Fastcomtec_parameter_notes.md



Basic Modes of Operation

1. Stop after sweep mode (p.35f)
When the MCS8A is armed it waits for a START input signal. When one occurs the sweep is started /
triggered, meaning the time starts to count. Now the arrival times of the STOP input signals relative to the
start are acquired on all channels that are enabled. A STOP event can be either a falling or a rising edge or
both. Even further signals into the START input can be acquired. Since the type of edge is detected and
marked in the acquired data even Time-over-Threshold or pulse width measurements can be accomplished.
The data acquisition can be ended after a given time via the Time preset. In the edit field Range the length
of the spectrum can be entered. A Bin width of 1 means the highest time resolution. The Bin width can be
chosen in powers of 2 up to 1677216 times the elementary dwell time. If an Acq. Delay is specified, data are
acquired in a sweep not before the specified time. Hold after sweep allows to wait a specified time after a
sweep before the next sweep can be started.

1.1. Start of measurement

1.1.1. Endless mode (p.44)
mode of the measurement can be endless if the corresponding checkbox is crossed (in settings)

1.1.2. Software start (p.44)
Doesn't require a start signal (checkbox in settings dialogue)

1.2. Termination of measurement
terminated by any of the preset (2) conditions

1.2.1. Time preset (total acquisition time) - THIS
in steps of 2.56 ns - total measurement time (in the document: "sweep and so the data acquisition ends after that time" but with sweep preset you can get multiple sweeps. So this is more like a total measurement time)

1.2.2. Sweep preset (number of sweeps)- THIS

48-bit sweep counter counts the real start of a new sweep rather than the completion of the sweeps
preset enabled: after preselected number of sweeps any further start of a sweep is prohibited


1.2.3. ROI preset (number of counts) - THIS
Stop measurement after certain number of counts. ROI Preset

1.3. Single sweep settings

1.3.1. Acquisiton delay (counting delay after START) - THIS
in steps of 2.56 ns - accept only STOP events (= signals) that arrive after the selected delay