A discriminator generates precise logic pulses in response to its input exceeding a
given threshold. Output pulses are of standard amplitude and of preset duration or
proportional to the input rate. The threshold is a specific voltage of interest to the
user (which can be set above some critical noise level or correspond to a physical quan
tity such as energy). In other applications, the threshold level can correspond to a
certain level of integrated rates (coincidence events).
The output of a discriminator can be used to trigger or gate associated portions of the
data collection system or to generate pulses which are to be counted. It may also be
integrated into a complex logic system allowing sophisti cated decisions to be made in
real time.
LeCroy's family of NIM discriminators offers flexibility and versatility with features
such as at least three outputs per channel, adjustable output width and variable threshold
level settings. The low minimum threshold levels permit the use of lower gain
photomultipliers, long input cables and often avoid the need for preamplifiers.
LeCroy's NIM discriminators offer versatility, high speed, multiple input and high
performance packaged in single -width NIM modules. All models have small double pulse
resolution times and have updating capabilities to reduce dead time. Input signal
threshold levels as well as output pulse widths are fully adjustable over a wide range for
each channel. Each module offers at least three outputs per channel for added convenience
and has a maximum counting rate exceeding 100 MHz. In addition, a common Veto or Inhibit
is provided.
Each module offers a variable threshold from -30 mV (-15 mV for the Model 4608C) to -1 V
via a front-panel screwdriver adjustment for each channel. The low threshold level is
useful when working with signals directly from photomultipliers and other detectors. A
monitor point is provided to permit measurement of the threshold level with a voltmeter,
assuring accurate results even in varied operating environments. Threshold stability is
0.3%/°C or better. Low input reflections make these units less sensitive to multiple
pulsing.
The Model 623B and the Model 821 operate at maximum rates of 100MHz while the Model 4608C
operates up to 150 MHz. All modules have updating capability which permits retriggering
while an output from a previous input is still present. A second pulse, which exceeds
threshold while an output is already occurring extends the present output by the preset
width. However, if the second threshold crossing occurs within the double pulse resolution
time, the module will not respond. This configuration is useful when the discriminators
are used in DC coincidence logic.
The 821 and 4608C have a selectable Burst Guard operation. In this mode, the output is
extended until the falling edge of the last pulse of the burst when input pulses are
separated by less than the resolving time. This feature is particularly important when the
module is used in Veto applications.
Although the actual width depends on the rate of input and the mode of operation, outputs
of the modules are NIM Standard (see Application Note AN-34) level signals with minimum
widths set by the front-panel controls. There are a minimum of three standard negative NIM
outputs per channel. In addition, the 821 and the 4608C both have one complementary output
per channel.
The 4608C includes a built-in test feature which simulates an input signal for each
channel. The test feature is enabled with the receipt of a NIM level applied to the
front-panel Lemo connector and permits rapid simultaneous testing of all channels.
INPUT
Signal Inputs: Four inputs via Lemo connectors, 50 ohm ±5% protected to ±5 A for 0.5
µsec, clamping at +1 and -7V. Reflections: < 1% for input pulses of 3nsec rise time.
Offset 0 ±2 mV.
Threshold: -30mV to -1.0 V; front-panel screwdriver adjustment. Stability: 0.2%/°C
over 20°C to 60°C operat ing range. Threshold Monitor has 10:1 ratio of monitor voltage
to actual voltage, ±5%. Hysteresis: 15 mV.
Veto: Front-panel connector permits simultaneous inhibiting of all channels; 50
ohm; requires NIM-level signal; direct-coupled, must overlap leading edge of input signal.
Must precede input by approximately 5 nsec to inhibit. Minimum width 5nsec.
Bin Gate: Slow gate via rear connector and rear-panel ON-OFF switch; rise times and
fall times approximately 50 nsec; clamp to ground from +5 inhibits; direct-coupled.
OUTPUT
Negative Outputs: Two bridged pairs (0 mA quiescently, -32 mA during output).
Amplitude limit of -1.2 V. Rise time < 2.0 nsec, fall time < 2.5 nsec typical but
slightly longer on wider output durations. Width Stability is < ±0.2%/°C maximum.
Duration of output depends on mode of operation selected by front panel switch.
Update Only Mode: 5 nsec to 1 µsec, continuously variable up to 600 nsec with a
setting for 1 µsec via front -panel screwdriver control. (Narrower widths possible at
slight expense of amplitude.)
Burst Guard Mode: Output duration is either equal to the time-over-threshold of the
input signal or equal to the preset duration, whichever is greater. For input burst rates
greater than the DPR of the unit, the output is equal to the duration of the burst.
Fast Negative Timing Output: Differential type current source (0 mA quiescently,
-16 mA in 50 ohm during output). Rise time is typically 1.5 nsec.
Complementary Output: As above except levels opposite.
GENERAL
Maximum Rate: 110 MHz typical, input and output.
Double Pulse Resolution: < 9 nsec.
Time Slewing: < 1 nsec for input amplitudes 110% of threshold and above.
Input-Output Delay: 9.5 nsec, typical.
Multiple Pulsing: None; one and only one output pulse of preset duration is
produced for each input pulse regardless of input pulse amplitude or duration.
Rate LED: One per channel. Indicates discriminator output; 10 msec stretching.
INPUT
Signal Inputs: Eight inputs via Lemo front-panel connectors, 50 W ±5% protected to
±5 A for 0.5 µsec clamping at ±5 V. Reflections: < 4% for input pulses of 2 nsec
rise time.
Threshold: -15 mV to -1 V ±2.5 mV or ±5%, whichever is greater. Stability: better
than 0.3%/°C to 60°C operat ing range. Offset ±3mV. Threshold Monitor: front-panel test
point has 10:1 ratio of monitor voltage to actual voltage ±5%. Hysteresis: Typical 3.5mV.
Test Input: One NIM input via a Lemo connector on the front-panel, 50 ohm ±5%,
triggers all channels. Minimum width: 3 nsec. Maximum rate: 150 MHz.
Veto Input: One NIM input via a Lemo front-panel connector, 50 W ±5%, permits
simultaneous fast inhibiting of all channels. Must precede input signal by approximately
1nsec and overlap its leading edge in Update Mode or completely overlap input signal in
Burst Guard Mode. Minimum duration: 3 nsec.
OUTPUT
Negative Outputs: Three outputs, NIM (0 mA quiescently, -50 mA ±6 mA during output,
-800 mV into three 50 W loads). Amplitude limited to -1.2 V. Duration 4.5 nsec to > 100
nsec. Rise times and fall times less than 2 nsec. Width stability better than 0.3%/°C,
821, 4608C max.
Complementary Output: One output, NIM (16 mA ±2mA quiescently, 0mA during output).
Duration, rise times, fall times, and width stability specifications are identical to
those of negative outputs.
Veto Input to 4608C with Updating and Burst Guard Operations
Diagram.
GENERAL
Maximum Rate: 150 MHz.
Double Pulse Resolution: Typical, 5 nsec.
Time Slewing: 500 psec for input amplitudes from
2x to 20x over threshold.
Input-Output Delay: < 18 nsec.
Test-Output Delay: < 18 nsec.
Multiple Pulsing: None, one and only one output pulse is produced for each input
pulse regardless of input pulse amplitude and duration.
Burst Guard: A front-panel switch enables the Burst Guard or Updating operation for
all channels.
Comparison of Updating and Burst Guard Modes with various fast
input signals. DPR is the Double Pulse Resolution.
Copyright© September 1995. LeCroy is a registered trademark of LeCroy Corporation. All rights reserved. Information in this publicaction supersedes all earlier versions.
