Pulser - Model 814FP

Features

• Fast rise time; variable repetition rate to 2 kHz
• Square wave or tail pulse outputs
• Will not degrade gamma spectrum resolution when used in square wave mode
• Can be calibrated to read directly in units of energy
• Direct and attenuated outputs
• Gold-plated switch contacts
• Disable input for remote or computer gated operation

Description

The CANBERA 814FP Pulser is a single width NIM module designed to simulate the output from a solid-state or scintillation detector preamplifier combination, thereby providing a means of testing and calibrating the electronics in a nuclear counting system.

The 814FP offers a fast rise time (typically 10 ns) signal and variable repetition rates of up to 2 kHz. Either square wave or tail pulse outputs are selectable. The 814FP is unique in that the square wave output will not degrade the resolution of a gamma spectroscopy system even if it is run simultaneously with a germanium detector. Other tail pulsers introduce an additional pole into the preamplifier/amplifier combination, preventing the amplifier from properly pole/zeroing the system. This results in spectrum broadening, especially on the low energy side.

The 814FP can be calibrated to read directly in terms of energy with the ten-turn precision PULSE HEIGHT potentiometer, NORMalize control and ATTENUATOR switches. The PULSE HEIGHT control has a maximum nonlinearity of +0.25% and the ATTENUATORS use 1% resistors.

Calibration of nuclear spectroscopy systems and multichannel analyzers, evaluation of system stability, measurement of the integral nonlinearity and noise of amplifiers, and selection of delays in coincidence timing systems are typical of the wide range of applications for the CANBERA 814FP Pulser. The variable repetition rate is also useful in determining the system’s count rate performance.

The 814FP offers either a direct output or an attenuated output. When all the ATTENUATOR switches are in the “out” position, the output is direct. Attenuation factors of up to 1000:1 are selectable via two-position switches with gold-plated contacts. These contacts greatly improve both the reliability and the long-term stability of the attenuator section.

A DISABLE input is included on the 814FP for gated operation and is selectable as active High or active Low for interfacing with a wide variety of devices. It is also synchronized with the internal pulse generator to prevent erroneous outputs. The disable feature enables the 814FP to be turned on or off by remote or computer control.

A SYNC output is provided on the front panel for convenient oscilloscope triggering while monitoring either the system output or waveforms from the 814FP.