Modular Beam Diagnostics Interface for Epithermal Neutron Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam diagnostics systems for generating epithermal neutrons are bulky, expensive, and not suitable for measuring small currents over a wide frequency range, especially in pulsed beam systems.
Innovation Solution
A unified modular beam diagnostics system that includes insertable modules configured to communicate with a backplane, performing diagnostics, communication, and power supply functions, with features like programmable gain amplification and galvanic isolation to handle diverse beam parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dedicated measuring systems are used for beam diagnostics, then measurement functionality is provided, but the systems become bulky, expensive, and unsuitable for measuring small currents over wide frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement system with a common biasing power supply and signal processing architecture that can measure multiple beam parameters (current, position, intensity) across different frequency ranges (DC to MHz) using the same hardware platform, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into modular functional components: biasing power supply module, signal conditioning module with programmable gain amplifiers, filtering module, and digital processing module, allowing flexible configuration and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If additional synchronization circuits are added to pulsed beam systems, then data acquisition can be synchronized with beam current pulses, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization function is merged into the existing signal processing chain by using the same biasing power supply and signal conditioning electronics to generate both the measurement signals and the synchronization timing, eliminating separate synchronization circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system uses its own internal clock and timing resources to generate synchronization signals that are automatically aligned with the pulsed beam operation, without requiring external synchronization inputs or additional dedicated timing circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relate to a modular diagnostics interface system. An example modular diagnostics interface system includes one or more insertable measurement boards configured to communicably couple with a backplane of a modular measurement rack, and configured to collect a measured current from a component of a beamline.