours
Bias:
400V, 100nA
Preamplifier:
+12V/20mA, -12V/9.5mA (@8.4V)
Standard planar HPGe detector (e.g. Canberra, Ortec): 14 hours
Bias:
2000V, 1nA
Preamplifier:
±12V: 35/-25mA; ±24V: 55/-27mA (@8.4V)
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6.1.7 Computer Interface
● RS-232C serial port
● USB 1.1; virtual COM port is used
● 38.400Baud and 307.200Baud; both baud rates available on both interfaces
● proprietary software protocol
6.1.8 Mechanical specification
● Size:
155mm x 95mm x 45mm (footprint of palmtop HP200LX)
● Weight: app. 700g (incl. battery)
6.1.9 Environmental ratings
● Range of storage temperature:
-20°C ... +60°C
● Range of operational temperatures: 0°C ... 50°C
● Range of humidity: up to 90%, noncondensing
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MCA166-USB
6.2 Diagrams and pin connections
Figure 3: Block Diagram of the MCA166-USB
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Table 4: Wiring Diagram of the Charger Input Connector (female Lemo 00-302)
Contact
Signal
1
2
+ charge voltage
- charge voltage
Table 5: Wiring Diagram of the PC Interface Connector (female Lemo 0S-306)
Contact
Signal
1
2
3
4
5
6
5V USB
D- USB
D+ USB
GND
RxD RS232 (Input)
TxD RS232 (Output)
Table 6: Preamplifier Power Supply Connector (D9 female)
Contact Voltage
max. Current
1
2
3
4
5
GND
GND
-
+12 V
60mA
HV-Inhibit Signal /
ext. Trigger
6
7
8
9
-24 V
+24 V
-
60mA
60mA
-12 V
60mA
Table 7: HV-Inhibit Signal
HV-Inhibit mode2
Voltage at Pin 5
off
-
Canberra, DFG
Ortec
< 0.5V
+5V
1 see Table 4
2 see Windows DLL description
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MCA166-USB
7 Troubleshooting
General Remark:
Before changing anything concerning the hardware, plugging or pulling cables etc. shut
down the high voltage and switch off the MCA.
Soldering or manipulating with the SMD boards is strongly not recommended for users.
We have specialists for that. If you have a problem which cannot be solved by the table
below, contact us. If it is really a hardware fault, we can repair this for a fair price.
1. Software tells "MCA not connected!"
●
●
Switch on the MCA
Check cable between MCA and Computer. Serial cable may be loose or not
connected. Connect cable correctly
●
●
Check MCA battery. Charge MCA battery
The MCA is not recognized (”MCA not connected”) running MCA DOS Software
in a DOS Box on Notebooks
●
Disable Power Save Mode for COM Port
2. MCA lamp does not flash regardless if the switch is on or off
●
●
MCA battery empty. Charge MCA battery.
The MCA firmware programming switches are in a wrong position. The firmware
programming switches must be all in ”off” position. Do not play around with
them!
3. MCA lamp flashes irregularly, Computer tells "MCA power failure" or beeps
●
●
MCA battery very low. Charge MCA battery.
MCA internal or communication error. Switch off and on MCA, restart software.
4. Power Supply Error: Goto Diagnostics, Measurement is not possible
●
MCA battery very low. Charge MCA battery and switch on HV and preamplifier
supplies again.
●
●
Go to diagnostics, blinking power supply currents indicate overload.
Short circuit in detector? Check if detector is defective. Disconnect detector, try
again. (Do not pull or plug connectors when MCA is on!) Change detector.
●
●
Too power-hungry preamplifier. A fully charged MCA battery may help
sometimes. Otherwise you have to exchange the preamplifier.
If the diagnostics menu shows irregular high currents or even overload although
there is no detector connected to the MCA and the battery voltage is ok, there
may be a fault in the internal power supply. Contact GBS for repair.
22
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5. The threshold of the spectrum seems to be much higher than expected.
●
The input polarity may be wrong. Does the threshold depend on radioactive
source and count rate? Try some other input polarity.
●
●
P/Z may not be set correctly. Please check if P/Z is correctly adjusted.
If the lower cutoff rises by itself, this is most probable caused by the auto
threshold circuit which is responsible for detecting the noise level and adjusting
the threshold to it. This auto threshold circuit uses the negative part of the
amplifier output pulses to estimate noise. If now pole zero is severely
maladjusted with strong undershoot, the undershoot is misinterpreted as noise
and the threshold is increased, especially at medium and high count rates.
●
Please check the detector preamplifier waveform. The decay half time of the
signal should be optimum 40 us, but never shorter than 25 us. If it is shorter (as
experienced with some NaI's) then it is not possible to adjust P/Z correctly, the
time constant of the preamp has to be adjusted instead.
6. The high energy part of the spectrum is reduced or even missing
●
Check if the behavior changes if the pile up rejector is switched off. Check the
signal from the preamplifier. If the preamplifier signal rise time is slower than
500ns, then there is the danger that regular pulses (especially the large ones)
are misinterpreted as pile-up. Try to use another preamplifier or just switch the
pile-up rejector off.
●
Similar effects can be seen if detector cables longer than 50m are used.
7. Dead time shown is very high although the count rate is low.
●
There may be some detectors with excessive electronic noise. Try higher fast
and slow threshold (You have to edit a setup file with a text editor for this).
8. Too high background rate with BICRON detectors
●
Set Fast Threshold to 600 (You have to edit a setup file with a text editor for
this) for gain > 50 (Edit setup file)
9. Everything should be okay, but the MCA gets no signals or just measures strange
spectra
●
●
●
wrong input polarity. Check input polarity, just toggle it for a test.
The amplification is severely wrong set.
wrong input mode. Check also ADC input mode
10. Strange error messages
MCA opened recently, flat cables loose? Connect flat cable again .
11. Very bad resolution in a HPGe spectrum
●
●
●
●
Detector worn out or defective. Change and regenerate detector.
Problems with the high voltage module. Try another high voltage module.
Check cables. Keep them away from switch mode power supplies and other
possible sources of electromagnetic noise.
23
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MCA166-USB
12. Bad resolution in a HPGe spectrum or from a test generator, specially at high
amplification factors
●
Check electrical noise and EMC compatibility of surroundings. Some laptops
and also some switch mode power supply battery chargers may disturb.
Remove all connections from the MCA to ground or to mains voltages. Try a
different computer / laptop / palmtop.
●
Winding the cable to the detector / computer several times around a ferrite ring
also may help
13. While opening a spectrum, the MCA program tells "Wrong data format" or "data
format error"
●
spectrum was created by another program or another program version. Check
results, just ignore.
14. too high count rate
●
Keep a bigger distance to radiation source. Try a less sensitive detector. Watch
for your personal safety!
●
Check detector
24
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APPENDIX 1 - MCA166-USB spectral data format
The MiniMCA spectral data format is in compliance with the IAEA SPE Spectral Data Format (see SPEDAC PRO User’s Manual
Rel. 1.0, IAEA, Feb 1994). All information is stored in a block structured ASCII BSA file so that its content can be viewed with any
text editor and the file content can be printed directly.
Each block of the file is identified by a string that starts with the dollar sign ($) and ends with a colon (:). The block name is case
sensitive. The structure of the data and the order in which blocks appear in the files is uniquely defined.
There are four general types of blocks used by the MiniMCA software (Release 1998):
1. Data Block
2. ROI information
3. Energy or Enrichment Calibration Data
4. Setup information
Data Block
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$MCA_166_ID:
Mini MCA module identification
Serial number
SN#
5
HW# 9503
Hardware version
FW# 9619
Firmware version
$SPEC_REM:
Mini MCA (MCA166-USB)
Spectrum measured in facility
C:\DATA\format.spe
$DATE_MEA:
12/31/1996 16:00:00
$MEAS_TIM:
120 203
Notes about the spectrum
Remarks from the operator prompted before file save.
Original storage location of the file.
Start date and time of the measurement.
mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss
Spectrum measurement time in seconds
(lifetime, real-time)
$DATA:
Spectral data
0 4095
First channel (i.e. 0) last channel(i.e. 4095)
0
. . . .
