Amptek X-123 User manual

Products for Your Imagination
AMPTEK, Inc. 14 DeAngelo Drive, Bedford, MA 01730-2204 USA
[phone] Fax: [phone] www.amptek.com [email protected]
X-123 User Manual
Rev B1 –July 2018
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................2
1.1 X-123 Description ...............................................................................................................................2
1.2 DP5 Family ..........................................................................................................................................3
1.3 X-123 Options and Variations.............................................................................................................3
1.4 Prop65 Warning..................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Warranty.............................................................................................................................................5
2 Specifications..............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Spectroscopic Performance................................................................................................................6
2.2 Processing, physical, and power.........................................................................................................6
3 Mechanical Interface ..................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Dimensions .........................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Mounting hardware............................................................................................................................8
3.3 Connectors..........................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Thermal.............................................................................................................................................10
4 Electrical Interface....................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Power Interface ................................................................................................................................10
5 X-123 Design.............................................................................................................................................12
5.1 Detector and preamplifier................................................................................................................12
5.2 Analog prefilter.................................................................................................................................12
5.3 Power supplies..................................................................................................................................12

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1Introduction
1.1 X-123 Description
The X-123 combines, in a single package, Amptek’s high performance X-ray spectroscopy components:
(1) an X-ray detector (options include the FastSDD, SDD, SiPIN, or CdTe) and preamplifier, (2) the DP5 digital
pulse processor and MCA, and (3) the PC5 power supply. The result is a complete system which can fit in your
hand with no performance compromise. It requires only +5 VDC power and a standard communication
interface. With the X-123, anyone can rapidly obtain high quality X-ray spectra.
The detector is mounted on a thermoelectric cooler along with the input FET and coupled to a custom
charge sensitive preamplifier. The thermoelectric cooler reduces the electronic noise in the detector and
preamplifier, but the cooling is transparent to the user: it operates like a room temperature system.
The pulse processor is the DP5, a second generation digital pulse processor (DPP) which replaces both
the shaping amplifier and MCA found in analog systems. The digital technology improves several key
parameters: (1) better performance, specifically better resolution and higher count rates; (2) greater
flexibility since more configuration options are available, selected by software, and (3) improved stability and
reproducibility. The DPP digitizes the preamplifier output, applies real-time digital processing to the signal,
detects the peak amplitude, and bins this in its histogram memory. The spectrum is then transmitted to the
user’s computer. The PC5 supplies the power to the detector, including low voltages for the preamps, high
voltage to bias the detector, and a supply for the thermoelectric cooler which provides closed loop control
with a maximum temperature differential of 85 °C. All of these are under software control. The X-123SDD
input is unregulated +5 VDC with a current of about 400-900 mA, depending on configuration.
The complete system is packaged in 7 x 10 x 2.5 cm3aluminum box. The detector is mounted on an
extender; with lengths from 3/8” to 9” (vacuum flanges are available). In its standard configuration, only two
connections are required: power (+5 VDC) and communications (USB, RS232, or Ethernet). An auxiliary
connector provides several additional inputs and outputs, used if the X-123 will be integrated with other
equipment. This includes an MCA gate, timing outputs, and eight SCA outputs. The X-123SDD is supplied with
data acquisition and control software. It also includes a Software Development Kit (SDK), to integrate the
unit with custom software. Optional accessories include software for analyzing X-ray spectra, several
collimation and mounting options, and X-ray tubes to complete a compact system for X-ray fluorescence.
Photograph of complete X-123 (left) and a typical 55Fe spectrum (right).

