USB-MCA4
APG7400A
softwareManualVersion 1. 4. 2
December 2023

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.
2976-15 Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki, 312-0012, Japan
TEL: +81-29-350-8011
URL: https://www.techno-ap.com

FAX: +81-29-352-9013
E-mail: info@techno-ap.com

APG7400A Software Manual

Safety Precautions / Disclaimer
Thank you very much for purchasing the USB-MCA-AMP, Model: APG7305A (hereinafter "This device") ofTechnoAP Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "We"). Please read this "Safety Precautions / Disclaimer" before using this device, besure to observe the contents, and use it correctly.
We are not responsible for any damage caused by abnormality of device, detector, connected device,
application, damage to failure, other secondary damage, even if accident caused by using this device.

Prohibited matter- Cannot be used for applications that require special quality and reliability related to human life andaccidents.
- Please refrain from using in places with high temperature, high humidity and vibration (excluding
countermeasures).
- Do not apply power that exceeds the rating.
- Do not turn on the board product with other metals in contact with the board surface.

Cautions- If there is smoke or abnormal heat generation, turn off the power immediately.
- It may not work properly in a noisy environment.
- Be careful of static electricity.
- Product specifications and related documents are subject to change without notice.

Warranty conditions
The warranty conditions for "our products" are as follows.
- Warranty period: One year after purchase.
- Warranty details: If the product breaks down during use within the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced.
- Not covered by warranty: We do not guarantee if the cause of failure falls under any of the following.
(A) Use other than the original usage of "our products"(B) In addition to the above, causes other than "our company" or "our products" (including force majeure suchas natural disasters)(C) Consumables, etc.

2TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Table of Contents
１．

Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................5

２．

Specifications....................................................................................................................................................6３．

Appearance ......................................................................................................................................................7

４．

Setup..................................................................................................................................................................8

４．１．

Connection .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

４．２．

Installation of the driver software .......................................................................................................................... 9

４．３．

Installation of the application software ............................................................................................................... 17

５．

Application screen ..........................................................................................................................................20

５．１．

Startup screen....................................................................................................................................................... 20

５．２．

Quit window........................................................................................................................................................... 22

５．３．

config tab ............................................................................................................................................................... 23

５．４．

file tab ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26

５．５．

calibration tab ........................................................................................................................................................ 28

５．６．

option tab ............................................................................................................................................................... 31

５．７．

Graph ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34

６．

Measurement..................................................................................................................................................36

６．１．

Histogram mode ................................................................................................................................................... 36

６．２．

List mode ............................................................................................................................................................... 37

６．３．

Coincidence mode ............................................................................................................................................... 39

６．４．

Multi Channel Scaler (MCS) mode .................................................................................................................... 41

６．５．

Measurement stops ............................................................................................................................................. 42

７．

Files..................................................................................................................................................................43

７．１．

Histogram data file................................................................................................................................................ 43

７．２．

List data file............................................................................................................................................................ 45

７．３．

List data file conversion........................................................................................................................................ 48

７．４．

Coincidence two-dimentional histogram data file............................................................................................. 49

７．５．

Multi Channel Scaler (MCS) data file *option.................................................................................................... 51

８．

Functions .........................................................................................................................................................53

８．１．

Data acquisition by external GATE input signal timing.................................................................................... 53

８．２．

Data discard by VETO signal timing .................................................................................................................. 53

８．３．

Caluculation method of full width at half maximum (FWHM) ......................................................................... 54

８．４．

Calculation method of gross count and net count............................................................................................ 55

８．５．

Calculation method of two-point calibration ...................................................................................................... 56

９．

Gausa fit ..........................................................................................................................................................58

９．１．

Startup screen....................................................................................................................................................... 58

９．２．

On-line.................................................................................................................................................................... 60

９．３．

Off-line.................................................................................................................................................................... 61

９．４．

Notes...................................................................................................................................................................... 62

９．５．

End ......................................................................................................................................................................... 62

１０．

Peak search ....................................................................................................................................................63
3

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１０．１．

Startup screen .................................................................................................................................................. 63

１０．２．

On-line ............................................................................................................................................................... 65

１０．３．

Off-line ............................................................................................................................................................... 66

１０．４．

Notes ................................................................................................................................................................. 67

１０．５．

End..................................................................................................................................................................... 67

4

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１． Overview
USB-MCA4 (USB - Multi Channel Analyzer 4 CH, USB - Multichannel Analyzer 4 CH) manufactured byTechnoAP Co., Ltd.APG7400A (hereinafter referred to as this device) has a high - speed successive approximation ADC
for each channel of 4 channels for signal input, it is a lightweight and compact MCA that operates only with USB bus
power without using the AC adapter.
The preamplifier signal from the detector is input to a spectroscope amplifier (linear amplifier), and the output signal
amplified and waveform-shaped (shaped) by the analog circuit is input to this device. The amplitude (wave height value,
peak value) of this signal includes radiation energy information and the like. MCA is a wave height analyzer that detects
this signal and digitally converts the maximum crest value to generate a spectrum (histogram).
"Dead time" is an indicator of MCA performance. Dead time is a time zone when MCA cannot measure peakvalue. The radiation causes irregular events. Therefore, while executing from event occurrence to peak detection, wave
height value digital conversion, memory rewrite, peak value resetting, a new event cannot be measured. The dead timeof this device is fixed 1.5 μsec.
There are four measurement operations: histogram mode, list mode, MCS (Multi Channel Scaler) mode, andcoincidence mode.
Histogram mode: spectral data is generated with the energy peak value such as keV on the horizontal axis and thecount on the vertical axis.
List mode: when detecting a valid event (an event where the signal from the amplifier exceeds the threshold and thecrest value is between LLD and ULD), the elapsed time from the start of measurement, the crest value and the channel
number are displayed, it transfers to the computer as list data of length of 8 bytes and saves it in the file. Both data will betransferred to computer via USB cable.
MCS mode: spectrum data is generated with the horizontal axis representing time from nanosecond to one second andthe vertical axis counting. Select the horizontal axis's dwell time (time width per channel) from a minimum of 40
nanoseconds up to 100 seconds in advance. The number of channels can be 4096 and 232 counts per channel. Valid
events within the LLD and ULD ranges are detected, and the corresponding elapsed time channels are counted andadded based on the time information at the timing exceeding the threshold.
Coincidence mode: is a mode in which CH1 and CH2 are used to acquire simultaneously detected time and wave
height value within a set time. The set time range is from the minimum plus or minus 40 ns to the maximum plus or minus
10 μs. You can save two channel simultaneous list data in list mode and create two-dimensional histogram (2048 x 2048
channels) with horizontal axis CH1 PHA and vertical axis CH2 PHA.
The software that comes with this device is driver software and applications that run on Windows.
This manual explains the handling of this device.
5

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

２． Specifications
Product name: USB-MCA4* Same as the attached application name

Model: APG7400A* Including products with alphabets following the model

1.

Analog input
Number of channels
Input range
Input impedance
Input pulse width

2.

3.

ADC
Conversion method
Resolution:
Conversion time + reset time
ADC gain
Threshold
LLD
ULD

Integral nonlinearity
Differential nonlinearity
External input
GATE
VETO
5.

Successive approximation type16 bits
1.5 μs4096, 2048, 1024, and 512 channels
Full scale 0 (zero) to 50 % (percent), set from computer
Full scale 0 (zero) to 100 % (percent), set from computer
Full scale 0 (zero) to 100 % (percent), set from computer

Perfomance
Dead time4.

4 channels
0 (zero) to + 10 V
1 kΩ (ohm)
Minimum 100 nanoseconds up to 100 microseconds*The threshold is exceeded

Measurement modes
Histogram mode
List mode
MCS mode
Coincidence mode

Communication interface

1.5 microseconds fixed*Spectroscopy amplifier processing time is not included
Plus, or minus 0.025 % (typ.) or lessPlus, or minus 1 % (typ.) or less

It functions as time stamp clear (CLR) when measuring in LIST mode.
It functions as MCS time count clear (CLR) when measuring with MCS mode
(option).

Maximum 4096 channels, 232 counts per channel
Time information per event, CH number, peak height
40 nanoseconds to 100 seconds per channel, 4096 channel, 232 counts
Simultaneous measurement by CH1 and CH2.
Create two-dimensional histogram
USB 2.0*It is recommended to use USB cable length of two meters or less, USB 3.0
port. If you have a low power consumption function on a USB port, such as alaptop computer, please cancel it or use it with a USB hub with power supply
with the AC adapter.

6.

Application software: Windows version, USB-MCA4 software and driver software* Sample programs such as Linux and Visual C ++ / C # are available for support on our website.

7.

Dimension: 70 mm (W) x 160 mm (D) x 20 mm (H)8.

