Caen N568 B Technical document

Technical
Information
Manual
MOD. N568 B
MOD. N568 LC
26 January 2007
Revision n. 4
16 CHANNEL
Spectroscopy Amplifiers

CAEN will repair or replace any product within the guarantee period if the Guarantor declares that the
product is defective due to workmanship or materials and has not been caused by mishandling,
negligence on behalf of the User, accident or any abnormal conditions or operations.
CAEN declines all responsibility for damages or injuries
caused by an improper use of the Modules due to
negligence on behalf of the User. It is strongly
recommended to read thoroughly the CAEN User's Manual
before any kind of operation.
CAEN reserves the right to change partially or entirely the contents of this Manual at any time and
without giving any notice.
Disposal of the Product
The product must never be dumped in the Municipal Waste. Please check your local regulations for
disposal of electronics products.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................................6
1.1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................6
2. SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................................................8
2.1 EXTERNAL COMPONENTS..............................................................................................................8
2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SIGNALS..........................................................................................9
2.3 POWER REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................................................10
3. OPERATING MODES.............................................................................................................................12
3.1 GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................12
3.2 MODULE OPERATION ....................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 MANUAL SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................12
3.2.2 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTING....................................................................................12
3.2.3 OUTPUT POLARITY SETTING..................................................................................................13
3.2.4 SHAPE SETTING........................................................................................................................13
3.2.5 GAIN SETTING...........................................................................................................................14
3.2.6 POLE ZERO ADJUSTMENT ......................................................................................................14
3.2.7 OFFSET SETTING......................................................................................................................14
3.3 H. S. CAENET....................................................................................................................................15
4. H. S. CAENET OPERATION..................................................................................................................16
4.1 USING THE H. S. CAENET MANUAL CONTROLLER ................................................................16
4.2 USING THE H. S. CAENET VME CONTROLLER.........................................................................18
4.2.1 Master to Slave data composition (V288 case)...........................................................................19
4.2.2 Slave to Master data composition (V288 case)...........................................................................19
4.3 USING THE H. S. CAENET CAMAC CONTROLLER ...................................................................20
4.3.1 Master to Slave data composition (C117B case).........................................................................21
4.3.2 Slave to Master data composition (C117B case).........................................................................21
4.3.3 MASTER TO SLAVE OPERATING CODES (CAMAC and VME)..............................................22
4.4 SET VALUES.....................................................................................................................................22
4.5 SLAVE TO MASTER DATA PACKET DESCRIPTION (CAMAC AND VME) .............................24
4.5.1 Error Codes description..............................................................................................................25
4.5.2 Module Identifier Packet (response to code %0).........................................................................26
4.6 USING THE H. S. CAENET PC CONTROLLERS...........................................................................26

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 4
4.7 BOARD CONTROL VIA OPC SERVER..........................................................................................27
4.7.1 N568B / N568LC board control..................................................................................................27
4.7.2 N568B / N568LC channel control...............................................................................................29
4.8 DATA COMPOSITION (PC CONTROLLER CASE).......................................................................31
4.8.1 Master to Slave Data Composition (PC Controller Case)..........................................................31
4.8.2 Slave to Master Data Composition (PC Controller Case)..........................................................32
4.9 MASTER TO SLAVE OPERATING CODES (PC CONTROLLER CASE)....................................32
4.10 SET VALUES.....................................................................................................................................33
4.11 SLAVE TO MASTER DATA PACKET DESCRIPTION (PC CONTROLLER CASE)..................34
4.11.1 Error Codes description..............................................................................................................36
4.11.2 Module Identifier Packet (response to code %0).........................................................................36
LIST OF FIGURES
FIG. 1.1: N568B/LC BLOCK DIAGRAM..............................................................................................................7
FIG. 1.2: N568B/LC CHANNEL BLOCK DIAGRAM .............................................................................................7
FIG. 2.1: MOD. N568B/LC FRONT PANEL .......................................................................................................11
FIG. 3.1: FOUT CONFIGURATION.....................................................................................................................13
FIG. 4.1: MOD. N568B/LC STATUS REGISTER.................................................................................................24
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2.1: MOD. N568B/ N568LC TECHNICAL FEATURES..............................................................................9
TABLE 3.1: GAIN VALUES (SIGNALS RISETIME: 10 µS)....................................................................................14
TABLE 3.2: GAIN VALUES (SIGNALS RISETIME: 0.05 µS).................................................................................14
TABLE 4.1: MOD. V288 REGISTERS.................................................................................................................19
TABLE 4.2: MASTER TO SLAVE DATA COMPOSITION (V288 CASE)...................................................................19
TABLE 4.3: SLAVE TO MASTER DATA COMPOSITION (V288 CASE)...................................................................20
TABLE 4.4: MOD. C 117 B CAMAC FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................20
TABLE 4.5: MASTER TO SLAVE DATA COMPOSITION (C117B CASE) ................................................................21
TABLE 4.6: SLAVE TO MASTER DATA COMPOSITION (C117B CASE) ................................................................21
TABLE 4.7: OPERATING CODES OF THE N568B/LC (C117B AND V288 CASE)................................................22
TABLE 4.8: COARSE GAIN VALUES..................................................................................................................23
TABLE 4.9: SHAPE VALUES..............................................................................................................................23
TABLE 4.10: ERROR CODES (C117B AND V288 CASE)....................................................................................25

