GBS Elektronik MCA166-USB Manuale utente

Miniature Multi-Channel Analyzer

MCA166-USB

User’s Manual

Version 3.0

MCA166-USB

Exclusion o liability

The GBS Elektronik GmbH is not liable for errors and does not guarantee the specific

utility of the MCA1 -USB software or firmware. In particular, the GBS Elektronik GmbH is

not liable for indirect or subsequent damages due to errors of the MCA1 -USB software

or firmware.

The information in this manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate

and reliable. However, the GBS Elektronik GmbH assumes no liabilities for inaccuracies in

this manual. This manual is subject to change without notice.

Last update: 20.12.2007

Address:

GBS-Elektronik GmbH

Bautzner Landstraße 22

01454 Großerkmannsdorf

Tel.: (0351) 217007-0

Fax: (0351) 217007-21

For software updates or problems exceeding the frame of this manual refer to:

Internet: http://www.gbs-elektronik.de

or send email to: [email protected]

Table o Contents

1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................5

2 Hardware..........................................................................................................................

2.1 Users safety information...........................................................................................

2.1.1 Power Source..................................................................................................

2.1.2 High Voltage Supply........................................................................................

2.2 General Description..................................................................................................

2.2.1 Power management.........................................................................................7

2.2.2 Switching on.....................................................................................................7

2.2.3 Charging the MCA1 -USB.............................................................................8

2.2.4 Connecting the MCA1 -USB to a Computer.................................................8

2.2.5 Connection of detectors...................................................................................9

2.2. 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 UF (MS-DOS), WinUF ........................................................................................11

3. 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 MCA1 -USB parameters for use with different detectors............................................14

5 Some of the most important photon energies................................................................15

Technical Data...............................................................................................................1

.1 MCA1 -USB Hardware Specifications.................................................................1

.1.1 Amplifier.........................................................................................................1

.1.2 ADC................................................................................................................17

.1.3 Power supply.................................................................................................18

MCA166-USB

.1.4 Preamplifier Voltages.....................................................................................18

.1.5 High Voltage..................................................................................................18

.1. Battery............................................................................................................18

.1.7 Computer Interface........................................................................................19

.1.8 Mechanical specification................................................................................19

.1.9 Environmental ratings....................................................................................19

.2 Diagrams and pin connections...............................................................................20

7 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................22

APPENDIX 1 - MCA1 -USB spectral data format..........................................................25

APPENDIX 2 - MCA1 -USB algorithm, formulas...........................................................32

APPENDIX 3 - Description of the communication DLLs...................................................35

APPENDIX 4 - Description of the MCA1 -USB firmware functions............................... 58

APPENDIX 5 - Changing the MCA1 -USB Firmware.................................................... 72

1 Introduction

The MiniMCA MCA1 -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 MCA1 -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 MCA1 -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

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 MCA1 -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 MCA1 -USB is an autonomous module. The device has its own battery and

provides power supply to radiation detectors. Together with a computer the MCA1 -USB

forms a multi channel analyzer. The spectra are collected in the memory of the MCA1 -

USB and are periodically transferred via a serial interface to the computer. The computer

is used to setup the MCA1 -USB, to display and process the measurement results, and

to store the data. The design concept of the MCA1 -USB also supports a Multi-Channel

Scaler mode.

For operation the MCA1 -USB itself has only a power switch and a green LED indicator.

2.2.1 Power management

The MCA1 -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 .8 Volts, while a data collection is in progress, the MCA1 -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 .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 MCA1 -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 MCA1 -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

MCA1 -USB has to be connected to the charger to recharge the battery.

2.2.2 Switching on

The MCA1 -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 MCA1 -

USB with the charger and repeat once more. The MCA1 -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

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 MCA1 -USB stationary under a maximum load condition

(HV on, detector draws up to 2W preamplifier power). If the MCA1 -USB is operated on

a high power USB hub and the wall adapter isn’t connected, the MCA1 -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 MCA1 -

USB without detector or with a low power detector (e.g. CdZnTe or NaI). If a detector

draws to much power from the MCA1 -USB (e.g. some HPGe), charging via USB is still

working but the battery runs out slowly.

If the MCA1 -USB is connected to a working high power USB hub, charging will start

after 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 MCA1 -USB

and supply it with power will always disable USB charging.

The old battery chargers supplied with the MCA1 (3 pin LEMO connector) are not

compatible with the MCA1 -USB! Don’t try to connect them to the MCA1 -USB. The

connectors are mechanically different.

2.2.4 Connecting the MCA166-USB to a Computer

Communication between MCA1 -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

MCA1 -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

MCA1 -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 MCA1 -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-30 ) on Page 21.

2.2.5 Connection o detectors

To connect a detector switch the device o . 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 MCA1 -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 MCA1 -USB, and that the power

consumption does not exceed the maximum ratings (see Table , Chapter .2).

●Connect the cable for the preamplifier power supply of the detector to the

concerning female D9 connector on the MCA1 -USB and attach it by the clamps.

●Plug the BNC Signal connector of the detector to the female BNC input connector

of MCA1 -USB.

●Plug the High Voltage connector of detector into the female SHV connector of

MCA1 -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.

Figure 2:

Typical signals w ic

can be seen at t e

detector preamplifier out

and t e amplifier test

out. T is example:

CdZnTe Detector

SDP310/Z/60,

measuring a Cs137

sample, amplifier setting

200*0.91, negative

pulses, 1µs s aping

time, pulse eig t

equals to about c annel

662 of 1024 c annels.

0 5 10 15

Time (µs)

-0.04

-0.03

-0.02

-0.01

Detector Signal (V)

Amplifier (V)

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 MCA1 -USB the older battery

packs and power packs cannot be used! The MCA1 -USB offers a higher battery

capacity, improved efficiency and is able to supply more power on ±24V than the older

MCA1 . 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 So tware

3.1 Overview

There are several programs to operate the MCA1 -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 MCA1 . The Windows programs were developed to operate the MCA1 more

comfortably. Besides, they are (together with at least Windows 98 or Windows 2000)

essential to connect the MCA1 -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:

Iout≈0.8⋅IBatt⋅UBatt

Uout

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