4300B 16 Input Fast Encoding and Readout ADC
4301 Fast Encoding and Readout  Driver Module
4302 Dual Port Memory
4303 16 Input Fast Encoding Time-to-Charge Converter

FOR FAST AND PRECISE CHARGE AND TIME INTERVAL MEASUREMENTS


The Fast Encoding and Readout ADC (FERA) and Fast Encoding and Readout TDC (FERET) systems consist of modules designed for fast conversion of analog information, either charge or time intervals, into a digital format. They also provide fast readout to a storage memory module or to a computer for further processing. The system modularity allows small as well as large multi-channel ADCs or time digitizing (TDC) systems to be configured and also allows simple memory expansion. These units can be used with other modules to configure energy or time based triggers tailored for specific applications.

The heart of the system is the Model 4300B, a charge sensitive analog-to-digital converter. Other elements in the system include the Model 4301, a utility module for distribution of common signals and regeneration of signals for multiple 4300Bs; the Model 4302, a dual port fast access memory module; and the Model 4303, which converts time intervals into charge signals to be measured by the Model 4300B.

FEATURES

Constant Short Conversion Time - The time for conversion is 4.8 µsec at 10 bits and 8.5 µsec at 11 bits. This is independent of the number of channels or modules making up a system.

Fast Data Readout - A readout speed of 10 megawords/sec, associated with pedestal subtraction and zero suppression capabilities, allows a uniquely fast data acquisition rate both for charge and time interval measure ments.

High Resolution - The least count resolution in charge is 0.25 pC. It is adjustable in time from 50 psec to 500 psec.

Expandable Memory - Data can be stored in cascadable, 16 kiloword deep memory modules.

System Flexibility - Due to its modular nature, a system can be easily expanded and adapted to measure charge or time intervals or both, and can also be easily interfaced to CAMAC, FASTBUS or GPIB.

Trigger Capability - The FERA/FERET systems have been designed so that the digitized charge or time informa tion can be given as an input to second level trigger processors built around the ECLine Data Handler Modules.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION


A Fast Encoding and Readout ADC (FERA) system includes the Model 4300B and may also include additional accessory modules such as the Model 4301 FERA Driver and/or the Model 4302 Dual Port Memory.

A Fast Encoding and Readout TDC (FERET) high resolution system always includes the Model 4300B and the Model 4303 Time-to-Charge Converter or the model 3420 Constant Fraction Discriminator. By using the Time-to -Charge Converter. With the 4303 both Common Start and Common Stop operations are possible. It may also include the 4301 FERA Driver and/or the 4302 Dual Port Memory.

The Model 3377, 500 psec multihit pipeline time digitizer, is also compatible with the FERA Readout System. (See separate data sheet for details.)

The FERA system can also measure pulse heights by using an accessory module, Model 3309 peak detector, in combination with the 4300B. The 3309 is described in more detail in a separate data sheet. It converts the maximum pulse height to a signal compatible with the FERA ADC.

The 4301 FERA Driver is a utility module which distributes signals common to the system, such as gate, fast clear, test and handshake signals, via the command bus. It also receives data from the fast data bus, which collects data from all Model 4300Bs in the system, and translates it for transmission to the memory module or to the ECLine logic units.

The Model 4302, a 16 kiloword x 16-bit Dual Port Fast Memory unit, provides data storage by accepting data on the fast access front-panel port. Data can be successively read via the CAMAC dataway. Up to ten 4302 modules can be cascaded to increase the total memory capacity.

Two standard versions of the 4300B are provided. Model 4300B/600 converts charge into 10 bits in 4.8 µsec and the Model 4300B/610 converts charge into 11 bits in 8.5 µsec.

After conversion, the digitized data may be automatically corrected with values contained in the programmable internal pedestal memory.

Digitized data is available first on the front-panel ECL port and subsequently on the CAMAC dataway. The ECL port readout is optional. All zero or zero-and-overflow data words may be suppressed to provide data compres sion. The compression procedure takes 2.5 µsec irrespective of the number of channels or modules in a system.

