Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.

Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.
Manufacture of Digital Delay Pulse Generator

Friday, December 4, 2009

Primary Use of Random Pulse Generator


The primary use of a a random pulse generator such as the BNC Model DB-2 is to simulate actual operating conditions without requiring a live source and detector combination. Such parameters as frequency response, linearity, and discrimination levels may easily be measured without the inconvenience of dim oscilloscope display or long accumulation times. Proper operation of baseline restorer circuits may be quickly verified. Scalers and ratemeters may be checked for satisfactory pulse recognition under random pulse conditions.

The negligible amplitude shift with frequency of the pulser makes the standard frequency test using a live source and a low rate precision random pulse generator unnecessary.

Although most test applications will find the pulser connected to the test input of a charge sensitive preamplifier, it is possible to simulate the preamp itself with the random pulse generator. The pulser is connected directly to the main amplifier and the preamp decay time constant is matched by proper selection of the pulser fall time. Set up of a system containing an inaccessible preamp can then be accomplished with ease.

For accurate simulation of detector pulse shapes, the rise time control should be adjusted to match 2.2 times the detector decay time constant. For example, if a pulse shape analyzer working with CsI-NaI phoswich is to be tested, the random pulse generator rise time should be set to 0.5 µsec rise time for the NaI signal, and 2 µsec for the CsI signal. Intermediate signals are best obtained by mixing the outputs from two synchronized generators, 2 µsec rise time. By varying the amplitude ratio of the two generators, intermediate values of rise time are generated.

Solid state and plastic detectors have decay constants far shorter than the adjustment range of this generator. However, the shaping time constants used in virtually all systems are greater than the 100 nsec minimum rise time. The ballistic deficit formula predicts the reduction in amplitude, B. D., for a shaping system containing identical time constants for all shaping.

B.D. = (4)

where n = the number of integrations with time, constant =RC, and tr is the rise time of the preamp output. The preamp output rise time may be calculated from:

(5)

where tp is the pulser rise time and ti is the rise time of the preamp in response to a unit step of zero rise time. The ballistic deficit for a preamplifier with a ti of 10 nsec used with a shaping amplifier6 with 1 µsec time constants would be only 0.02% when used with this random pulse generator. Therefore, the ballistic deficit caused by this pulser may be ignored for most applications.

The external reference allows remote programming of the amplitude of the pulser, and the external trigger permits control of the output pulse rate. The latter provision is especially convenient if the average random rate needs to be controlled and an external random clock is unavailable. By placing the pulser in the random mode, a periodic waveform at the external trigger input will control the average random rate.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Cambio Software and SAM 940


BNC Model SAM 940 Radionuclide Isotope Identifier provides a great user interface, ergonomic package, and government approved report to simplify the detection and identification process when in the field or in the lab.

In a sea of software solutions it is difficult to choose between many of the seemingly similar software packages. In some cases, these software programs do not support 3rd party instruments and limit users to a specific brand or manufacturer.

BNC Model SAM 940 has been selected and approved to send files to US DOE designed and developed software packages named Cambio. The software package Cambio has various options and features which can been downloaded for free from the website below.

Sandia National Lab -- https://hekili.ca.sandia.gov/Cambio/

Where spectral analysis features are not available to the general public, qualified users can contact Sandia Lab for expanded software packages.

Friday, November 20, 2009

SAM 940 Improves Radiation Detection at Large Events


Berkeley Nucleonics SAM 940 Radionuclide Isotope Identifier has a wide range of applications , users, and features that facilitate a fast nuclear isotope identification and confirmation of medical radiation treatments.

Large public events (Baseball World Series, NFL Superbowl, etc) have hundreds of spectators that trigger radiation detectors of all sorts. The radiation therapy used in today's medical treatments will alarm radiation sensors from over 100 feet away. However, with the company's isotope identifier, a lanthanum bromide based isotope analysis tool, users can quickly confirm medical isotopes. Confirmation may or may not be discussed with the individual, but a fast tool for assessing radiation causes is paramount to a smooth event.

While the most common forms of radiation found at public events are classified as medical grade isotopes, the SAM 940 has the ability to do more. It can detect, identify, and classify medical isotopes such as Technicium 99, industrial isotope such as Cobolt and NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) such as K-40...your basic table salt. For more advanced detection of Uranium and Plutonium, the company offers an expanded library that combines gamma and neutron detection to make additional confirmations.

Providing a simple to use search mode makes nuclear spectroscopy possible for a larger number of users. To learn more about the SAM 940 and Berkeley Nucleonics please follow the link below

BNC SAM 940 -- http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/products/model_940.html

BNC continues to gain international momentum

Berkeley Nucleonics is expanding into Israel and supporting several environmental monitoring applications. We are participating in an upcoming conference on nuclear instrumentation and spectroscopic topics early in 2010. Our isotope identifiers are useful for attendees for both health physics and radiation detection applications. A short summary of the conference follows, applicable to all who are interested in radiation detection and nuclear materials analysis:

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Nuclear Science part of Obama's Recovery Act


Because many of the instruments sold by Berkeley Nucleonics are focused on general research, projects funded by the NSF and other research foundations are getting high quality instrumentation at great prices. We offer a line of budget-conscious instruments designed for versatility in an ever-changing lab environment. Research in green energy and renewable resources are earmarked by the Obama programs and make good use of our benchtop line.

Having been a flagship R&D company for almost 50 years, BNC has ties to many of the top R&D institutions world wide. Most notably, we have provided numerous custom designs for LLNL and UC Berkeley.

