FAST ComTec MCDWIN User Manual

WebMCA

Multichannel Data Processor

MCDWIN User Manual

 copyright FAST ComTec GmbH

Grünwalder Weg 28a, 82041 Oberhaching, Germany

Tel ++49 89 665180 50; FAX ++49 89 665180 40

Version 1.0, March 6, 2006

ComTec GmbH III

Software Warranty

FAST ComTec warrants proper operation of this software only when used with software and
hardware supplied by FAST ComTec. FAST ComTec assumes no responsibility for modifications
made to this software by third parties, or for the use or reliability of this software if used with
hardware or software not supplied by FAST ComTec. FAST ComTec makes no other warranty,
expressed or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness for an intended purpose of this software.

Software License

You have purchased the license to use this software, not the software itself. Since title to this
software remains with FAST ComTec, you may not sell or transfer this software. This license
allows you to use this software on only one compatible computer at a time. You must get FAST
ComTec's written permission for any exception to this license.

Backup Copy

This software is protected by German Copyright Law and by International Copyright Treaties. You
have FAST ComTec's express permission to make one archival copy of this software for backup
protection. You may not otherwise copy this software or any part of it for any other purpose.

Copyright  2006 FAST ComTec Communication Technology GmbH,

D-82041 Oberhaching, Germany. All rights reserved.

This manual contains proprietary information; no part of it may be reproduced by any means
without prior written permission of FAST ComTec, Grünwalder Weg 28a, D-82041 Oberhaching,
Germany. Tel: ++49 89 66518050, FAX: ++49 89 66518040, http://www.fastcomtec.com

The information in this manual describes the hardware and the software as accurately as
possible, but is subject to change without notice.

ComTec GmbH IV

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1-1

2. Installation Procedure 2-1

2.1. Hard- and Software Requirements 2-1

2.2. Hardware Installation 2-1

2.3. Software Installation 2-2

2.4. Network Configuration 2-3

2.5. Updating the Firmware 2-6

3. Hardware Description 3-1

3.1. Signal description of the 25-pin ADC connector 3-1

3.2. Jumper settings for the FAST ComTec 7070 ADC 3-2

3.3. Network parameters 3-3

4. Windows Server Program 4-1

4.1.1. WEBMCA.INI file 4-1

4.1.2. Data Operations 4-1

4.1.3. MCA Settings 4-2

4.1.4. System Settings 4-3

4.1.5. Config file 4-3

4.1.6. Remote mode 4-4

4.2. Control Language 4-4

4.3. Controlling the WEBMCA Server via DDE 4-9

4.3.1. Open Conversation 4-9

4.3.2. DDE Execute 4-9

4.3.3. DDE Request 4-10

4.3.4. Close Conversation 4-11

4.4. Controlling the WEBMCA Server via DLL 4-13

5. MCDWIN Program 5-1

5.1. File Menu 5-2

5.2. Window Menu 5-4

5.3. Region Menu 5-4

5.4. Options Menu 5-8

5.5. Action Menu 5-15

6. WEBMCA Programming 6-1

6.1. Overview of the XML commands for controlling the webMCA 6-1

6.1.1. Version-Object 6-1

6.1.2. Error-Object 6-1

6.1.3. PING-Object 6-1

6.1.4. PONG-Object 6-1

6.1.5. Serial-Object 6-2

6.1.6. REVISION-Object 6-2

6.1.7. DEVICETYPE-Object 6-2

6.1.8. DEVICE-Object 6-3

6.1.9. PARAMETER-Object 6-3

6.1.10. MEASUREMENT-Object (ext. ADC) 6-3

6.1.11. Preset-Object 6-4

6.1.12. START_CONDITION-Object 6-4

6.1.13. STOP_CONDITION-Object 6-4

6.1.14. NETWORK_CONDITION-Object 6-4

6.1.15. AUTH-Object 6-4

6.1.16. COMMAND-Object 6-5

6.1.17. OBJECTS-Object 6-5

6.1.18. SPECTRUM-Object 6-5

6.1.19. STABILIZATION-Object 6-6

6.1.20. MCS-Object 6-6

6.1.21. Calibration-Object 6-7

6.1.22. DATA-Object 6-7

6.2. XML Examples 6-8

6.2.1. command_acquisition.xml 6-8

ComTec GmbH V

6.2.2. Preset.xml 6-8

6.2.3. Set_Preset.xml 6-8

6.2.4. Response_getdevice_root.xml 6-8

6.2.5. Set_Spectrumlength.xml 6-9

6.3. Delphi programming example 6-10

6.3.1. TCPTest.dpr 6-10

6.3.2. TCPTestUnit.pas 6-10

6.3.3. TCPTestUnit.dfm 6-11

7. Technical Data 7-1

ComTec GmbH VI

Table of Figures

Figure 2.1: Connecting the webMCA 2-1
Figure 2.2: LED panel of the webMCA 2-2
Figure 2.3: WebMCA Config utility 2-3
Figure 2.4: Network configuration dialog 2-4
Figure 2.5: Status display 2-4
Figure 2.6: Scan result 2-5
Figure 2.7: Update dialog 2-6
Figure 2.8: Update successfull 2-6
Figure 3.1: Timing of the handshake signals 3-2
Figure 3.2: Jumper setting for FAST ComTec 7070 ADC 3-2
Figure 4.1: WEBMCA Server program 4-1
Figure 4.2: Sample WEBMCA.INI file 4-1
Figure 4.3: Data Operations dialog box 4-2
Figure 4.4: MCA Settings dialog box 4-2
Figure 4.5: System Definition dialog box, two webMCAs 4-3
Figure 4.6: Remote Control dialog box 4-4
Figure 4.7: Opening the DDE conversation with the WEBMCA server in LabVIEW 4-9
Figure 4.8: Executing a control command from a LabVIEW application 4-10
Figure 4.9: Getting the total number of data with LabVIEW 4-10
Figure 4.10: Getting the data with LabVIEW 4-11
Figure 4.11: Closing the DDE communication in LabVIEW 4-11
Figure 4.12: Control Panel of the demo VI for LabVIEW 4-12
Figure 5.1: MCDWIN main window 5-1
Figure 5.2: MCDWIN Map and Isometric display 5-2
Figure 5.3: File New Display dialog box 5-3
Figure 5.4: Compare dialog box 5-3
Figure 5.5: ROI Editing dialog box 5-6
Figure 5.6: Single Gaussian Peak Fit 5-7
Figure 5.7: Log file Options for the Single Gaussian Peak Fit 5-8
Figure 5.8: Colors dialog box 5-9
Figure 5.9: Display Options dialog box 5-9
Figure 5.10: Axis Parameter dialog box 5-10
Figure 5.11: :Scale Parameters dialog box 5-10
Figure 5.12: Calibration dialog box 5-11
Figure 5.13: Comments dialog box 5-12
Figure 5.14: Settings dialog box 5-12
Figure 5.15: Data Operations dialog box 5-13
Figure 5.16: System Definition dialog box 5-13
Figure 5.17: Tool Bar dialog box 5-14
Figure 6.1: Delphi example 6-13

Introduction

ComTec GmbH 1-1

1. Introduction

The webMCA is an Ethernet based, high performance Multi Channel Analyzer (MCA), interfacing
NIM ADC's to local networks as well as to the internet. Existing and new NIM based electronics
are easily accessible through the Ethernet. The webMCA is a standalone MCA in cigarette box
form with real time and live time measurement, various presets and multiple spectra storage. It
contains a large spectrum memory, a battery powered real time clock.

The webMCA is a compelling RISC based computer, powered by Motorola's Coldfire controller.
Embedded Linux, a stable, robust operating system contributes to ist superior performance. The
XML transfer protocol offers access and data transfer to and from all operating systems.

The webMCA is ideal for remote monitoring applications in power plants, laboratories, industry,
universities and research centers. The novel power over Ethernet, PoEIEEE802.3af, connects and
powers as easy as USB, however, providing the speed, flexibility and connectivity of the Ethernet,
by far outperforming USB.