Weight: 230g

9.

Accessories:
Manual
CD-ROM for Driver and Application software installation
USB cable * Cable with USB (A) male and USB (Mini-B) male connectors

6

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

３．

Appearance

2
3

１

4

5

Image 1: APG7400A
FRONT
1. INPUT

Amplifier signal input connector (manufactured by LEMO: EPL.00.250.NTN)
1 to 4 channels. * In coincidence mode, CH1 and CH2 are used

BACK
2. GATE

3. VETO

4. PWR
5. USB

LEMO connector for external GATE signal input. Input LV - TTL level signal.
Data acquisition with input "High", data not acquired with "Low".
LEMO connector for external VETO signal input.
Input LV - TTL level signal.
Data not acquired with Input "High" data acquisition with input "Low".
LIST mode or MCS mode (option) Time count clear (CLR) is entered during
measurement and cleared at input "rising edge (pulse width of 100
nanoseconds or longer)".
LED turns on when power is on (connected to computer).
USB 2.0 Mini-B receptacle (female)* Conversion adapter
For the signal input connector to this device, use LEMO, EPL.00.250.NTN or a connector of equivalent shape. Whenusing a signal cable with a BNC connector, it is possible to connect to this device by using the following conversion
adapter.
Manufacturer: HUBER+SUHNER
Model: 33_QLA-BNC-01-1/1--_NE
Specifications: QLA-01 to BNC

Connector Gender 1: Interface QLA-01
Connector Gender 2: Interface BNC
Image. 2 33_QLA-BNC-01-1/1--_NE

If the adapters interfere with each other, use the LEMO-BNC conversion cable as shown in the photo below.

Image. 3 LEMO-BNC conversion cables

7

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

４．

Setup

４．１． Connection
DETECTOR
#1

AMP
#1

CH1

DETECTOR
#2

AMP
#2

CH2

DETECTOR
#3

AMP
#3

CH3
USB-MCA4

DETECTOR
#4

AMP
#4

CH4

Setting

PC

Data

USB-MCA4
SoftwareUSB

GATE
VETO(CLEAR)

Figure 1: Connection when using this device
1.

Connect the USB-MCA 4 and the computer with the included USB cable.
A: *It is necessary to install the driver software on the computer to be connected for the first time. For the installation
method of the driver software, refer to the following.
B: *Do not connect the signal cable when the power of this equipment is OFF.

2.

Confirm that the "PWR" LED is on.

3.

Connect the preamplifier output signal of the detector (DETECTOR in the above figure) to the linear amplifier(spectroscopic amplifier, AMP in the upper figure).

4.

Connect the waveform-shaped output signal of the linear amplifier to one of "CH1" to "CH4" of this unit.

5.

When control by external signal is required, input the LV - TTL level to the GATE or VETO terminal. When a cable isconnected to the GATE terminal, data is acquired when the peak is detected from CH1 to CH4, or when the signal
is in the high state. Or when a peak is detected from CH1 to CH4 while the cable is connected to the VETO terminal,
data is acquired when the signal is open, or the signal is in the Low state.

6.

VETO pin functions as CLR pin when LIST mode / MCS mode (option) is executed. When the rising edge signal isdetected while the cable is connected to the terminal, the LIST time stamp / MCS time counter is cleared.

8

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

４．２． Installation of the driver software
The first time you connect this unit, you need to install the driver software from the included CD.
Windows 7
1.

REQUIRED Log in as Administrator or login with administrator privileges.

2.

Connect the device to the computer with a USB cable.

3.

"Device driver software is installed" is displayed at the lower right of the desktop.

If "Device driver software was not installed correctly" is displayed, open the device manager, and check the "USB-MCA
4" icon. Right click on the icon and click "Update Driver Software".

9

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

4.

Advance interactive installation

Refer to the "Driver" folder on the attached CD.

Continue to install "TechnoAP USB-MCA4 Option". "TechnoAP USB-MCA4" After installing the driver software,
install "TechnoAP USB-MCA4 Option" by the same procedure. Confirm that the two icons "TechnoAP USB - MCA 4"
and "TechnoAP USB - MCA 4 Option" are normal in the device manager. After installing the driver software successfully,
install the application. The installation procedure is described in the next chapter.

10

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Windows 8 (64 bit)
In Windows 8 (64 bit), to prevent users from accidentally installing driver software, driver software without a digital
signature cannot install as standard. Since this driver software does not have a digital signature, it is necessary to "disable
driver signature enforcement" before installation. The procedure is as follows.
1.

Display the charm on the start screen.
· For mouse operation: Move the mouse to the upper right corner or the lower right corner of the screen.
· Touch operation: Swipe from the right side of the screen toward the center.

2.

Select "Setting" from the charm and select "Change computer setting" from the setting menu.

3.

Select "General" from the "Settings" screen of the computer and select "Customize startup of computer" - "Restart
now".

4.

Select "Troubleshooting" from "Select option" screen and select "Advanced option" from "Troubleshooting" screen.

11

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

5.

Select "Startup Settings" from the "Advanced Options" screen and select "Restart" on the "Startup Settings" screen.

6.

On the "Startup Settings" screen after rebooting, press the "7" key and select "7) Disable Driver Signature
Enforcement".

7.

IMPORTANT After rebooting, log in as administrator or log in with administrator privilege account.

8.

Connect the USB-MCA 4 to the computer with a USB cable.

9.

Right click on the start screen, display "APP / BAR", select "ALL APP", and select "CONTROL PANEL" fromAPPLICATION view.

10. Select "Device Manager" from "Control Panel" and display "Device Manager".

12

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

11. Right-click on "USB-MCA4", select "Update driver software (P)" and select "Search for driver software by computer(R)".

12. When "Update Driver Software" screen is displayed, select "Reference (R)", when the "Browse Folder" screen
appears, select the drive where the driver software of "USB-MCA 4" is stored, OK "is selected. When you return tothe "Update Driver Software" screen, select "Next (N)".

13. When the "Windows Security" screen appears, select "Install this driver software (I)". When "Driver software has
been successfully updated" is displayed, select "Close (C)".

14. When "TechnoAP USB-MCA4" is displayed on the "Device Manager" screen, right click on the remaining "USBMCA4 4" and repeat from (11) to update the remaining driver software.

15. "TechnoAP USB-MCA4 Option" is displayed on the "Device Manager" screen, and installation of the driver software
is completed.

13

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Windows 10 (64 bit)
In Windows 10 (64 bit), to prevent users from accidentally installing driver software, driver software without a digital
signature can not install as standard. Since this driver software does not have a digital signature, it is necessary to"disable driver signature enforcement" before installation. The procedure is as follows.

1.
2.

Click the "Windows" markat the lower left of the screen to display "Start menu".
Select "Settings" from the start menu and select "Update and security" from the setting menu.

3.

Select "Recovery" from the "Update and Security" screen and select "Advanced startup" - "Restart now".

4.

Select "Troubleshoot" from "Choose an option" screen and select "Advanced options" from "Troubleshoot" screen.

5.

Select "Startup Settings" from the "Advanced Options" screen and select "Restart" on the "Startup Settings" screen.

14

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

6.

On the "Startup Settings" screen after rebooting, press the "7" key and select "7) Disable driver signature
enforcement".

7.

IMPORTANT After rebooting, log in as administrator or log in with administrator privilege account.

8.

Connect the USB-MCA 4 to the computer with a USB cable.

9.

Right-click the "Windows" markon the lower left of the screen, display "Menu", select "Device Manager".

10. Right-click on "USB-MCA4", select "Update driver" and select "Browse my computer for driver software (R)".

11. When "Update Drivers" screen is displayed, select "Browse…", when the "Browse for Folder" screen appears,
select the drive where the driver software of "USB-MCA 4" is stored, OK "is selected. When you return to the"Update Drivers Software" screen, select "Next".

15

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

12. When "Windows Security" screen appears, select "Install this driver software (I)". When "Driver software has beensuccessfully updated" is displayed, select "Close".

13. When "TechnoAP USB - MCA4" is displayed on the "Device Manager" screen, right click on the remaining "USB MCA4 4" and repeat from (11) to update the remaining driver software.

14. If "TechnoAP USB-MCA-AMP" is not displayed on the "Device manager" screen, select "Show hidden devices" from
"Display" in the device menu.

15. "TechnoAP USB - MCA4 Option" is displayed on the "Device Manager" screen and installation of the driver software
is completed.

16

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

４．３． Installation of the application software
After the driver software is successfully installed according to the procedure in the previous chapter, you need to
install the application (executable file) of USB-MCA 4 and the runtime engine of LabVIEW which is the development
environment. The installer on the accompanying CD includes USB-MCA 4 application and LabVIEW runtime engine,which can be installed at the same time.
The installation procedure is as follows.
Windows 7 (the same for Windows 8 as well)
1.

