This PC-based, ultra-high-speed, multiple input-parameter multi-channel analyzer (or Multi-Parameter Analyzer, MPA) is intended to simultaneously histogram multiple digital inputs from external sources, recording those events occurring within a defined coincidence time window as a single event, on an event-by-event basis. The MPA4 system has improved coincidence resolving times from approx. 20 ns (in steps of 20ns) to more than 1.3 s for dependent single- and multi-parameter acquisitions. Alternatively, each input of the MPA System can also be operated in an independent (non-correlated) MCA mode.

Designed as an ultra fast list mode system with input ports for 4 or 8 ADC's, multiscalers or time-of-flight devices (TDC), the multiple inputs may be defined as several single- and dual-parameter spectra which can be simultaneously acquired and displayed in multiple windows. Any combination of inputs can be selected. Calculated parameters can further be defined and displayed allowing evaluation of position-dependent detector or other applications.

List data (the sequential event-by-event data) can be stored on the local hard disk device or any other directly addressable storage device. Using a SATA hard disk drive, data can be stored online at full throughput for many hours depending on the configuration. The system can accumulate and histogram single- and multi-parameter spectra in the RAM of the PC as well.

The MPA4T has been optimized for the best possible pulse pair resolving while providing state-of-the-art time resolution available in digital designs. Six built-in discriminators can be adjusted for a wide range of signal levels. The single sweep time range enables the user to take data of up to 20 days (54-bit setting) or 30 min (44 bit setting with 16 TAG bits enabled), with a time resolution of 100 ps. In endless and wrap-around mode sweep repetitions with zero end-of-sweep dead time can be accommodated.

The MPA4/MPA4T systems require a USB2.0 interface and run under either a 32 or 64-bit Windows operating system. The maximum possible transfer data rates can however only be achieved with the use of two USB2.0 ports. Linux drivers for the MPA4/MPA4T systems are anticipated to be available in the future. Each base system includes the hardware, cables and FAST ComTec operating/display software. See individual data sheets for more details and specific features.