Some fast mono multi-processor configurations for a single multi-parameter multichannel analyzer

Some single, multi-parameter multichannel analyzer configurations are reported. The analyzer is especially suitable for time and/or pulse-height spectra measurements from high counting rate sources, The various analyzer configurations arise from the need to reach a compromise between measurement requirements and analyzer speed and cost. The main element of each configuration is the Analog Devices 21060, a fast and flexible digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP tak;es part in the control of data acquisition, and updates spectra in real time without taking Host computing and Input/Output resources, so shortening the dead time of the whole spectrometric system. The instrumentation peculiar characteristics are as follows: (1) the true acquisition phase is an autonomous one; (2) the maximum count capacity is equal to 2(32) - I counts/channel; (3) the 2(100); (4) spectra may be transferred from the conversion gain is programmable. The maximum achievable value is 2 instrumentation to the West computer either at the measurement end or in the course of the measurement to display data during the accumulation process; (5) the maximum acquisition rate depends on the configuration. The monoprocessor configuration is able to acquire data and to update spectra without interruption at 10 MHz rate. Multi-bus configuration is recommended in the case that high conversion gain and/or fast multichannel structures are dealt with. Multi-bus configuration is needed if the spectrum must be transferred to the Host in the course of the measurement without interrupting the acquisition. (6) The instrumentation makes use of commercially available components. Their high integration and speed have led to powerful, compact, flexible, and modular instrumentation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.