REQUIRED Login as Administrator or login with administrator privilege account.

2.

Execute "Setup.exe" in the "Application" folder in the attached CD. Proceed with installation interactively.

3.

Execute "Start button" - "TechnoAP" - "USB-MCA4".

4.

Application "USB-MCA4" starts up.
If the "connection error" dialog box is displayed immediately after startup, please confirm that this equipment isconnected properly with the computer, or whether it is recognized by the device manager.

17

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Windows 10
1.

Select "setup.exe" in the "Application" folder in the attached CD. Select "Administration" in the application tool of themenu and select "Run as Administrator"

2.

Execute "setup.exe" in the "Application" folder in the attached CD. Proceed with installation interactively.

3.

Since it is displayed to restart the computer, click the "Restart" button to reboot.

18

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

4.

Right-click on the "Windows" markat the bottom left of the screen, display "Menu" and execute "AllApplications" - "TechnoAP" - "USB - MCA 4".

5.

The application "USB-MCA 4" is activated.
If the "connection error" dialog box is displayed immediately after startup, please confirm that this equipment isconnected properly with the computer, or whether it is recognized by the device manager.
* Uninstall
To uninstall, select "USB - MCA 4" from "Settings" - "Apps" - "Apps & features" and select "USB-MCA4".

"Uninstall this application and its related information will be stalled easily" is displayed. Select "Uninstall".

19

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．

Application screen

５．１． Startup screen
If you run "USB - MCA 4" (Windows 8) in "Start button" - "TechnoAP" - "USB - MCA 4" (Windows 7) or Start screen or"Application view", the following start screen will be displayed.

Image. 4 USB-MCA 4 startup window
Menu section
File - open config

Reading the configuration file

File - open histogram

Reading histogram data file

File - open 2D histogram

Read coincidence 2-dimensional histogram data file

File - save config

Save the current settings to a file

File - save histogram

Save current histogram data to a file

File - save 2D histogram

Save the current coincidence two-dimensional histogram data to a file

File - save image

Save this device screen as PNG format image

File - convert to text from binary list data file

CSV format conversion of binary format list data file

File - quit

Application termination

Window - histogram

Display histogram graph

Window - 2D histogram

Display 2D histogram graph

Clear

Initialization of histogram data in this device

Start
Stop

After sending all settings to this device, send measurement start to thisdeviceSend measurement stop to this device

20

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Tab section
configMeasurement settings

file

File settingscalibration

Setting of ROI (Region of Interest) etc. on energy calibration

optionSettings for options such as MCS

Information section
mode

Displayed histogram, list, coincidence and MCS

meas. mode

Measurement mode. Display "real time" or "live time"meas. time

The set measurement timereal time

Real time (actual measurement time)

live time

Live time (effective measurement time). real time - dead time (see below)

dead time

Dead time (invalid measurement time). real time - live time. When the input signal exceeds"threshold" as described later, peak is detected, and its peak is converted to AD
It is dead time until resetting and resetting.

input rate (cps)Number of counts per second when the input signal level exceeds the threshold level

throughput rate (cps)Number of counts per second secured as peak between LLD and ULD

ROI section
The calculation result between ROIs is displayed for each CH.
peak (ch.)

Maximum count channel

centroid (ch.)

The center value (channel) calculated from the sum of all counts

peak (count)

Maximum countgross (count)

Sum of counts between ROI

gross (cps)Sum of counts between ROIs per secondnet (count)

The sum of the counts obtained by subtracting the background between ROI

net (cps)

The sum of the counts obtained by subtracting the background between ROIs per second

FWHM (ch.)

FWHM (channel)

FWHM (%)

FWHM / peak value * 100

FWHM

Half width

FWTM

1/10 width of peakacq. LED

Blinking during measurement

save LED

Lit while data is being saved

error LED

Lit when an error occurs

21

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．２． Quit window
To exit the application, click the menu "File" - "quit". After execution, the following confirmation screen of termination isdisplayed.

Image. 5 Quit confirmation screens
To quit, click the "quit" button. After execution, the application screen disappears, and it ends.

22

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．３． config tab

Image. 6 config tab

Gain of ADC. Select from 4096, 2048, 1024, and 512 channels. The input voltage range of the amplifier
output signal of each channel is 0 to 10V. Divide this range by the above channel. For high energy
ADC

resolution detectors such as germanium semiconductor detectors, data can be acquired with fine

gain

resolution by selecting 4096. However, when the count is small, it takes time to acquire the peak. Sinceenergy resolution is inferior, such as NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, if it cannot be divided finely, set 4096
channels and so on.
Setting of the timing threshold of the waveform acquisition start timing. Unit is digit. The setting range is 0
to 4095. Set to a value less than LLD. It triggers peak detection and AD conversion from the timing when
the waveform shaping input signal exceeds the set value of the threshold. If this setting is set too high,threshold peak value of low energy cannot be acquired. On the contrary, if the setting is too small, let's pick up thenoise. For example, when "ADC gain" is "4096nitially set "threshold" and "LLD" around 100. While looking
at the histogram "input rate / throughput rate" little by little, discerns the boundary between noise increasein value and sets the threshold value slightly above it.

23

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Peak detect (abs) timing

threshold
Waveform shaping input signal

Peak detect (fast) timing
Image. 7 threshold and peak detection (abs / fast) timing

24

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

LLD
ULD

Set up energy Lower-Level Discriminator. The unit is ch. Channels below this threshold are notcounted. Set it to a value greater than or equal to threshold and less than ULD.
Set up energy Upper-Level Discriminator. The unit is ch. We do not count ch above thisthreshold. Set it to a value larger than LLD.
Sets the offset in the positive direction. The unit is ch. By adding the offset setting value, it isoffsetpossible to shift the spectrum to the right (direction of pulse height). It can be used for peak
position adjustment and so on.
Selection of detection method of peak (maximum pulse height).
Pulse heigh input signal exceeds threshold, after reaching the peak, attenuatesabs

peaks detectand falls below threshold, performs AD conversion. It is possible to acquire themaximum pulse height more definitely.
When the input signal exceeds threshold, the AD conversion is executed at thefasttiming when it first reaches the peak. It is suitable for measurement and pile-up
countermeasure at high count (more than several kcps).

Selection of operation mode
The pulse height of the linear amplifier signal is stored in the maximum 4096
histogramchannels, and a histogram of the horizontal axis energy and the vertical axis countis created.
The time stamp when the linear amplifier signal exceeds the threshold, thelistmaximum pulse height and the channel number are set as one event data, data is
continuously transferred to the personal computer and the file is saved.
Generate spectral data with the horizontal axis as time (nano-second to second)
and the vertical axis as count. Since the horizontal axis is the time width per

modechannel in advance, the dwell time can be selected from a minimum of 40
MCS

nanoseconds to a maximum of 100 seconds, and the number of channels can be
16384, 232 counts per channel. When a valid event within the LLD and ULD
range is detected, the count is added to the corresponding elapsed time channel
based on the time information at the timing exceeding the threshold at that time.
Using CH1 and CH2, it acquires simultaneous detected time and wave heightvalue within set time. The set time range is from a minimum of ± 40 ns to a

Coincidence maximum of ± 10 μsec. Save 2-channel simultaneous list data as list mode andcreate 2-dimensional histogram (2048 × 2048 channels) by PHA on horizontal
axis CH 1 and PHA on vertical axis CH 2.
As the measurement mode, select "real time" or "live time".
meas. mode

real time
live time

Measure preset time data
Measure until effective measurement time (difference between real time and deadtime) reaches preset time.

Measurement time setting. The setting range is 0 to 192 hours (8 days). If it is set to 0, there is nomeas. timestop by the measurement time, and even if it exceeds 192 hours, measurement will continue until
you click the menu "Stop".

25

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．４． file tab

Image.8 file tab
Histogram section
Sets the absolute path of the histogram data file. Files without extensions are also
possible.
! CAUTION!
histogram file path

This file name is not saved. Based on this file name, create the following format.
As an example, set "C: ¥ Data ¥ histogram.csv" to "histogram file path" and "10" to"histogram file save time (sec)", the date is "2015/12/23" and time is “12:34:00", data
storage starts with the file name" C: ¥ Data ¥ histogram_20151223 _ 123400.csv ".
After 10 seconds, save as "C: ¥ Datahistogram_20151223_123510.csv" file.

histogram stop save

When measurement is completed, histogram data is saved in a file. The file is savedin the same format as described above.
Sets whether to store histogram data in a file at preset time intervals.

histogram continuous save

! CAUTION!
Depending on the processing status, the saving interval may be shifted. Please use
it for simple backup.

histo file save time (sec.)

