A Miniaturized ASIC-Based Multichannel Scaler Instrument1

M. N. Ericson; G. W. Turner; D. E. McMillan; B. S. Hoffheins; R. A. Todd; J. M. Hiller

doi:10.1109/23.322887

A Miniaturized ASIC-Based Multichannel Scaler Instrument1

M. N. Ericson, G. W. Turner, D. E. McMillan, B. S. Hoffheins, R. A. Todd, J. M. Hiller

Sensors and Electronics

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

A miniaturized multichannel scaler instrument has been developed to address size and operational constraints for data acquisition in a portable laser-induced luminescence system. The multichannel scaling (MCS) function is implemented as a programmable application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with standard interfaces for control and data acquisition. The instrument is microcontroller-based with sufficient computing power for data manipulation and algorithmic processing. The unit includes electronics for laser control and amplification and pulse height discrimination of PMT pulses. Modification of the instrument should allow use in nuclear, chemical, and spectroscopy-related applications including Mossbauer experiments[1,2]. Interfaces are incorporated allowing both computer-controlled and stand-alone operation. Implementation of the MCS function as an ASIC and comparison with conventional implementations are discussed. Full characterization of the MCS is presented including differential nonlinearity (DNL), bin dead time, and bandwidth measurements.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1217-1220
Number of pages	4
Journal	IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
Volume	41
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/23.322887
State	Published - Aug 1994

Funding

Commercially available multichannel scaling instruments can be too costly or physically large for use in many stand-alone monitoring systems or for field operations requiring portability[3,4]. Additionally, many commercial instruments provide functions that are not required in specific applications and contribute to the cost and size of the units. A programmable but functionally reduced MCS instrument miniaturized to allow for portability and use in size-restricted environments has been developed to address these issues. The instrument was specifically designed for determining environmental uranium concentration levels in ground water Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05440R2 1400.

Funders	Funder number
U.S. Department of Energy
Oak Ridge National Laboratory	DE-AC05440R2 1400

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10.1109/23.322887

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abstract = "A miniaturized multichannel scaler instrument has been developed to address size and operational constraints for data acquisition in a portable laser-induced luminescence system. The multichannel scaling (MCS) function is implemented as a programmable application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with standard interfaces for control and data acquisition. The instrument is microcontroller-based with sufficient computing power for data manipulation and algorithmic processing. The unit includes electronics for laser control and amplification and pulse height discrimination of PMT pulses. Modification of the instrument should allow use in nuclear, chemical, and spectroscopy-related applications including Mossbauer experiments[1,2]. Interfaces are incorporated allowing both computer-controlled and stand-alone operation. Implementation of the MCS function as an ASIC and comparison with conventional implementations are discussed. Full characterization of the MCS is presented including differential nonlinearity (DNL), bin dead time, and bandwidth measurements.",

author = "Ericson, {M. N.} and Turner, {G. W.} and McMillan, {D. E.} and Hoffheins, {B. S.} and Todd, {R. A.} and Hiller, {J. M.}",

year = "1994",

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AU - Todd, R. A.

AU - Hiller, J. M.

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A Miniaturized ASIC-Based Multichannel Scaler Instrument1

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