Installation Procedure
ComTec GmbH
2-17
When connecting 2 USB cables to one or more MPA4 modules, it is more complicated. The
software cannot automatically identify which USB2 and USB1 ports belong together. So it is
recommended to use the built-in test pulser and set different signals for each module, for
example a pulse train with 5 pulses for module A, 2 pulses for module B and three pulses for
module C. The data are transfered via the USB2 line, so the pattern may be exchanged between
different modules to what you expect. In this case exchange the corresponding cables connected
at USB2 and restart the software, until you get a picture as shown in Fig.2.22.
To get a quick identification which physical MPA4 module belongs to a module shown in the
software, you can use the "ID" button in the status window shown at the left beside the spectra in
MPANT. The LED's at the front panel will blink and the internal serial number will be shown
beside the ID button.
2.7. Models and Upgrade Options
The MPA4 has eight ADC interfaces, but not all may be useable. The size of the FIFO can be 1
GB or 2 GB. The number of useable ADC interfaces can be four or eight. The counters, up/down
counters and Replay function may be active or not. See the following table showing available
models and options that can be activated by a new licence key.
Model
Description
MPA4-4
Multiparameter-4 system, 4 ADC interfaces, 1GB Fifo, USB interface, MPA-NT Softw.
MPA4-8
Multiparameter-4 system, 8 ADC interfaces, 1GB Fifo, USB interface, MPA-NT Softw
MPA4-+4ADC
Option: 4 additional ADC interfaces for "-4" systems: converts to a "-8" system
MPA4-FIFO2
Option 1 GB Fifo extra (2 GB total)
MPA4RTC
Real Time Clock for MPA4, 48 bits, 6.4 ns resolution
MPA4COUNT
Octal Counter / Scaler option for MPA4 / MPA4T, 32 bit, 8 channels, 100 MHz
MPA4UP-DN
Dual Up / DOWN option for MPA4 / MPA4T, requires MPA4COUNT
MPA4RPlay
MPA4 / MPA4T Replay progr. for off-line reconstr. of spectra from listmode, internal
It is very easy to upgrade an MPA4 with these options. Buy a new Licence key and select in the
start menu under Programs.. FAST ComTec MPA4.. the item “Upgrade MPA4 Licence”. The
software starts and you will be asked to enter the new licence key. Just enter the new key and
after restarting the software the new option will be available. In the “About” box of the server
program the installed options are visible. The next table shows some additional options that
include hardware or software.
Model
Description
MPA4OV
Option oven controlled oscillator for MPA4
MPA4AT
Option atom controlled oscillator for MPA4
MPA4RPlayEx
MPA4 / MPA4T Replay progr. for off-line reconstr. of spectra from listmode, Dongle
MPEx
MPA4 / MPA4T Replay progr. for off-line reconstruction, int.
MPA4DLL32
DLL for LabVIEW /"C"/ Visual Basic (32 and 64 bit) for the MPA4
MPA4LINUX
LINUX driver for MPA4
MPA4-C1
TAG / Counter Cable, converts D-SUB to 18 separate BNC cables.
MPA4-C2
TAG / Counter Cable, converts D-SUB to 18 separate LEMO cables.