Sets the time interval of consecutive saving of histogram data. The unit is seconds.
The setting range is from 5 seconds to 3600 seconds.

26

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

List section
list saveAfter starting the measurement, save the list data sent to the PC to the list data file.
During measurement in list mode, data acquisition and display of "Information" section will be
performed. Also, it creates a histogram from the received event data and displays it.

updateinformation ! CAUTION!

and spectrum

This process takes time. Please be aware that it may not be processed correctly dependingon the performance and specifications of your computer, and it may not be able to receive all
event data.
Sets the absolute path of the list data file. Files without extensions are also possible.
! CAUTION!
This file name is not saved. Based on this file name, create the following format.

list file path

As an example, if "list file path" is set to "C: ¥ Data ¥ list.bin" and "list file number" is set to "10",the file "C: ¥ Data ¥ list _ 000010.bin" Start saving data by name.
"List file number" is updated to "11" when it reaches the preset file size with "list file size (Byte)"
and saved as "C: ¥ Data ¥ list _ 000011.bin" file.

list file number
file number
list file size (Byte)

file size (Byte)

It is a number automatically added to the list data file name. Up to "999999" can be used. Next
to "999999" is zero.
The list data file name created from "list file path" and "list file number".
Sets the maximum size to save the list data file. Set it as "1 M" "10 M" "100 M" etc. by SI
notation. Set it from "1 M" byte to "2 G" byte.
Displays the size of the currently saved list data file. "0.789 M", "10.100 M", "1.230 G", etc. aredisplayed as SI notation.
Select the file saving format such as binary and text of the list data.
Big endian binary file format. You can reduce the file size. The
binary (big endian)most significant byte occupies the lowest memory address. It is
common as network byte order. You can easily check thealignment of the data by eye.
Little endian binary file format. You can reduce the file size. The

binary (little endian)data format

least significant byte occupies the highest memory address. Usedon Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. It is difficult to visually check thesequence of data.
Comma (,) delimited text format. You can easily check the datawith Notepad or Excel.
! Caution!

txt (CSV)

Data such as commas and line feeds are also added, and as themeasurement time gets longer, the number of digits of the time
data also increases. Therefore, the amount of data per event
increases and the file size increases.

27

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．５． calibration tab

Image. 9 calibration tab
Setting of ROI (Region of Interest) and energy calibration. Set the ROI to the spectrum peak, calculate the peak countnumber, full width at half maximum, etc.
ROI section
ROI CH

Select the channel number for ROI. A maximum of 8 ROIs can be set for one channel signal

ROI start

Set the start position of the ROI. Unit depends on energy calibration situation.

ROI end

Set the end position of the ROI. Unit depends on energy calibration situation.
The energy value etc. of the peak position (channel) etc are defined. In the case of Co - 60, set it

peak

to 1173 or 1332. When "ch" is selected in the next "calibration" part, the peak between the ROI is
detected, keV / ch is calculated from the peak position (ch) and the set energy value and applied
to the calculation result of the half width.

28

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Calibration section
Types of calibrationchSelect the X axis unit from the following. In the case of MCS mode (option), the horizontal axis
is time, so select "ns" "us" "ms" "sec". It is not "eV" and "keV".
Display in ch (channel) unit. Units such as "FWHM" of "FWTM" of ROI are optional.
Display in eV unit. Calculate the slope a and intercept b of the linear function y = ax + b so thateV

the channel becomes eV by two-point calibration of two kinds of peaks (center value) andenergy value in one spectrum and set it on the X axis. The unit of "FWHM" of ROI "FWTM" is"eV".
Display in keV unit. Calculate the slope a and intercept b of the linear function y = ax + b sothat ch becomes keV by two-point calibration of two types of peaks (center value) and energy

keVvalues in one spectrum and set it on the X axis. The unit such as "FWHM" of ROI "FWTM" is"keV".
As an example, if there are 1173.24 keV for Co-60 in channel 5717.9 and 1332.5 keV for Co60 in 6498.7 channel, a is 0.20397 and b is 6.958297 automatically from two-point calibration.

manualEnergy calibration is performed by arbitrarily setting slope a, intercept b and unit label of thelinear function y = ax + b with "manual a", "manual b" and "unit".
Select the ROI number for energy or time calibration. On the right side "centroid" and "peak",the central value of the ROI being selected, and the energy value being set are displayed. For

ROI

example, when "ROI 1" and "none" are selected, one-point calibration is performed based on
the peak center value of ROI 1 and preset "peak". When "ROI 1" and "ROI 2" are selected,
the peak center value of ROI 1 and ROI 2 and the two-point calibration with "peak" set inadvance.
The slope of the linear function y = ax + b for creating the horizontal axis of the histograma and bgraph, which is the calculation result of the energy calibration, is displayed in “a” and theintercept is displayed in “b.”Manual a and b

The gradient in the linear function y = ax + b for creating the graph horizontal axis, which is thecalculation result of energy calibration, is shown by a and the intercept is displayed in b.
Energy calibration is executed according to the type of calibration. After execution, the slope aand intercept b of the linear function y = ax + b applied to the horizontal axis of the graph arecalculated and displayed on the lower "a" and "b". For the calculation method, refer to "8.5.

calibration button

Calculation method of two-point calibration" below.
For example, if "keV" is selected in the "calibration" part as shown below and the "calibration"
button is clicked, each peak is extracted from "centroid" value and "peak" value of "ROI 1" and"ROI 2" Energy calibration is executed so that it becomes the energy value, and the unit ofhorizontal axis unit of graph, set value of ROI, calculation result of ROI is also "keV".

29

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Image. 10 Select "keV" in calibration section
LEFT: before energy calibration execution, RIGHT: after energy calibration execution

30

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．６． option tab
Configure settings such as MCS (Multi Channel Scaler) and coincidence (simultaneous measurement).

Image. 11 config tab

Image. 12 coincidence two-dimensional histogram

31

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

MCS section
dwell time

time (sec)of max. ch

Time width per channel. Choose from a minimum of 40 ns to a maximum of 100 s. The selection items
are as follows.
40 ns
80 ns
120 ns160 ns200 ns
240 ns
280 ns
320 ns360 ns
400 ns
440 ns
480 ns
520 ns
560 ns
600 ns
640 ns
680 ns
720 ns
760 ns
800 ns
840 ns
880 ns920 ns960 ns
1 μs
2 μs
5 μs
10 μs
20 μs
50 μs
100 μs200 μs500 μs
1 ms
2 ms
5 ms
10 ms
20 ms
50 ms
100 ms200 ms
500 ms
1s
2s
5s
10 s
20 s
50 s
100 s
Displays the time of the maximum channel based on the setting of dwell time. With 16384 channels, theminimum 40 ns is 655.36 μs (655 360 ns) from 40 ns × 16384 channels.

coincidence section
CH
The target channels. Only channel 1 and channel 2.
Time range for judging the coincidence number. The setting range is 40 ns to 10,000 ns (10 μsec). If thetime (ns)time from exceeding the threshold of one channel to the threshold exceeding the threshold of the otherchannel falls within this setting range, it becomes the same number of clocks.
Coincidence number delay time. Adjust the delay of signal transmission between channels. The setting
delay (ns) range is 0 to 10,000 ns (10 μsec). Please use it for adjustment such as when there is time lag due tocable length etc.

CH1 thrshold
CH1 input

CH2 thrshold
CH2 input
coincidence
t1

t2

timingcoincidence time

CH1 thrshold
CH1 input

CH2 thrshold
CH2 input
coincidence
t1

t2

timingcoincidence timeCH2 delay time

Figure. 2 Example of coincidence timing (UPPRER: delay is not used, LOWER: CH2 delay time is used)

32

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

offset (CH) for 2D histo

Set offset channel to coincidence 2D histogram. The setting range is 0 to 2048 (4096 2048) channels. Since the display range is 2048 × 2048 channels, adjust the offset value
so that the peak falls within this range.

graph

Two-dimensional histogram graph. The X axis is the pulse height (ch) of CH1, the Y axis
is the pulse height (ch) of CH2, and the Z axis is the count number. The maximum
number of channels on the X and Y axes is 2048 channels.

spectrum of CH1
direction
spectrum of CH2
direction

One-dimensional channel addition histogram graph viewed from CH 1 side is displayed
One-dimensional channel addition histogram graph viewed from CH 2 side is displayed

33

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

５．７． Graphgraphcursor x
Plot legend

X axis range

Y axis range

Display spectrum of CH1 and Gaussian fit spectrum with data between each ROI.
There is a dotted line cursor for each channel, and the value of the count on the spectrum
in the set channel is displayed in "cursor y" of the corresponding channel.
et the color of the graph and the type of line. You can switch display / non-display in the
sub menu on the graph.
Right click on the X axis and check "AUTO SCALE" to set the automatic scale. Whenunchecked, it will no longer be automatic scale and the minimum and maximum values of
the X axis will be fixed. To change the minimum or maximum value, you can change themouse pointer by placing it over the numerical value to be changed and clicking or
double-clicking it.
Right click on the Y axis and check "AUTO SCALE" to set the automatic scale. If you
uncheck it, it will no longer be automatic scale and the minimum and maximum values on
the Y axis will be fixed. To change the minimum or maximum value, you can change themouse pointer by placing it over the numerical value to be changed and clicking or
double-clicking it.
On the X axis, set auto scalability, precision, mapping (linear / logarithm).