The webMCA offers Ethernet for virtually unlimited expansion: There is no restriction for the
number of devices which can be addressed. There is no distance limit on remote operation.

The sophisticated WINDOWS based control and analysis software MCDWIN ensures quick
learning and easy usage.

Some of MCDWIN’s features are high resolution graphics displays with zoom, linear and
logarithmic (auto)scaling, grids, ROIs, Gaussian fit, calibration using diverse formulas. and FWHM
calculations. Macro generation using the powerfull command language allows task oriented batch
processing and selfrunning experiments. An IAEA compatible software interface allows to directly
use such analysis packages as GANAAS, QXAS, POSFIT or others.

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-1

2. Installation Procedure

2.1. Hard- and Software Requirements

The following items are required using a webMCA:

• Power over Ethernet adapter (DWL-P100 included with the webMCA)

• 10+ Mbit network connection

• A PC with Microsoft Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XP installed is required for use of the supplied

control and analysis software MCDWIN.

2.2. Hardware Installation

The webMCA has to be connected to the local network either with a Power over Ethernet (PoE)
adapter DWL-P100 or a PoE switch using a +48V power supply for the PoE device (optional).

The desired spectroscopy ADC has to be connected to the 25-pin connector of the webMCA using
the provided cable.

After connecting to the PoE device the webMCA needs about 30 sec for initialization. The “MCA”
LED indicates when the webMCA can be accessed.

Figure 2.1: Connecting the webMCA

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-2

The “ACQ” LED signals the acquisition status of the device. “LINK” and “100M” correspond to the
network interface where “100M” indicates a 100 Mbit connection.

2.3. Software Installation

To install the MCDWIN software on your hard disk insert the MCDWIN CD and start the
installation program file by double clicking

SETUP

A directory called C:\WEBMCA is created on the hard disk and all webMCA and MCDWIN files
are transferred to this directory. Drive C: is taken as default drive and \WEBMCA as default
directory. It is not mandatory that the webMCA operating software is located in this directory. You
may specify another directory during the setup.

The Setup program has installed one shortcut on the desktop that starts the WEBMCA server
program. The server program will automatically call the MCDWIN.EXE program when it is
executed. The WEBMCA Server program controls the webMCA module but provides no graphics
display capability by itself. By using the MCDWIN program, the user has complete control of the
WEBMCA along with the MCDWIN display capabilities.

To run the WebMCA software, simply double click on the “WEBMCA“ icon. To close it, close the
WebMCA server in the Taskbar.

Figure 2.2: LED panel of the webMCA

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-3

2.4. Network Configuration

The default IP address of a webMCA is 192.168.1.2. To change this address the “W ebMCA
Config” utility has to be used. It can be found using the start button in the program folder "FAST
ComTec WebMCA"

The entries for user name and password in the login dialog are not evaluated currently and can be
left blank. After pushing the "Connect" button the firmware and hardware revision will be displayed
on success.

Selecting the “Configuration” page several network related properties can be changed.

The IP address should be set to match the used intranet. To allow a time synchronization a NTP
server IP address can be specified as well as a poll interval for the NTP requests.

The webMCA uses UTC time internally. When spectra are transferred to the winTMCA32 to start
and stop time are adjusted to the local time of the PC with respect to the time zone and daylight
saving settings.

Figure 2.3: WebMCA Config utility

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-4

To transmit these parameters to the webMCA the “Configure” button has to be pressed. After the
transmission is done you will be asked to reboot the webMCA in order to accept these settings.

The “Status” page of the configuration tool can be used to check the device list and the network
configuration of the webMCA.

Figure 2.4: Network configuration dialog

Figure 2.5: Status display

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-5

On the “Search” page it is possible to scan for all available devices in the current subnet. All found
devices will be listed with their IP address and their MAC address.

Figure 2.6: Scan result

Installation Procedure

ComTec GmbH 2-6

2.5. Updating the Firmware

On the page “Update” a dialog to update the firmware of the webMCA is available.

The IP-address has to be selected from the selection box. If the list is empty a network scan has
to be done (s.a.). After selecting a firmware image file (“local*.bin”) the image will be transferred
pushing the “Transfer” button. The transfer state is displayed by the progress bar.

On success the data will be stored in the flash memory of the webMCA. This will be indicated by
the progress bar below “Processed:”. If the storage is done the following message box will appear:

The webMCA will restart automatically.

Figure 2.7: Update dialog

Figure 2.8: Update successfull

Hardware Description

ComTec GmbH 3-1

3. Hardware Description

3.1. Signal description of the 25-pin ADC connector

Sub-D male pin layout

Pin Direction Mnemonic Signal

1-12 In D[0-12] Inverted Data D0-D12

13 In *DRDY Inverted Data Ready

14,15 In D13,D14 Inverted Data D13, D14

17 Out *ACC Data Accepted

18 Out *STOP Stop ADC

19 In D15 Inverted Data D15

20 In INH Inhibit, Drop Data

21 In DTIME Dead Time

22 Out *DEN Inverted Data Bus Enable

23 Out DWELL Dwell

24 Pwr GND Signal Ground

25 - E5V Do not connect

Signal Description

*D0-*D15 16 Bit inverted ADC data input.

Datalines are terminated with 2K2 pull-up Resistor against 5 Volt internal webMCA
supply. Therefore, inactive line state is approximate 5 Volt. Signal level is inverted, i.e.
logic level 0xffff means ADC signal value 0.

*DRDY Data Ready handshake signal from ADC.

Signal level inverted, active low asserted. If data on D[0-15] are setup the ADC should
assert this signal to denote valid data available. DRDY must be negated immediately
after *ACC is asserted.

*ACC Data Accepted handshake from webMCA.

Signal level inverted, active low asserted. If the ADC asserts DRDY, after latching the
data the webMCA asserts this Signal to denote data taken. The webMCA will not
respond with ACC if the internal FIFO buffer signals full state. The data transfer is
pending until FIFO buffer is available. ACC will immediately negate after DRDY is
negated.

INH Data Inhibit from ADC. If INH is sampled asserted high the current ADC data will be

ignored. The transfer cycle handshake proceeds.

*DEN Data Bus enable output. Always asserted low, will not be switched.

DWELL Dwell output to an MCS device, not used for the ADC interface. High asserted signals

to switch to the next bin.

DTIME Deadtime signal from ADC. If asserted high stops counting the Livetime.

GND Signal Ground.

E5V Do not connect, provides test voltage to external test circuit.

Hardware Description

ComTec GmbH 3-2

Timing diagram

3.2. Jumper settings for the FAST ComTec 7070 ADC

To use the webMCA with the 7070 ADC the jumpers of the 7070 must be set as follows:

Figure 3.1: Timing of the handshake signals

Figure 3.2: Jumper setting for FAST ComTec 7070 ADC

Hardware Description

ComTec GmbH 3-3

3.3. Network parameters

For the communication with the webMCA the following IP protocols and ports are used:

Kind of communication

Protocol Port

Standard communication TCP 6668

Network broadcast UPD 9176-9178

Update TCP 9176

NTP time synchronization SNTP 123

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-1

4. Windows Server Program

The window of the WebMCA server program WEBMCA.EXE is shown here. It provides the full
control of the webMCA to perform measurements and save data. This program has no own
graphic capabilities, but it provides - via a DLL („dynamic link library“) - access to all functions,
parameters and data. The server can be completely controlled from the MCDWIN software that
provides all necessary graphic displays.

4.1.1. WEBMCA.INI file

At program start the configuration files WEBMCA.INI (contains - for example - the number of
webMCA modules and IP address in a format ip=address; see Figure 4.2) and WEBMCAA.CFG
are loaded. Instead of this WEBMCAA.CFG file any other setup file can be used if its name ­excluding the appendix ‘A.CFG’ - is used as command line parameter (e.g. WEBMCA TEST to
load TESTA.CFG) . The server program is normally shown inconized in the task bar. After a
double click it is opened to show the status window.

