Real time algorithms for digital pulse processing applied to gamma-ray and hard X-ray spectroscopy

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Fernandes, AM (Author) Other; Pereira, RC (Author) Other; Sousa, J (Author) Other; Carvalho, BB (Author) Other; dos Santos, JMF (Author) Other; Kiptily, V (Author) Other; Correia, CMBA (Author) Other; Varandas, CAF (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Fusion Engineering and Design

Vol. 87

Pages: 2156-2160

ISSN: 0920-3796

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-2HC

DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2012.03.033

Abstract (EN): The duration of a single plasma discharge in the next generation of fusion experiments will be much longer than in the present devices. Storing all raw data acquired in each discharge will be more difficult and the high rates achieved by the new digitizers are already contributing to storage overload. This gap can be mitigated by real time (RT) analysis and compression, using devices such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) capable to transfer and process data on the fly. However, to ensure a correct RI analysis, the FPGA algorithm must be adapted to the signal to be acquired. Since minor changes in signal shape may require significant algorithm modifications, it is important to know in advance the signal attributes. For that reason, the availability of more than one RI algorithm, especially during commissioning of new sub-systems and during campaigns with relevant changes in diagnostic conditions, is advantageous. This paper presents an implementation using two RI algorithms processing simultaneously, developed for the gamma-ray and hard X-ray diagnostics of the Joint European Torus (JET). Both algorithms perform pulse height analysis with pile-up rejection. While the first algorithm is suitable for Gaussian shaped pulses, the second is suitable for exponential signals. The algorithms are selectable by the user, during discharge configuration. Tests with radioactive sources made in JET are presented.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5