The front-panel bus system includes the protocol necessary to allow high-speed sequential readout to the LeCroy series of ECLine Data Handler Modules and to the Model 4302, Dual Port Fast Memory. Cables for these buses can be ordered from LeCroy as Model 4300 DC-N. The same bus system can provide interfacing and data storage in VME, where data can be received by the Model 1190 VME Memory. (See LeCroy Application Notes AN-4001, AN-4004A, AN-39 and Publication P-2 for examples.)

SPECIFICATIONS


Model 4300B ADC


Analog Inputs: 16.

Connector: 17 x 2-pin front-panel connector (BERG 75789-101-34). The upper 16 pins of the left row are negative signal inputs. The upper 16 pins of the right row are connected to the common virtual ground (AC-coupled to ground). The lower two pins are connected to ground. Tapped poles are provided on the front panel with separate input cables.

Input Sensing: Charge (current integrating).

Impedance: 50 ohm ±5% within the range 0 to -60 mA DC. Outside these limits, diode protection clamping will affect input impedance.

Protection: ±25 V for 1 µsec transients; (clamping diodes to ground and -3 V).

Limitations: Maximum current for linear response: -30 mA. The linearity is degraded to typically ±(1% of reading + 0.25 pC) for -60 mA.

Analog-to-Digital


Resolution: Two factory options: 10 or 11 bits.

Conversion Time: Typically 10 bits in 4.8 µsec, 11 bits in 8.5 µsec.

Typical Range: 10 bits, 256 pC minus ADC pedestal; 11 bits, 480 pC minus ADC pedestal.

Sensitivity: 0.25 pC ±3%.

Integral Linearity: Typically ±0.5 pC, at worst ±(0.25% of reading + 0.5 pC) for signals of slew rate < 2 mA/nsec. For signals of slew rate 4 mA/nsec, the linearity is degraded to typically ±(1% of reading + 0.25 pC).

Differential Linearity: Typically ±10%, worst case ±20%.

Residual Pedestal: From 1 pC to 13 pC for gate width from 50 to 500 nsec, all inputs open. Adjustable with an internal potentiometer for gate width > 500 nsec. Subtracted from data by CAMAC command.

Pedestal/Gate Width Coefficient: Better than ±8 pC/µsec, typically ±3 pC/µsec.

Operating Temperature: 0° to 40°C.

Temperature Coefficient: Typically (-0.05% of reading ±0.1 count)/°C for a gate width of 500 nsec. The coeffi cient may vary slightly for other gate widths.

Long Term Stability: ±(0.25% of reading + 0.5 pC)/week at constant temperature and voltage.

Model 4303 (and 4300B) TDC

Signal Inputs


Common Start (STRT)/Common Stop (STOP)/Test: Three front-panel 2-pin connectors, 100 ohm input imped ance, accept complementary ECL pulses of 5 nsec minimum width.

Individual Inputs: 16 inputs in a front-panel 17 x 2-pin connector (BERG 75789-101-34), 100 ohm input imped ance, accept complementary ECL pulses of 5 nsec minimum width.

Input Sensing: Time, common start or common stop.

Output


Analog Outputs: Current source, amplitude adjustable via front-panel potentiometer. Widths equal to time differences.

Gate: To be used as input to the corresponding 4300B. Width set by front-panel potentiometer.


Time-to-Digital


Typical Range: 100 nsec to 1 µsec.

Sensitivity: 50 psec to 500 psec adjustable through a front-panel potentiometer.

Notes: Other TDC specifications are identical to the ADC specifications when applicable. The Model 3420 can be used for the same function except that it works in common stop mode only, however, because it has two functions in one module. It can save cost and CAMAC slots.

Model 4301 FERA Driver

Input/Output


Gate (GAI & GATE): Two inputs. Inputs are OR'd and available on the Command ECL Bus (GATE) for distribu tion.

Clear (CLI & CLR): Two inputs. Inputs are OR'd and available on the Command ECL Bus (CLR) for distribution.

Write Acknowledge (WAI & WAK): Two inputs. Inputs are OR'd and available on the Command ECL Bus (WAK) for distribution to the Model 4300B FERAs. The WAK may also echo the WST signal after a fixed time delay.

Write Strobe (WST & WSO): Input via Command Bus (WST) from the Model 4300B FERAs. Two outputs. For synchronous operation, the WSO signal may be connected directly to the WAI via a fixed delay cable or an active delay.