In the following the several dialogs are described in detail:

4.1.2. Data Operations

Clicking in the File menu on the Data... item opens the Data Operations dialog box.

Figure 4.1: WEBMCA Server program

Figure 4.2: Sample WEBMCA.INI file

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-2

This dialog allows to edit the data settings. Mark the checkbox „Save at Halt“ to store a spectrum-
and a configuration file at the end of a measurement. The filename can be entered. If the
checkbox auto incr. is checked, a 3-digit number is appended to the filename that is
automatically incremented with each saving. The format of the data file can be ASCII (extension
.ASC), binary (.DAT), or GANAAS (.SPE). The buttons Save, Load, and Erase perform the
respective operation. With Add and Sub a spectrum can be added or subtracted from the present
data. The Checkbox calibr. is checked if a calibration is used and the data is then adjusted
according to the calibration. The Smooth button performs an n-point smoothing of the data. The
number of points to average can be set with the Pts edit field between 3 and 21.

4.1.3. MCA Settings

Clicking in the Settings menu on Hardware... item opens the MCA Settings dialog box. Here
parameters like presets, range parameters, etc. for the webMCA module can be set.

With the combo box „Range“ the length of the spectrum can be chosen. If the checkbox
„ROIpreset“ is marked, the measurement will be stopped after acquiring more events than
specified in the corresponding edit field. The events are counted only if they are in the „ROI“ limits,
i.e. >= the lower limit and < the upper limit. Another possibility is to acquire data for a given
realtime via the „RealTime Preset“ or livetime via the „Livetime Preset“. OK takes all settings.
Cancel cancels all changes. Pressing Save Sett. writes all settings in the file WEBCAA.CFG or
the name entered in the Setup name edit field with "A.CFG" appended.

Figure 4.3: Data Operations dialog box

Figure 4.4: MCA Settings dialog box

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-3

4.1.4. System Settings

If more than one MCA is used, the system definition dialog box comes up as shown in Figure 4.5.
Here the several units can be combined to form up to 4 separate systems that can be started,
stopped and erased by one command.

In the shown setting a single system is formed. The two webMCAs A and B are combined, both
operate in one system. System 1 can be started, stopped, erased, and continued with the
respective commands in the Action 1 menu. It is also possible for example to form two
independent systems 1 and 2: Click on the button labeled <<All below the list box „System1“ to
remove all units from system 1. They are then shown in the „Not active“ list box. Then select unit
A and click on the button labeled >> below the „System 1“ list box to include it into system 1 and
perform the respective action for unit B and System 2.

4.1.5. Config file

Clicking „Save Settings“ stores all settings in the file WEBMCAA.CFG in a form:

sysdef=0
range=8192
rtpreset=20.000
rtprena=1
ltpreset=0
ltprena=0
roimin=0
roimax=8192
roipreset=0
roiprena=0
autoinc=0
datname=specA.dat
savedata=0
fmt=dat
smoothpts=5
caluse=0

This file is automatically loaded at the start of the program and the parameters are set. Together
with each data file a header file with extension .MCD is saved. This header also contains all
settings and in addition some information like the date and time of the measurement, comments
and calibration parameters entered in the MCDWIN program.

Figure 4.5: System Definition dialog box, two webMCAs

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-4

4.1.6. Remote mode

The „Remote mode...“ item in the settings menu or the „Remote“ button in the System Definition
dialog box opens the Remote Control dialog box. Here all settings can be made for the control of
the WEBMCA server program via a serial port. An optional available software expansion
MCDLAN is necessary, that allows also the control over a LAN connection.

If the Checkbox „Use Remote Control“ is marked and the MCACOM.DLL is available, the
specified COM port will be used for accepting commands. If „Echo command“ is marked, the input
line will be echoed after the newline character was sent. „Echo character“, on the other hand,
immediately echoes each character. The possible commands and their syntax are listed in the
following section.

4.2. Control Language

A sequence of commands that are stored in a file with extension .CTL can be executed by the
WEBMCA server program or MCDWIN with the „Load “ command. Also the configuration files
WEBMCAA.CFG or the header files with extension .MCD ontain such commands to set the
parameters. Each command starts at the beginning of a new line with a typical keyword, the case
is ignored. Any other characters in a line may contain a value or a comment.

Following methods are available to execute commands:

Load the command file using the Load command in the file menu.

Enable remote mode in the server and send commands via the serial connection. The

MCACOM.DLL is necessary which is part of the optional available MCDLAN software.

Open a DDE connection and send the commands via DDE as described in section 4.3. The

application name for opening the DDE connection with the standard WEBMCA server program
WEBMCA.EXE is WEBMCA, the topic is WEBMCA-. Implemented are the DDE Execute to
perform any command, and the DDE Request with items RANGE and DATA.

Send the commands over a TCP/IP net using a remote shell and the optional available MCDLAN

software. It is necessary that the remote shell daemon program MCANET is running. See the
readme file on the installation disk.

Send the commands via the DLL interface from LabVIEW, a Visual Basic program or any other

application (software including the complete source code of the DLL and examples optional
available).

From your own Windows application, register a W indows message and then send the command

as can be seen in the DLL source code.

Figure 4.6: Remote Control dialog box

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-5

The file WEBMCAA.CFG contains a complete list of commands for setting parameters; an
example is:

range=4096 ; Memory size for spectra

rtpreset=1000 ; Realtimepreset value (seconds)

rtprena=0 ; Realtime preset enable (1=enabled)

ltpreset=1000 ; Lifetime preset value (seconds)

ltprena=0 ; Lifetime preset enable

roipreset=0 ; ROI preset value

roiprena=0 ; ROI preset enable

roimin=0 ; ROI lower limit (inclusive)

roimax=2048 ; ROI upper limit (exclusive)

autoinc=0 ; Enable Auto increment of filename

datname=test2.dat ; Filename

savedata=0 ; Save at Halt

fmt=dat ; Format (ASCII: asc, Binary: dat, GANAAS: spe)

smoothpts=5 ; Number of points to average for a smooth operation

A data header file with extension .MCD contains a subset of above parameters and some
additional information typical for the special measurement. An example is the file Sd0002.MCD:

REPORT-FILE from 11/22/94 13:52:56 written 01/30/96 9:57:55

; the first time is when the measurement was started,
; the 2

nd

when the data file was written

REPORT-FILE from 11/22/94 13:52:56 written 01/30/96 9:57:55

; the first time is when the measurement was started,
; the 2

nd

when the data file was written

REALTIME:

3012.000 ; real time in seconds

LIFETIME:

3000.000 ; life time in seconds

TOTALSUM:

1870706 ; total sum of counts

ROISUM:

1870706 ; sum of counts in ROI

NETTOSUM:

1858424 ; sum in ROI with background subtracted

cmline0= 11/22/94 13:52:56 ; comment lines: the first line always contains the start time

cmline1=2

cmline2=Calibration source

cmline3=Oberhaching

cmline4=1/1/93 12:00:00

cmline5=10

cmline6=mg

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-6

cmline7=3

cmline8=Ge

cmline9=test

range=2048 ; subset of parameters as in a WEBMCAA.CFG file...

rtpreset=1000

rtprena=0

ltpreset=1000

ltprena=0

roipreset=0

roiprena=0

roimin=0

roimax=2048

autoinc=0

datname=C:\MCA\DATA\SD0002.mcd

savedata=1

fmt=dat

caluse=1 ; Use Energy calibration

calch00=1172.00 ; Calibration points..

calvl00=1173.264000

calch01=1331.00

calvl01=1332.500000

caloff=-0.506315 ; Calibration formula polynomial coefficients..

calfact=1.000750

calfact2=0

calfact3=0

calunit=keV ; Calibration unit

roi=1156 1199 ; ROI limits..

