Braun Network Card MCA166 USB User Manual

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

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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

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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.

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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

The MCA166-USB is set into operation by turning the power switch on (see Figure 1).

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

0S-306) on Page 21.

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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

consumption does not exceed the maximum ratings (see Table 6, Chapter 6.2).

● 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.

-0.01

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:

CdZnTe Detector

SDP310/Z/60,

measuring a Cs137

sample, amplifier setting

200*0.91, negative

pulses, 1µs shaping

time, pulse height

Time (µs)

equals to about channel

662 of 1024 channels.

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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

+300

+500

+600

x x -

neg 1024 90

neg 1024 80

pos 1024 128

NaI

Scintiblock

25825

Crismatec +500

Scionix +550

Amcrys-h -800

Eurorad

pos 512

neg 256

7.2

NaI

x x -

x x

NaI

40*40

CsI

Sc1010

x x -

160

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

Ortec

-1000

neg 4096 1.9

planar

HPGe

EGC 30-190R Eurisys

EGPC 25-185 Eurisys

-3000

+2000

pos 4096 52

neg 4096 35

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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

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

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

+ charge voltage

- charge voltage

Table 5: Wiring Diagram of the PC Interface Connector (female Lemo 0S-306)

Contact

Signal

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

GND

+12 V

60mA

HV-Inhibit Signal /

ext. Trigger

-24 V

+24 V

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.

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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.

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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

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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#

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)

. . . .

Channel content

ROI Information

FILE CONTENT

EXPLANATION

$ROI:

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:

0.000000 0.000000

2981.000000 1173.199951

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MCA166-USB

Setup Information

FILE CONTENT

$ADC:

EXPLANATION

ADC resolution

4096

Channels

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

ROI number

266 332

ROI begin and end (optional line, depend on the application)

$PZC_VALUE:

PZC Settings

1232

$FAST_DISCR:

400

$SLOW_DISCR:

400

DAC adjustment value for PZC (0..2499 mV)

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:

% of ADC channels; 2-60 % possible

$GAIN_VALUE:

200

Amplifier gain

Coarse gain (2...1000)

1.0261

$DTC:

Fine gain (0.5000...1.5000)

Shaping Time

1, 2 µs³

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:

$STAB:

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”

High voltage polarity and value

Value

$STAB_PARAM

25000

$POWER:

+12= on

-12= on

+24=off

-24=off

$HV:

+500V

Unused

HV Inhibit Mode

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

Time in msec , 0.01 – 655.35 sec

$MCS_SWEEPS:

Number of sweeps

0 .... 65535

MCS Repeat Mode Type

$MODE:

Operation Mode

MCA

MCA or MCS

$MCA_REPEAT:

Number of sweeps

0 .... 65535

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

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MCA166-USB

Setup information’s – continued

FILE CONTENT

EXPLANATION

$REC_COUNTER:

Counter of received commands

2823

$REC_ERROR_COUNTER:

$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

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

ItemID

Item ID

Batch ID

1997/01/01

Date of declaration

10.000 wt% ± 1.000 %

Decl. isotopic abundance and relative uncertainty for 238

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

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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

ItemID

Item ID

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

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

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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

From here the items are only written and read by WinUF6

From here the items are only written and read by WinU235

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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

(

ROI_end

−

ROI_begin

)

ROI_begin

ROI_end

(

Spectrum_i

³Spectrum_i

)

Background =

∑

ROI_begin

−

ROI_end

Spectrum_i

Integral =

∑

ROI_begin

Area Uncertainty =

ROI_begin

ROI_end

ROI

−

ROI_begin

)

(

end

Integral

Spectrum

∗

∑

ROI_begin

−

ROI_end

where,

Spectrum

ROI_begin

ROI_end

= the absolute number of counts in channels i

= the ROI’s start channel

= the ROI’s stop channel

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Centroid:

The peak centroid is the sum of the channel contents⁷times the channel number divided by the sum of the

channel contents in the range of the channels above the half maximum:

i *Spectrum

∑

Centroid =

Spectrum

∑

where,

= channel number

Spectrum_i= 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

Spectrum ^'

5 point smoothing:

