PCI data acquisition and signal processing hardware modules for long pulse operation

Abstract

A set of PCI instrumentation modules was developed at the EURATOM/IST Association. The modules were engineered around a reconfigurable hardware core which permits one to reduce the development time of instrument for new applications, provide support for long time or even continuous operation, and is able to perform real-time digital signal processing. The core was engineered at low cost and the modules incorporate a high number of channels, which contribute to reduce the total cost per channel. Field results are as expected in terms of performance both in data throughput and input characteristics. Currently, a 2 MSPS, 14-bit, eight channel galvanic isolated transient recorder; a 200 MSPS, 8-bit, four channel pulse digitizer; an eight channel time-to-digital-converter with a resolution of 0.4 ns, and a reconfigurable hardware expandable board, are implemented.