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 5
TABLE 4.11: MODULE IDENTIFIER DATA PACKET STRUCTURE ........................................................................26
TABLE 4.12: HS CAENET PC CONTROLLERS REGISTERS .........................................................................27
TABLE 4.13– N568B / N568LC BOARD ITEMS................................................................................................28
TABLE 4.14– N568B / N58LC CHANNEL ITEMS..............................................................................................31
TABLE 4.15: MASTER TO SLAVE DATA COMPOSITION ......................................................................................32
TABLE 4.16: SLAVE TO MASTER DATA COMPOSITION ......................................................................................32
TABLE 4.17: OPERATING CODES OF THE N568B/LC........................................................................................33
TABLE 4.18: COARSE GAIN VALUES................................................................................................................34
TABLE 4.19: SHAPE VALUES............................................................................................................................34
TABLE 4.20: ERROR CODES .............................................................................................................................36
TABLE 4.21: MODULE IDENTIFIER DATA PACKET STRUCTURE ........................................................................37

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 6
1.DESCRIPTION
1.1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The Model N 568 LC is a 16 CHANNEL SPECTROSCOPY AMPLIFIER implemented in a single-width
NIM module. A “Low Noise1” version, the N568 B2, is also available.
It accepts the typical outputs generated from nuclear particle detectors connected with preamplifiers
having an output signal pulse characterised by a fast rise time and a slow fall time. With 16
independent channels, this unit allows the optimization of cost and size in multi-detector systems.
For each channel the pole-zero cancellation (PZ), the shaping time, the amplification gain and the
output inversion are remotely programmable (by CAMAC, VME, Standard PC or Manual Controller)
via HIGH SPEED CAENET line.
The shaping time can be selected from 0.2 µs to 6 µs. The fine gain and coarse gain ranges allow a
choice accuracy from 0.15 to 480. The working parameter values are automatically stored in a non-
volatile memory. The inputs and the outputs of this module are accessible on the front panel.
A Gaussian Output is provided either with the programmed gain (OUT) or with a further 10x
amplification (XOUT). The Gaussian Output can be set either as inverted or non-inverted.
A COMMON OFFSET can be programmed via CAENET and allows to shift the baseline of the output.
An FOUT output provides a fast amplification for timing purposes (fixed gain factor of 20). A "MUX O"
and a "MUX F" output allow to monitor respectively the output and the fast output of a single channel
selected via CAENET.
Two LEMO 00 connectors are foreseen for the CAENET line and a LED indicates the electrical
condition of the CAENET network. When several modules are connected to the CAENET network,
their identification is obtained by the thumb-wheel switches located on the front panel: up to 99 N 568
B/LC modules are controlled via 50 Ωcoaxial cable at 1 MB transmission speed. Allowed controllers
are the Manual Controller (Mod. A 250), the CAMAC (Mod. C 117 B), the VME (Mod. V 288) or the
Standard PC (Mod. A 303, A303A and A1303) H. S. CAENET Controllers.
The communication between the Host computer system and the HIGH SPEED CAENET controller is
performed via standard functions and cycles (CAMAC and VME systems) or via a standard memory
or I/O mapped mode for a standard PC (for more detailed information see the relevant Technical
Information Manual). The communication protocol and the meaning of the recognized command
codes are always the same, independently from the used controller.
The performances of this module allow operation with scintillation detectors, proportional counters,
semiconductor detectors in different applications.
1Equivalent input noise < 15 µV RMS (Gain=100 and 3 µs shaping time)
2Mod. N568 B Designed in collaboration with the I.N.F.N. MILANO