Channel content
0
ROI Information
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$ROI:
1
ROI (Region of Interest)
Number of ROI’s
266 332
ROI start (i.e. 266) ROI begin (i.e. 332)
Energy Calibration Data
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$ENER_FIT:
Energy calibration coefficients
Offset and slope (KeV/channel)
E-calibration data
n point calibration (in this case n=2)
Channel energy pair (lower)
Channel energy pair (higher)
0.000000 0.393559
$ENER_DATA:
2
0.000000 0.000000
2981.000000 1173.199951
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MCA166-USB
Setup Information
FILE CONTENT
$ADC:
EXPLANATION
ADC resolution
4096
Channels
0
3967
$PRESETS:
Integral
LLD (lower level discriminator channel)
ULD (upper level discriminator channel)
MCA Presets
Live Time, Real Time,
Integral (sum of all counts within a ROI)
Area (sum of all net counts within a ROI)
Value
10000
1
ROI number
266 332
ROI begin and end (optional line, depend on the application)
$PZC_VALUE:
PZC Settings
1232
15
15
$FAST_DISCR:
400
$SLOW_DISCR:
400
DAC adjustment value for PZC (0..2499 mV)
Pre-defined time parameter for PZC adjustment
Pre-defined time parameter for PZC adjustment
Fast discriminator level
Factory setting for auto threshold
Slow discriminator level
Factory setting for auto threshold
Threshold value (%)
$THR:
2
% of ADC channels; 2-60 % possible
$GAIN_VALUE:
200
Amplifier gain
Coarse gain (2...1000)
1.0261
$DTC:
1
Fine gain (0.5000...1.5000)
Shaping Time
4.0
Actual shaping time4
$INPUT:
Amplifier
ADC input source and polarity
Amplifier (internal main amplifier),
Direct (+3V, -3V), direct input with full range amplitude of 3V
pos or neg (amplifier input polarity)
State of the Pile Up Rejector (PUR)
”on” or ”off”
Neg
$PUR:
On
$STAB:
On
Stabilization
”on” or ”off”
230
ROI limits of the stabilization peak
370
300
Stabilization target channel
Stabilization parameter
Stabilization time
Stabilization error
Preamplifier power supply
”on” or ”off”
”on” or ”off”
”on” or ”off”
”on” or ”off”
High voltage polarity and value
Value
$STAB_PARAM
10
25000
$POWER:
+12= on
-12= on
+24=off
-24=off
$HV:
+500V
Unused
HV Inhibit Mode
3
4
1 and 2 µs are the shaping time of a standard MMCA. By use a modified MMCA: 1 = low shaping time, 2 = high shaping time
The actual shaping time (only written by newer applications)
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Setup information - continued
$MCS_CHANNELS:
4096
Multi Channel Scaler (MCS) Setup
Channels
$MCS_INPUT:
MCS input
Extern TTL
Extern TTL (external TTL signal),
Input Rate (count rate from the internal amplifier / fast
discriminator)
$MCS_TIME:
MCS time per channel
10
Time in msec , 0.01 – 655.35 sec
$MCS_SWEEPS:
Number of sweeps
0
0 .... 65535
0
MCS Repeat Mode Type
$MODE:
Operation Mode
MCA
MCA or MCS
$MCA_REPEAT:
Number of sweeps
1
0 .... 65535
0
MCA Repeat Mode Type
$TDF
800
$POWER_STATE:
I+12= 8mA
Dead Time Correction Factor
100 ... 3000, default 800 nsec
Power state at the end of the measurement
Input current of the DC-DC converters for +12V preamplifier
power supply from the battery
Input current of the DC-DC converters for -12V preamplifier
power supply from the battery
Input current of the DC-DC converters for +24V preamplifier
power supply from the battery
Input current of the DC-DC converters for -24V preamplifier
power supply from the battery
Total current drawn from battery
Input current of the HV DC-DC converter drawn from the battery
External charger current
I-12= 3mA
I+24= 0mA
I-24= 1mA
IBAT= 135mA
IHV = 14mA
ICHR= 0mA
UBAT=7900mV
UHVs= 418mV
$COUNTS:
Battery Voltage
Control voltage of the HV module
Integral counts
8370252
Sum of all input counts (from the internal amplifier / fast
discriminator) of the whole measurement
Integral peak detector counts
Sum of all input counts from the peak detector
Real time [s]
$PD_COUNTS:
5113594
$RT:
203
$DT:
Dead time [ms]
883027
$BT:
64042
$STAB_OFFSET:
Busy time [ms] of the ADC
Current offset
315
$STAB_OFFSET_MIN:
Minimal offset
310
$STAB_OFFSET_MAX:
Maximal offset
408
$STAB_COUNTER:
Stabilization cycles
19
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MCA166-USB
Setup information’s – continued
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$REC_COUNTER:
Counter of received commands
2823
$REC_ERROR_COUNTER:
2
$SPEC_INTEGRAL:
Counter of received commands with errors
Counts in the spectrum
4098917
$ROI_INFO:
ROI information
1 266 332 299.74 24.19 1233477 1142868
2066
ROI# Begin End Centroid FWHM Integral Area Area_Error
According to the specifications other blocks can be added depending on the type of the application. Almost each application add
inspection information to the spectrum file. Following tables show the inspection information of applications written by the Research
Center Rossendorf or the GBS Elektronik GmbH.
WinSPEC (Inspection information if no extern analysis application or MGAU is attached)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$WINSPEC_INFO:
ANALYSIS:MGAU
1999/001
1999/10/31
Inspector1/Inspector2
DIV1/DIV2
Facility name
FACC
WinSPEC inspection information
Extern analysis application attached with WinSPEC
Inspection number
Inspection date
Inspector names
Division or section of the inspectors
Facility name
Facility code
MBA
MBA
Stratum
Stratum
ItemID
Item ID
10.000 ± 1.000 wt%
Item description
767
Declared enrichment
Item description
Instrument code
MMCA ID
0156
8289/025
NAJ
9475/020
Computer ID
Detector type
Detector ID
Collimator
Filter
Collimator
Filter
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WinSPEC (inspection information if CsRation is attached)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$WINSPEC_INFO:
ANALYSIS:CSRATIO
1999/001
1969/12/31
Inspector1/Inspector2
DIV1/DIV2
FACC
WinSPEC inspection information
Extern analysis application attached with WinSPEC
Inspection number
Inspection date
Inspector names
Division or section of the inspectors
Facility code
ItemID
Item ID
1997/01/01
0.000 Mwd/tU
0.000
Date of discharge
Burnup
Neutron rate
0.00E00
0.000 %
ICOD
Calculated Cs ratio at discharge
Initial enrichment
Instrument code
0156
MMCA ID
8289/025
NAJ
Computer ID
Detector type
9475/020
Collimator
Filter
Detector ID
Collimator
Filter
WinSPEC (inspection information if MGA is attached)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$WINSPEC_INFO:
ANALYSIS:MGA
1999/001
WinSPEC inspection information
Extern analysis application attached with WinSPEC
Inspection number
1999/01/01
Inspection date
Inspector1/Inspector2
DIV1/DIV2
Inspector names
Division or section of the inspectors
Facility name
FACC
Facility name
Facility code
MBA
MBA
ItemID
Item ID
Batch ID
Batch ID
1997/01/01
Date of declaration
10.000 wt% ± 1.000 %
Decl. isotopic abundance and relative uncertainty for 238
Pu
20.000 wt% ± 2.000 %
20.000 wt% ± 2.000 %
25.000 wt% ± 2.500 %
10.000 wt% ± 1.000 %
5.000 wt% ± 0.500 %
1.000 ± 0.100 %
ICOD
... for 239 Pu
... for 240 Pu
... for 241 Pu
... for 242 Pu
... for 241 Am
U / Pu ratio
Instrument code
MMCA ID
0156
8289/025
NAJ
9475/020
Collimator
Computer ID
Detector type
Detector ID
Collimator
Filter
Filter
29
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MCA166-USB
WinSCAN (inspection information)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$WINSCAN_INFO:
1999/001
1999/11/01
Inspector1/Inspector2
DIV1/DIV2
Facility name
FACC
WinSCAN inspection information
Inspection number
Inspection date
Inspector names
Division or section of the inspectors
Facility name
Facility code
MBA
MBA
ItemID
Item ID
Stratum
Stratum
Item description
ICOD
0156
Item description
Instrument code
MMCA ID
8289/025
NAJ
Computer ID
Detector type
9475/029
1234/345
2356/432
3478/384
3456/419
2578/456
1000/150
0.000
Detector ID
Collimator ID
Motor drive ID
Motor controller ID
System ID
External amplifier ID
Gain (coarse/fine)
Time constant
Output
OUT
Good measurement.