peak=1173.230000 ; calibration peak in this ROI

roi=1323 1353

peak=1332.480000 :

The following commands perform actions and therefore usually are not included in a
WEBMCAx.CFG or .MCD file:

start ; Clears the data and starts a new acquisition for system 1. Further

; execution of the .CTL file is suspended until any acquisition stops
; due to a preset.

halt ; Stops acquisition of system 1 if one is running.

cont ; Continues acquisition of system 1. If a time preset is already

; reached, the time preset is prolongated by the value which was valid
; when the „start“ command was executed. Further execution of the ;.CTL
file is suspended (see start).

savecnf ; Writes the settings into MCAA.CFG

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-7

savedat ; Saves data of actual multichannel analyzer. An existing file is

; overwritten.

pushname ; pushes the actual filename on an internal stack that can hold 4

; names.

popname ; pops the last filename from the internal stack.

load ; Loads data of actual multichannel analyzer; the filename must be

; specified before with a command datname=...

add ; Adds data to actual multichannel analyzer; the filename must be

; specified before with a command datname=...

sub ; Subtracts data from actual multichannel analyzer; the filename must

; be specified before with a command datname=...

smooth ; Smoothes the data in actual multichannel analyzer

eras ; Clears the data of system 1.

exit ; Exits the MCA.exe (and MCDWIN) programs

alert Message ; Displays a Messagebox containing Message and an OK button that

; must be pressed before execution can continue.

waitinfo 5000 Message; Displays a Messagebox containing Message, an OK and an END

; button. After the specified time (5000 msec) the Messagebox
; vanishes and execution continues. OK continues immediately, END
; escapes execution.

beep * ; Makes a beep. The character '*' may be replaced with '?', '!' or left

; empty. The corresponding sound is defined in the WIN.INI file in the
; [sounds] section.

delay 4000 ; Waits specified time (4000 msec = 4 sec).

run controlfile ; Runs a sequence of commands stored in control file. This command

; cannot be nested, i.e. it is not possible to execute a run command
; from the control file called.

onstart command ; The command is executed always after a start action when the

; acquisition is already running. The command can be any valid
; command, also 'run controlfile' is possible.

onstart off ; Switches off the 'onstart' feature. Also a manual Stop command

; switches it off.

onstop command ; The command is executed always after a stop caused by a preset

; reached or trigger. This can be used to program measure cycles. For
; example the command 'onstop start' makes a loop of this kind.

onstop off ; Switches off the 'onstop' feature. Also a manual Stop command

; switches it off.

lastrun=5 ; Defines the file count for the last run in a measure cycle. After a file

; with this count or greater was saved with autoinc on, instead of the
; 'onstop command' the 'onlast command' is executed.

numruns=5 ; Defines the file count for the last run in a measure cycle. The last

; count is the present one plus the numruns number.After a file with
; this count was saved with autoinc on, instead of the 'onstop
; command' the 'onlast command' is executed.

onlast command ; The command is executed after a stop caused by a preset reached

; or trigger instead of the 'onstop command', when the last file count is
; reached with autoinc on. This can be used to finish programmed
; measure cycles.

onlast off ; Switches off the 'onlast' feature. Also a manual Stop command

; switches it off.

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-8

exec program ; Executes a Windows program or .PIF file.

; Example: exec notepad test.ctl
; opens the notepad editor and loads test.ctl.

deleteallrois ; Deletes all ROIs in the active Display of MCDWIN or the active

; multichannel analyzer if MCDWIN is not running.

deleteallrois MC_A ; Similar to the deleteallrois command, but using the argument allows to

; specify which spectrum should be treated independently of
; which child window is activated in MCDWIN

fitrois ; Makes a single peak Gaussian fit for all ROIs and dumps the result

; into a logfile. This is performed by the MCDWIN program and
; therefore can be made only if this application is running.

fitrois MC_A ; Similar to the fitrois command, but using the argument allows to

; specify which spectrum should be evaluated independently of
; which child window is activated in MCDWIN.

autocal ; Makes a single peak Gaussian fit for all ROIs in the active Display of

; MCDWIN, for which a peak value was entered and uses the result for
; a calibration. This is performed by the MCDWIN program and
; therefore can be made only if this application is running.

autocal MC_A ; Similar to the autocal command, but using the argument allows to

; specify which spectrum should be evaluated independently of
; which child window is activated in MCDWIN.

The following commands make sense only when using the serial line or TCP/IP control:

MC_A? ; Sends the status of MC_A via the serial port and make MC_A

; actual.

? ; Send the status of the actual multichannel analyzer

RROI(0,1) ; Sends the sum, mean value and max positive and negative

; deviation from mean of rectangular ROI #1 in spectra #0

ADC? ; Sends the AXAS Status

sendfile filename ; Sends the ASCII file with name ‘filename’ via the serial line.

The execution of a control file can be finished from the Server or MCDWIN with any Halt
command.

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-9

4.3. Controlling the WEBMCA Server via DDE

The WEBMCA program can be a server for a DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange). Many Windows
software packages can use the DDE standard protocols to communicate with other Windows
programs, for example GRAMS, FAMOS or LabVIEW. In the following the DDE capabilities of the
server program are described together with a demo VI („Virtual Instrument“) for LabVIEW. It is not
recommended to use the DDE protocol for LabVIEW, as a DLL interface is (optionally) available
which works much faster. The following should be seen as a general description of the DDE
conversation capabilities of the server program.

4.3.1. Open Conversation

application: WEBMCA
topic: WEBMCA-

Any application that wants to be a client of a DDE server, must first open the conversation by
specifying an application and a topic name. The application name is WEBMCA and the topic is
WEBMCA-.

4.3.2. DDE Execute

The DDE Execute command can be used to perform any action of the WEBMCA program. Any of
the Control command lines described in chapter 4.2 can be used. For example a sequence of
control commands saved in a file TEST.CTL can be executed by specifying the command:

RUN TEST.CTL

The WEBMCA program then executes the command and, after finishing, it sends an
Acknowledge message to the DDE client. This can be used for synchronizing the actions in both
applications.

Figure 4.7: Opening the DDE conversation with the WEBMCA server in LabVIEW

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-10

4.3.3. DDE Request

The DDE Request is a message exchange to obtain the value of a specified item. Only two items
are defined for DDE request up to now: RANGE and DATA. The value is obtained as an ASCII
string, i.e. it must be converted by the client to get the numbers. All other parameters concerning
the WEBMCA Setup can be obtained by the client application by reading and evaluating the
configuration file.

RANGE

The RANGE item can be used to obtain the total number of data in the actual multichannel
analyzer. The desired multichannel analyzer can be selected before by a command MC_A, ...,
MC_D (if more than 1).

Figure 4.8: Executing a control command from a LabVIEW application

Figure 4.9: Getting the total number of data with LabVIEW

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-11

DATA

With the DATA item the data are obtained. The value of this item is a multiline string that contains
in each line a decimal number as an ASCII string.

4.3.4. Close Conversation

After finishing the DDE communication with the MCA program, it must be closed.

Figure 4.10: Getting the data with LabVIEW

Figure 4.11: Closing the DDE communication in LabVIEW

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-12

The following figure shows the „Panel“ of the described VI for LabVIEW.

Figure 4.12: Control Panel of the demo VI for LabVIEW

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-13

4.4. Controlling the WEBMCA Server via DLL

The WEBMCA server program provides - via a DLL („dynamic link library“) - access to all
functions, parameters and data. So the server can be completely controlled from the MCDWIN
software that provides all necessary graphic displays.