Inhibit Readout (IRI): Two inputs. Inputs are OR'd and act as a veto for the REO signal described below. Since the REO is usually connected to the first Model 4300B FERA to be read out, the IRI inhibits the readout and may be used to block the readout process until the receiver module is ready.

Readout Request (REQ, RQO & REO): Input via Command ECL Bus (REQ) from the Model 4300B FERAs. Following a fixed delay, three outputs are generated. (The delay is set to 200 nsec in the factory. It may be adjusted via the internal potentiometer RQ DEL.) The two outputs (RQO) may be used to signal a request to read out data. The third output (REO) can be vetoed by the IRI signal and is normally connected to the REN or Read out Enable input of the first Model 4300B FERA to be read out; one 2-pin connector generates differential ECL signals into 100 ohm.

ECL Data Bus (IN & OUT): 16 inputs via 17 x 2-pin connector (IN). Accepts single ended ECL signals from the ECL Ports of the Model 4300B FERAs. Generates differential ECL outputs on the 17 x 2-pin connector (OUT) for all 16 signals.

Note: Paired signals are made up of one Lemo-type connector accepting NIM signals (50 ohm input impedance), and one 2-pin connector accepting differential ECL signals (100 ohm input impedance).

Model 4302 Dual Port Fast Memory

Input


Data Inputs: Front-panel 34-pin connector which accepts complementary ECL signals, 100 ohm input imped ance; up to 16 parallel bits can be accepted and stored in the memory word addressed at the strobe pulse arrival time; the memory address is automatically incremented by one at the end of the strobe pulse.

Strobe Veto (VETO): Front-panel 2-pin connector accepts complementary ECL pulses, 100 ohm input imped ance; an input signal acts as a veto on the Write Strobe Input (WSI). Connecting the FULL output to the VETO input in adjacent Model 4302s permits simple cascading of memory units. WSI and Data Inputs must also be connected.

Write Strobe (WSI): NIM: two bridged Lemo-type connectors with high input impedance accept NIM level pulses; the unused input must be terminated. ECL: front-panel 2-pin connector accepts complementary ECL pulses; 100 ohm input impedance. The leading edge of the strobe pulse must fall inside the data pulse and must arrive at least 10 nsec after the data are valid; minimum width 20 nsec; maximum frequency 10 MHz for both NIM and ECL.

Clear Address Counter (CLR): NIM: Lemo-type connector, input impedance 50 W, minimum pulse width 20 nsec, accepts NIM level pulses; an input pulse resets the memory address and clears the LAM.

Output


Overflow (OVF): NIM: Lemo-type connector; generates NIM level pulses when terminated in 50 ohm. ECL: front -panel 2-pin connector generates complementary ECL levels. When the ECL port is enabled, a signal is generated as long as the memory address is equal to or exceeds the value that has been preset by switches on the side of the module; the output is active until the memory address is changed by CAMAC. The two side panel switches permit the selection of 12288, 14336, 15360, or 15872 as the overflow address.

Acknowledge (ACK): Front-panel 2-pin connector generating a complementary ECL signal; the echo of WSI with 35 nsec delay time; it is inhibited if the address counter has reached the full memory capacity.

Memory Full (FULL): Front-panel 2-pin connector generating a complementary ECL signal; active as long as the address counter has not reached the full memory capacity.

General


Packaging: RF-shielded, CAMAC #1 modules conforming with the IEEE Standard 583.

Power Requirements: Click here for power requirements chart

FERA STATUS WORD REGISTER FORMAT

R1 to R8: VSN; Virtual Station Number: index source for sequential readout with zero suppression.

R9: EPS; ECL port Pedestal Subtraction: when EPS = 1, pedestals are subtracted for ECL port readout.

R10: ECE; ECL port data Compression Enable: when ECE = 1, data zeros or zeros-and-overflows are suppressed for ECL port readout.

R11: EEN; ECL port ENable: when EEN = 1, ECL port readout is permitted.

R12: CPS; CAMAC Pedestal Subtraction: when CPS = 1, pedestals are subtracted for CAMAC readout.

R13: CCE; CAMAC data Compression Enable: when CCE = 1, data zeros or zeros-and-overflows are suppressed for CAMAC sequential readout.