Remarks
UF6 / WinUF6 (inspection information)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$UF6_INSP_INFO:
123
UF6 / WinUF6 inspection information
Inspection number
19991006
Inspector ID
Facility code
LOT
Inspection date
Inspector ID
Facility code
LOT ID
MBA
MBA
4.6%+10mmAl
4.462
0.003
wt%
1.200
Sample ID
Declared enrichment
Declared enrichment uncertainty
Scale unit (wt%=weight percent or At%= atom percent)
Wall thickness
0.012
Wall thickness uncertainty
0.340
Attenuation
0.000
1.014
0.000
Attenuation uncertainty
Material correction factor
Material correction factor uncertainty
30
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UF6 / WinUF6 (inspection information) - continued
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
ICOD
0156
Instrument code5
MMCA ID
8289/025
NAJ
9475/029
Collimator
Filter
Computer ID
Detector type
Detector ID
Collimator
Filter
U235 / WinU235 (inspection information)
FILE CONTENT
EXPLANATION
$INSP_INFO:
123
19991006
Inspector ID
Facility code
MBA
U235 / WinU235 inspection information
Inspection number
Inspection date
Inspector ID
Facility code
MBA
LOT
LOT ID
4.6%+10mmAl
Sample ID
4.462
0.003
wt%
1.200
Declared enrichment
Declared enrichment uncertainty
Scale unit (wt%=weight percent or At%= atom percent)
Wall thickness
0.012
0.340
Wall thickness uncertainty
Attenuation
0.000
1.014
0.000
ICOD
Attenuation uncertainty
Material correction factor
Material correction factor uncertainty
Instrument code6
MMCA ID
0156
8289/025
NAJ
Computer ID
Detector type
9475/029
Collimator
Filter
Detector ID
Collimator
Filter
5
6
From here the items are only written and read by WinUF6
From here the items are only written and read by WinU235
31
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MCA166-USB
APPENDIX 2 - MCA166-USB algorithm, formulas
This appendix lists the algorithms used by the MiniMCA for the following functions:
●
●
●
●
●
●
Area, Area uncertainty
Centroid
FWHM
Smooth
Strip
Energy Calibration
The Area and the Area Uncertainty Function:
The area algorithm calculates the number of counts above the background in a ROI. The background area is
determined by averaging 4 points on both sides of the peak (the ROI limit points and 3 outer points) and linear
fit:
Area = Integral - Background
(
ROIend
−
ROIbegin
+
1
)
ROIbegin
ROIend
+
*
Spectrumi
+
3Spectrumi
Background =
i
=
ROIbegin
−
3
i
=
ROIend
8
ROIend
Spectrumi
Integral =
∑
i
=
ROIbegin
Area Uncertainty =
2
ROIbegin
ROIend
+
3
ROI
−
ROIbegin
+
1
)
(
end
Integral
+
Spectrum
+
Spectrum
∗
∑
∑
i
i
8
i
=
ROIbegin
−
3
ROIend
where,
Spectrum
ROIbegin
ROIend
= the absolute number of counts in channels i
= the ROI’s start channel
i
= the ROI’s stop channel
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Centroid:
The peak centroid is the sum of the channel contents7 times the channel number divided by the sum of the
channel contents in the range of the channels above the half maximum:
h
i *Spectrum
∑
i
i
=
l
h
Centroid =
Spectrum
∑
i
i
=
l
where,
i
= channel number
Spectrumi = net contents of channel i
FWHM:
The Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) is the background corrected peak’s width at one-half of its
maximum amplitude. The algorithm first proceeds down one side of the peak until it finds a channel (e.g.
1203) whose counts fall below the half maximum channel. It is now made sure that the following channel (e.g.
1204) also falls below the half maximum channel. The same algorithm is applied for the other side of the
peak. The left and the right FWHM points are the interpolated channels between the counts of the channel
below and above the half maximum value.
Smooth:
Smooth averages the current spectrum (the original data will be overwritten) using a binomial formula:
3 point smoothing:
Spectrum−
+
2*Spectrum
+
Spectrum+
i 1
i
i
1
Spectrum '
=
i
4
5 point smoothing:
Spectrumi−
+
4*Spectrumi−
+
6*Spectrumi
16
+
4*Spectrumi+
+
Spectrumi+
Spectrumi'
=
2
1
1
2
where,
Spectrum
- the original contents of channel i
i
Spectrum '
- the smoothed contents of channel i
i
7
background corrected
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MCA166-USB
Strip:
Strip subtracts a specified fraction of the spectrum. The Strip factor can be “positive“ or “negative“ :
'
Spectrumy = Spectrumy - F*Spectrumx
where
Spectrumy
'
- Count content of channel i in the resulting spectrum
Spectrum
F - Strip factor
Spectrum
y - Count content of channel i in the original spectrum
x - Count content of channel i in the spectrum to be subtracted
E-calibration:
The Energy calibration allows to convert the x-axis channel numbers into energy values in KeV. The following
formula is used:
E = S
Channel + O
where,
S - Slope
O - Offset
The coefficients can be set as numeric values or by linear fit of two energy channel/peak centroid pairs.
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A3.1 MS-Windows DLL for communication with one MCA166-USB
The Dynamic Link Library exists as a 16-bit variant (mca_comm.dll) and as a 32-bit variant (mca32com.dll). The DLL must reside in
the system directory of Windows or in the same directory as the calling application. In order to include the DLL in your program, you
have to use in Visual Basic the file MCA32COM.BAS (valid only for Win32 applications) or in C/C++ the files MCA_COMM.H and
MCA_COMM.LIB or MCA32COM.LIB. All functions and structures are declared in these files.
A3.1.1 Initializing and closing the serial communication port
Before you can use any function, the serial communication port must be initialized. Pass to the function COMM_INIT a string with
the name of the serial communication port (e.g. ”COM1”). If the return value is unequal zero, the initialization was successful. The
serial communication port is unable to initialize if another device (or program) is already using this one. Before you exit your
program, you have to close the serial communication port so that it can be used from other programs now. You can use only one
communication port at the same time. If you want to change the communication port, you have to close the used communication
port before you can initialize another one.
A3.1.2 Sending commands to the MCA
With the function MCA_COMM you can send single firmware commands9 to the MCA. This function is only intended for testing. For
the real work with the MCA you should use the other functions (MMCA_ ...) described in chapter A3.1.3. The function MCA_COMM
is declared as follows:
in C/C++
ERROR_FLAG FAR PASCAL MCA_COMM(
LPSTR command,
LPSTR rec_data,
unsigned long param1=0,
unsigned long param2=0,
unsigned long param3=0,
unsigned long param4=0);
in Visual Basic
Declare Function MCA_COMM Lib "Mca32com" (
ByVal Command$,
Received As RECDATA,
ByVal Param1&,
ByVal Param2&,
ByVal Param3&,
ByVal Param4&) As Integer
8
9
MCA_COMM.DLL (16 Bit) and MCA32COM.DLL (32 Bit) Version 1.04.0006 for MCA166 Firmware #9901
MCA_COMX.DLL (16 Bit) and MCA32CMX.DLL (32 Bit) Version 1.00.0006 for MCA166 Firmware #9901
The firmware commands are described in Appendix 4.
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MCA166-USB
The first argument is a string with the name of the command. In the following table all available commands (use of capital and small
letters is possible), the corresponding firmware specific names and the number of the required parameters are listed.
