Ubitekk CC1, User Manual

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1
Principle of Operation
1.1 Overview
The CC1 is a low-cost, handheld coincidence counter intended for use with single photon
counting experiments. The unit can detect and count TTL electrical pulses with nanosecond
resolution and a maximum count value of 2,097,152 pulses per channel. Pulses that occur
simultaneously on Channel 1 and Channel 2, within a specified “coincidence window,” are
treated as “coincident” pulses and are measured and displayed by the unit (max coincidence
count equal to 2,097,152).
An LCD display on the front of the unit allows easy viewing of all measured single and
coincidence counts. This display, in addition to the push buttons on the front of the unit,
provides a simple interface for displaying results and setting up measurements. A USB
connection on the side of the unit provides power to the system while also allowing for optional
serial control of the device by a computer.
The CC1 comes pre-programmed with all of the functionality described in this manual; however,
it is capable of much more. The unit contains both a re-programmable microprocessor (for
handling the user interface and serial communications) and a re-programmable FPGA (for
handling high-speed pulse counting). Both of these devices can be programmed by the user to
implement a wide range of features.
In the Appendix section, the user will find the necessary documentation for programming the
CC1 for custom applications. Whether it is implementing a time histogram recorder,
expanding/modifying the existing features of the CC1, or developing a custom device for use in
implementing new cryptographic protocols, the CC1 is a flexible platform that will greatly simplify
and speed your development effort.
1.2 What is Included
The CC1 Handheld Coincidence Counter ships with the following materials:
a) 2m USB cable (USB-B)
b) CC1 Coincidence Counter
c) Rabbit programming cable (2mm)
d) Retractable USB cable (USB-mini)
e) Development software and programming file
f) USB-to-AC
power module
The various components (with their respective labels) are shown in Figure 1 on the following
page.