R14: CSR; CAMAC Sequential Readout: when CSR = 0, CAMAC random access readout is enabled; when CSR = 1, CAMAC sequential readout is enabled.

R15: CLE; CAMAC LAM Enable: when CLE = 1, LAM is enabled.

R16: OFS; OverFlow Suppression: when OFS = 1, data overflows are suppressed during ECL port readout in conjunction with ECE = 1 and for CAMAC sequential readout in conjunction with CCE = 1.

Note: The 8 bits, EPS to OFS, are set to 1 by the CAMAC Z function.

ECL BUS SIGNALS


COMMAND BUS

Connector:
8 x 2-pin front-panel connector. The input matching resistors and output pull-down resistors may be removed for high impedance inputs and outputs. When these resistors are in place, a front-panel LED (PD ON) is lit.

Input Levels: Differential ECL levels, 100 ohm impedance differential.

Output Levels: Differential ECL levels (into 100 ohm differential).

Gate Input (GATE): One; common for all ADCs. Non-retriggerable. Gate width 50 to 500 nsec (> 500 nsec is possible after pedestal adjustment). Gate must precede input signals by at least 20 nsec.

Clear Input (CLR): One; common for all ADC front ends and associated digital logic. May be executed at any time. Minimum clear width: 5 nsec. CLEAR settles to within 1 count in less than 2 µsec during conversion. The action is immediate after conversion.

Request Output (REQ): One; An ECL port readout request indicates that this module is ready to take control of the ECL port data transfer. After conversion, the REQ is set only if the ECL port readout is programmed and the module contains valid data.

Write Strobe Output (WST): One; indicates when the data are valid on the ECL port output. WST is set within 10 nsec after the data are presented to the ECL port (setting time) and released when the write acknowledge is received. The ECL port data are stable during the entire WST pulse. The minimum write strobe width is 40 nsec.

Write Acknowledge Input (WAK): One; acknowledges the signal from the ECL port receiver indicating that the data have been loaded and that the next data word may be sent. The next WST is set 50 nsec after the release of WAK. The minimum write acknowledge width is 30 nsec.

Test Reference Voltage Input (TRV): Two paralleled front-panel 2-pin connectors, high input impedance (200 kohm), accept the Test Reference Voltage; the second connector can be used for monitoring or daisy chaining. The gate and charge pulses are generated at the input of all ADCs by the CAMAC function F(25)·A(0). The test charge pulse is proportional to the DC level at the TRV input. Channel-to-channel matching of the proportionality constant is ±1%. TRV input range: 0 to +10.24 V, equivalent to 512 pC ±0.1% on each ADC. The common virtual ground offset is automatically compensated.

ECL PORT ENABLE/PASS

Readout Enable Input (REN):
1 x 2-pin front-panel connector. Accepts differential ECL levels. Input impedance 100 W differential. REN indicates to the receiver that it can take control of the ECL Port Bus. The REN signal must be maintained during the entire readout time. REN enables the ECL port outputs, the WST output and the WAK input if the module is ready for data transfer (REQ output ON).

Pass Output (PASS): 1 x 2-pin front-panel connector, generates differential ECL levels (into 100 ohm differen tial). Indicates that the sender has finished using the ECL port or is not ready. The PASS output is activated by the REN input signal and closed by the REQ output internal command. The transit time between the REN input and the PASS output is typically 3 nsec if the module is empty.

ECL PORT OUTPUT

Connector: 17 x 2-pin front-panel connector; (BERG 75789-101-34). The last 2 pins are not connected.

Output Levels: Differential ECL levels (into 100 ohm differential). The pull-down resistors may be removed for high impedance outputs. When these resistors are in place, a front-panel LED (PD ON) is lit.

Specifications: Data word size: 16 bits. Sequential data readout with maximum output frequency 10 MHz (see Readout Block Format).

TEST REFERENCE VOLTAGE

The TRV output on the Command Bus is driven by an internal CAMAC controlled Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC uses a control register which may be set and read via CAMAC commands. WARNING: The reg ister content is randomly set at power on.

Range: 0 to 10.2375 V corresponding to inputs for the Model 4300B FERA of 0 to 511.875 pC.

LSB: 2.5 mV corresponding to inputs for the Model 4300B FERA of 0.125 pC.

Integral Linearity: ±0.5 LSB.