Name of the command
INIT
START
STOP
CLEAR
Firmware specific name
CMD_INIT
CMD_START
CMD_STOP
CMD_CLEAR
Number of the parameters
1
2
0
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
1
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
0
0
2
3
4
1
2
2
1
0
1
3
0
0
2
0
MODE
CMD_SET_MODE
ADC_RES_DISCR
THRESHOLD
PRESETS
ROI
REPEAT
TIME_PER_CHANNEL
GAIN
STABILISATION
PREAMPLIFIER_POWER
BIAS
FAST
SLOW
SHAPING_TIME
PUR
MCA_INPUT
CMD_SET_ADC_RES_DISCR
CMD_SET_THRESHOLD
CMD_SET_PRESETS
CMD_SET_ROI
CMD_SET_REPEAT
CMD_SET_TIME_PER_CHANNEL
CMD_SET_GAIN
CMD_SET_STABILISATION
CMD_SET_PREAMPLIFIER_POWER
CMD_SET_BIAS
CMD_SET_FAST
CMD_SET_SLOW
CMD_SET_SHAPING_TIME
CMD_SET_PUR
CMD_SET_MCA_INPUT
CMD_SET_MCS_INPUT
CMD_SET_INPUT_POLARITY
CMD_SET_USER_DATA
CMD_SET_MEASURE_PZC
CMD_QUERY_POWER
CMD_QUERY_STATE
CMD_QUERY_SPECTRA
CMD_QUERY_IMAGE
CMD_QUERY_ENRICHMENT
CMD_QUERY_USER_DATA
CMD_QUERY_CENTROID
CMD_SET_PZC_TIME_OFFSET
CMD_SET_TDF
CMD_QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA
CMD_SET_MCS_CHANNEL
CMD_SET_UF6_ROIS
CMD_QUERY_UF6_ROIS
CMD_QUERY_UF6_INFO
CMD_SET_STAB_PARAM
CMD_QUERY_VOLTAGE_CURRENT
MCS_INPUT
INPUT_POLARITY
USER_DATA
SET_MEASURE_PZC
QUERY_POWER
QUERY_STATE
QUERY_SPECTRA
QUERY_IMAGE
QUERY_ENRICHMENT
QUERY_USER_DATA
QUERY_CENTROID
PZC_TIME_OFFSET
TDF
QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA
MCS_CHANNEL
UF6_ROIS
QUERY_UF6_ROIS
QUERY_UF6_INFO
STAB_PARAM
QUERY_VOLTAGE_CURRENT
The second argument of MCA_COMM refers to the received data of the command (in Visual Basic always a RECDATA data type,
in C/C++ a RECDATA or a command specific structure). Information about the data structures you can find in chapter A3.2 and in
the files mca32com.bas (Visual Basic) or mca_comm.h (C/C++). The received data are significant if the command is a QUERY
command.
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The other arguments are the parameters of the firmware command. These arguments are optional since not all commands use the
same number of parameters. Unnecessary arguments you can leave out. Information about the parameters you can find in
appendix 4. You can ignore the parameters ”preamble”, ”command” und ”end flag” listed in this document. These parameters are
assigned the right value automatically. The parameters that you pass to the function MCA_COMM are always long integer. Within
the function these parameters are partially passed on to variables with another data type, therefore it is imperative that the
maximum values specified in the document are not exceeded. The return value indicates the result of the data transfer. It can be
one of the following values:
ERROR_OK
= 0 successful data transfer
= 1 communication port is not initialized
= 2 unknown command
= 3 faulty data transfer
= 4 invalid parameter
ERROR_INTERFACE
ERROR_INVALID_COMMAND
ERROR_COMMUNICATION
ERROR_INVALID_PARAM
A3.1.3 Functions to work with the MCA
For the work with the MCA a lot of functions are available. You can subdivide all functions in five groups:
●
●
●
●
●
Function for resetting the MCA (MMCA_RESET)
Functions for starting and stopping the data acquisition (MMCA_..._AQUIRE)
Functions for clearing (MMCA_CLEAR_...)
Functions for setting (MMCA_SET_...)
Functions for query (MMCA_QUERY_...)
The query functions are handed over a reference to a specific data structure. You can derive the name of the structure from the
name of the function, by leaving out ”MMCA_” from the function name. (e. g. function MMCA_QUERY_STATE requires the data
structur QUERY_STATE). The functions and data structures are listed and described in chapter A3.2. You can also find important
information in the files mca32com.bas (Visual Basic) and mca_comm.h (C/C++).
The return value indicates the result of the data transfer. It can be one of the following values:
ERROR_OK
= 0 successful data transfer
= 1 communication port is not initialized
= 3 faulty data transfer
ERROR_INTERFACE
ERROR_COMMUNICATION
ERROR_INVALID_PARAM
= 4 invalid parameter
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MCA166-USB
A3.2 Command set
MCA Reset Command:
Name
MMCA_RESET
Description
All MCA Parameters will be reset to their initial state and the spectra are cleared.
The measurement is aborted, but the states of the preamplifier power and the value of the high voltages
are unchanged!
Parameter
Results
-
-
Return Code
ERROR_OK
= 0 (command accepted successfully)
= 1 (communication port not initialised)
= 2 (command not yet implemented)
= 3 (serial communication error, off line)
= 4 (parameter out of range)
ERROR_INTERFACE
ERROR_INVALID_COMMAND
ERROR_COMMUNICATION
ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER
MCA Acquire Commands:
Name
MMCA_START_ACQUIRE
Description
1. Parameter
The acquisition is started or continued with the actual parameter (mode, resolution, ...)
Clear flag
integer value
0
leaves spectrum and times unchanged
the start time is ignored
1
2
3
4
5
spectrum and time are cleared
Repeat mode flag
Trigger flags
Bit 14 Trigger: 1=on / 0=off
Bit 13 Trigger signal edge: 1=pos / 0=neg
[2. Parameter]
Start time
long value
if the 1. Parameter ≠ 0, then the value is stored in
status field (start_time)
Results
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_STOP_ACQUIRE
The acquisition is stopped
-
Description
Parameter
Results
The mca_state is set to STATE_STOP
see MMCA_RESET command
Return Code
10 Measurement will be stopped if buffer overrun. In MCS mode a differential amplitude spectrum per sweep is collected.
11 Measurement will be resumed, after the buffer is read out.
12 Buffers will be overwritten, even if not read out.
13 MCS Repeat Mode with one integral amplitude spectrum for all MCS sweeps.
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MCA Mode Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_MODE_MCA
Description
Parameter
The command sets the acquire mode to Multi-Channel Analyser
-
Results
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MODE_MCS
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the acquire mode to Multi-Channel Scaler
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
MCA Clear Commands:
Name
MMCA_CLEAR_MEMORY
Description
Parameter
The acquisition is stopped and the spectrum is cleared
-
Results
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_CLEAR_TIME
Description
Parameter
Results
The acquisition is stopped and the dead time together with the real time are set to 0
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_CLEAR_ROI
Description
Parameter
Results
The acquisition is stopped and the ROI limits are set to LLD and ULD
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_CLEAR_ALL
Description
The command is a combination of MMCA_CLEAR_ROI, MMCA_CLEAR_MEMORY and
MMCA_CLEAR_TIME
Parameter
Results
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
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MCA166-USB
MCA Measurement Setup Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_PRESET_NONE
Description
Parameter
Results
None preset
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PRESET_LIVE_TIME
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the time for measurement (dead time corrected).
Live time
-
integer value
1 ... 65535 sec
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PRESET_REAL_TIME
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the time for measurement
Real time
-
integer value
1 ... 65535
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PRESET_INTEGRAL
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the value for the ROI integral
Integral
-
long value
1 ... 4294967295
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PRESET_AREA
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the value for the ROI area
Area
-
long value
1 ... 4294967295
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
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Name
MMCA_SET_ADC_RES_DISCR
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
Results
The command sets the ADC resolution and the software discriminator range.
Channels
integer value
integer value
integer value
128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048 or 4096
0 <= LLD < ULD
LLD
ULD
-
LLD < ULD <(Channels-(Channels>>5))
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_ROI
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Results
The command sets the begin and end of the ROI for the preset integral and area.
ROI begin channel
Integer value
Integer value
LLD <= begin < end
LLD < end <= ULD
ROI end channel
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_REPEAT
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the number of sweeps for repetitive measurement.
Sweeps
-
Integer value
0 ... 65535
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCS_CHANNEL
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the number of channels for the MCS and Rate mode.
MCS channels
-
Integer value
0 (only for Rate mode), 128, ... 4096
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_TIME_PER_CHANNEL
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the dwell time per channel for the MCS mode.