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 7
Fig. 1.1: N568B/LC Block Diagram
Fig. 1.2: N568B/LC Channel Block Diagram
IN0
IN1
IN14
IN15
CONTROL
SERIAL
IN/OUT
LOGIC
POWER
SUPPLY
FAST
A
MP
MUX O
OUT
XOUT
OUT
FAST
CHANNEL 0
IN
CONTROL
VOFFSET
POWER SUPPLY
OUT
OUT x10
MUX O
FAST OUT
MUX F
MUX F
CHANNEL 1
IN
CONTROL
VOFFSET
POWER SUPPLY
OUT
OUT x10
MUX O
FAST OUT
MUX F
CHANNEL 14
IN
CONTROL
VOFFSET
POWER SUPPLY
OUT
OUT x10
MUX O
FAST OUT
MUX F
CHANNEL 15
IN
CONTROL
VOFFSET
POWER SUPPLY
OUT
OUT x10
MUX O
FAST OUT
MUX F
CONTROL
LOGIC
CONTROL BUS
VOFFSET
MUX O
XOUT
INPUT INV
BUFF
P/Z
CANC
FAST
A
MP
SHAPING
TIME 1
SHAPING
TIME 2
SHAPING
TIME 3
SHAPING
TIME 4
MUX COARSE
GAIN FINE GAIN BLR
x10
GAIN
OUT
FAST OUT
OUT
CONF.
MUX F

