R7780

The CAEN Mod.R7780 manages the acquisition and analysis over up to 8 neutron detectors that can work in unattended mode. Mechanics are compliant to 19” racks, and it can be operated also as stand-alone.

This is a Neutron Coincidence Analyzer and Multiplicity module combining the functions of a Shift Register and a Pulse Train Recorder. The eight single-ended TTL inputs (LEMO) feature independent counting capability. Moreover, adjustable input thresholds give the possibility to compensate TTL signal voltage drops in case of long-distance use.

The internal 100MHz sampling clock fits for high count-rate applications and the on-board intelligence synergy of a FPGA and a Single Board Computer (an ARM CPU running Linux) makes it possible to provide time-stamped lists and the overall neutron counting information (coincidence timing, multiplicity distributions of coincident events, etc.) required for the analysis in Nuclear Safeguards and nuclear material process monitoring.

After the start-up sequence based on a programmable configuration file, the device can collect data without external control on a local non-volatile memory. Two SD cards, externally accessible for insertion/extraction, store all measurement results and log information in two identical copies for redundancy reasons. The presence of a OTG USB port allows the automatic data retrieval by a USB stick.

The device can also operate in attended mode controlled by an external host computer using the USB port as virtual point-to-point serial connection (reserved for INCC software⁽¹⁾) and a remote network connection through the ethernet port.

The R7780 is equipped with a video output (HDMI) to connect an external display for monitoring the state of the device and acquisition information.

High power outputs are available as well: one high-voltage channel for the detector biasing and two different low-voltage channels (+5V and +12V) to power the front-end electronics such as preamplifiers and discriminators.

The R7780 is fully supported by CAEN ShiftRegister control software which configures the device and handles the data acquisition. In attended mode, the raw data can be saved to binary files on the host computer for offline analysis (supported PTR-32 format compatible with the INCC software). Complete device control, including firmware upgrade, is also possible by Web Interface.

⁽¹⁾ INCC Software Users Manual: http://lib-www.lanl.gov/la-pubs/00326587.pdf