Time14
Integer value
1 ... 65535
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
14 It is the real time per channel multiplied with 10 msec.
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MCA166-USB
Name
MMCA_SET_MCS_INPUT_ICR
Description
Parameter
Results
The command selects the count rate signal as MCS input.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCS_INPUT_TTL
Description
Parameter
Results
The command selects the external TTL signals as MCS input.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCS_INPUT_DISCR
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
Results
The command selects the software discrimination of ADC-input pulses as MCS input.
Channels
integer value
integer value
integer value
128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048 or 4096
0 <= LLD < ULD
LLD
ULD
-
LLD < ULD< (Channels-(Channels>>5))
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
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MCA Hardware Setup Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_GAIN
The command sets the amplifier coarse and fine gain.
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Results
Coarse gain
Fine gain15
-
integer value
integer value
2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000
5000 ... 15000 (10000 if Coarse Gain=1000)
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCA_INPUT_AMPLIFIER_POS
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the amplifier input polarity to positive.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCA_INPUT_AMPLIFIER_NEG
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the amplifier input polarity to negative.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCA_INPUT_DIRECT_POS
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the ADC input to direct (0 to +3V input range) and PUR to off.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_MCA_INPUT_DIRECT_NEG
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the ADC input to direct (0 to -3V input range) and PUR to off.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
15 It is the real fine gain value multiplied with 10000.
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MCA166-USB
Name
MMCA_SET_THRESHOLD
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the analog threshold
Threshold
-
integer value
2 ... 60
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_SHAPING_TIME_LOW
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the amplifier shaping time (1µs). 16
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_SHAPING_TIME_HIGH
Description
Parameter
Results
The command sets the amplifier shaping time (2µs). 17
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PILE_UP_REJECTION
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the pile up rejection.
Pile up switch
-
integer value
0 turns PUR off and ≠ 0 turns PUR on
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
16 The values may be different for some MMCA configurations.
17 The values may be different for some MMCA configurations.
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Name
MMCA_SET_FAST
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the fast discriminator threshold.
Threshold
integer value
0 ... 2499, default 400
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_SLOW
Description
1. Parameter
Results
The command sets the slow discriminator threshold.
Threshold
integer value
0 ... 2499, default 400
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PZC_MANUAL18
Description
1. Parameter
The command sets the PZC value and returns the PZC offset.
PZC value
integer value
integer value
0 ... 2499
Result array
Number of measured pulses
Byte offset 128
Result array
Byte offset 130
averaged negative offset of measured
input pulses
integer value
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PZC_VALUE19
The command sets the PZC value.
PZC value
Description
1. Parameter
Results
integer value
0 ... 2499
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_PZC_TIME_OFFSET
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Results
The command sets the time offset for the PZC measurement.
Offset for low DTC
integer value
integer value
0 ... 31, default 15
0 ... 31, default 15
Offset for high DTC
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
18 Please note that this function may cause a firmware hang up if the following requirements are not meets:
- statistical distributed input pulses with a count rate between 500 and 30000 Cps
- the significant peak is located above the first quarter of the spectrum
19 The function requires a reference to a pzc result array, but the function has no effect on this array at the moment.
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MCA166-USB
MCA Stabilisation Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_STABILISATION
The command sets the peak stabilisation.
Description
1. Parameter
Stabilisation flag
Integer value
0
1
turns stabilisation off
turns stabilisation on (keep peak at current position)
>1 stabilisation channel (move peak to the stabilisation
channel and hold peak at the stabilisation channel)
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
Results
Peak ROI begin
Integer value
Integer value
LLD<= begin < end
Peak ROI end
-
begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_STAB_PARAM
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Results
The command sets the peak stabilisation parameters.
Stabilisation time
Integer value
long value
default 10 sec interval
default 25000
Stabilisation area
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
MCA Detector Power Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_PREAMPLIFIER_POWER
The command sets the preamplifier power.
Preamplifier switch integer value
Description
1. Parameter
0X80 -24V
0X40 +24V
0X20 -12V
0X10 +12V
Results
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_HIGH_VOLTAGES
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
The command sets the detector high voltage and controls the HV-inhibit-signal.20
High voltage
integer value
long value
0 ... 3000
High voltage inhibit
i = 0 Inhibit off
i = 1 ”Canberra-/ DGF-mode”, HV shut down
if inhibit signal high
i =-1 ”Ortec-mode”, HV shut down
if inhibit signal low
Results
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
20 The high voltages will ramp up or down by the MMCA.
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MCA Data Setup Commands:
Name
MMCA_SET_TDF
The command sets the dead time correction parameter.
Description
1. Parameter
Results
Tdf
integer value
100 ... 3000, default 800
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_USER_DATA
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Results
The command stores a 32 bit value in the MCA parameter memory.
Number
Value
-
integer value
0 ... 63
0 ...
long or float value
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_SET_UF6_ROIS
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
Results
The command sets the begin and the end of a ROI used by the other UF6 commands.
ROI number
ROI begin
ROI end
-
integer value
integer value
integer value
1 ... 3
LLD<= begin < end
begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
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MCA166-USB
MCA Query Commands:
Name
MMCA_QUERY_USER_DATA
Description
The command reads 32 user data (32 bit values) from the MCA parameter memory.
1. Parameter
Result array
Number n
integer value
0 ... 63
0 ...
User_data[n], ...
long or float value
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Contents of the MMCA User Date memory:21
Byte Offset 022
U235:
Enrichment Constant 1
WinSPEC:
WinSCAN:
Index for the analysis program
Scan method and scan parameter
Byte Offset 4
U235:
WinSPEC-A:
WinSCAN:
Enrichment Constant 2
Repeat mode options
Gridlines offset and period
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 16
U235:
WinSPEC-A:
Enrichment Constant 3
Repeat mode options
U235:
WinSPEC-A:
Enrichment Constant 4
Repeat mode options
MCA Application Mode: U235, LENG, SPEC, MCS, RATE, UF6, WMCA , WMCS , WSPC, WSCN, WUF6,
W235, MCAE
Byte Offset 20
Byte Offset 22
Byte Offset 24
Byte Offset 28
Byte Offset 30
Byte Offset 32
Byte Offset 34
Byte Offset 36
Byte Offset 38
...
HV Inhibit Mode: 0, 1, 2, -123
HV Preset value: 0 ... 3000
Power Switches
Stab. Preset: auto/Channel
Stab. on/off
Repeat Mode : 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 ,100 (100 means software repeat mode), (Bit 15: 0=inactive, 1=active)
El. Repeats (Software mode)
HV Inhibit Mode: 0, 1, 2, -124
HV Preset value: 0 ... 3000
-
Byte Offset 48
Byte Offset 52
Byte Offset 56
Byte Offset 60
Energy Calibration: Channel 1 or Null
Energy Calibration: Channel 2 or Null
Energy Calibration: Energy 1 or actual Slope
Energy Calibration: Energy 2 or actual Offset
21 Each program should set and test at least the MCA application mode (Byte offset 16). Developer of new applications for the
MCA166-USB should publish the shorthand expression of their application.
22 The bytes 0 ... 15 are used differently by the single applications
23 Actual values (are used for automatic restart in applications for unattended measurements)
24 Values can be used as preset values after the MCA powered on
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Byte Offset 64
Byte Offset 66
Byte Offset 68
...
1. ROI pair (ROI End)25
1. ROI pair (ROI Begin)
2.
...
Byte Offset 120
Byte Offset 124
Byte Offset 12826
15.
16. ROI pair
U235/UF6:
Inspection description
WinMCS:16 ROI pairs of the MCA spectrum ( similar the other ROIs )
25 In applications with MCS spectrum the ROIs of the MCS spectrum are saved here. In WinMCS the ROIs of the MCA spectrum
are saved behind it.
26 The bytes 128 ... 255 are used differently by the single applications
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MCA166-USB
Name
MMCA_QUERY_POWER
The command reads the MMCA power state.
-
Description
Parameter
Result array
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 20
Byte Offset 24
Byte Offset 28
Byte Offset 32
Byte Offset 36
Byte Offset 40
Byte Offset 44
Byte Offset 48
Battery current [mA]
HV primary current [mA]
+12 primary current [mA]
-12 primary current [mA]
+24 primary current [mA]
-24 primary current [mA]
Battery voltage [mV]
HV [V]27
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
HV state
Current high voltage [V]
Power Switches
long value
long value
0X80
0X40 +24V ON
0X20 -12V ON
0X10 +12V ON
0X02 HV ON
-24V ON
Byte Offset 52
...