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 8
2.SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 EXTERNAL COMPONENTS
CONNECTORS
- N. 16, "INPUTS 0..15", LEMO 00 type; input signal connectors.
- N. 1, "MUX O", LEMO 00 type; single selected channel output connector.
- N. 1, "MUX F", LEMO 00 type; single selected channel output connector.
- N. 1, "OUT 0..15", output connector, 17+17 pin, double row strip header (left pin: ground, right pin.
signal).
- N. 1, "XOUT 0..15", output connector, 17+17 pin, double row strip header (left pin: ground, right pin:
signal).
- N. 1, "FOUT 0..15", output connector, 17+17 pin, double row strip header (left pin: ground, right pin:
signal).
- N. 2, "HIGH SPEED CAENET - SERIAL IN/OUT", LEMO 00 type, high impedance. Connectors for
the HIGH SPEED CAENET operations.
- N. 1, "PWR MAN CTR", coaxial female plug, RCA type, to power the H. S. CAENET Manual
Controller.
DISPLAYS
- N. 1, red LED, to indicate the activity of the H. S. CAENET node.
SWITCHES, TEST POINTS
- N. 1, "STATION NUMBER", Thumb-wheel switch selector, for the selection of the module
identification (station number).
- N. 16, "INPUTS 0..15", input signal test points.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 9
2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SIGNALS
Table 2.1: Mod. N568B/ N568LC Technical Features
NAME N568B N568LC
INPUTS
INPUTS 0..15 Positive or negative pulses with rise time ≥18 ns, max. amplitude: 8 V (absolute
value); 50 Ωimpedance
H. S. CAENET IN/OUT Std. CAENET protocol signals
OUTPUTS
OUT 100 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, dynamic range ±8 V max (1 Mohm load); polarity
as selected in common with XOUT and MUXOUT.
XOUT 100 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, further 10x fixed amplification of the OUT value,
dynamic range ±4 V max into 100 Ωload; polarity as selected in common with
OUT and MUXOUT.
FOUT
100 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, 100 ns
Differentiation Time Constant, ±4 V
max into 100 Ωload. Risetime: 25 ns
typically.
Gain factor: 7 to 10 for non inverting
configuration, 20 to 30 (approx.) for
inverting configuration.
50 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, 100 ns
Differentiation Time Constant, ±4 V
max into 100 Ωload. Risetime: 25 ns
typically.
Gain factor: 7 to 10 for both inverting
and non inverting configuration
MUX O 100 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, ±8 V max (1 Mohm load); polarity as selected in
common with OUT. Selected channel is the last accessed via H.S. CAENET.
Can be disabled via CAENET.
MUX F 100 Ωimpedance. Unipolar, amplitude 85% approx. of FOUT amplitude.
Selected channel is the last accessed via H.S. CAENET. Can be disabled via
CAENET.
PWR MAN CTR Std. CAENET Manual Controller supply voltage
GENERAL
INTEGRAL NON
LINEARITY ±0.05% in 90% of the full scale @ Gain=90 and 6 µs shaping time (± 0.25%
typ. for any shaping time)
EQUIVALENT INPUT
NOISE < 15 µV (Gain=100; 3 µs shaping time) < 25 µV (Gain=100; 3 µs shaping
time)
INTERCHANNEL
CROSSTALK Output in one OUT (FOUT) channel affects any other OUT (FOUT) channel by
no more than -45 dB (at Gain =1 and 5 V input signal)
GAIN RANGE adjustable from 0.15 to 480 (see § 3.2.5)
SHAPING TIME selectable time constant of 0.2 µs, 1 µs, 3 µs and 6 µs
COMMON OFFSET from -75 mV to +210 mV with Positive Output Polarity; from +75 mV to -210
mV with Negative Output Polarity
POLE ZERO adjustable on 256 steps to match preamp tails in a range from 50 µs to 500 µs

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 10
2.3 POWER REQUIREMENTS
+ 12 V 2300 mA Maximum (inputs on all 16 channels)
- 12 V 1050 mA
+ 6 V 750 mA (1100 mA with A250 MAN. CONT. plugged in)

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 11
Fig. 2.1: Mod. N568B/LC Front Panel
POWER OUT FOR
STATION NUMBER
H. S. CAENET CONNECTORS
SCALER
16 CH
Mod. V560E
M o d . N 568 B
16 CH SPECTROSCOPY
HIGH
STATION
+
+
−
−
1
8
PWR MAN CTR
OUTPUTS
SELECTOR
MANUAL CONTROLLER
INPUTS AND TEST POINTS 0..15
A
MPLIFIER
T
U
O
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
15
8
9CAENE
R
I
A
L
E
S
T
I
N
U
O
/
T
X
U
O
0
15
0
15
T
F
U
O
0
15
F
XO
M
U
10x OUTPUTS
FAST OUTPUTS
MULTIPLEX OUTPUTS

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 12
3.OPERATING MODES
3.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Model N 568B/LC is a 16 CHANNEL SPECTROSCOPY AMPLIFIER implemented in a single-
width NIM module.
Thanks to its high channel density, this unit allows the optimization of cost and size in multi-detector
systems.
3.2 MODULE OPERATION
At Power-ON, the module contains the last performed settings before Power-Off. The status of these
settings can be read out via H.S. CAENET (see below).
The settings on each channel of the module can be performed in any order. Due to the logical
dependence of certain settings from others, it is anyhow suggested to perform the first time User'
settings on each channel of the module in the following order:
a) set the output configuration (non-inverting or inverting);
b) set the output polarity (positive or negative);
c) set the shape;
d) set the coarse gain;
e) set the fine gain;
f) set the pole-zero adjustment;
g) set the offset;
h) enable or disable the multiplexed output.
Once performed either first-time or ordinary settings, it is suggested, for best noise performances,
NOT to access the module frequently via H.S. CAENET (e.g. for monitoring) while the module is
operating on the final experimental setup.
The following paragraphs describe in more detail the single settings. Offset, Fine Gain and Pole-zero
settings must be thought not as absolute settings, but as "digital trimmers" with which the User sets
the desired parameters and controls the outputs obtained with well-known pulse shapes.
3.2.1 MANUAL SETTINGS
A two-digit thumb-wheel switch selects the module's Station Number for the CAENET operations.
3.2.2 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION SETTING
The OUT and XOUT configuration settings can be performed either via Manual Controller or via H. S.
CAENET. They allow to select between DIRECT (NON-INVERTED) or INVERTED outputs. The
FOUT configuration can be selected between DIRECT (NON-INVERTED, factory setting) or