On the Y axis, set auto scalability, precision, mapping (linear / logarithm).

34

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Image. 13 UPPER: Linear in vertical axis mapping mode, LOWER: Logarithmic

Cursor movement tool. The cursor can be moved on the graph when setting the ROI.
Zoom. You can select and execute the following six zooms in and zoom out by clicking.
1

2

3

4

5

6

Image. 14 Zoom in and zoom out tool

Use this option to click the point on the display that you want to corner in the1

Rectangle zoom

2

X zoomZoom in on the area of the graph along the X axis.

3

Y zoomZoom in on the area of the graph along the Y axis.

4

Fit zoom

Automatically scale all X and Y scales on the graph.

5

Zoom out centering on points.

Click the center point to zoom out.

6

Zoom in around a point.

Click the center point to zoom in.

zoom area and drag the tool until the rectangle occupies the zoom area.

Pan tool. You can grab a plot and move on the graph.

35

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

６．

Measurement

６．１． Histogram mode
1.

Select "histogram" in "mode" in "config" tab.

2.

Click "Clear" on the menu. The internal histogram data is initialized. To continue the histogram or measurement
result measured last time, start the next measurement without clicking "Clear".

3.

When you click the "Start" menu, measurement is started after all settings are sent to this device.

4.

After the start of measurement, transition to the following state.
- "Acq" LED flashes.
- The measurement status is displayed in the "Information" section.
- "Histogram" is displayed in "mode".
- Measurement set time is displayed in "meas. Time".
- Real time acquired from this device is displayed in "real time".
- The live time acquired from this device is displayed in "live time" of each channel.
- The dead time acquired from the Switch is displayed in "dead time" of each channel.
- For "ROI", for each "ROI No.", the center value, the gross count (sum within range), the rate, the net count (thetotal within the range minus the background subtracted from the background) by the ROI range setting in the"calibration" Count) and the calculation result such as rate, half width, 1/10 width etc. are displayed.
- In the graph, a histogram of peak value is displayed on the horizontal axis.

Image. 15 Window of histogram mode measurement

36

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

６．２． List mode1.

Measurement is conducted previously in the histogram mode, and the state of the spectrum, the count rate, and thelike are confirmed.

2.

Select "list" in "mode" in "config" tab.

3.

In the "file" tab, set the data save destination in the "list" block.

4.

Click the menu "Clear". The in-device list measurement data is initialized.

5.

When clicking the "Start" menu, measurement is started after all settings are transmitted to this device.

6.

After the start of measurement, transition to the following state.
- "Acq" LED flashes.
- "Save" LED flashes.
- The measurement status is displayed in the "Information" section.
- "List" is displayed in "mode".
- Measurement set time is displayed in "meas. Time".
- Real time acquired from this device is displayed in "real time".
- In the "file" tab, the file name being saved in "file name" is displayed, and the file size being saved in "file size"
is displayed. When "list file size" is reached, the saved file is closed. "List file number" is incremented by one,"file name" becomes the new file name and the saving process is continued.

If "update information and spectrum" in the "file" tab is checked, "ROI" contains the center value, the gross count (inrange total) by ROI range setting in the "calibration" tab for each "ROI No.”) And the calculation result such as rate, net
count (net count obtained by subtracting background from in-range sum) and rate, half width, 1/10 width, etc. aredisplayed. A histogram is displayed on the graph.
! Caution!
Since histogram display in list mode is heavy load on the PC, please be careful when measuring high counting etc.
The time stamp of the list data can be cleared even during measurement by using the VETO (CLR) terminal. When therising edge of the LV - TTL level (pulse width of 100 ns or more) is detected, the time stamp is cleared.

37

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Image. 16 Window of list mode measurement

38

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

６．３． Coincidence mode1.

Connect signals from the linear amplifier to CH1 and CH2. CH3 and CH4 are not used.

2.

Check the spectrum of the current CH1 and CH2 in the histogram mode and check where the center channel of thepeak of interest is. In "config" tab "mode" select "histogram".

3.

In "config" tab, set "LLD" and "ULD" widely.

4.

When you click "Clear" and "Start" on the menu, measurement is started after all settings are sent to this machine.

5.

Set the ROI to the read peak of attention of CH1 and CH2 and check the value of "centroid (ch)". In the figure below,
CH1 is 5474.35 and CH2 is 5475.80.

Image. 17 Check the centroid (ch) of the peak of interest in the histogram mode
6.

After checking the value of "centroid (ch)", click the menu "Stop" to stop the measurement.

7.

Set "LLD" and "ULD", measure again in histogram mode, and confirm that histogram within the range of "LLD" and"ULD" can be obtained.

Image. 18 Check the setting status of LLD and ULD in histogram mode

39

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual8.

Before starting measurement with the coincidence 2D histogram, click "Window" and "2D histo" in the menu toswitch to the screen for 2D histogram. In addition, since the data for coincidence 2D historical data is generated on
this application based on the list data, for display and saving, use the "list save" and "update information andspectrum" check boxes in the "file" tab.

Image. 19 "file" tab setting
9.

Setting of "coincidence" part in "option" tab. In the case of the above example, since the centroid value of the energy
band whose coincidence is desired to see exceeds the range of the range of two-dimensional histories (CH 1) 2048
× (CH 2) 2048, "offset (ch) for 2 D histo" It is necessary to set. When setting to center 1024 ch, set it from center
value-1024 ch to 4451 ch.

10. In the "config" tab, select "coincidence" in "mode".
11. Click "Clear" on the menu. The internal buffer list measurement buffer data is initialized.
12. When you click "Start" on the menu, measurement is started after all settings are sent to this device.
13. After the start of measurement, it transits to the following state.
- "Acq" LED flashes.
- "Coincidence" is displayed in "mode".
- Measurement set time is displayed in "meas. Time".
- The real time acquired from this equipment is displayed in "real time" in real time acquired from thisequipment.
When "update information and spectrum" is checked- The measurement status is displayed in the "Information" section.
- A map graph is displayed on the coincidence 2D histogram.
- Spectra are displayed in the graph from CH1 direction and graph on CH2 direction side.

Image. 20 Coincidence 2D histogram * Reference data

40

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

６．４． Multi-Channel Scaler (MCS) mode
1.

Select "MCS" in "mode" in "config" tab.

2.

Set "LLD" and "ULD" in "config" tab. Use the time when crest value within this range was acquired.

3.

Select the measurement time per channel at "dwell time" in the "Options" tab.

4.

The calibration on the horizontal axis of the graph is adjusted in the calibration tab. If you already know the peak time,
select from ns, us, ms, sec and set the ROI peak to that time. If you are unsure, check manual, enter the time
selected in dwell time in manual a, and enter the unit’s name in unit.

5.

In MCS mode, it is possible to measure two patterns depending on whether to use the elapsed time reset signal
from the outside.
Reset use: Connect periodic events that reset the elapsed time to the VETO (CLR) terminal as a reset signal.
Generate histogram of elapsed time from reset to event detection. When the rising edge of the LV - TTL
level (pulse width of 100 ns or more) is detected at the VETO (CLR) terminal, the elapsed time is reset.
When the maximum crest value in the ULD is detected from the LLD after securing the elapsed time
until the input signal to the channel exceeds the threshold after the reset, the "dwell time" based on the
secured elapsed time one is added to the channel corresponding to the elapsed time in the histogram
having the interval channel. Adjust the reset signal or "dwell time" so that the reset period is less than"time (sec) of max ch".
Reset not used: Based on the elapsed time from measurement start to event detection, one is added to thechannel corresponding to that elapsed time in the histogram having the channel of "dwell time" interval.
Because the elapsed time is not reset, the channel to be added moves to the larger channel as themeasuring time passes. It can be used for half-life measurement etc.

6.

Click "Clear" on the menu. The MCS histogram data in this device is initialized. To continue the histogram ormeasurement result measured last time, start the next measurement without clicking "Clear".

7.

When you click "Start" on the menu, measurement is started after all settings are sent to this machine.

8.