Charger current [mA]
Byte Offset 64
Byte Offset 68
Byte Offset 72
Byte Offset 76
Byte Offset 80
Byte Offset 84
Byte Offset 88
Byte Offset 92
Byte Offset 116
...
Battery current [mA] at stop
HV primary current [mA] at stop
+12 primary current [mA] at stop
-12 primary current [mA] at stop
+24 primary current [mA] at stop
-24 primary current [mA] at stop
Battery voltage [mV] at stop
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
Charger current [mA] at stop
Byte Offset 128
Return Code
mca_state29
integer value
see MMCA_RESET command
27 multiply value with 1.2 V
28 multiply value with 1.2 V
29 see MMCA_QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA
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Name
MMCA_QUERY_STATE
Description
Parameter
Results array
Byte Offset 2
The command reads the MMCA state.
-
MCA acquire mode
MCA preset
MCA_MODE
MODE_MCA, MODE_MCS
MCA_PRESETS
PRESET_NONE
PRESET_REAL
PRESET_LIVE
PRESET_INT
PRESET_AREA
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 14
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 18
Byte Offset 20
Byte Offset 24
Byte Offset 28
Byte Offset 32
Byte Offset 36
Byte Offset 38
Byte Offset 40
Byte Offset 42
Byte Offset 44
Byte Offset 46
Byte Offset 48
Byte Offset 50
Byte Offset 52
Byte Offset 54
Byte Offset 56
Byte Offset 58
Byte Offset 60
Preset value
long
Elapsed preset
long
Repeat value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
long
Elapsed sweeps
MCS time per channel [∗0.01 sec]
Elapsed time per channel [∗0.01 sec]
Real time [sec]
Counts per seconds
Dead time [msec]
Busy time [msec]
MCA channels
long
long
long
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
128, ... , 4096
2 .. 60
Threshold
LLD
0 ...
ULD
ROI begin (preset integral/area)
ROI end (preset integral/area)
Amplifier coarse gain
Amplifier fine gain
Slow discriminator value
Fast discriminator value
High voltage
2, ... , 1000
5000 ... 15000
0 ... 2499 mV
0 ... 2499 mV
0 ... 3000 V
High voltage polarity
Power switches
0 positive
1 negative
0X80
-24V ON
0X40 +24V ON
0X20 -12V ON
0X10 +12V ON
0X02 HV ON
Byte Offset 62
Byte Offset 64
Byte Offset 66
Byte Offset 68
Byte Offset 70
PZC value
Time offset for PZC and DTC low30
integer value
integer value
integer value
0 ... 2499 mV
0 ... 15
Time offset for PZC and DTC high
0 ... 15
Stabilisation state or channel
Stabilisation result
integer value
MCA_STAB_RESULT STAB_STARTED, STAB_ACTIVE,
30 value multiplied with 0.4µsec
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MCA166-USB
Name
MMCA_QUERY_STATE
STAB_IDLE, STAB_ERROR
Byte Offset 72
Byte Offset 74
Byte Offset 76
Stab. ROI begin
Stab. ROI end
ADC input
integer value
integer value
MCA_INPUT_ADC
ADC_AMPLIFIER,
ADC_ DIRECT_POS,
ADC_DIRECT_NEG
Byte Offset 78
ADC input polarity
MCA_INPUT_POL
INPUT_POLARITY_POSITIVE,
INPUT_POLARITY_NEGATIVE
Byte Offset 80
Byte Offset 82
Byte Offset 84
DTC
integer value
PUR state
MCS input
MCA_PUR
OFF, ON
MCA_INPUT_MCS
MCS_INPUT_TTL,
MCS_INPUT_RATE,
MCS_INPUT_DISCR
Byte Offset 86
Byte Offset 88
Byte Offset 90
Byte Offset 92
Byte Offset 94
Byte Offset 96
Byte Offset 98
Byte Offset 100
Byte Offset 104
Byte Offset 106
Byte Offset 108
Byte Offset 110
Byte Offset 112
Byte Offset 114
Byte Offset 116
Byte Offset 120
Byte Offset 122
Byte Offset 124
Byte Offset 128
Return Code
MMCA number
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
long
MMCA hardware version
MMCA firmware version
MCS Channels
Last power state
Battery capacity [%]
0
Start time
TDF
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
Integer value
long
Last command flag
Last command parameter 1
Last command parameter 2
Last command parameter 3
Buffer state31
Internal DAC value
Differential dead time [0/00]
HV inhibit mode
integer value
integer value
integer value
HV inhibit state
MMCA state32
see MMCA_RESET command
31 see MMCA_QUERY_SPECTRA
32 see MMCA_QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA
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Name
MMCA_QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA
The command reads the MMCA system data.
-
Description
Parameter
Results array
Byte Offset 2
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 10
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 18
Byte Offset 24
Byte Offset 26
Byte Offset 32
Byte Offset 36
Byte Offset 40
Byte Offset 44
Byte Offset 48
Byte Offset 52
Byte Offset 56
Byte Offset 60
Byte Offset 64
Byte Offset 66
Byte Offset 72
Byte Offset 74
Byte Offset 80
Byte Offset 84
Byte Offset 88
Byte Offset 92
Byte Offset 96
Byte Offset 100
Byte Offset 104
Byte Offset 106
Byte Offset 108
Byte Offset 110
Byte Offset 112
Byte Offset 114
0
integer
48 Bit integer
integer
48 Bit integer
integer
48 Bit integer
integer
48 Bit integer
long
Peak detect counter
0
Fast detect counter
0
Peak detect counter at time-1
0
Fast detect counter at time-1
Busy Time [ms] at time-1
MMCA on Time [s]
long
Real Time [s] of previous sweep
Dead Time [ms] of previous sweep
Start time of previous sweep
0
long
long
long
long
Elapsed sweeps
long
Busy time [ms] of previous sweep
0
long
integer
48
Peak detect counter of previous sweep
0
integer
48
Fast detect counter of previous sweep
Counter of stabilisation steps
Current stabilisation offset
Maximal negative stabilisation offset
Maximal positive stabilisation offset
Counter of received commands
Counter receive errors
0
long
integer
integer
integer
long
long
integer
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
Integer value
Last command flag
Last command parameter 1
Last command parameter 2
Last command parameter 3
Buffer state33
33 see MMCA_QUERY_SPECTRA
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MCA166-USB
Byte Offset 116
Byte Offset 120
Byte Offset 122
Byte Offset 123
Byte Offset 124
Byte Offset 128
Stabilisation area preset
Stabilisation time preset
Low shaping time34
High shaping time35
0
long
integer value
byte value
byte value
integer value
MMCA state
STATE_POWER_ON,
STATE_READY,
STATE_RUN,
STATE_SUSPEND,
STATE_FINISH,
STATE_ERROR,
STATE_FAIL
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_QUERY_IMAGE36
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
Result array
Byte Offset 1
...
The command read the MMCA spectrum image (120x256).
No. of 1. Channel
Compress factor
Vertical full scale
Channel image N
Channel image N+1
0 ...
1 ... 32
byte value
byte value
Byte Offset 127
Return Code
Channel image N+127
byte value
see MMCA_RESET command
34 The value must be multiplied with 0.1 µsec
35 The value must be multiplied with 0.1 µsec
36 This command should only be used to display the spectrum in a 120 x 256 pixel window.
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Name
MMCA_QUERY_SPECTRA
The command read the MMCA spectrum data.
No. of 1. Channel and read out control37
Compress factor (1 ... 32)
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Result array
Byte Offset 4
...
integer value
long value
long value
long value
Channel contents N
Channel contents N+1
Byte Offset 124
Byte Offset 128
Return Code
Channel contents N+31
Buffer state38
long value
integer value
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_QUERY_ENRICHMENT
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
3. Parameter
4. Parameter
Result array
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Return Code
The command reads the begin and end of the 2 ROIs
Peak begin
integer value
integer value
integer value
integer value
long value
LLD<= begin < end
Peak end
begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250
LLD<= begin < end
Background begin
Background end
Begin peak ROI
End peak ROI
begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250
long value
Begin background ROI long value
End background ROI long value
see MMCA_RESET command
37 Read out control Bit[15:12], Channel number: Bit[11:0]
Bit[15:12] = 0x00
Bit[15:12] = 0x01
Bit[15:12] = 0x02
Bit[15:12] = 0x03
Bit[15:12] = 0x07
Read spectrum
Read MCS amplitude spectrum
Read spectrum buffer and unlock buffer
Read spectrum buffer and lock buffer
Read MCS amplitude spectrum buffer and lock buffer
38 Read out buffer state
Bit[15] = 1
Bit[14] = 1
Buffer filled
Buffer overrun
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MCA166-USB
Name
MMCA_QUERY_UF6_INFO
Description
Parameter
Result array
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 20
...