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XR-100SDD
X-ray Detector
and Preamplifier
DP5
Digital Pulse
Processor
PC5
Detector &
Preamp Power
Supplies AC
Power
Adapter
Computer
Preamp Out
Detector H.V., Cooler
Power, Preamp Power
+5VDC
USB
RS232
Ethernet
+5VDC
Control
Readout
Block diagram of the X-123SDD
1.2 DP5 Family
Amptek has a family of products built around its core DP5 digital pulse processing technology, designed
for pulse height spectroscopy. It was originally designed for the detection of ionizing radiation, principally X-
ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy. A generic system, illustrated below, includes (a) a sensor, a.k.a. detector,
(b) a charge sensitive preamplifier, (c) analog prefilter circuitry, (d) an ADC, (e) an FPGA which implements
pulse shaping and multichannel analysis, (f) a communications interface, (g) power supplies, (h) data
acquisition and control software, and (i) analysis software.
Detector and
Preamplifier Analog Prefilter ADC Slow Channel
Peak Detect
Histogram Logic
Counters
Pulse
Selection
C and
Interface
Auxiliary
Signals
Computer
Oscilloscope or
external logic
Digital Processor (DPP)
Fast
Channel
Digital Pulse Shaping
The core DP5 technology shared by all the systems includes the ADC, the FPGA, the communication
interface, and the data acquisition and control software. All products in the DP5 product family include nearly
the same digital signal processing algorithms, the same communication interfaces (both the primary serial
interfaces and the auxiliary I/O), and use the same data acquisition and control software. The DPPMCA
software package is a complete data acquisition and control application used across the family; Amptek also
offers an SDK for custom software solutions.
The products in the DP5 family differ in the sensor for which they are designed, which leads to changes
in the analog prefilter, power supplies, and form factor. They also differ in their completeness: some of
Amptek’s products are “complete”, with elements (a) through (i), while others offer only a portion of the
functionality for the user to integrate into a complete system.
1.3 X-123 Options and Variations
Detector
The X-123 is available with any of Amptek’s standard detectors: FastSDD, SDD, SiPIN, and CdTe. Each of
these is recommended for a different application and the X-123 hardware will only accommodate one
detector type.
oThe X-123-FastSDD is Amptek’s highest performance detector, providing both the highest resolution
(as low as 125 eV FWHM at 55Fe) and highest count rates (above 1 Mcps). It is available with the C2
low energy window, for measuring low energy X-rays, down to the Be Kline. The X-123-FastSDD is
recommended for count rates > 100 kcps and, with the C2 window, for measurements < 1 keV.

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oThe X-123-SDD is a high performance detector with broad applications in XRF. It has good resolution
(as low as 125 eV FWHM at 55Fe) and good count rates (tens to hundreds of kcps). It provides the
performance needed for most XRF applications at lower cost than the FastSDD.
oThe X-123-SiPIN is recommended for cost sensitive XRF applications with less demanding resolution
and/or count rate requirements. It is available with areas of 6, 13, or 25 mm2with typical resolutions
of 150 to 200 eV FWHM at 55Fe. It is best at count rates of a few to tens of kcps.
oThe X-123-CdTe is recommended for higher energy X-rays, above 30 keV or so. The 0.5 mm silicon
used in the other detectors loses sensitivity above 15 keV, while the CdTe detector remains near
100% efficient for all characteristic X-rays, to 100 keV. It is often used in characterizing X-ray tubes
as well as XRF for rare earth metals, lead, mercury, and other higher Z materials.
Extender
In the X-123, the detector is mounted on an extender, as seen in the photo above. This is usually
convenient for placing the detector inside shielding and in close proximity to a sample. The standard X-123
has a 1.5” extender but is available with a 3/8” extender (short), a 5” extender, and a 9” extender. The 5”
and 9” options are commonly used in vacuum applications, extending through a vacuum flange into a vacuum
chamber.
PA210/PA230 Interface
Another option, shown to the right, is to separate the detector/preamplifier from the rest of the
electronics, contained in the metal enclosure. A 10 pin flat flex connector runs from the preamp to the X-
123 box. This has the advantage of more flexibility in mounting but can be more susceptible to
electromagnetic interference, grounding, etc.
Vacuum
The X-123 is suitable for vacuum applications, e.g. in EDS. The photo illustrates an X-123 with 9”
extender and vacuum flange. This is not suitable for high vacuum (Amptek provides other systems
appropriate for high vacuum) and the entire X-123 should not be placed in vacuum.