After the start of measurement, transition to the following state.
- "Acq" LED flashes.
- The measurement status is displayed in the "Information" section.
- "MCS" is displayed in "mode".
- Measurement set time is displayed in "meas. Time".
- Real time acquired from this device is displayed in "real time".
- The graph shows the MCS histogram with time on the horizontal axis.
- Events exceeding "time (sec) of max ch" will be added to the last 4095 channels.

41

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Image. 21 Window of MCS histogram mode measurement
UPPER: With reset. When the event occurred one hundred μsec after reset is repeatedly measured
LOWER: No reset. When the 1 kHz simulation signal is measured with dwell time: 10 sec

６．５． Measurement stops- When "meas. Mode" is "real time", measurement will end when "real time" reaches "meas. Time".
- When "meas. Mode" is "live time", measurement will end when the latest "live time" reaches "meas. Time".
- To stop during measurement, click "Stop" on the menu. Stop measurement after execution.

42

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

７．

Files

７．１． Histogram data file
1.

File format
Comma Separated Values (csv) Text Format

2.

File nameAny

3.

Configuration

Header section
Memo

Memo

Measurement mode

Select “Real time” or “Live time” mode

Measurement time

Unit is seconds

Real time

Real time

Live time

Live time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Dead time

Dead time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Start time

Measurement start time

End time

Measurement stop time

*The following items are saved for each channel.
- ADC gain
- Threshold
- LLD
- ULD
- offset*The following items are NOT saved for each channel.
Mode

Mode

meas. mode

Measurement modemeas. time

Measurement time. Unit is seconds.

CH1 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH1 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH2 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH2 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH3 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH3 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH4 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH4 and count value on CH1 histogram

Calculation section*The following items are saved for each channel.
ROI No.

Input channel number subject to ROI.

ROI start

ROI start position (ch)ROI end

ROI end position (ch)peak

Peak energy value between ROI

fitting

Fitting applies

peak (ch)Peak position between ROI (ch)43TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

centroid (ch)Center position between ROI (ch)gross (count)

Sum of counts between ROI

gross (cps)Gross (count) for one secondnet (count)

The sum of the counts obtained by subtracting the background between ROI

net (cps)

Net (count) for one second

FWHM (ch)FWHM between ROI (ch)FWHM (%)

FWHM between ROI (%)

FWHM (keV)

FWHM between ROI (keV etc.)

FWTM (keV)

One-tenth (1/10) width between ROI (keV etc.)

Status section*The following items are saved for each channel.
throughput countNumber of events processed

throughput rate

Number of events processed per second

Data section
data

Histogram data for each channel. Maximum 4096 points.

44

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

７．２． List data file
The format of the data file saved in list mode. The data saved at coincidence mode (option) has the same format.
1.

File format
Binary, big endian / little endian format, or text (CSV) format

2.

File nameIt becomes the file path set to "list file path" in the "file" tab, adding "file number" 0 plus six places.
Example 1: If "list file path" is set to "D: ¥ data ¥ 123456.bin" and "number" is set to "1""D: ¥ data ¥ 123456 _ 000001.bin".
Example 2: If "list file path" is set to "D: ¥ data ¥ 123456" and "number" is set to "100""D: ¥ data ¥ 123456 _ 000100".
When "list file size" is reached, the file being saved is closed. After that, it automatically advances "list file number"
one by one, opens a new file, and continues saving the data file.

45

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual3.

Configuration (big endian format)
64-bit per event (8 bytes, 4 WORD)

63

60

59

48

3

0

43

32

VacantABS [43…32]

[3…0]
47

32

31

16

ABS [31…16]
31

16

15

0

ABS [15…0]
15

14

13

0

1

0

13

0

CH
[1…0]

PHA [13…0]
Figure. 4 List data (80 bit) configuration, big endian

Vacant4-bit. From 63-bit to 60-bit.
Absolute count (measured elapsed time, Real Time). 44-bit (ABS [43...0]). 40 ns per 1-bit. Maximum
measurement time is about 8 days (8 days = 244 * 40 ns).

ABS

From 59-bit to 48-bit ABS [43…32]
From 47-bit to 32-bit ABS [31…16]
From 31-bit to 16-bit ABS [15…0]

CH

PHA

Channel number. 2-bit (CH [1…0]). Zero is CH 1, 1 is CH 2, 2 is CH 3, 3 is CH 4.
From 15-bit to 14-bit CH [1…0]
Pulse heigh. 14-bit (PHA [13…0]) From 0 to 4095
From 13-bit to 0-bit. PHA [13…0]

46

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

4.

Configuration (little endian format)
64-bit per event (8 bytes, 4 WORD)

63

56

55

52

51

48

39

32

3

0

43

40

ABS [39…32]

VacantABS[3…0][43…40]

47

40

39

32

23

16

31

24

ABS [23…16]

ABS [31…24]

31

24

23

16

7

0

15

8

ABS [7…0]

ABS [15…8]

15

8

7

6

5

0

7

0

1

0

13

8

CH

PHA [7…0][1…0]

PHA [13…8]

Figure. 5 List data (80 bit) configuration, little endian

Vacant4-bit. From 55-bit to 52-bit.
Absolute count (measured elapsed time, Real Time). 44-bit (ABS [43...0]). 40 ns per 1-bit. Maximum
measurement time is about 8 days (8 days = 244 * 40 ns).
From 63-bit to 56-bit ABS [39…32]

ABS

From 51-bit to 48-bit ABS [43…30]
From 47-bit to 40-bit ABS [23…16]
From 39-bit to 32-bit ABS [31…24]
From 31-bit to 24-bit ABS [7…0]
From 23-bit to 16-bit ABS [15…8]

CH

PHA

Channel number (0 to 3). 2-bit (CH [1…0]).
From 7-bit to 6-bit CH [1…0]
Pulse heigh. 14-bit (PHA [13…0]) From 0 to 4095
From 5-bit to 0-bit. PHA [13…8]47

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

７．３． List data file conversion
List mode Convert the binary format list data file saved by measurement to comma-separated text (csv) format. It issaved in the form of "ABS (absolute count), CH number, PHA (crest value)" in one line per event.
BinaryText

Absolute count (ABS)In units of 40 ns

In unit of ns

Number of channels

0 to 3

1 to 4

Pulse heigh (PHA)

0 to 4095

0 to 4095

Use the following procedure to convert the binary format list data file to text (CSV) format.
1.

Click "File" - "convert to text from binary list data file" in the menu.

The following "list data file to text data file" window opens.

list data file pathdata format

text(csv) data file path2.

List mode Set binary format list data file before conversion saved by measurement toabsolute path.
List mode Set the binary format list data file format saved by measurement. Select from"binary (big endian)" or "binary (little endian)".
Sets the converted list data file in comma-separated text (csv) format as an absolute pathand saves it.

Click "start" button to start conversion. Conversion is complete when the status bar becomes full. To stop theconversion, click the "stop" button.

3.

Click the "close" button to finish converting the list data file.
48

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

７．４． Coincidence two-dimensional histogram data file
After measurement in coincidence mode, you can save coincidence 2D histogram data to a file by clicking "File" - "save2D histogram" in the menu at an arbitrary timing.
1.

File format
Comma Separated Values (csv) Text Format

2.

File nameAny

3.

Configuration

Header section
Memo

Memo

Measurement mode

Select “Real time” or “Live time” mode

Measurement time

Unit is seconds

Real time

Real time

Live time

Live time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Dead time

Dead time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Start time

Measurement start time

End time

Measurement stop time

*The following items are saved for each channel.
- ADC gain
- Threshold
- LLD
- ULD
- offset*The following items are NOT saved for each channel.
Mode

Mode

meas. mode

Measurement modemeas. time

Measurement time. Unit is seconds.

dwell time

Dwell time. Unit is seconds.

CH1 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH1 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH2 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH2 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH3 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH3 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH4 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH4 and count value on CH1 histogram

Calculation section*The following items are saved for each channel.
ROI No.

Input channel number subject to ROI.

ROI start

ROI start position (ch)ROI end

ROI end position (ch)49TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

peak

Peak energy value between ROI

fitting

Fitting applies

peak (ch)Peak position between ROI (ch)centroid (ch)Center position between ROI (ch)gross (count)

Sum of counts between ROI

gross (cps)Gross (count) for one secondnet (count)

The sum of the counts obtained by subtracting the background between ROI

net (cps)

Net (count) for one second

FWHM (ch)FWHM between ROI (ch)FWHM (%)

FWHM between ROI (%)

FWHM (keV)

FWHM between ROI (sec etc.)

FWTM (keV)

One-tenth (1/10) width between ROI (sec etc.)