The command reads current dead time, real time the integral, begin and end of the UF6 ROIs
-
Real time
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
Dead time [msec]
Integral ROI 1
Integral ROI 2
Integral ROI 3
Begin ROI 1
...
Byte Offset 40
Return Code
End ROI 3
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_QUERY_UF6_ROIS
Description
Parameter
The command reads the begin and end of the 3 ROIs
-
Result array
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 20
Return Code
Begin ROI 1
long value
End ROI 1
long value
long value
long value
long value
long value
Begin ROI 2
End ROI 2
Begin ROI 3
End ROI 3
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_QUERY_CENTROID
Description
1. Parameter
2. Parameter
Result
The command reads peak centroid of the specified ROI
Peak ROI begin
Peak ROI end
Peak centroid
integer value
integer value
float value
LLD<= begin < end
begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
Name
MMCA_QUERY_ON_LINE
Description
Parameter
Results
The command checks the communication between the MCA and the PC.
-
-
Return Code
see MMCA_RESET command
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Name
MMCA_QUERY_VOLTAGE_CURRENT
Description
The command reads the voltages and currents from the MMCA.
-
Parameter
Results array
Byte Offset 4
Byte Offset 8
Byte Offset 12
Byte Offset 16
Byte Offset 20
Byte Offset 24
Byte Offset 28
Byte Offset 32
Byte Offset 36
Return Code
Charger current [mA]
long
long
long
long
long
long
long
long
long
long
HV primary current [mA]
Battery current [mA]
Battery voltage [mV]
HV reference voltage [V]
HV control voltage [V]
+12V primary current [mA]
+24V primary current [mA]
-24V primary current [mA]
-12V primary current [mA]
see MMCA_RESET command
A3.3 MS-Windows DLL for the communication with several MCA166-USB
This Dynamic Link Library allows the communication with several MCA166-USB. It can manage the serial communication ports
COM1 to COM20.
Die Dynamic Link Library exists as a 16-bit variant (mca_comx.dll) and as a 32-bit variant (mca32cmx.dll). The DLL must reside in
the system directory of Windows or in the same directory as the calling application. In order to include the DLL in your program, you
have to use the in Visual Basic the file MCA32CMX.BAS (valid only for Win32 applications) or in C/C++ the files MCA_COMX.H and
MCA_COMX.LIB or MCA32CXM.LIB. All functions and structures are declared in these files.
The use of the function is analogous to the functions of the DLLs for the comunication with one MCA166-USB (see chapter A3.1).
However, following differences exist: The return value of the function COMM_INIT is an index of the communication port. You have
to pass this index to each function as first parameter so that you can distinguish the communication ports.
The return value indicates the result of the data transfer. It can be one of the following values:
ERROR_OK
= 0 successful data transfer
= 1 communication port is not initialized
= 3 faulty data transfer
= 4 invalid parameter
= 5 forbidden index
ERROR_INTERFACE
ERROR_COMMUNICATION
ERROR_INVALID_PARAM
ERROR_FORBIDDEN_INDEX
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MCA166-USB
APPENDIX 4 - Description of the MCA166-USB firmware functions
MCA Reset Command:
Command name
Description
CMD_INIT
All MCA Parameters will be reset to their initial state and the spectra are cleared. The measurement
is aborted, but the states of the preamplifier power and the value of the high voltage are unchanged!
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
41
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
All
STATE_READY
MCA Acquire Commands:
Command name
CMD_START
Depending on the value of the first parameter(cf) the command clears the spectrum and the time or
not and then the measurement will be started. If the first parameter is not equal zero, the spectrum
and the time where cleared and the second parameter(st) is stored as start time.39
Description
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
st
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
cf
cf
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
42
00
00
stl
..
..
sth
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
All
start time
STATE_RUN
Command name
Description
CMD_STOP
The measurement is stopped immediately. There is no synchronisation with the internal clock or
dwell time.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
43
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
None
STATE_STOP
39 See Appendix 3
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MCA Mode Command:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_MODE
Depending on the value of the first parameter (mod):
MODE_MCA
MODE_MCS
= 0
= 1
the command set MMCA to the required mode by activating the previous specified setup parameter.
The command will be ignored and responded with a error messages, if a measurement is still
running.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
mod
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
45
00
mod
00
00
00
00
00
9B
coarse_gain, fine_gain, mca_input_pol, mca_input_adc
mca_mode, stab_state
STATE_READY
MCA Clear Command:
Command name
Description
CMD_CLEAR
A running measurement is stopped immediately. Depending on the value of the first parameter
(clear):
CLEAR_MEMORY = 0
CLEAR_TIME
CLEAR_ROI
CLEAR_ALL
= 1
= 2
= 3
the command clears the spectrum, the time information, the ROI limits exclusively or all together.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
clear
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
44
00
clear 00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
real time, dead time, ROI begin, ROI end
STATE_READY
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MCA166-USB
MCA Measurement Setup Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_ADC_RES_DISCR
The command set the ADC resolution(res: 128, 256 … 4096), the LLD(Low level discriminator) and
the ULD(Upper level discriminator) to the values of its three parameter.
The command will be ignored and responded with a error messages, if one ore more parameter are
invalid or a measurement is still running.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
res
long
integer
Parameter
preamble
command
LLD, ULD
end flag
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
46
00
resl
resh
LLDl LLDh ULDl ULDh B9
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
channels, lld, uld, stab_state
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_PRESETS
The command sets the choice(pre)
PRESET_NONE = 0
PRESET_REAL = 1
PRESET_LIVE
PRESET_INT
= 2
= 3
PRESET_AREA = 4
and value(val) of the preset. The parameter val must be lower then 65536 for PRESET_REAL and
PRESET_LIVE! If a measurement is running, only val can be changed.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
pre
long
val
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
48
00
prel
preh
vall
...
...
valh
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
presets, preset_value
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_ROI
The command sets the begin and end of the ROI for the preset integral and area.(LLD <= begin <
end and LLD < end <= ULD)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
beg
long
end
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
49
00
begl
begh endl
endh 00
00
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
LLD, ULD
roi_begin, roi_end
STATE_READY
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Command name
Description
CMD_SET_REPEAT
The command sets the number(rep: 0 ... 65535) of sweeps for repetitive measurement.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
rep
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
4A
00
repl
reph 00
00
00
00
9B
9B
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
Repeat
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_MCS_CHANNEL
The command set the number of channels(ch: 128 ... 4096) for MCS mode
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
ch
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
63
00
chl
chh
00
00
00
00
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
mcs_channels
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_TIME_PER_CHANNEL
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
tpc
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
4B
00
tpcl
tpch
00
00
00
00
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
time_per_channel
STATE_READY
40 It is the real time per channel multiplied with 10
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MCA166-USB
MCA Hardware Setup Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_GAIN
The command sets the amplifier coarse(cg) and fine gain(fg).
cg:
fg:
2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000
5000 ... 15000 (for cg = 1000 fg: 5000 ... 10000)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
cg
long
fg
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
4C
00
cgl
cgh
fgl
fgh
00
00
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
coarse_gain, fine_gain
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_INPUT_POLARITY
The command sets the input polarity for the internal amplifier.
ip = 0
ip = 1
positive input signals
negative input signals
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
ip
ip
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
56
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
mca_input_pol
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_MCA_INPUT
The command sets the ADC input to amplifier or to direct.
ip = 0
ip = 3
ip = 4
input amplifier
input direct (0 ... +3V, PUR OFF)
input direct (0 ... -3V, PUR OFF)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
ip
ip
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
54
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
mca_input_adc
STATE_READY
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Command name
Description
CMD_SET_MCS_INPUT
The command sets the input for the Multi-Channel Scaler.
ip = 0
ip = 1
ip = 2
external TTL signals
internal count rate signal
counts only pulses with amplitude between LLD and ULD threshold
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
ip
ip
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
55
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
mca_input_mcs
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_THRESHOLD
This command set the analogue threshold value (thr: 2 …60).
