PTC System Controls and Diagnostics
CP15 User Manual CP15_UM_221017 Page 10 of 33
7
Intended Use and Key Features
7.1 Intended Use
The CP15 models are intended to amplify and condition charge pulses generated by scintillation
detectors based on photomultipliers. Other detectors that produce similar charge pulses can also
use the CP15. The output is suitable for delivery to discriminator circuits and counters, or to
multichannel analysers for pulse height spectral analysis. The C400 fast discriminator/counter is
able to connect up to four detectors and CP15 pre-amplifiers and provides all necessary low
voltage power and high voltage bias.
The CP15AF (also known as the CP-15N in FMB-Oxford Ltd installations) has gain and filtering
suited to sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detectors. The burst of fast charge pulses from a
single detection event is converted to a single smooth output pulse, well-suited to discrimination
or pulse height analysis.
The CP15AL (also known as the CP-15L in FMB-Oxford Ltd installations) as gain and filtering
suited to lanthanum bromide (LaBr
3
) and lanthanum chloride (LaCl
3
) scintillation detectors.
These detectors are considerably faster than sodium iodide detectors (and more expensive) and
are preferred for higher count rates. The CP15AL has a corresponding faster response, using
filtering that provides a single output pulse per detection event but without compromising pulse
pair resolution.
7.2 Key Features
Very compact and cost-effective unit with three DC-coupled amplification stages.
Gain and offset control trimpots
Fully bipolar; output can be inverted if required so that output pulses are always positive
polarity.
Filtering suited to sodium iodide (CP15AF) or lanthanum halide (CP15AL) scintillation
detectors.
Tolerant of long signal input cables.
Output able to drive a 50 ohm load.
Compatible with Pyramid C400 pulse counting detector controller.
