The Slope Box Extension

SBX contents

The Slope Box Extension (SBX) unit provides power to the detector and helps convert signals received from the detector to be sent to the collector box. It extends directly from the slope box. The SBX contains a power board and "pickoff card" along with an optional Raspberry Pi computer for standalone detecter operation. As a whole, the SBX is there to handle much of the signals and processing between the detectors and the greater data acquisition system. The power board of the SBX provides all necessary power to the detector from a single source (48VDC), and allows a single detector and its SBX to be run entirely from one PoE (power over ethernet) port, enabling a detector to operate by itself. Meanwhile, the pickoff card converts signals from the detector to go to the digitizer. Understanding the SBX on a hardware level can be understood by observing the functions of the pickoff card.

These electronics replace ALL utility of the VXI system while providing additional functionality previously unavailable.

EPICS Interface for Slope Box

The Raspberry Pi contains an EPICS database allowing users to read and write process variables (PVs). The Slope Box PVs include detector controls and monitoring (HV, Temps, etc.), and the SBX Pickoff PVs include control for signal processing functions (DC offset, gain range, Preamp Reset Clamping, etc.).

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