Spectrum_i−

4*Spectrum_i−

6*Spectrum_i

4*Spectrum_i+

Spectrum_i+

Spectrum_i^'

where,

Spectrum

- the original contents of channel i

Spectrum ^'

- the smoothed contents of channel i

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“ :

Spectrum_y= Spectrum_y- F*Spectrum_x

where

Spectrum_y

- 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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APPENDIX 3 - Description of the communication DLLs⁸

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 commands⁹to 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

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

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

leaves spectrum and times unchanged

the start time is ignored

spectrum and time are cleared

Repeat Mode 1¹⁰(MCA/MCS)

Repeat Mode 2¹¹(MCA)

Repeat mode flag

Repeat Mode 3¹²(MCA)

Repeat Mode 4¹³(MCS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

...

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

HV state

Current high voltage [V]

Power Switches

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

HV [V]²⁸at stop

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

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

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 ... 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

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

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

long

MMCA hardware version

MMCA firmware version

MCS Channels

Last power state

Battery capacity [%]

Start time

TDF

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

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

integer

48 Bit integer

integer

48 Bit integer

integer

48 Bit integer

integer

48 Bit integer

long

Peak detect counter

Fast detect counter

Peak detect counter at time-1

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

long

Elapsed sweeps

long

Busy time [ms] of previous sweep

long

integer

Peak detect counter of previous sweep

integer

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

long

integer

long

integer

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

long

integer 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

st_l

st_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

mod

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

mod

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

clear

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

clear 00

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

res

long

integer

Parameter

preamble

command

LLD, ULD

end flag

Byte String (HEX)

res_l

res_h

LLD_lLLD_hULD_lULD_hB9

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

pre

long

val

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

pre_l

pre_h

val_l

...

val_h

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

beg

long

end

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

beg_l

beg_hend_l

end_h00

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

rep

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

rep_l

rep_h00

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

ch_l

ch_h

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

None

mcs_channels

STATE_READY

Command name

Description

CMD_SET_TIME_PER_CHANNEL

The command sets the dwell time(tpc: 1 ... 65535) per channel for the MCS mode⁴⁰.

Command syntax

Format

integer

tpc

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

tpc_l

tpc_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

cg_l

cg_h

fg_l

fg_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

thr

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

thr

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)

dtc = 3 shaping time high (2 or 3 µsec)⁴¹

Command syntax

Format

integer

dtc

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

dtc

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

pur

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

pur

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

fast

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

Preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

fast

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

slow

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

Preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

slow 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

command

58 00

integer

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

pv_l

Byte String (HEX)

pm_l

pm_h

pv_h

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

command

60 00

integer

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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:

turns stabilisation off

turns stabilisation on

stabilisation to channel fl

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

fl_l

fl_h

rb_l

rb_h

re_l

re_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

Preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

st_l

st_h

sa_l

sa_h

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

Command syntax

Format

integer

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

None

preamplifier_power

STATE_READY

Command name

Description

CMD_SET_BIAS

The command sets the detector high voltage⁴²and controls the HV-inhibit-input.

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

hv_l

hv_h

i_l

i_h

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

tdf

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

tdf_l

tdf_h

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.

ROI number

LLD<= b < e

b < e <= ULD, (e-b) < 500

Command syntax

Format

integer

end flag

Parameter

Preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

b_l

b_h

e_l

e_h

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

command

57 00

integer

long or float

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

Byte String (HEX)

p_l

p_h

Used setup value

Affected setup value

MCA state

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Results

see MMCA_QUERY_POWER function in DLL description.

Command name

Description

CMD_QUERY_STATE

The command reads the state.

Command syntax

Format

integer

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Results

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

n_l

n_h

c_l

c_h

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

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

c_l

Byte String (HEX)

n_l

n_h

c_h

v_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Result

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

long

End

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Result

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

beg

long

End

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

beg_l

beg_hend_l

end_h00

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:

Peak₁begin

Peak₂begin

Peak₁length (8 ... 250 channels)

Peak₂length (8 ... 250 channels)

bl:

Command syntax

Format

integer

Preamble

integer

long

pb_l

integer

end flag

Parameter

command

Byte String (HEX)

pb_d

bb_l

bb_h

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Result

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

long

integer

end flag

Parameter

Preamble

command

Byte String (HEX)

Used setup value

Result

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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