By providing digital delay generators to synchronize lasers, flash lamps, software programs and fluid systems, BNC continues to support research with in the academic community as well. These DDGs also operate as pulse generators, for triggering, gating or pulsing devices.

To learn more about Berkeley Nucleonics follow this link -- http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/

To learn more about the recovery act and cutting edge research pertaining to the nuclear fuel industry , follow this link to Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory -- http://www.pppl.gov/

BNC receives a warm welcome in Asia

The international technical community has growing needs for high performance instruments that are priced reasonably and have reliable designs. Our products have a reputation for lasting (some up to 40 years) and that reputation has carried into Asia. Many researchers in the US are now teachers in Singapore, Taiwan or other Asian countries. They have taking their BNC products along and new customers are emerging. Even countries void of a high-tech industry have found need for our entry level arbs and dmms, used often by hobbiest or electronics repair shops. In the photo below, our agent in Hong Kong shows experimenters the multi-channel digital delay generator with low jitter and precise delay. The multi-channel control box is useful for timing, gating, syncing or delaying all sorts of experimental components. Cameras, data acquisition, triggers and amplifiers all need precise timing and precise digital delays.

Expanded Local Support for Radiation Detection Equipment

Berkeley Nucleonics is excited to add new support for our radiation detectors and isotope identifiers in Ontario, Canada. Summit Controls, a well established supplier of instruments, will offer local sales and support on certain Radiation Detection products.

Summit Controls Ltd. was founded in 1994. They are known in the field for support and in-house expertise. For more information about Summit Controls Ltd please visit their website.

Summit Controls Ltd.
Jean Lee
Nuclear Project Manager
1355 Confederation Street, Unit 10
Sarnia, ON, Canada
N7S 4T2
Telephone: 1-519-337-3200
Fax: 1-519-337-7068
email: jean.lee@summitcontrols.com
website: http://www.summitcontrols.com

Bench Top Power Supply is Latest in BNC Test Instrument


Berkeley Nucleonics has added a versatile, benchtop power supply to it’s expanding line of general purpose test instruments. The new Power Supply offers 3 adjustable outputs with front panel or remote interfaces. The new design leverages automated manufacturing processes resulting in an unprecedented combination of performance and price. The Model 1533 power supply, selling domestically for $995.00, gives Test and R&D engineers a stable, reliable and affordable power source.

The Model 1533 power supply features a low ripple, low noise, design ideal for applications requiring stable power regulation. We offer two tracking 25V outputs, which are together referenced to a floating common, and an isolated 6V output. For front panel control, the unit offers a bright, vacuum-florescent display that is easy to view from wide angles. The Model 1533 features a spinner knob and keypad for fast value selection or manual sweep functions.

For remote access, the Model 1533 power supply is equipped with a USB and RS-232 interface. GPIB is also available as an option. Users may elect to save setup parameters in non-volatile RAM as well, speeding up the setup process.

Berkeley Nucleonics at the IEEE in Orlando


Another successful year for our pulse generators. The IEEE held it’s annual Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference last month. The community of engineers and physicists meet annually to discuss emerging technologies in the nuclear and medical electronics field. Berkeley Nucleonics demonstrated new neutron detectors, fast Arbitrary Waveform Generator, among new pulse generators and other flagship instruments. The next show will be at Knoxville, Tennessee for 2010 http://www.nss-mic.org/2010/. The Conference Chairs were from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The DOE is traditionally a large supporter of physics research and private industry. The exhibit hours were lengthened also this year, a move to accommodate a growing community in the field and increased attendee participation over last year.

New Eagle OS for SAM 940 Radiation Detection System

Eagle OS, the new upgrade, utilizes our fastest processor in conjunction with laboratory testing, patented algorithms, and GPS technology resulting in an ANSI compliant isotope identifier. With precision and simplicity, the SAM 940 radiation detection system detects, identifies and exports all data in real time.

The SAM Defender and SAM Revealer are the latest isotope identifier in the market with new technologies offered by Berkeley Nucleonics (Learn more about the Model 940 Radiation Detection System). Isotope identification is accomplished using spectral pattern characterization of radioisotopes. Users now have a wide range of radiological projects which they can address using on-site and off-site resources.

“With the new SAM 940 Radiation Detection System, We have minimized the number of keystrokes for all applications. For example, acquisition followed by identification and a report is accomplished with a single keystroke. This new, faster Eagle firmware provides mobile applications with real time detection and analysis. For a non technical user, our new intuitive menu structure and standard key pad supports ease of use,”comments Robert Corsetti, Nuclear Applications and Programs Manager.”

Additional Information on Eagle Operating System

Eagle OS Features
-Data on Demand
-Export Capabilities
-ID Confidence Boost
-Enrichment Level
HEU / LEU Analysis
-Color Coded ID
-Hands Free Calibration
-Library Enhancement
-GPS Compatibility

Eagle OS Applications
-GPS Mapping of Radiological Movement
-Supports City Based Radiation Tracking
-PC-Link with SAM-Control software
-CPS and GPS reports exported every Five Seconds
-Real –Time Vehicle Monitoring
-DOE and DNDO supported File format
-Confirm Medical Treatments

Specifications
Communication Serial, Ethernet, Custom
File Types ANSI N42.42, User Defined
Spectrum Resolution Down to 3% at Cesium (662 keV)
Operating Temperatures -20 to +50 degree C
Power Options Vehicle, AC, Battery
Telemetry Cellular, WiFi, Radio

EOY Holiday Schedule


December 25 (Christmas) - Closed
January 1 (New Years) - Closed

Berkeley Nucleonics Corp.
45 year history providing precision electronic instrumentation for test, measurement and nuclear research.