Full Scale Error: ±1 LSB.

Settling Time: 5 µsec.

Current Limit:
3 mA.

Model 4300B Readout Block Format


Without Zero or Zero-and-Overflow Suppression:

ECL port readout: EEN=1, ECE=0, OFS=X
CAMAC readout: CSR=1, CCE=0, OFS=X
DATA: 10-bit resolution: 0 to 1023; overflow=2047
11-bit resolution: 0 to 1919; overflow=2047.

Click here for diagram

With Zero or Zero-and-Overflow Suppression:

ECL port readout: EEN=1, ECE=1, OFS=0 or 1
CAMAC readout: CSR=1, CCE=1, OFS=0 or 1
VSN: Virtual Station Number Loaded in the Status Register.
WC: Number of data words following the header word, 0 indicates 16 data words.
DATA: 10-bit resolution: 0 to 1023; overflow=2047 (only with OFS=0);
11-bit resolution: 0 to 1919; overflow=2047 (only with OFS=0);
SA: Channel Subaddress

Click here for diagram

CAMAC COMMANDS


Model 4300B


CAMAC COMMANDS

Z:
Initialize module; clear module and set status register's eight command bits to 1.

C: Clear the module.

I: Inhibit the front-panel gate when present.

X: Generated for all valid functions.

Q: Generated if a function can be executed.

L: LAM is set, if enabled, after the end of conversion (or ECL port readout) if there are valid data to be read.

CAMAC FUNCTION CODES

F(0)·A(0):
Read status word register. Q = 1 if BUSY = 0.

F(1)·A(0-15): Read pedestal memory (8 bits) for the 16 channels. Q = 1 if BUSY = 0.

F(2)·A(0-15): Random access or sequential readout of the 16 ADC values. Q = 1 if BUSY = 1.

F(8)·A(0): Test LAM. Q = 1 if LAM is present.

F(9)·A(0): Clear module.

F(10)·A(0): Test and clear LAM.

F(16)·A(0): Write status word register. Q = 1 if BUSY = 0.

F(17)·A(0-15): Write pedestal memory (8 bits) for the 16 channels. Q = 1 if BUSY = 0.

F(25)·A(0): Enable test. Q = 1 if BUSY = 0.

Model 4301


CAMAC COMMANDS

X:
Generated for all valid functions.

Q: Generated if a function can be executed.

CAMAC FUNCTION CODES

F(0)·A(0):
Read DAC control register content (12 bits).

F(9)·A(0): Generates a clear signal on the COMMAND ECL bus.

F(16)·A(0): Write DAC control register content (12 bits).


Model 4302


CAMAC COMMANDS

Z:
Reset memory address to zero and clear the LAM.

X: Generated for all valid functions.

Q: Generated if a function can be executed.

L: LAM is generated on overflow (OVF).

CAMAC FUNCTION CODES

F(0)·A(0):
Reads 16-bit data at the current memory address, and increments the address by one at S2. No Q response is generated when the address pointer exceeds the memory capacity.

F(1)·A(0): Read memory address (16 bits). The presence of the two most significant bits indicates an address overflow.

F(1)·A(1): Read the port enable register (2 bits).

R2 &shyp; R3

0 &shyp; 0 &shyp; All ports disabled.

0 &shyp; 1 &shyp; CAMAC enabled.

1 &shyp; 0 &shyp; Reserved.

1 &shyp; 1 &shyp; ECL front panel enabled.

F(2)·A(0): Reads 16-bit data at the current memory address. Decrements the address by one at S2. No Q response generated after word at address zero has been read.

F(8)·A(0): Test LAM. Q = 1 if LAM is present.

F(10)·A(0): Test and clear LAM.

F(16)·A(0): Write 16-bit data at the current address. Increments the address by one at S2. No Q response is generated when the address pointer exceeds the memory capacity.

F(17)·A(0): Write memory address (14 bits).

F(17)·A(1): Write the port enable register (see F(1)·A(1) table).

F(24)·A(0): Disables LAM.

F(26)·A(0): Enables LAM. LAM is generated on overflow.

FERA COMPATIBLE MODULES CHART

Copyright© November 1995. LeCroy is a registered trademark of LeCroy Corporation. All rights reserved. Information in this publicaction supersedes all earlier