Status section*The following items are saved for each channel.
throughput countNumber of events processed

throughput rate

Number of events processed per second

2DHistogram
CH1 Offset (ch)Offset channel to coincidence two-dimensional histogram of CH1

CH2 Offset (ch)Offset channel to coincidence two-dimensional histogram of CH2

Data section
Histogram data for each channel.
data

Maximum 4096 points.
The channel (bin) of CH1, the channel (bin) of CH2, the order of count.
The number of lines is variable length.

50

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

７．５． Multi-Channel Scaler (MCS) data file *option
1.

File format
Comma Separated Values (csv) Text Format

2.

File nameAny

3.

Configuration

Header section
Memo

Memo

Measurement mode

Select “Real time” or “Live time” mode

Measurement time

Unit is seconds

Real time

Real time

Live time

Live time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Dead time

Dead time per channel. Unit is seconds.

Start time

Measurement start time

End time

Measurement stop time

*The following items are saved for each channel.
- ADC gain
- Threshold
- LLD
- ULD
- offset*The following items are NOT saved for each channel.
Mode

Mode

meas. mode

Measurement modemeas. time

Measurement time. Unit is seconds.

dwell time

Dwell time. Unit is seconds.

CH1 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH1 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH2 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH2 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH3 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH3 and count value on CH1 histogram

CH4 Cursor X

Cursor position for CH4 and count value on CH1 histogram

Calculation section*The following items are saved for each channel.
ROI No.

Input channel number subject to ROI.

ROI start

ROI start position (ch)ROI end

ROI end position (ch)peak

Peak energy value between ROI

fitting

Fitting applies

peak (ch)Peak position between ROI (ch)51TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

centroid (ch)Center position between ROI (ch)gross (count)

Sum of counts between ROI

gross (cps)Gross (count) for one secondnet (count)

The sum of the counts obtained by subtracting the background between ROI

net (cps)

Net (count) for one second

FWHM (ch)FWHM between ROI (ch)FWHM (%)

FWHM between ROI (%)

FWHM (keV)

FWHM between ROI (sec etc.)

FWTM (keV)

One-tenth (1/10) width between ROI (sec etc.)

Status section*The following items are saved for each channel.
throughput countNumber of events processed

throughput rate

Number of events processed per second

Data section
data

Histogram data for each channel.
Maximum 4096 points.

52

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual８．

Functions８．１． Data acquisition by external GATE input signal timing
To acquire event data at that time according to external conditions when an event occurs, input the LV - TTL level signal
to the "GATE" LEMO connector on the front panel. Measurement is performed when it is High, but not when it is Low.
Please input the external GATE input signal in a range sufficient to cover the waveform shaping input signal (see thefigure below).
When the waveform shaping input signal exceeds the threshold level Vth from the baseline, the external GATE input
signal should be held high. Waveform shaping A / D conversion processing is performed when the input signal falls
below the threshold level, and the peak value is determined after 1.2 μs processing time.

Vth
Waveform shaping input signal

External GATE input signal

Image. 22 External GATE Input Signal Timing*The external GATE input signal is LV - TTL level. Lower level of 0.8 V or less is judged as High level above 2.0 V. The
maximum input voltage is 5V.

８．２．

Data discard by VETO signal timing

If you want to discard the event data at that time due to external conditions at the occurrence of an event, input the LV TTL level signal to the front panel LEMO connector "VETO". It is the opposite effect of "GATE". Measurement isperformed when it is Low, but not when it is Low. The timing is the same as GATE mentioned above.

53

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

８．３．

Calculation method of full width at half maximum (FWHM)

The calculation method of Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) in "status" tab is as follows.

FWHM
fmax

P1
fmax*1/2

L2

P3

L3

L1

P2

P4

offsetROI start

ｘ1

ｘ2

ROI endFigure. 6 FWHM calculation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Detects the maximum value fmax between ROI Start and ROI end in the histogram.
Connect the intersection of the histogram and ROI start with the intersection of the histogram and ROI end
with a straight line. Calculate the background offset (offset) by obtaining the intersection of the straight line andthe line drawn vertically from the peak value fmax to the x axis.
Calculate half (1 / 2) of the part obtained by subtracting offset from fmax and draw a straight line L1 parallel to
the X axis.
Calculate two points where the histogram and L1 intersect, we detect the intersecting before and after points
P1 and P2, and P3 and P4.
A straight line L2 connecting P1 and P2 and a straight line L3 connecting P3 and P4 are drawn.
Calculate the X coordinate x1 of the intersection of L1 and L2 and the X coordinate x2 of the intersection of L1and L3.
The difference between x2 and x1 is FWHM

54

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

８．４． Calculation method of gross count and net count"Gross" count and "net" count in the "ROI" section are calculated by the Kobel method.

net
ne

ns
ROI start

background

ROI endFigure. 7 Gross count and net count calculation

1
2

The "gross" count is the sum of the counts between ROI Start and ROI end.
The "net" count is the net count of the peak minus the background count from the "gross" count (hatched inblue in the above figure).
The background count connects the intersection point ns of ROI start and spectrum, and the intersection point3

ne of the spectrum with ROI end with a straight line. The area of the rectangle surrounding the four points of
ROI start, ns, ne, and ROI end (pink line in the above figure).

55

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

８．５． Calculation method of two-point calibration1.

histogram mode

In energy calibration, to convert X axis unit scale of graph to energy (e.g., keV), two-point calibration is performed byusing two energy peak centroid and peak energy value. One-point calibration is also possible.
Refer to the "centroid (ch)" value of ROI 1 / ROI 2 displayed in "ROI" at the
top of the graph. Set "ROI start (keV)" and "ROI end (keV)" with "ROI" on
the upper side of the "calibration" tab. Or set the range of ROI 1 and ROI 2
by moving the cursor on the graph.

Select the radio button "keV" with "calibration" at the bottom of the"calibration" tab. In "calibration" on the lower side of "calibration" tab,select "ROI 1" and "ROI 2" for ROI.

Set to "peak (keV)" to what keV the energy of each peak of ROI 1 / ROI 2
corresponds.

Clicking on the "calibration" button automatically reflects the inclination aand intercept b of the linear equation y = ax + b calculated by the following
formula in the lower "a" and "b".

Image. 23 LEFT: Before Energy Calibration, RIGHT: After Energy Calibrationa = (peak1 - peak2) / (centroid1 - centroid2)b = y – ax
In case of the center grid of Co-60 at 1173 keV is 9446.99 ch and the centroid at 1332 keV is 10729.53 ch,
a = (1332 - 1173) / (10729.53 – 9446.99) = 0.124
b = 1332 – 0.124 * 10729.53 = 1.831
Therefore, it is automatically reflected as "0.124" in "a" and 1.831 in "b", and the unit scale in the X axis is createdwith the linear expression 0.124 * ch + 1.831.

56

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

2.

Multi-Channel Scaler (MCS) mode

Select "manual" in the "calibration" tab. Set "dwell time" to "manual a" and "0" to "manual b", execute the time
calibration by executing the "calibration" button.
As with the energy calibration described above, to set the X axis unit scale of the time calibration graph to time
(example: us), two-point calibration is performed using the centroid of two peaks and the peak time value. One-pointcalibration is also possible.
Set "dwell time" and "caliration" to "ch" and start measurement. Refer to the"centroid (ch)" value of ROI 1 / ROI 2 displayed in "ROI" at the top of thegraph. Set "ROI start (ch)" and "ROI end (ch)" with "ROI" on the upper sideof the "calibration" tab. Or set the range of ROI 1 and ROI 2 by moving the
cursor on the graph.
Select the radio button "us" with "calibration" at the bottom of the"calibration" tab. In "calibration" on the lower side of "calibration" tab,select "ROI 1" and "ROI 2" for ROI.
Set to "peak (us)" how many microseconds each peak time of ROI 1 /ROI 2 corresponds.

Clicking on the "calibration" button automatically reflects the inclination aand intercept b of the linear equation y = ax + b calculated by the following
formula in the lower "a" and "b"

Image. 24 LEFT: Before Energy Calibration, RIGHT: After Energy Calibrationa = (peak1 - peak2) / (centroid1 - centroid2)b = y – ax
In case of the centroid of the time difference 100 us peak is 2500 ch and the 400 us centroid is 10000 ch,
a = (400 - 100) / (10000 – 2500) = 0.04
b = 400 – 0.004 * 10000 = 0
Therefore, it is automatically reflected in "a" to 0.04, "b" to 0, and the unit scale on the X axis is created with the linear
expression 0.04 * ch + 0. In addition, basically "a" is equal to the value set in "dwell time".

57

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

９． Gauss fit
This software has a peak analysis function by Gauss fitting. By opening the dedicated screen, you can calculate the halfvalue width, etc. by dividing the peaks with a small number of counts and the peaks that overlap with each other during
measurement or for the histogram data in the data file.