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
thr
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
47
00
thr
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
Threshold
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_SHAPING_TIME
The command sets the amplifier shaping time(dtc).
dtc = 1 shaping time low (1 µsec)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
dtc
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
52
00
dtc
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
Dtc
STATE_READY
41 The values may be different for some MCA166-USB configurations.
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MCA166-USB
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_PUR
The command sets the pile up rejection.
pur = 0 turns PUR off
pur ≠ 0 turns PUR on
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
pur
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
53
00
pur
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
9B
9B
None
mca_pur
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_FAST
This command set the fast discriminator threshold (0 ... 2499, default 400).
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
fast
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
Preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
50
00
fast
00
00
00
00
None
Fast threshold
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_SLOW
This command set the slow discriminator threshold (0 ... 2499, default 400).
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
slow
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
Preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
51
00
slow 00
00
00
00
None
Slow threshold
STATE_READY
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Command name
Description
CMD_SET_PZC
The command performs the Pole Zero Cancellation.
pv: 0 ... 2499
pm = 0
PZC control voltage
set PCZ only
pm > 0
set PZC and measure PZC offset
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
command
58 00
integer
pm
long
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
Pv
pvl
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
pml
pmh
pvh
00
00
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
Results
None
pzc_value
If pm > 0 the function returns with the number of counts and the - PZC offset.
STATE_READY
MCA state
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_PZC_TIME_OFFSET
The command sets the time offset for Pole Zero Cancellation.
t1: 0 ... 31
t2: 0 ... 31
Time offset for low shaping time
Time offset for high shaping time
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
command
60 00
integer
long
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
t1
t1
t2
t2
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
00
00
00
00
9B
None
pzc_dtc_1_offset, pzc_dtc_3_offset
STATE_READY
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MCA166-USB
MCA Stabilisation Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_STABILISATION
The command sets the peak stabilisation.
fl:
0
turns stabilisation off
turns stabilisation on
stabilisation to channel fl
1
rb+3<fl<re-3
rb:
re:
Peak ROI begin (LLD<= begin < end)
Peak ROI end (begin < end <= ULD, (end-begin) < 250)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
rb
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
fl
re
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
4D
00
fll
flh
rbl
rbh
rel
reh
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
channels, lld, uld
stab_state, stab_roi_begin, stab_roi_end
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_STAB_PARAM
The command sets the stabilisation parameters.
st:
sa:
time interval (default 10)
area (default 25000)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
sa
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
Preamble
command
st
Byte String (HEX)
A5
-
5A
67
00
stl
sth
sal
sal
sal
sah
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
stab_time, stab_area
STATE_READY
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MCA Detector Power Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_PREAMPLIFIER_POWER
The command sets the preamplifier power(pp).
0X80
0X40
0X20
0X10
0XF0
0X00
-24V
+24V
-12V
+12V
all on
all off
on
on
on
on
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
pp
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
A5
5A
4E
00
pp
00
00
00
00
00
9B
None
preamplifier_power
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_BIAS
hv:
0 ... 3000
i = 0
i = 1
i =-1
Inhibit off
”Canberra- or DFG-mode”, HV shut down if inhibit input < 0.5V
”Ortec-mode”, HV shut down if inhibit input = +5V
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
hv
long
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
I
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
4F
00
hvl
hvh
il
ih
00
00
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
detector_bias, stab_state
STATE_READY
42 The high voltages will ramp up or down by the MCA166-USB.
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MCA166-USB
MCA Data Setup Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_TDF
The command sets the TDF parameter.
tdf:
TDF(100 ... 3000, default 800)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
tdf
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
61
00
tdfl
tdfh
0
0
0
0
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
tdf
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_UF6_ROI
The command sets the begin and the end of a ROI used by the other UF6 commands.
r:
ROI number
b:
e:
LLD<= b < e
b < e <= ULD, (e-b) < 500
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
integer
integer
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
Preamble
command
r
r
b
e
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
64
00
00
bl
bh
el
eh
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
LLD, ULD
roi_begin[n], roi_end[n]
STATE_READY
Command name
Description
CMD_SET_USER_DATA
The command stores a 32 bit value(f) in the MCA parameter memory(64 entries).
e: 0 ... 63
p: 0 ...
parameter number
long or float parameter
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
command
57 00
integer
long or float
P
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
e
e
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
00
pl
pl
ph
ph
9B
Used setup value
Affected setup value
MCA state
None
None
STATE_READY
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MCA Query Commands:
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_POWER
The command reads the power state.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Results
A5
5A
59
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
see MMCA_QUERY_POWER function in DLL description.
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_STATE
The command reads the state.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Results
A5
5A
5A
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
see MMCA_QUERY_STATE function in DLL description.
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_SPECTRA
The command reads the spectrum data.
n: No. of 1. channel and buffer control (Bit 15 ... 12)
c: Compress factor (1 ... 32)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
C
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
n
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
5B
00
nl
nh
cl
ch
00
00
9B
Used setup value
Results
channels, lld, uld
see MMCA_QUERY_SPECTRA function in DLL description.
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_IMAGE
The command read the MMCA spectrum image (120x256).
n: No. of 1. Channel
c: Compress factor (1 ... 32)
v: Vertical full scale (see MCA_VFS in mca_comm.h)
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
integer
integer
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
n
C
cl
v
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
5C
00
nl
nh
ch
vh
vh
9B
Used setup value
Results
channels, lld, uld
see MMCA_QUERY_IMAGE function in DLL description.
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MCA166-USB
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_USER_DATA
The command reads a 32 bit value from the MCA parameter memory.
e: 0 ... 63parameter number
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
e
e
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Result
A5
5A
5E
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
9B
9B
None
see MMCA_QUERY_USER_DATA function in DLL description.
Command name
Description
CMD_SYSTEM_DATA
The command reads the special MCA data.
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
00
long
End
00
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Result
A5
5A
62
00
00
00
00
00
00
see MMCA_QUERY_SYSTEM_DATA function in DLL description.
Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_CENTROID
The command reads the centroid of a ROI (beg<end, LLD<=beg, end<=ULD, end-beg<250).
Command syntax
Format
integer
integer
integer
beg
long
End
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
Byte String (HEX)
A5
5A
5F
00
begl
begh endl
endh 00
00
Used setup value
Result
channels, lld, uld
see MMCA_QUERY_CENTROID function in DLL description.
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Command name
Description
CMD_QUERY_ENRICHMENT
The command read the integral of two ROIs and the real and dead time.
pb:
bb:
pl:
Peak1 begin
Peak2 begin
Peak1 length (8 ... 250 channels)
Peak2 length (8 ... 250 channels)
bl:
Command syntax
Format
integer
Preamble
A5
integer
integer
long
pbl
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
command
Byte String (HEX)
5A
5D
00
pl
bl
pbd
bbl
bbh
9B
Used setup value
Result
-
see MMCA_QUERY_ENRICHMENT function in DLL description.
Name
MMCA_QUERY_UF6_INFO
Description
Command syntax
Format
The command reads current dead time, real time the integral, begin and end of the UF6 ROIs
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Result
A5
-
5A
66
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
See MMCA_QUERY_UF6_INFO function in DLL description.
Name
CMD_QUERY_UF6_ROIS
Description
Command syntax
Format
The command reads begin and end of the UF6 ROIs
integer
integer
integer
long
0
integer
end flag
B9
Parameter
Preamble
command
0
Byte String (HEX)
Used setup value
Result
A5
-
5A
65
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
9B
see MMCA_QUERY_UF6_ROIS function in DLL description.
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MCA166-USB
APPENDIX 5 - Changing the MCA166-USB Firmware
Attention:
The order of changing the switches must be followed exactly,
otherwise the µP will be destroyed!
The programming voltage (+12V) shall only be applied when
the working voltage (+5 V) is switched on !!
Each MMCA must be programmed with it’s corresponding
HEX-file (e.g. MMCA #6 with Mca6.hex).
Programming the firmware can be done very easy by using the Firmware Wizard program.
It is available from the Internet or from the supplied software CD.
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