28
The common start time out value from register 4 controls the end of
acquisition in steps of 50 nsec, with a 50 nsec jitter due to clock
synchronization. This value should be set to result in a minimum time out
slightly longer than the value specified in register 3. If the external
common stop time out is used, there is no synchronization jitter, and the
coincidence resolution can be set precisely.
For example, with 2 nsec resolution and leading edge mode, the maxi-
mum time can be as large as 2046 nsec. The time out should be set to
41 (2050 nsec), and the offset value to 2048. This allows use of the full
available range.
NOTE:
Any data which occurs after the enforced Common Start timeout
time, but before the actual end of acquisition (the common start time out)
will still be recorded. This data will occupy storage space in the MTD133
chip. It is recommended to set the maximum number of hits to a value
slightly higher than the number expected.
Dead Time
After the common start time out the 3377 buffers the data. Buffering
takes typically 1.8
µ
s +100 nsec per hit. During this time the front panel
BUSY output is asserted and the module responds with Q=1 to an F27,
A1 command. Any inputs received at the front panel will be ignored
during this period. Only when buffering of the data is complete and the
BUSY is turned off is the module ready to receive data at the front panel
signal inputs. The module is now ready for a new event, beginning with
the common hit. If the 3377 is not set to buffer (see section “Buffered
Mode”) then busy will remain on until the data is read out of the unit.
Front Panel Clear
This input is used to clear an event in progress. The CLEAR signal is
synchronized internally with the 100 nsec system clock, and its behavior
exhibits 100 nsec of jitter due to the random phase of this clock with
respect to the external input signals.
The CLEAR is effective from COMMON START to the end of MPI. If
MPI is set to 0, then CLEAR is effective from COMMON START to the
COMMON START TIME OUT. Note that the COMMON START TIME
OUT period is effectively an ‘MPI’. Note that CLEAR is ALWAYS permit-
ted during the COMMON START TIME OUT period. To be reliable, the
CLEAR must arrive at least 100 nsec AFTER the leading edge of the
COMMON START, and at least 100 nsec BEFORE the COMMON
START TIME OUT or the end of MPI (COMMON START TIME OUT plus
the MPI setting).