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bMCA-USBCompact Plug-On Digital Multichannel Analyzer

The bMCA is a compact and fully digital Multichannel Analyzer (MCA) capable of performing Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) of a signal produced by a standard 14-pin PMT coupled to a scintillation detector such as NaI(Tl), LaBr3(Ce), LaCl3(Ce), CeBr3, etc. The bMCA can be easily interfaced to a typical PC or notebook via a standard USB port for further data transfer and analysis. A basic software package is provided for control of the device and the acquisition and visualization of the energy spectra. A set of programming libraries are also offered which allow for easy incorporation of the bMCA into existing radiation systems or set ups. The programming libraries are available for both MS Windows and Linux operating systems.

Overview

Overview 

The bMCA design makes use of the latest advances in digital electronics. The MCA utilizes powerful digital processing techniques and algorithms to better separate the useful signal from noise and to maximize performance under high count rate conditions. The bMCA implements two modes of data acquisition: Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS). The acquired spectra under PHA mode is extended for Dead Time. The device has a spectral memory size of up to 4096 channels.

The MCA contains a miniaturized high-voltage power supply optimized for low consumption that provides the necessary power for the PMT tube, including those used with large scintillation detectors. A basic acquisition software package is provided for managing such device operations as setup, control, data acquisition and visualization. A digital oscilloscope function allows for the monitoring of the input and filtered pulses to aid in fine-tuning the MCA parameters. The program also includes a few spectrometry related functions for processing the spectral data: calibration, ROI analysis, and peak search, among others.

Options

bMCA-Ethernet
This version of the bMCA features Ethernet interface and ultra fast transfer rates.

bGamma High Resolution Software

Gamma is a general-purpose, comprehensive, and extensive software package for gamma-ray spectrum analysis, and radionuclide identification and quantification. The software can analyze any recorded gamma-ray spectrum independently of the detector type, geometry or sample. bGamma provides all the necessary tools and functionality for performing detailed analysis of complex gamma-ray spectra and the corresponding radionuclide identification for the given sample.

bGamma Spectral Analysis Software

bGamma is a general-purpose, comprehensive, and extensive software package for gamma-ray spectrum analysis, and radionuclide identification and quantification. The software can analyze any recorded gamma-ray spectrum independently of the detector type, geometry or sample. bGamma provides all the necessary tools and functionality for performing detailed analysis of complex gamma-ray spectra and the corresponding radionuclide identification for the given sample.

Specifications 

PHA acquisition mode

  • Spectral memory size of 256, 512, 1024, 2048 and 4096 channels
  • Coarse gain with amplification factors of 1, 2, 4 and 8. Fine gain from 1 to 2 in steps of 1/4096
  • Upper and Lower Level Discriminator settings given in channels
  • PHA acquisition presets on:
    • Live Time
    • Real Time
    • to Counts on a ROI
    • or combination of both - time or ROI counts

MCS acquisition mode

  • Spectral memory size of 256, 512, 1024, 2048 and 4096 channels
  • Dwell time from 0.1 sec to “count-forever”
  • Easy to setup from ROIs or nuclide information

Digital Settings

  • Rise Time: from 0.1 to 12 μsec in steps of 0.2 μsec
  • Flat Top: from 0.1 to 8.0 μsec in steps of 0.1 μsec
  • Threshold: 1 to 255
  • Digital Base Line Restorer (BLR)
  • Pile-Up Rejecter (PUR)

High Voltage Power Supply

  • Miniature HV power supply embedded into the MCA assembly
  • Voltage: 0 to 1 500 Volts in 4096 steps

Data communication

  • USB 2.0, cable included  (3 meters long standard)

Environmental

  • Industrial temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Physical

  • Size: height 60 mm, diameter 55 mm
  • Weight: approximately 120 grams
  • Connectors : USB type mini B

Indicators

  • Red LED for detector high voltage
  • Yellow LED for incoming count rate (ICR)
  • Green color LED for power and communication status

Other

The device is supplied with a basic software (free download) to control operation, data acquisition and spectrum visualization

Certifications

The device is CE compliant

Technical resources 
Downloadable Resources 

Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our downloads page.

Product Datasheets
• Product Firmware
• Product Software and Drivers
• Product Manuals

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