AIM - Acquisition Interface Module (Model 556A)

Features

• PHA acquisition server with Ethernet interface
• Two ADC inputs per module
• High speed acquisition – up to 1 MHz data acceptance rate
• 64K, 32-bit channels of local acquisition memory
• PHA and Loss-Free PHA acquisition modes
• Fast spectral data transfers using Ethernet
• Host interface for controlling the programmable ICB NIM Family
• Live spectral displays and complete front end programmability through any Genie™ family workstation

Description

The CANBERRA Model 556A Acquisition Interface Module (AIM), serves as a link between a host computer and signal processing NIM. This NIM can be configured with manual and/or programmable versions of CANBERR A’s ADC, AMP, DSP, HVPS, AMX, RPI building blocks to tailor the system to the needs of any application. A single AIM, in conjunction with a Genie™ family workstation, can control a whole bin of programmable NIM for total computer front-end configuration and control.

The 556A AIM, a single-width NIM, has both 10 Base 2 and AUI Ethernet interfaces conforming to IEEE 802.2/802.3 communication standards. The module has been designed with two high-speed ADC ports and an Instrument Control Bus (ICB) for programmable front-end NIM units. Connected to an Ethernet network, the 556A allows data acquisition from any computer on the network.

The 556A AIM can acquire data in PHA or Loss-Free PHA mode from either ADC port independently. The AIM contains 64K, 32-bit channels of local acquisition memory and can acquire data from both ADCs at a maximum aggregate rate of 1 MHz (500 kHz for a single input). Preset and elapsed times are maintained within the module with centisecond resolution. The AIM will automatically terminate acquisition upon reaching the preset live or real time or a preset total counts in a region. If module power is lost, the spectral memory will be retained for up to three days.

An optional sample changer interface is available for ADC 1. External start/stop control can be provided for both ADCs with an optional cable.