In the following some parts of the header and definition files of the DMCA.DLL are listed, that may
help an experienced programmer to use the DLL for own written applications. Please note that the
complete documented source code of the DLL including fundamental VI’s and an example VI for
LabVIEW and example program in Visual Basic is available as an option.

typedef struct{

int started; // acquisition status: 1 if running, 0 else
double realtime; // real time in seconds
double totalsum; // total events
double roisum; // events within ROI
double totalrate; // acquired events per second
double nettosum; // ROI sum with background subtracted
double livetime; // Lifetime in seconds
double deadtime; // Dead time in percent
unsigned long maxval; // Maximum value in spectrum

} ACQSTATUS;

typedef struct{

long range; // spectrum length
int rtprena; // 1 if realtime preset enabled, 0 else
int roiprena; // 1 if ROI event preset enabled, 0 else
long roimin; // lower ROI limit
long roimax; // upper limit: roimin <= channel < roimax
double roipreset; // ROI preset value
double rtpreset; // time preset value
int savedata; // 1 if auto save after stop
int fmt; // format type: 0 == ASCII,

// 1 == binary, 2 == GANAAS
int autoinc; // 1 if auto increment filename
int diguse; // (for future use) Optional Parallel Port:

// bit 1: Dig I/O Status
// bit 2: Dig I/O Trigger
// bit 3: Dig I/O Invert polarity
// bit 4: Trigger System2
// bit 5: Trigger System3
// bit 6: Trigger System4
// bit 7: Clear before triggered start

int ltprena; // 1 if livetime preset enabled, 0 else
int outlevel; // (for future use) DAC output level, 0...255
int adcrange; // (for future use) ADC range
int offset; // (for future use) ADC offset
int lowlevel; // (for future use) ADC lower level limit
int uplevel; // (for future use) ADC upper level limit
int dtlevel; // (for future use) ADC DT level
double ltpreset; // live time preset
int nregions; // number of regions
int caluse; // use calibration
double scalpreset; // dummy
int active; // 0 if disabled, 1..4 if active in system 1..4
int calpoints; // number of calibration points

} ACQSETTING;

typedef struct{

unsigned long huge *s0; // pointer to spectrum
unsigned long far *region; // pointer to regions
unsigned char far *comment0; // pointer to strings
double far *cnt; // pointer to counters

} ACQDATA;

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-14

typedef struct {

int nDevices; // Number of devices: always 4
int nDisplays; // Number of displays (active MCA's): 0...4
int nSystems; // Number of systems
int bRemote; // 1 if server controled by MCDWIN
int sys; // System definition word

} ACQDEF;

/*** FUNCTION PROTOTYPES (do not change) ***/
VOID APIENTRY StoreSettingData(ACQSETTING FAR *Setting, int nDisplay);

// Stores Settings into the
// DLL

int APIENTRY GetSettingData(ACQSETTING FAR *Setting, int nDisplay);

// Get Settings stored in the
// DLL
// Store System Definition
// into DLL

VOID APIENTRY StoreStatusData(ACQSTATUS FAR *Status, int nDisplay);

// Store the Status into the
// DLL

int APIENTRY GetStatusData(ACQSTATUS FAR *Status, int nDisplay);

// Get the Status
VOID APIENTRY Start(int nSystem); // Start
VOID APIENTRY Halt(int nSystem); // Halt
VOID APIENTRY Continue(int nSystem); // Continue
VOID APIENTRY NewSetting(int nDevice); // Indicate new Settings to

// Server
UINT APIENTRY ServExec(HWND ClientWnd); // Execute the Server MCA.EXE
VOID APIENTRY StoreData(ACQDATA FAR *Data, int nDisplay);

// Stores Data pointers into
// the DLL

int APIENTRY GetData(ACQDATA FAR *Data, int nDisplay);

// Get Data pointers

long APIENTRY GetSpec(long i, int nDisplay);

// Get a spectrum value
VOID APIENTRY SaveSetting(void); // Save Settings
int APIENTRY GetStatus(int nDevice); // Request actual Status from

// Server
VOID APIENTRY Erase(int nSystem); // Erase spectrum
VOID APIENTRY SaveData(int nDevice); // Saves data
VOID APIENTRY GetBlock(long FAR *hist, int start, int end, int step,

int nDisplay); // Get a block of spectrum

// data
VOID APIENTRY StoreDefData(ACQDEF FAR *Def);
int APIENTRY GetDefData(ACQDEF FAR *Def);

// Get System Definition
VOID APIENTRY LoadData(int nDisplay); // Loads data
VOID APIENTRY AddData(int nDisplay); // Adds data
VOID APIENTRY SubData(int nDisplay); // Subtracts data
VOID APIENTRY Smooth(int nDisplay); // Smooth data
VOID APIENTRY NewData(void); // Indicate new ROI or string

// Data

VOID APIENTRY HardwareDlg(int item); // Calls the Settings dialog

// box

VOID APIENTRY UnregisterClient(void); // Clears remote mode from

// MCDWIN
VOID APIENTRY DestroyClient(void); // Close MCDWIN
UINT APIENTRY ClientExec(HWND ServerWnd);

// Execute the Client MCDWIN.EXE

int APIENTRY LVGetDat(unsigned long HUGE *datp, int nDisplay);

// Copies the spectrum to an array

VOID APIENTRY RunCmd(int nDisplay, LPSTR Cmd);

// Executes command

int APIENTRY LVGetRoi(unsigned long FAR *roip, int nDisplay);

// Copies the ROI boundaries to an array

int APIENTRY LVGetCnt(double far *cntp, int nDisplay);

// Copies Cnt numbers to an array

int APIENTRY LVGetStr(char far *strp, int nDisplay);

// Copies strings to an array

EXPORTS

StoreSettingData @2

Windows Server Program

ComTec GmbH 4-15

GetSettingData @3
StoreStatusData @4
GetStatusData @5
Start @6
Halt @7
Continue @8
NewSetting @9
ServExec @10
StoreData @11
GetData @12
GetSpec @13
SaveSetting @14
GetStatus @15
Erase @16
SaveData @17
GetBlock @18
StoreDefData @19
GetDefData @20
LoadData @21
NewData @22
HardwareDlg @23
UnregisterClient @24
DestroyClient @25
ClientExec @26
LVGetDat @27
RunCmd @28
AddData @29
LVGetRoi @30
LVGetCnt @31
LVGetStr @32
SubData @33
Smooth @34

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-1

5. MCDWIN Program

The window of the MCDWIN program is shown here. It enables the full control of the webMCA via
the server program to perform measurements and save data, and shows the data on-line in
several windows.

The server program W EBMCA.EXE automatically starts MCDWIN. If you try to start MCDWIN
before the server is started, a message box warns that you should start the server first.

A status window at the left side gives all information about the status of the MCA. A toolbar
provides fast access to many used functions in the menu. A status bar at the bottom indicates the
meaning of the toolbar icons. A cursor appears when clicking the left mouse button inside the
graphic area. To clear the cursor, move the cursor outside the spectrum display and double click
with the right mouse button. To define a region, press the right mouse button, and while keeping
the button pressed, drag a rectangle. In the zoomed state a scrollbar appears that allows to scroll
through the spectrum.

MCDWIN has also viewing capabilities for two dimensional spectra. A single spectrum can be
converted into a two dimensional one by specifying the x dimension in the display option dialog.

It is possible to drag a rectangle and zoom into this rectangle. Rectangular ROIs can be set and
the ROISum and Net ROISum is displayed. The Net Sum is calculated the same way like in the
single view, by subtracting a linear interpolated background from the both outmost channels in x­direction. This Net sums are then summed up in y-direction. The ROI editing dialog is changed
into a Rectangular Editing dialog for MAP and ISO displays. The Cursor can be moved in x and y
direction using the mouse and the arrow keys, in ISO display only using the arrow keys.

Figure 5.1: MCDWIN main window

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-2

In the following the several menu functions are described together with the corresponding toolbar
icons.

5.1. File Menu

Load...,Add..., Save, Save As...

These menu items provide the usual functions for loading and saving data into the MCA selected
by the active window. When saving data, you have the choice between binary (.DAT), ASCII
(.ASC), and GANAAS (.SPE) format. When you load data, select a header file (extension .MCD).
This file contains the information about the size and format of the data file, which is then
automatically read. With „Add“ the data is added to the present data. The data read from a file is
shifted according to the calibration, if it is available.