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 13
INVERTED. The setting is performed via jumper for the N568 LC and by shortcircuiting two pins for
the N568 B; refer to Fig. 3.1 for the components’ location.
FPOLSEL
S1
-
+
-
+-
+
NON-INVERTING INVERTING
N568B channel
(soldering side)
N568LC channel
(components side)
J2
NON-INVERTING
INVERTING
Fig. 3.1: FOUT configuration
3.2.3 OUTPUT POLARITY SETTING
This setting can be done either via Manual Controller or via H. S. CAENET. It allows the internal
electronics to operate at its best on the signals. It must be set according to the input signal polarity
and the output configuration setting, e.g. if the input signal is Positive and the desired Output
Configuration is chosen as Inverted, the output polarity is Negative and this information must be
transferred to the module's internal electronics (optimization of the Baseline Restorer stage).
3.2.4 SHAPE SETTING
This setting can be done either via Manual Controller or via H. S. CAENET. The shaping time can be
selected in 4 steps (0 to 3) among the following: 0.2 µs, 1 µs, 3 µs and 6 µs.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 14
3.2.5 GAIN SETTING
This setting can be done either via Manual Controller or via H. S. CAENET. The Coarse Gain can be
set in 8 steps (0 to 7), each step approximately doubling the Gain of the previous one. The Fine Gain
can be set in 255 steps (0 to 255). The fine gain and coarse gain ranges allow a choice accuracy from
0.15 to 480. As an example, the following tables contain some extremity gain values obtained with the
indicated shaping times and gain settings (positive input signals).
Table 3.1: Gain Values (Signals risetime: 10 µs)
Gain values
(Input Signals risetime: 10 µs)
Shape
Times 0.2 µs 1 µs 3 µs 6 µs
Fine Gain Fine Gain Fine Gain Fine Gain
Coarse
Gain 0 255 0 255 0 255 0 255
0 0.15 0.6 1.13 1.25
7 38.02 153.64 286.45 322.91
Table 3.2: Gain Values (Signals risetime: 0.05 µs)
Gain values
(input Signals risetime: 0.05 µs)
Shape
Times 0.2 µs 1 µs 3 µs 6 µs
Fine Gain Fine Gain Fine Gain Fine Gain
Coarse
Gain 0 255 0 255 0 255 0 255
0 1.25 1.88 1.86 1.6
7 260.41 476.56 481.77 416.6
3.2.6 POLE ZERO ADJUSTMENT
This setting can be done either via Manual Controller or via H. S. CAENET. Adjustable on 256 steps
to match preamp tails in a range from 50 µs to 500 µs.
3.2.7 OFFSET SETTING
This setting can be done either via Manual Controller or via H. S. CAENET. Allows to add an offset
value to shift the baseline of the output. Allowed values are from -75 mV to +210 mV with Positive
Output Polarity; from +75 mV to -210 mV with Negative Output Polarity.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 15
3.3 H. S. CAENET
The H. S. CAENET Network is a send and receive half duplex system; It enables the asynchronous
serial transmission (1 MBaud rate) of data packets along a simple 50 Ohm coaxial cable. Several
devices (H. S. CAENET nodes) are able to share the same media to transmit and receive data. Each
node is able to receive the serial data packet and store it automatically in a FIFO (RX FIFO) and
transmit the data contained in another FIFO (TX FIFO). Both FIFOs are 512 byte deep.
Usually transfers between H. S. CAENET nodes take place according to the typical Master/Slaves
communication:
- There is a single Master : H. S. CAENET controller
- The Slaves are daisy chained on the network, and are identified by an address code
(from 1 to 99);
- the H. S. CAENET Master initiates the transmission, all the Slaves receive the data,
and only the Slave addressed then accesses the serial line to transmit the data
requested by the Master.
- The maximum data packet length is 512 bytes.
The address of the H. S. CAENET node of the N568B/LC (Station #) is selectable via front panel
thumb-wheels, and its value ranges from 1 to 99. In this way up to 99 modules may be controlled from
a single point via one of the following CAEN H. S. CAENET Controllers:
A1303 H. S. CAENET PC Controller (PCI bus);
A303A H. S. CAENET PC Controller;
A303 H. S. CAENET PC Controller;
A250 H. S. CAENET Manual Controller;
C117B H. S. CAENET CAMAC Controller;
V288 H. S. CAENET VME Controller.
To avoid reflections it is necessary to terminate the H. S. CAENET line on a 50 Ωimpedance. This is
accomplished by inserting a 50 Ωimpedance terminator in one of the two LEMO 00 type connectors
(IN/OUT) of the last module of the chain.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 16
4.H. S. CAENET OPERATION
The Model N568B/LC is provided with an H. S. CAENET node through which it can be controlled by
the following H. S. CAENET Controllers:
Mod. A250 - H. S. CAENET Manual Controller;
Mod. V288 - H. S. CAENET VME Controller;
Mod. C117B - H. S. CAENET CAMAC Controller;
Mod. A303 - H. S. CAENET PC Controller.
NOTE: the address number of the N568B/LC (Station #) must be the
only one in the line in which you wish to insert the module. Due to high
transmission speed of the data in line it is necessary to terminate this
line on a 50 Ωimpedance at the end to avoid reflections.
Via H. S. CAENET it is possible to select the desired output channel, that will thus provide the same
input signal.
4.1 USING THE H. S. CAENET MANUAL CONTROLLER
The Mod. N568B/LC can be controlled remotely via VME through the Mod. A250 H. S. CAENET
Manual Controller. The Mod. A250 has been designed to control a H. S. CAENET node via 50 Ω
coaxial cable.
The sequence of display pages in the Manual Controller is not exactly as in the suggested first-
settings procedure (see § 3.2), but after a first setting is performed, the first page appearing in the
Display is the Gain setting page, which is the most frequently accessed page.
In order to use the Manual Controller, the User must connect it to the N568B/LC, using a 50 Ohm
coaxial cable into the "H. S. CAENET IN/OUT" connectors of the N568B/LC; the supply of the Manual
Controller is provided from the N568B/LC front panel via suitable cable (RCA connectors) supplied by
CAEN with the Manual Controller. Once supplied, the Manual Controller's display will appear as
follows:
CAEN A250 1.0
Select Cr. **
where 1.0 is the Firmware release version of the Controller itself.
Type the address number of the module, previously set via thumb-wheel switch on the front panel,
and confirm the choice with the key "#". The display will show:
AA Software
N568 Version x.x
where AA is the selected address number. The version number is the N568B/LC Firmware version.
By pressing the "PAGE" key, the display will appear as follows:

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 17
AA Ch** Fg NNN
N568 Cg M
where AA is still the selected address number. The address number starts blinking, indicating the
currently modifiable field. By pressing the key "#", the blinking can be moved on the Ch (Channel
Number) field: by pressing "ROLL" it is possible to increment the value of the Channel Number by 1
(Channel values: 0 to 15). This number indicates the Channel on which all following settings are
performed. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles to the Fg (Fine Gain) field in the display (NNN
in the figure above): by pressing "0" or "1" it is possible respectively to decrement/increment the value
of the Fine Gain by 1, while by pressing "4" or "7" it is possible respectively to decrement/increment
the value of the Fine Gain by 10 (allowed Fine Gain values: 0 to 255). By pressing the key "#" the
blinking toggles to the Cg (Coarse Gain) field in the display (M in the figure above): by pressing
"ROLL" it is possible to increment the value of the Coarse Gain by 1 (allowed Coarse Gain values: 0
to 7).
By pressing the "PAGE" key, the display will appear as follows:
AA Ch** PZ NNN
N568 Sh L
where AA is the selected address number. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles from the
position of the blinking field in the previous page to the following at its right. By pressing the key "#",
the blinking can be moved on the Ch (Channel Number) field: by pressing "ROLL" it is possible to
increment the value of the Channel Number by 1 (Channel values: 0 to 15). This number indicates the
Channel on which all following settings are performed. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles to
the PZ (Pole Zero adjustment) field in the display (NNN in the figure above): by pressing "0" or "1" it is
possible respectively to decrement/increment the value of the Pole Zero adj. by 1, while by pressing
"4" or "7" it is possible respectively to decrement/increment the value of the Pole Zero adj. by 10
(allowed Pole Zero adj. values: 0 to 255). By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles to the Sh
(Shaping Time) field in the display (L in the figure above): by pressing "ROLL" it is possible to
increment the value of the Shaping Time by 1 (allowed Shaping Time values: 0 to 3).
By pressing the "PAGE" key, the display will appear as follows:
AA Ch** Out Pos
N568 Out NInv
where AA is the selected address number. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles from the
position of the blinking field in the previous page to the following at its right. By pressing the key "#",
the blinking can be moved on the Ch (Channel Number) field: by pressing "ROLL" it is possible to
increment the value of the Channel Number by 1 (Channel values: 0 to 15). This number indicates the
Channel on which all following settings are performed. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles to
the higher row OUT (Output Polarity) field in the display (Pos in the figure above): by pressing "ROLL"
it is possible to switch from Positive (Pos) to Negative (Neg) polarity. By pressing the key "#" the
blinking toggles to the lower row OUT (Output configuration) field in the display (Ninv in the figure
above): by pressing "ROLL" it is possible to switch from Non-inverting (Ninv) to Inverting (Inv)
configuration.
By pressing the "PAGE" key, the display will appear as follows:

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 18
AA Offset
N568 NNN
where AA is the selected address number. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles from the
position of the blinking field in the previous page to the following at its right. By pressing the key "#"
the blinking toggles to the Offset (Offset adjustment) field in the display (NNN in the figure above): by
pressing "0" or "1" it is possible respectively to decrement/increment the value of the Offset adj. by 1,
while by pressing "4" or "7" it is possible respectively to decrement/increment the value of the Offset
adj. by 10 (allowed Offset adj. values: 0 to 255). The Offset is the same for all Channels.
By pressing the "PAGE" key, the display will appear as follows:
AA Mux Out
N568 XXXXXXXX
where AA is the selected address number. By pressing the key "#" the blinking toggles from the
position of the blinking field in the previous page to the following at its right. By pressing the key
"ENTER" it is possible to disable or enable the Multiplexed Outputs. The status of the Multiplexed
Outputs will appear in the XXXXXXXX field ("Disabled" or "Enabled").
4.2 USING THE H. S. CAENET VME CONTROLLER
The Mod. N568B/LC can be controlled remotely via VME through the Mod. V 288 H. S. CAENET VME
Controller.
The Model V288 has been designed to control an H. S. CAENET node through the VME bus. It is
composed of a collection of registers, for the operation control, and two memory buffers for the
transmitted and received data packets, arranged in a FIFO logic 16 bit wide 256 words deep. In the
memory buffer for the received data are also stored the error messages generated by the V288 itself
when the H. S. CAENET operation has failed.
Standard VME cycles allow the User to perform the required control and setting operations on each
Mod. N568B/LC in the network, according to the typical MASTER/SLAVE communication protocol,
where the VME controller assumes the MASTER function. The module's operations can be software
controlled in polling mode or can be handled via interrupt facility. It houses a VME ROAK
INTERRUPTER that generates a VME interrupt (if enabled) as soon as the data packet (or the error
message) is stored in the receive buffer.
The Registers of the Mod. V288 are described in the Table 4.1.

