Application of Computers in Experiments Design, Building and Evaluation of a New Generation of Multichannel Analyzers Implemented in Xilinx ZYNQ-7020

Abstract

Recently, SoCs (System on a Chip) are the serious competitors and even more efficient systems than CPUs and other data processing systems based on FPGA and computer. Also, the Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) is one of the main components of the nuclear electronics system that determines many of the radiation measurement parameters. A prototype of the proposed new generation of MCA systems, based on SoCs, is presented which is very small, compact, and at the same time, has the full functionality of a data acquisition board. It also has many features for analyzing output data and making changes to the overall system structure through software. The designed board uses ZYNQ to provide substrate and main infrastructure to add more peripherals for any specific application. The proposed system is in fact a multi-purpose system that can simultaneously provide the functionalities of an oscilloscope, computer-independent spectrum demonstration, and even any desired application for inaccessible radiation fields thanks to its low cost, lightness and compact size. In addition, the designed analogue section in this system, besides the digital section, facilitates making the system more compact and flexible in order to fully customize, match and remove some conversional analogue parts.