New Display...

With the Open New menu item or the corresponding icon a new Display window can be created
and shown as the active window. If more than one MCAs are installed by writing a line devices=2
into the MCA.INI file, in the „Open New Display“ dialog box the MCA for the new display can be
selected.

Figure 5.2: MCDWIN Map and Isometric display

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-3

Open All

By selecting the Open All menu item, all available Displays are shown. The windows of the last
opened Display becomes active.

Close All

By selecting the Close All menu item, all available Displays are closed.

Compare...

The Compare... menu item allows to compare single spectra.

To use this feature it is necessary to have at least two webMCA devices defined in the
WEBMCA.INI file also if only one webMCA is physically available. The software can run for
the second webMCA in demo mode.

A Display window containing a single spectrum must be active; clicking this menu item opens then
a dialog box to select one or more of available other single spectra Displays. The selected spectra
are then plotted into the active Display window in a different color.

Print...

The Print menu item prints a Display to the printer. Only the visible part of the spectra will be
printed. The size and position of the graphic on paper can be adjusted in a dialog box.

Figure 5.3: File New Display dialog box

Figure 5.4: Compare dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-4

If printing takes a long time and disk activity is high, please note the following: The picture for the
printing is first built in the memory, but it may need quite a lot of memory if the printer resolution is
high and therefore Windows 9x makes intense virtual memory swapping to disk if for example
only 8 MB RAM are available. Therefore it is recommended: never use a 600 dpi printer driver for
the printout of spectra. For example for an HP Laser 4, install the PCL driver and use 300 dpi. The
PCL driver is also much more effective than a Postscript driver, printing is much faster. With
600 dpi, the maximum figure size is indeed limited to about 12 cm x 7 cm (Windows 9x cannot
handle on an easy way bitmaps larger than 16 MB). For Windows 2000/XP these restrictions do
not apply.

Setup Printer...

The Setup Printer menu item allows to configure the printer.

Exit

The Exit menu item exits the MCDWIN.

5.2. Window Menu

The Window menu allows to arrange the Display windows.

Tile

With the Tile menu item or clicking the corresponding icon, all opened and displayed MCDWIN
Display windows are arranged over the full MCDWIN client area trying to allocate the same size
for each window.

Cascade

The Cascade menu item or respective icon arranges all windows in a cascade display.

Arrange Icons

By the Arrange Icons menu item, the minimized MCDWIN Display windows are arranged in a
series at the bottom of the MCDWIN client area.

Close All

By selecting the Close All menu item, all Display windows are closed.

Window list

At the end of the Window menu, all created Display windows are listed with their names, the
current active window is checked. By selecting any of the names, this window becomes the active
window and is displayed in front of all the others.

5.3. Region Menu

The Region menu contains commands for Regions and ROIs (Regions of Interest). A Region can
be defined by marking it in a display, with the mouse using the right mouse button and dragging a
rectangle over the area one is interested in. A ROI, i.e. an already defined region in a single
spectrum can be shown zoomed by double-clicking with the left mouse button on the
corresponding colored area in the bar at the bottom of the spectra display. A single mouse click
with the left button on the corresponding colored area makes this to the active ROI and lets the
counts contained in this ROI be displayed in the information lines of the respective window.

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-5

Zoom

The Zoom item or respective icon enlarges a Region to the maximum Spectrum Display size.

Back

The Back menu item or clicking the corresponding icon restores the last zoom view. Each time a
Back command is clicked the view is stepped back one step.

Zoom Out

The Zoom Out menu item or clicking the corresponding icon enlarges the actual zoom view by a
factor 2, if possible.

Home

Clicking the Home menu item or the corresponding icon restores a Display to the basic
configuration.

Shape

Selecting the Shape menu item opens a submenu with the items Rectangle, X-Slice, Y-Slice, and
Polygon to choose the ROI shape.

Rectangle

Sets the region shape to a rectangle with arbitrary dimensions. To enter the rectangular region,
press the right mouse button, drag a rectangle, and release the button to define the region.

X-Slice

Sets the Region shape to the rectangle with maximal height.

Y-Slice

Sets the Region shape to the rectangle with maximal width.

Create

The Create menu item creates a new ROI from the current marked Region.

Delete

By selecting the Delete menu item or the respective icon, the current active ROI is deleted and the
previously defined ROI is activated.

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-6

Edit...

With the Edit item, a dialog box is opened which allows to edit the ROI list, i.e. create a new or
delete, change and activate an existing ROI. Also the peak values for an automatic calibration can
be entered here. A ROI can be edited and added to the list. It can also be made to the „Active
ROI“, that is the special ROI that is used by the server program to calculate the events within this
ROI and look for an event preset. The ROI list can be cleared and it can be written into a file with
extension .CTL, which can be directly loaded into the server to restore the ROI list.

Fit...

By selecting the Fit... menu item or the respective icon, A single Gaussian peak fit with linear
background is performed for the currently marked region. The fitted curve is displayed and a
dialog box shows the results:

Figure 5.5: ROI Editing dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-7

The full width at half maximum FWHM and Position of the Gaussian can be changed and a New
Fit can be performed, they even can be fixed to the entered value by marking the respective
checkbox. The Position and FWHM are displayed in channels and also in calibrated units, if a
calibration is available. The area of the Gaussian is also shown. For all values also the standard
deviations are given. The value of Q is the normalized chi**2. To take into account the systematic
error of the line shape, you may multiply the errors with the square root of Q. Click on Save to
append a line containing the results to a Logfile with the specified name. OK closes the dialog and
lets the fitted function in the display also if it is refreshed, whereas after Cancel the curve no
longer will be shown in a refreshed display. Options... opens a new dialog box to define the
information in the logfile:

Figure 5.6: Single Gaussian Peak Fit

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-8

The several quantities are written in standard text format with Tabs as separators and a Newline
character at the end of each line, so the file can be read with standard calculation programs like
EXCEL. Click on Print Header to write a header line.

Fit ROIs

With the Fit ROIs item, for all ROIs a Single Gaussian Peak Fit is performed and the results are
dumped into the logfile.

Auto Calib

Makes a Gauss fit for all ROIs in the active Display for which a peak value was entered, and
performs a calibration using the fit results.

5.4. Options Menu

The Options Menu contains commands for changing display properties like scale, colors etc.,
hardware settings, calibration and comments.

Colors...

The Colors menu item or respective icon opens the Colors dialog box. It changes the palette or
Display element color depending on which mode is chosen. The current color and palette set-up
may be saved or a new one can be loaded.

Figure 5.7: Log file Options for the Single Gaussian Peak Fit

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-9

Display...

The Display menu item or the corresponding icon opens the Display Options dialog box.

Here the graphic display mode of single spectra can be chosen. The 'type' combo box gives a
choice between dot, histogram, spline I and line.

'Dot' means that each spectra point is shown as a small rectangle, the size of this rectangle can
be adjusted with the size combo box. 'Histogram' is the usual display with horizontal and vertical
lines, 'spline I' means linear interpolation between the points, and 'line' means vertical lines from
the ground to each spectra point.

If the displayed spectra range contains more channels as pixel columns are available in the video
graphic display, usually only the maximum value of the channels falling into that pixel columns is
displayed. But it can also explicitly specified by marking the checkboxes „Max Pixel“, „Mean
Pixel“ or „Min Pixel“ which value will be displayed. It is also possible to display all three possible
values in different colors that can be chosen in the colors dialog. For the „Mean Pixel“ a Threshold
value can be entered; channel contents that are below this value are then not taken into account
for the mean value calculation.

Axis...

By the Axis... menu item or the respective icon, the Axis Parameters dialog box is opened.

