Title :
Miniature-MCA technology developments
Author :
Halbig, J.K. ; Klosterbuer, S.F. ; Stephens, M.M. ; Biddle, R.S.
Author_Institution :
Los Alamos Nat. Lab., NM, USA
fDate :
8/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The authors have reduced the size of multichannel analyzers (MCAs) and have implemented more features in hardware to relieve software requirements. They built and tested a spectroscopy grade, 4096-channel MCA. Most of the hardware logic was implemented using a programmable, application-specific digital integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC not only reduced the size of the circuitry, but resulted in great versatility without relayout of the circuit boards. These ASIC techniques were used in a design to enhance the high-count-rate throughput of the portable MCA used extensively in safeguards. Exclusive of amplifier and power supply, the MCA fits on two boards each approximately 7 by 15 cm. The features and performance of the analyzer and some reasonable applications of these technologies are discussed
Keywords :
application specific integrated circuits; nuclear electronics; pulse height analysers; 15 cm; 4096-channel MCA; 7 cm; ASIC; amplifier; application-specific digital integrated circuit; hardware logic; high-count-rate; miniature-MCA; portable MCA; power supply; programmable; safeguards; software requirements; spectroscopy grade; versatility; Application specific integrated circuits; Circuit testing; Digital integrated circuits; Digital relays; Hardware; Integrated circuit technology; Logic circuits; Printed circuits; Spectroscopy; Throughput;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