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1.4 Prop65 Warning
WARNING
This product contains the following chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm if exposed to them through improper use, storage, or
disposal of the product:
Prop 65 Chemical
Type of Toxicity
CAS No.
Product part containing the
chemical
Beryllium
Cancer
--
Detector window
Please consult this owner’s manual for proper use, storage, care and disposal of the product. For more
information, go to: www.p65warnings.ca.gov
1.5 Warranty
WARRANTY
AMPTEK, INC. warrants to the original purchaser this instrument to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one year from shipment. AMPTEK, INC. will, without charge, repair or replace
(at its option) a defective instrument upon return to the factory. This warranty does not apply in the event
of misuse or abuse of the instrument or unauthorized alterations or repair. AMPTEK, INC. shall not be liable
for any consequential damages, including without limitation, damages resulting from the loss of use due to
failure of this instrument. The factory MUST be notified prior to return shipment. All products returned under
the warranty must be shipped prepaid to the factory with documentation describing the problem and the
circumstances under which it was observed. The instrument will be evaluated, repaired or replaced, and
promptly returned if the warranty claims are substantiated. A nominal fee will be charged for
unsubstantiated claims. Please include the model and serial number in all correspondence with the factory.
Technical Questions
For all technical questions, please contact the factory via:
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.amptek.com

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2Specifications
2.1 Spectroscopic Performance
The performance specifications –the resolution, count rate, etc. –are determined by the detector which
has been chosen. The plots below show typical performance, for 55Fe at full cooling. Refer to Amptek’s
detector specifications for more information.
2.2 Processing, physical, and power
The DP5 specification table is identical to that found in the “User Manual for Amptek’s DP5 Product
Family”. The physical and power specifications are listed below.
Physical
Dimensions
7 x 10 cm x 2.5 cm (2.7 x 3.9 x 1 in)
Excludes extender
Extender
1.5” (3.8 cm) standard
Options: None, 3/8”, 5”, 9”, and vacuum flanges
Weight
200 g (7 oz)

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Power
Characteristic
Symbol
Min
Typ
Max
Units
Conditions
Supply Voltage
VIn
4.0
5.0
5.5
V
Supply Current
IIN
0.9
A
VIN = 5.0 V, initial cooldown
0.70
A
VIN = 5.0 V, steady state full cooling
0.50
A
VIN = 5.0 V, T=70 C
0.40
A
VIN = 5.0 V, T=50 C
0.35
A
VIN = 5.0 V, no cooling or bias
Inrush Current
IINRUSH
2
A
<100 sec
Input Capacitance
CIN
50
F
The power dissipated by the X-123 depends most strongly on the detector temperature, which is set in
software. At full cooling, T=70 oC, the X-123 draws about 0.7 A at 5 V, or 3.5 W. If the detector is not cooled
as much, power dissipation decreases to less than half of this. The table above is for a typical detector, but
the actual value depends on the type of detector (e.g. its area) and varies between units.
Note that USB power is rated to 2.5 W, therefore the X-123 cannot be powered over USB.
The inrush current is that required to charge up a set of capacitors, with a total of 50 F capacitance.

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3Mechanical Interface
3.1 Dimensions
3.2 Mounting hardware

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3.3 Connectors
Power
Power Jack on X-123SDD: Hirose MQ172-3PA(55) [obsoleted in 2016, replaced by MQ172-3PA(30)]..
Mating Plug: Hirose MQ172-3SA-CV(50) [obsoleted in 2016, replaced by MQ172-3SA-CV(30)]
[The replacements are form/fit/function compatible.]
Pin #
Name
1
VIN
2
GND
3
Do Not Connect
Auxiliary
16-pin 2mm spacing
Mates with cable assembly (Samtec P/N) TCSD-08-S(D)-xx.xx-01-F-N.
Pin #
Name
Pin #
Name
1
SCA1
2
SCA2
3
SCA3
4
SCA4
5
SCA5
6
SCA6
7
SCA7
8
SCA8
9
AUX_IN_1
10
AUX_OUT_1
11
AUX_IN_2
12
AUX_OUT_2
13
IO2
14
IO3
15
GND
16
GND
Pin 1
Pin 2

