--- title: "bMCA-USB | Compact Plug-On Digital Multichannel Analyzer" date: 2025-01-04T09:46:46Z modified: 2025-10-01T04:58:53Z permalink: "https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/bmca-usb/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 19317 --- [ ![](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/bnc_academy_upper_banner.png) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/) [](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/thijsdeschildre_dsc5616-_dsc5618_1_0.jpg) ![thijsdeschildre_dsc5616-_dsc5618_1](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/images/products/thijsdeschildre_dsc5616-_dsc5618_1_0.jpg) - [ Quote ](/customize-your-scintillation-detector) - [ Contact ](/contact/) - [ Datasheet ](#technical-resources-section) - [ Price List ](#pricelist-section) #### bMCA-USB | Compact 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](/basic-spectrometry-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. ##### [Features](#features-section) ##### [Specifications](#specifications-section) ##### [Options](#options-section) ##### [Tech Resources](#technical-resources-section) ##### [Downloable Resources](#downloadable-section) ##### [Price List](#pricelist-section) #### 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](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/basic-spectrometry-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. [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1200 391'%2F%3E) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/graph_collage_bmca_usb.png) #### Options ##### [bMCA-Ethernet](/bmca-ethernet) This version of the bMCA features Ethernet interface and ultra fast transfer rates. [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 602 353'%2F%3E) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/bmca-ethernet-dsv1_2.jpg) ##### [bGamma High Resolution Software](/bgamma-software-package) 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. [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1200 675'%2F%3E) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/image_19.png) ##### [bGamma Spectral Analysis Software](/bgamma-software-package) 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. [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1200 675'%2F%3E) ](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/wp-content/uploads/image_19.png) #### 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 [ MCA Comparison Table](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/25237/?tmstv=1778700937)#### Downloadable Resources Downloadable resources such as datasheets, firmware, software, drivers and products manuals. Alternatively, you can browse resources directly by visiting our [downloads page](/downloads). - [Product Datasheets](/downloads#scint-datasheets) - [Product Firmware](/downloads#scint-firmware) - [Product Software and Drivers](/downloads#scint-softwaredrivers) - [Product Manuals](/downloads#scint-manuals) #### Price Lists [ Berkeley Nucleonics Price List 2026](https://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/download/19881/?tmstv=1778700937) [ ![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1105 100'%2F%3E) ](https://academy.berkeleynucleonics.com/)