Figure 5.8: Colors dialog box

Figure 5.9: Display Options dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-10

It provides many choices for the axis of a display. The frame can be rectangular or L-shape, the
frame thickness can be adjusted (xWidth, yWidth). A grid for x and y can be enabled, the style can
be chosen between Solid, Dash, DashDot and DashDotDot. Ticks on each of the four frame
borders can be enabled, the tick length and thickness can be chosen. The style of the axis
labeling depends on enabled ticks at the bottom respective left side: If no ticks are enabled there,
only the lowest and highest values are displayed at the axis, otherwise the ticks are labeled.

Scaling...

The Scaling menu item or the corresponding icon opens the Scale Parameters dialog box.

It allows to change the ranges and attributes of a Spectrum axis. By setting the Auto scaling
mode, the MCDWIN will automatically recalculate the maximum y axes of the visible Spectrum
region only. To keep the same height of the visible region for a longer time, set the Auto scaling
mode off. Then with the scroll bar thumb one can quickly change the visible region scale,
otherwise the scale will be changed automatically. The Minimum auto scale mode helps to display
weak structures on a large background.

Figure 5.10: Axis Parameter dialog box

Figure 5.11: :Scale Parameters dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-11

Lin / Log scale

For a Lin scale all data intervals have the same size. With Log scale the intervals will be small for
small y values and large for large y values. All options have effect only on the active Display.

Calibration...

Using the Calibration menu item or the corresponding icon opens the Calibration dialog box.

Make a choice of several calibration formulas. Enter some cursor positions and the corresponding
values, click on Add, then on Calibrate. The obtained coefficients can be inspected together with
the statistical error, or they can be changed and entered by hand. If ‘use calibration’ is on, the
calibrated values are displayed together with the channel position of the cursor.

Comments...

Up to eleven comment lines with each 60 characters can be entered using the Comments dialog
box. The content of these lines is saved in the data header file. The first line contains
automatically the time and date when a measurement was started. The titles of each line can be
changed by editing the file COMMENT.TXT.

Figure 5.12: Calibration dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-12

Range, Preset...

The Range, Preset dialog box allows to make all the respective MCA settings (See chapter 4.1.3).

Figure 5.13: Comments dialog box

Figure 5.14: Settings dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-13

Data...

The Data dialog box allows to make all the respective Data operations and settings (See chapter

4.1.2).

System...

The System Definition dialog box allows to make all the respective settings (See chapter 4.1.4).

Figure 5.15: Data Operations dialog box

Figure 5.16: System Definition dialog box

MCDWIN Program

ComTec GmbH 5-14

Tool Bar...

Selecting the Tool Bar Menu item opens the Tool Bar Dialog Box. It allows to arrange the icons in
the Tool Bar.

If it is enabled, an array of icons in the MCDWIN Menu is shown. Clicking the left mouse button
with the cursor positioned on an icon, the user can perform a corresponding MCDWIN Menu
command very quick.

Status bar

With this menu item the Status bar at the bottom of the MCDWIN main window can be switched
on or off. A corresponding check mark shows if it is active or not. The Status bar usually shows if
an acquisition is active. When the left mouse button is pressed while the mouse cursor is within a
toolbar icon, it displays a short help message what the meaning of the toolbar icon is.

Status window

The same way it is possible to hide or show the status window at the left side of the MCDWIN
main window. The fonts can be chosen between a larger and smaller set if again selecting this
item.

Save

Saves all parameters defined in the Options menu to the MCDWIN.CNF config file.

Save As...

Saves all MCDWIN parameters defined in the Options menu to a user defined config file. The
default settings in MCDWIN.CNF are loaded when starting MCDWIN.

Retrieve...

Loads a new configuration.

Figure 5.17: Tool Bar dialog box

ComTec GmbH 5-15

5.5. Action Menu

The Action Menu or corresponding toolbar icons contain the commands to start, stop, continue
and erase a measurement. If more than one systems are formed, also more actions menus are
available, otherwise they are grayed.

Start

The Start toolbar button erases the data and starts a new measurement.

Halt

The Halt toolbar button stops a measurement.

Continue

The Continue toolbar button continues a measurement.

Erase

The Erase toolbar button erases the data.

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-1

6. WEBMCA Programming

6.1. Overview of the XML commands for controlling the webMCA

6.1.1. Version-Object

VERSION

Contains the actual protocol version.

Attribute(s) req. Content Description

ID X Protocol version Protocol version

6.1.2. Error-Object

VERSION

Contains the error number of a REQUEST

Element req. Content Description

ERROR X Error number Error number

0 no error
1 memory error
2 wrong version
3 DEVICE not existing
4 COMMAND not supported or wrong parameter(s)
5 access to DEVICE failed
6 OBJECT not existing
7 error in REQUEST-handling
8 wrong PARAMETER

6.1.3. PING-Object

PING

Contains a counter returned at an answer with PONG

Attribute(s) req. Content Description

ID X 32 Bit unsigned Integer Request for PONG

6.1.4. PONG-Object

PONG

Answer to PING. Contains the ID entered with PING.

Attribute(s) req. Content Description

ID X 32 Bit unsigned Integer Counter transfered via PING

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-2

6.1.5. Serial-Object

SERIAL

Contains the srial number

Element req. Content Description

SERIAL X Serial (max. 25 characters) Serial number as string

6.1.6. REVISION-Object

REVISION

Contains the hard- and software revision

Element req. Content Description

SOFTWARE X Software version

HARDWARE X Hardware version

Attribute(s) req. Content

VERSION X Version

DATE Date

6.1.7. DEVICETYPE-Object

DEVICETYPE

Contains the unique device type with an optional description.
Possible device types are:

Element req. Content Description

ID X Device-ID (32 Bit) unique device-ID

DEVICETYPE X Device type (32 Bit) Device type

DEVICEGROUP X Device group (32 Bit) Group assignment

DESCRIPTION Description (50 characters) Optional description

DEVICETYPE 0 - ROOT describes the main device

1 - MCA describres connected MCA
2 - Sensor describes a sensor

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-3

6.1.8. DEVICE-Object

DEVICE

Elements req. Content

DEVICETYPE X Device type

REVISION X Hard- and software revision

SERIAL X Device serial number

PARAMETER X Parameter

6.1.9. PARAMETER-Object

PARAMETER

Elements req. Content

MEASUREMENT Measurement parameter

NETWORK Network parameter

AUTH Auth.-parameter

OBJECTS Data objects

6.1.10. MEASUREMENT-Object (ext. ADC)

MEASUREMENT

Elements Req. Content

ACQUISITION X Flag measurement active (r/w)

ACQUISITION_STOP_CONDITION X Condition for stop of measurement

0 - no stop
1 - manual
2 - extern
3 - via preset

ADC_TYPE X Type of connected ADC (r)

DWELLTIME_EXTERNAL X Flag for MCS advance external via connector

(r/w)

COARSEGAIN Not for external ADC

FINEGAIN Not for external ADC

HIGHVOLTAGE Not for external ADC

OFFSET Not for external ADC

PRESET List of settings for start-/stop conditions

ACQUISITION_MODE X Measurement mode (r/w)

- PHA

- PHAS (stabilized) (for future use)

- MCS (for future use)

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-4

6.1.11. Preset-Object

PRESET

Start-/Stop conditions

Elements req. Content

START_CONDITION Value (only for date/time)

STOP_CONDITION Value (for date/time, realtime, livetime, counts)

6.1.12. START_CONDITION-Object

START_CONDITION

Attribute(s) req. Content

TYPE X Type of start condition

0 - manual
1 - external via gate signal
2 - via date/time specification

6.1.13. STOP_CONDITION-Object

STOP_CONDITION

Attribute(s) req. Content

TYPE X Type of stop condition

0 - manual
1 - external via gate signal
2 - via date/time specification
3 - Realtime preset
4 - Livetime preset
5 - Counts preset

6.1.14. NETWORK_CONDITION-Object

// TODO

6.1.15. AUTH-Object

// TODO

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-5

6.1.16. COMMAND-Object

COMMAND

Elements req. Content

NAME X Name of command

NAME:

GETDEVICES results a list of connected devices.
GETDEVICE results the parameters of a device.
CLEARSPECTRUM cleares spectra; select spectra via parameter OBJECTID=n
ACQUISITION starts or stops measurement; select device via

DEVICETYPE=TYPE and ACQUISITIOPN=0/1

6.1.17. OBJECTS-Object

OBJECTS

Elements req. Content

SPECTRUM Spectra structure

6.1.18. SPECTRUM-Object

SPECTRUM

Elements Content req.

