FalconX1/X4/X8 Quick Start Guide
Version 0.6
August 23, 2019
12
2.5 SCA Outputs
The FalconXn has 32 digital lines available on the high density connector that can
support either inputs or outputs. By default, the unit can be set up to have either 16 or
24 digital output lines used to support hardware SCA outputs, where the remaining
lines are set up as inputs to support reading in encoder positions or counter outputs.
Running under ProSpect/Handel, the default setup uses 24 outputs used for SCA
outputs, where the outputs are split evenly per channel (24/channel for FalconX1,
6/channel for the FalconX4 and 3/channel for the falconX8.
Use the SCA tab on the left to set up and control the SCA outputs. The easiest way to
set the SCA regions is to define an ROI in the MCA window around the target energy
range, then transfer that ROI definition to the FalconXn unit using the appropriate
buttons on the SCA panel.
You can control the width of the pulses using the SCA panel; the default pulse length
is 400 ns, but can be adjusted in 4 ns steps. Note that the minimum off time for the
digital outputs is set to the pulse width (but can be longer, depending on counting
rate). Note that a high pulse indicates that a pulse was detected in the corresponding
SCA region.
The SCA outputs for the FalconXn are not affected by the run state – you do not need
to start a run to get the outputs. The SCA outputs are enabled or disabled using the
drop-down box in the SCA panel – they can either be always on or always off, ot
controlled by the GATE pulse.
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
0
1
2
3
4
5
FWH
M
R
es
olu
tion
(
eV)
OCR (Mcps)
FalconX Resolution at 5.9 keV
versus Output Count Rate
Max Rate Resolution
Med Rate Resolution