NIM–TTL and TTL–NIM converters for single particle pulse counting experiments

Abstract Low-cost interface circuits are detailed that convert negative-going NIM signals to TTL and TTL to NIM, using high-speed digital and analogue components to convert between formats. By converting NIM pulses derived from single particle detectors to TTL logic, the large suite of TTL compatible devices available to manipulate, control and measure TTL signals can be exploited. Conversion of TTL pulses to NIM allows them to be used to trigger timing events, e.g. in time of flight measurements and coincidence studies. Examples using these techniques are presented.