９．１． Startup screen
Select Tool from the menu bar and execute gauss fit analysis. After execution, the startup screen shown below will be
displayed.

Image 25. Gauss fit startup screen
Menu section
File - open gauss fit file

Read gauss fit file

File - open histogram file

Read histogram data file

File - save gauss fit file

Save Gaussian fit data to a file

File - save image

Save window in png format

File - close

Exit window
Display the information window. Display precautions when using this screen on the
dialog screen

Information

Image 26. Information window
58

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Setting section
data source

Select the data to be analyzed

onlineTargets the data being measured on the main screen

offlineTargets the data in the pre-read histogram data file or Gauss fit data filetarget CH

Analysis target CH setting

display error

Select the error to be displayed

ROI (ch)type of fit

number of fit

It is the number of data points to be analyzed to be displayed in the graph of gauss fit.
Choose from 256 or 512 channels
Select the type of Gaussian fit either single or combination. Single is normally sufficient.
Select combination in case two or three peaks come too close to fit.
Setting the number of Gaussian fits. Gaussian fit analysis can be performed on up to
three peaks for a single histogram

Calculation section
peak (count)

Maximum countcentroid (ch)Median value (ch.) calculated from the sum of all counts

sigma(FWHM/2.35)

Standard deviation

gross (count)

Sum of counts

net (count)

Sum of counts minus background

FWHM (ch)Half width

FWHM

Half width * The unit is the energy calibration state on the main screen.

FWTM

1/10 width of the peak * The unit is the energy calibration state on the main screen.

backgroundbackground value

calibration *a

The energy calibration factor *a on the main screen is displayedcalibration +b

The energy calibration factor +b on the main screen is displayed.

calibration unit

The unit on the main screen is displayed
The histogram plot in the histogram graphs the histogram data for Gaussian fit. The ROI
plot is the part displayed in the gauss fit graph and is displayed in red. You can change

histogram graphthe display position while keeping the number of display points constant by moving thehorizontal slide bar at the bottom left of the graph to the left or right. If each check box ischecked, the plot is displayed, and if it is not checked, the plot is hidden.
From the histogram data displayed in the histogram graph, the channel set by ROI (ch)is extracted from the start position of the X axis of the gauss fit graph and displayed. The
fit1 to fit3 plots are Gaussian-fitted data for the peaks set by each cursor. Histogram
plots are concatenated data of Gaussian fit results. You can change the display position

gauss fit graphwhile keeping the number of display points constant by dragging the graph area after
select the pan button

at the bottom right of the graph to the left or right. The X ofthe cursor at the bottom right of the graph is the position of the cursor to be aligned with
the Gaussian fit target peak, and you can also move the cursor by directly inputting X. If
each check box is checked, the plot is displayed, and if it is not checked, the plot is
hidden.
59

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

９．２． On-line
For the histogram acquired during measurement, perform Gaussian fit analysis for the specified peak according to thefollowing procedure.
1. Select data source, “online.”
2. Start measurement in histogram mode. The histogram during measurement is displayed in the histogram graph.
3. In the gauss fit graph, the histogram of the part of interest in the histogram graph is displayed. To set the horizontal
axis range of this graph, enter the minimum value of the horizontal axis of the gauss fit graph directly or move the verticalcursor in the histogram graph to the target range. After that, the histogram graph will have the range selected in the gauss
fit graph red.
4. Set up to three vertical cursors at the approximate peak part of the analysis target. To set the cursor, drag the red,
blue, and pink vertical cursor lines while the button in the red frame in the figure below is pressed, and drop them on thepeak part. Alternatively, you can move the cursor and set it by entering a numerical value in the X value of the cursor at
the bottom right of the screen.
5. Calculation results such as half-value width based on each Gaussian fit data are displayed in the calculation section

Image.27 Gauss fit screen, ONLINE

60

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

９．３． Off-line
For the histogram obtained by reading the histogram data file or the Gauss fit data file, perform Gauss fit analysis for the
specified peak by the following procedure.
1. Select data source, “offline.”
2. Click open gauss fit file or open histogram file from file in the menu. A file selection dialog is displayed. Select the data
file to be read and open it. The histogram in the data file is displayed in the histogram graph
The rest of the procedure is the same as the on-line mode.

Image.28

Gauss fit screen, OFFLINE

61

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

９．４． Notes
Please note the following points to operate normally on the Gauss fit screen.
1. When selecting combination as type of fit and setting the number of fit to two or more, set fit1 and fit2 in this orderfrom the left in the gauss fit graph. If fit1 is not working properly, the following fit2 and fit3 will also be hidden.
2. The peak to be fitted should be displayed without being cut off at both ends of the gauss fit graph.
3. If the peak value on the calculation tab and the peak value on the gauss fit graph do not match, move the horizontal
axis range of the graph or the fit cursor.

９．５． EndTo close this screen, click close from File on the menu bar.

62

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１０． Peak searchThis software has a function to automatically detect peaks and perform peak analysis. You can open the dedicatedscreen and automatically detect the peak and calculate the half width etc. for the histogram data of the data file during
measurement.

１０．１．Startup screen
Execute peak search analysis from Tool on the menu bar. After execution, the startup screen shown below will be
displayed.

Image.29

Peak search startup screen

Menu section
File - open peak search file

Read peak search file

File - open histogram file

Read histogram data file

File - save peak search file

Save peak search to a file

File - save image

Save screen in png format

File - close

Exit screen

63

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

Setting section
data source

Select the data to be analyzed

onlineTargets the data being measured on the main screen

offlineTargets the data in the pre-read histogram data file or Gauss fit data filetarget CH
sensitivity level

FWHM for search (ch.)
ROI of peak (ch.)

Analysis target CH setting
Selection of peak detection threshold. If the value is small, even a slight peak will be
detected.
Approximate half-value width required for peak search. The unit is channel. Set theapproximate half width from the actual peak by channel (point)
Setting the number of ROI plots (CH) for the peakCalculation section
lock

If you want to display it at the top of the list, turn on the check. If it is OFF, the display
position may move up or down each time a peak is detected.

centroid (ch.)

Median value (ch.) calculated from the sum of all counts

gross (count)

Sum of counts

net (count)

Sum of counts minus background

FWHM (ch.)

Half width

FWHM

Half width * The unit is the energy calibration state on the main screen.

FWTM

1/10 width of peak * The unit is the energy calibration state on the main screen.

calibration *a

The energy calibration factor *a on the main screen is displayed.

calibration +b

The energy calibration factor +b on the main screen is displayedcalibration unit

The unit on the main screen is displayed.
The histogram plot in the peak search graph displays the histogram data of the peaksearch target as a graph. The Peak plot is the part where the peak is detected and ispeak search graphdisplayed in red with a Gaussian fit. You can change the display position while keeping
the number of display points constant by moving the horizontal slide bar at the bottom
left of the graph to the left or right. If each check box is checked, the plot is displayed,and if it is not checked, the plot is hidden.

64TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１０．２．On-line
Perform peak search analysis using the following procedure for the histogram acquired during measurement.
1. Select data source online
2. Start measurement in histogram mode. The histogram being measured is displayed in the peak search graph.
3. In the peak search graph, the peak part where the peak is detected is gauss-fitted and a red histogram is displayed.
4. In the calculation section, the calculation results such as the half-value width are displayed for each peak detected. If
the peak is detected or not detected, the calculation result display may move up and down, making it difficult to see. In
this case, if you turn on the lock check, it will always be displayed at the top.

Image. 30 Peak search screens, ONLINE

65

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１０．３．Off-line
Perform peak search analysis according to the following procedure for the histogram obtained by reading the histogram
data file or peak search data file.
1. Select data source as offline
2. Click open peak search file or open histogram file from file on the menu bar. A file selection dialog is displayed. Selectthe data file to be read and open it. The histogram in the data file is displayed in the peak search graph
The rest of the procedure is the same as the on-line mode..

Image. 31 Peak search screens, OFFLINE

66

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

１０．４．Notes
Please note the following points to operate normally on the peak search screen.
·

The degree of peak search changes by adjusting the sensitivity level, FWHM for search (ch.), and ROI of peak (ch.).
Adjust each setting to the optimum while observing the shape of the red peak detection part.

１０．５．EndTo close this screen, click close from File on the menu bar.

67

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.

APG7400A Software Manual

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.
Address: 2976-15 Mawatari, Hitachinaka-city, Ibaraki-prefecture, 312-0012, Japan
TEL: +81-29-350-8011

FAX: +81-29-352-9013

URL: https://www.techno-ap.com

E-mail: info@techno-ap.com

Business Hours: 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM, Monday to Friday
68

TechnoAP Co., Ltd.