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Ethernet
Standard Ethernet connector (RJ-45)
USB
Standard USB ‘mini-B’ jack. (The X-123SDD is ‘self-powered’: it draws no power from the USB.)
RS-232
Standard 2.5 mm stereo audio jack. The X-123 is supplied with an adapter that connects this to a
DB9 serial connector.
Contact
Signal
Tip
TXD (output from X-123)
Ring
RXD (input to X-123)
Sleeve
GND
3.4 Thermal
The X-123 dissipates up to 3.5 W of power. It is important that the body of the X-123 be attached to
a heat sink. If proper heat sinking is not used, then the X-123 chassis temperature rises, and thus the
detector temperature rises and spectroscopic performance is compromised.
4Electrical Interface
Only the power interface differs from that described in the family wide manual.
4.1 Power Interface
A schematic illustrating the circuit at the power input is shown below. The PWR_IN line goes through
a protection circuit, then to different switching power supplies in parallel. Five of these are located on
the DP5, five on the PC5. Each has a 4.7 F input capacitor. Some turn on as soon as power as applied,
while others are under control of the microprocessor.
□Protection: The protection device protects against reverse input polarity and has over- and under-
voltage lockouts. The X-123 will not power on with an input voltage below 3.8 V or above 5.5 V. The
input protection network operates over the range of -40 V to +60 V. Beyond this range, damage to
the X-123 will occur
1
.
□Grounding: The chassis ground of the X-123, which is tied to the box and to the other boards, is
connected to the return current pins in the power connector.
1
This applies to X-123s from 2016 or later. Earlier X-123s contained a DP5 Rev C (or earlier), which did not have
the over- and under-voltage protection (this was added to the DP5 Rev D.) An input voltage higher than 5.5 V may
damage these units. The earlier DP5s did have reverse polarity protection.

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Schematic of power supply architecture.
Turn-On Transients
The figure below illustrates the transient currents seen as the X-123 turns on.
1) When 5 VDC is first applied to the power input, a large transient current is drawn to charge up
the 50 F of input capacitance, from the input capacitors on all the supplies.
2) About 400 sec later, the low voltage switching supplies turn on. The maximum inrush current is
about 2 A, with a duration of <100 sec. It is important that the external supply be able to provide
this current. If this current is limited, some of the supplies can be destroyed.
3) After the DP5 is powered up, it then powers up the PC5, based on configuration settings stored in
the DP5. Depending on the “Set Power-on State” configuration option, this either happens
automatically (approx. 2 seconds after power is applied), or upon command from the host PC.
The unit draws about 300 mA at 5 V.
4) When the cooling is turned on, IIN goes to its maximum, drawing approximately 700 mA.
5) In this figure, the set point was 230 K, the ambient 295 K, and a SDD on a two stage cooler was
used. After about 50 seconds, the temperature approached the set point and so began regulating.
The current decreased to its steady state value, 400 mA.

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200 us/div 10 s/div
1 A/div
200 mA/div
Supplies
Turn On
Charging
Capacitors
Full Cooling
Cooler
Regulating
5X-123 Design
5.1 Detector and preamplifier
The X-123 uses the same detectors as Amptek’s other products. There are no changes to the
detectors and all detector options are available.
The preamplifiers have the same basic circuit as the PA210 and PA230 units. They run from +/-5 V.
5.2 Analog prefilter
The analog prefilter is unchanged from the standard DP5 design.
5.3 Power supplies
Power supplies are found on both the DP5 and PC5 boards. These boards are described in their own,
specific user manuals.
The overall architecture and the interface between DP5 and PC5 power supplies were discussed in
the previous interface section.