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 19
Table 4.1: Mod. V288 Registers
NAME TYPE ADDRESS FUNCTION
Transmit Data Buffer Write only Base Address + %00 Transmit data storage
Receive Data Buffer Read
only Base Address + %00 Receive data storage
Status Register Read
only Base Address + %02 After an H. S. CAENET operation has been performed, This register indicates
whether the operation is valid or not
FFFE= valid operation
FFFF= no valid operation
Transmission Register Write only Base Address + %04 By writing into this register the Transmit
Data buffer content is transmitted on the
cable
Reset Register Write only Base Address + %06 Module's Reset
Interrupt Vector
Register Write only Base Address + %08 Interrupt vector programming register
4.2.1 Master to Slave data composition (V288 case)
The Master to Slave data have to be written in the Transmit Data Buffer, by performing subsequent
write accesses as follows:
Table 4.2: Master to Slave data composition (V288 case)
Order Operation Address Datum (HEX) Meaning
1 Write Base Ad. + 0 %0001 H. S. CAENET Controller identified code
2 Write Base Ad. + 0 %00XX Module Number
3 Write Base Ad. + 0 Code First word of the Operation Code to be performed
4 Write Base Ad. + 0 Code/Set Possible subsequent word of the Set value
As soon as the data packet has been stored in the Transmit Data Buffer, it can be transmitted on the
cable by performing a Write operation on the Transmission Register. The Operation Codes are shown
in Tab. 4.7.
After a transmission, in the V288 Receive Data Buffer the User reads the Slave response or a V288
error message (e. g., if the V288 does not receive any Slave response within a period of 500 msec it
stores the code %FFFF in the Receive Data Buffer, see Table 4.10).
4.2.2 Slave to Master data composition (V288 case)
The answer data coming from the Mod. N568B/LC or a Mod. V288 error message are automatically
stored into the V288 Receive Data buffer and therefore are available to the User. As soon as the data
packet is stored in this buffer, a VME interrupt (if enabled) is generated.
The following Table shows the structure of the N568B/LC data packet:

Document type: Title: Revision date: Revision:
User's Manual (MUT) Mod. N568B/LC 16 Ch Spectroscopy Amplifiers 26/01/2007 4
Filename: Number of pages: Page:
N568B_N568LC_REV4.DOC 37 20
Table 4.3: Slave to Master data composition (V288 case)
Order Operation Address Datum Meaning
1 Read Base Ad. + 0 Error Code Error code
2 to 50(*) Read Base Ad. + 0 value Possible Parameter values
(*) The first data of the packet is read and checked by the V288 Control Logic
(see V288 User's Manual ).
The Error Codes are described in Tab. 4.10.
4.3 USING THE H. S. CAENET CAMAC CONTROLLER
The Mod. N568B/LC can be controlled remotely via CAMAC through the Mod. C 117B H. S. CAENET
CAMAC Controller.
The Model C 117B has been designed to control an H. S. CAENET node through the CAMAC bus. It
houses two memory buffers for the transmitted and received data packet, arranged in a FIFO logic 16
bit wide 256 words deep.
In the memory buffer for the received data are also stored the error messages generated by the
C117B itself when the H. S. CAENET operation has failed (see Table 4.10).
The standard CAMAC functions listed in Table 4.4 allow the User to perform the required control and
setting operations on each Mod. N568B/LC in the network according to the typical MASTER/SLAVE
communication protocol, where the CAMAC controller assumes the MASTER function.
As soon as the data packet (or the error message) is stored in the receive buffer, a LAM signal is
generated (if enabled).
X response is generated for all valid function. Q response is generated for each valid function unless
is otherwise specified (see Table below).
Table 4.4: Mod. C 117 B CAMAC Functions
F(0) N Reads the data stored in the mod. C 117 B Receive Data buffer. Q response
while the buffer contains data.
F(8) N Tests the LAM line. Q response if LAM is true.
F(9) N Resets the module (clears buffer and LAM; disables the LAM line).
F(16) N Stores the data into the Mod. C 117 B Transmit Data buffer. Q response until
the buffer is full (256 16-bit words).
F(17) N Transfers data to the serial line.
F(24) N Disables the LAM line.
F(26) N Enables the LAM line.
C, Z Same as F(9) N.