Simple analog MCA for radiation spectrometry implemented on one-chip SoC

Abstract This study focuses on the developing a simple analog Multi-Channel Analyzer (MCA) integrated into a Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC). The primary objective is to facilitate the incorporation of MCA functionality into radiation measurement instrumentations and the popularization of use in educational settings. To achieve this goal, practical design requirements were defined for the spectrometer using scintillation detectors and room-temperature semiconductor detectors. Techniques for improving the differential non-linearity (DNL) of the built-in Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), minimizing dead time, and optimizing CPU resources for processing 100 kHz periodic pulse were developed and validated. All MCA functions, including the newly developed techniques, were successfully implemented on one chip, the PSoC5LP. The resultant MCA, named TinyMCA, underwent testing of gamma-ray spectrum measurement, demonstrating proper functionality and achieving the performance goals. Additionally, the appendix presents an example where shaping amplifier functions, such as pulse shaping, voltage amplification, and baseline restoration, could be incorporated alongside the TinyMCA features. This integration allows for easy pulse height spectrum measurements using only a one-chip, TinyMCA when there is a detector equipped with a preamplifier.