High precision (14 bit), high density (octal) analog to digital converter for spectroscopy applications

Abstract

Nuclear and particle physics experiments with large number of detectors require signal processing and data collection strategies that call for the ability to collect large amount of data while not sacrificing the precision and accuracy of the data being collected. This paper deals with the development of a high precision pulse peak detection, analog to digital converter (ADC) module with eight independent channels in plug-in daughter card motherboard model, best suited for spectroscopy experiments. This module provides multiple channels without cross-talk and of 14 bit resolution, while maintaining high density (each daughter card has an area of just 4.2(")x0.51(")) and exhibiting excellent integral nonlinearity (< or = +/-2 mV or +/-0.02% full scale reading) and differential nonlinearity (< or = +/-1%). It was designed, developed and tested, in house, and gives added advantages of cost effectiveness and ease of maintenance.

Indian National Gamma Array at IUAC

“…from Clovers were digitised using 14-bit 8-channel CAMAC AD814 ADC [7]. The TDC's (7186) were used to record time information from all Clovers in each event.…”

The journey so far and the road ahead

“…At the heart of the pulse processing electronics for INGA at IUAC were the CLOVER NIM modules developed at IUAC [10]. This module does both, the pulse processing for the time and energy information for the pulses from the clover detectors and provides the Compton suppressed output energy signals which are then fed in to a CAMAC based 8 channel 16 bit ADC also developed at IUAC [11]. The data acquisition is based on the CAMAC standard and it comprised of three CAMAC crates in cascade.…”