Introduction
ComTec GmbH
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1. Introduction
The MPA4 Multiparameter System is an ultra fast listmode multichannel data acquisition system
featuring performance and measurement capabilities previously not known in commercially
available multiparameter systems.
2 highspeed USB connections provide for easy connection to a computer and asure maximum
data transfer rates into the PC.
The MPA4 Multiparameter System actually is a comprehensive set of 2 different data acquisition
devices in one unified package.
First there is an 8(4) input classical multiparameter system section providing very flexible
acquisition combinations of upto 8 external NIM ADC port devices like ADC's, TDC's.
Secondly there are 8 independent 32bit 100MHz counters/scalers (option).
An onboard DDR2 memory with a capacity of 1 or optionally 2 GB functions as large FIFO for
buffering high event rates. The FIFO memory buffers enable to MPA4 to continuously transfer
data rates of approximately 35 MByte/s to the connected computer.
If you intend to use 2 USB ports for higher data transfer rates also connect “USB 2”.
The MPA4 system allows to simultaneously acquire single and coincidence ADC data (e.q.
energy spectra) from upto 8 input channels.
A range of versatile additional features enables easily adapting the MPA4 system to a large
variety of experimental requirements, complicated or almost impossible to fulfill with other
systems.
Eight 32 bit counters with a maximum countrate of 100MHz each are provided (option). Each
counter is presettable and can also be configured to free run at 100MHz. 2 of the counters
provide a carry output for cascading and 2 can switch from UP to DOWN counting by external
signal application. All of them can be gated as well.
An open-drain 'GO'-line (compatible to other products of FAST ComTec) enables overall
experiment synchronization.
A versatile 8 bit digital I/O
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port may further satisfy your experimental needs.
The MPA4 is designed with “state-of-the-art” components, which offer excellent performance and
reliability. The high-performance hardware is matched by sophisticated WINDOWS™-based
software (delivered with each MPA4) providing a powerful graphical user interface for setup, data
transfer and spectral data display.
1 I/O: Input / Output
Fig. 1.1: MPA4 unit