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CF8000 Octal Constant-Fraction Discriminator

ORTEC CF8000 Octal Constant Fraction Discriminator• Good time resolution with a wide range of pulse amplitudes
• Internal delay — no cable necessary 
• Automatic walk adjustment
• Multiplicity and OR logic outputs
• Analog sum output
• Inhibit input
• ECL outputs
• Energy outputs

The flexible ORTEC CF8000 Octal Constant-Fraction Discriminator has the performance and convenience features necessary for ease of use in even the most demanding timing or coincidence experiments with multiple detectors. It contains eight constant-fraction discriminators in a single-width NIM module. The constant-fraction technique provides optimum time resolution over a wide range of pulse amplitudes.

Exclusive features of the CF8000 discriminator include internal shaping delay, automatic walk adjustment, an analog summation output, and built-in logic functions to minimize external logic requirements.

  • Literature +

  • More Information +


    The input signals can range from 0 to –5 V. Each input has a separate threshold adjustment (with front-panel monitor), which may range from –10 mV to –1 V.

    For each channel, there are three Fast-NIM logic outputs – one "A" and two "B" outputs. All outputs have adjustable widths. There is a single-width adjustment for all eight "A" outputs, and another width adjustment for all 16 "B" outputs. There are also eight rear-panel ECL outputs that have the same width as the "B" outputs. LEMO connectors are used for maximum packing density.

    Each channel has a rear-panel "E" output that buffers the input signal.

    External delay cables are not necessary on the CF8000 discriminator. Each channel has an internal shaping-delay circuit that can be set for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 ns. Optional delay line plug-ins are available for changing the shaping delay ranges to 5, 30, or 50 ns. For all delay plug-ins, there are five possible delay settings. 

    The automatic-walk adjustment of the CF8000 instrument simplifies set-up and reduces the effects of ground-loops on the incoming signal. 

    Other front-panel connections include: (1) an analog sum output (Σ), which provides an attenuated summation of all inputs; (2) a multiplicity output (M), which provides a voltage proportional to the number of valid "B" outputs; (3) an OR logic output that provides a logic output for every active "B" output; and (4) an inhibit input (INH), which disables all "B" outputs.

    The constant-fraction ratio is factory set at 0.4.

  • Specifications +


    Performance
    Walk
    		 <±250 ps from –50 mV to –5 V for a pulse rise time of 1 ns, a pulse width of 10 ns, a 2-ns delay, and the threshold set at minimum.
    Constant Fraction Ratio 0.4.
    Input/Output Rate 20 MHz maximum.
    Pulse/Pair Resolution <50 ns.
    Transmission Delay "A" Outputs  13 ns, typically.
    "B" Outputs  16 ns, typically.
    Threshold Temperature Sensitivity <±100 ppm/°C from 0 to +50°C.

     Controls
    Threshold Control (TH) 20-turn front-panel screwdriver adjustment for each discriminator channel; nominally variable from –30 mV to –1 V.
    Threshold Monitor Front-panel test point located to the right of the threshold control. Outputs actual threshold voltage.
    Width Adjustments (TA and TB) 20-turn front-panel screwdriver adjustments to set the width of the "A" and "B" Fast-NIM logic outputs. Adjustment range: nominally 20–200 ns.
    Delay Internal PCB jumper setting allows the proper shaping delay to be selected. Five possible positions: 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 ns. Other delays available on order.

    Inputs
    Inputs Front-panel LEMO connector for each channel.
    Input Range 0 to –5 V.
    Protected To –100 V for pulse duty cycles <0.05%.
    Impedance 50 Ω, dc-coupled.
    Inhibit Input Front-panel LEMO connector accepts negative Fast-NIM signal. Active-low signal disables "B" logic outputs.

    Outputs
    "A" Logic Outputs (A)
    		 Eight front-panel LEMO connectors provide adjustable-width, updating Fast-NIM logic signals for inputs above threshold setting.
    • Amplitude  –0.7 V minimum with 50-Ω load.
    • Width  Settable from nominally 20–200 ns by 20-turn front-panel screwdriver adjustment (TA).
    "B" Logic Outputs (B) Sixteen front-panel LEMO connectors provide adjustable-width, updating Fast-NIM logic signals for inputs above threshold setting.
    • Amplitude  –0.7 V minimum with 50-Ω load.
    • Width  Settable from nominally 20–200 ns by 20-turn front-panel screwdriver adjustment (TB).
    Multiplicity Output (M) Front-panel LEMO connector provides a pulse signal with amplitude proportional to the number of "B" logic outputs active at any instant.
    • Amplitude Range  Nominally 0 to –0.5 V with 50-Ω load. 
    OR Output (OR) Front-panel LEMO connector provides logical OR of all "B" logic outputs. Negative Fast-NIM signal.
    Analog Sum Output (Σ) A front-panel LEMO connector provides an analog summation of all input channels divided by an attenuation factor of approximately 16, with a 50-Ω load.
    Energy Outputs Eight, rear-panel LEMO connectors provide the buffered input signal from each channel.
    • Output Impedance  50-Ω, ac-coupled.
    ECL Outputs Rear-panel 2 X 8 differential ECL logic connector that provides an ECL version of the eight "B" outputs.
    • Line Impedance  112 Ω.

    Electrical and Mechanical
    Power Required
    		 +12 V, 40 mA; –12 V, 40 mA; +6 V, 250 mA; –6 V, 1000 mA.
    Weight 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
    Dimensions Standard single-width NIM module, 3.43 X 22.13 cm (1.35 X 8.714 in.) front panel per DOE/ER-0457T.

  • Ordering Information +


    Model Description
    CF8000 Octal Constant-Fraction Discriminator
     Accessories
     CFD-DELAY-5 ns  Delay plug-in for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-ns delay settings.
     CFD-DELAY-10 ns (Factory installed in the instrument)  Delay plug-in for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10-ns delay settings.
     CFD-DELAY-30 ns  Delay plug-in for 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30-ns delay settings.
     CFD-DELAY-50 ns  Delay plug-in for 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50-ns delay settings.
    Order eight delay options to populate all 8 discriminator channels.