SPECTRUM ID Number of spectra X

STORED Spectra is saved

CHANNELS Number of channels (r/w) X

BITS_PER_CHANNEL Data depth of channels in BIT (r) X

ENDIAN ENDIAN of CONTENT

0 - BIG
1 - LITTLE
2 - PDP

X

CONTENT Channel contents of total spectra as

stream (r/w)

X

CONTENT_COMPRESSION Content was compressed with ZLIB X

REALTIME Elapsed measuring time [s] (r/w) X

LIVETIME dead time corrected measuring time[s](r/w) X

DEADTIME Dead time [s] (r/w) X

STARTTIME Start time of measurement hh:mm:ss:nn

dd.mm.yyyy

X

STOPTIME Stop time of measurement hh:mm:ss:nn

dd.mm.yyyy

X

CALIBRATION_X Polynome parameter array for X-axis (r/w)

CALIBRATION_Y Polynome parameter array for Y-axis (r/w)

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-6

COMMENT Comment (r/w)

NAME Spectra name (r/w)

UNIT_X Unit of X-axis (r/w)

UNIT_Y Unit of Y-axis (r/w)

STABILIZATION Parameter for software-controlled peak

position stabilization im PHAS-mode (r/w)
(for future use)

MCS Parameter for software MCS-mode (r/w)

(for future use)

LINEARIZATION Structure array for linearization of spectra

(each structure contains the coefficients of
a 3

rd

degree polynome, as wellas the left
and right boundary channel of the region
where the polynome has to be used) (r/w)
(for future use)

6.1.19. STABILIZATION-Object

STABILIZATION

Parameter for software-peak stabilization in PHAS-mode

Elements req. Content

CENTROID X Centroid of stabilized peak

WIDTH X Capture range for stabilization in channels

COUNTS X Number of required counts in capture region for a

stabilization operation

6.1.20. MCS-Object

MCS

Parameter for software MCS-mode

Elements req. Content

ID X ID of source spectra for data evaluation

ROI_L X Left integration boundary in spectra

ROI_R X Right integration boundary

DWELLTIME X Dwell time for channel advance

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-7

6.1.21. Calibration-Object

CALIBRATION_X/_Y

Parameter for spectra

Elements req. Content

DATA X Polynome parameter

6.1.22. DATA-Object

DATA

Polynome parameters for calibration

Attribute(s) req. Content

ID X Actual content of array

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-8

6.2. XML Examples

6.2.1. command_acquisition.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<REQUEST ID="1">
<!--Protocol-Version-->
<VERSION>0.1.0</VERSION>
<!--Command-->
<COMMAND NAME="ACQUISITION" ACQUISITION="0" DEVICEID="0" />
</REQUEST>

6.2.2. Preset.xml

<PRESET>
// first start condition
<START_CONDITION TYPE="n">VALUE</START_CONDITION>
// 0 manual, 1 extern, 2 Date
// ...
// first stop condition

</STOP_CONDITION TYPE="n">VALUE</STOP_CONDITION>
// 0 none, 1 extern, 2 Date, 3 realtime, 4 livetime, 5 counts
// ...
</PRESET>

6.2.3. Set_Preset.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<REQUEST ID="34"><VERSION>0.1.0</VERSION>
<DEVICE>
<DEVICETYPE>
<ID>0</ID>
</DEVICETYPE>
<PARAMETER>
<MEASUREMENT>
<PRESET>
<STOP_CONDITION TYPE="3">11</STOP_CONDITION>
</PRESET>
</MEASUREMENT>
<OBJECTS>
<SPECTRUM>
<ID>0</ID>
</SPECTRUM>
</OBJECTS>
</PARAMETER>
</DEVICE>
</REQUEST>

6.2.4. Response_getdevice_root.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<RESPONSE ID="1">
<VERSION>0.1.0</VERSION>
<ERROR>0</ERROR>
<DEVICE>

<DEVICETYPE>
<ID>1</ID>

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-9

<DEVICETYPE>1</DEVICETYPE>
<DESCRIPTION>Root-Device</DESCRIPTION>
</DEVICETYPE>

<REVISION>
<HARDWARE>0.0.0</HARDWARE>
<SOFTWARE>0.0.0</SOFTWARE>
</REVISION>

<PARAMETER>
<!-- network parameters -->
<NETWORK>
<!-- mac -->
<ETHADDR>00:aa:aa:aa:aa:aa</ETHADDR>
<!-- ip -->
<IP>192.168.1.2</IP>
<!-- netmask, empty default netmask -->
<NETMASK>255.255.255.0</NETMASK>
<!-- gateway, empty default gateway -->
<GATEWAY>192.168.1.1</GATEWAY>
<!-- dns server list, empty no dns server -->
<DNS>
<IP>192.168.1.1</IP>
<IP>192.168.1.2</IP>
<IP>192.168.1.3</IP>
</DNS>
<!-- dhcp, 0 - disabled, 1 - enabled -->
<DHCP>0</DHCP>
</NETWORK>
<!-- authentification parameters -->
<AUTH>
<PASSWORD></PASSW ORD>
</AUTH>
</PARAMETER>
</DEVICE>
</RESPONSE>

6.2.5. Set_Spectrumlength.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<REQUEST ID="65">
<VERSION>0.1.0</VERSION>
<DEVICE>
<DEVICETYPE>
<ID>0</ID>
</DEVICETYPE>
<PARAMETER>
<OBJECTS>
<SPECTRUM>
<CHANNELS>2048</CHANNELS>
<ID>0</ID>
</SPECTRUM>
</OBJECTS>
</PARAMETER>
</DEVICE>
</REQUEST>

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-10

6.3. Delphi programming example

The example is based on the ICS - Internet Component Suite

http://www.overbyte.be
http://www.rtfm.be/fpiette/indexuk.htm
http://users.swing.be/francois.piette/indexuk.htm

Copyright (C) 1997-2001 by François PIETTE
Rue de Grady 24, 4053 Embourg, Belgium

6.3.1. TCPTest.dpr

program TCPTest;

uses
Forms,
TCPTestUnit in 'TCPTestUnit.pas' {Form1};
{$R *.res}

begin
Application.Initialize;
Application.CreateForm(TForm1, Form1);
Application.Run;
end.

6.3.2. TCPTestUnit.pas

unit TCPTestUnit;
interface
uses
Windows, Messages, SysUtils, Classes, Graphics, Controls, Forms,
Dialogs, WSocket, StdCtrls;
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
Button1: TButton;
Memo1: TMemo;
Memo2: TMemo;
WSocket: TWSocket;
Edit1: TEdit;
Label1: TLabel;
Button2: TButton;
procedure Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
procedure WSocketDataAvailable(Sender: TObject; ErrCode: Word);
procedure FormClose(Sender: TObject; var Action: TCloseAction);
procedure Button2Click(Sender: TObject);
private
{ Private-Deklarationen }
public
{ Public-Deklarationen }
end;
var
Form1: TForm1;
implementation
{$R *.dfm}

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
WSocket.SendStr(Memo1.Text+#0);
end;

procedure TForm1.WSocketDataAvailable(Sender: TObject; ErrCode: Word);

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-11

begin
Memo2.Lines.Add(WSocket.ReceiveStr);
end;

procedure TForm1.FormClose(Sender: TObject; var Action: TCloseAction);
begin
WSocket.Close;
end;

procedure TForm1.Button2Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
WSocket.Addr:=Edit1.Text;
WSocket.Connect;
end;
end.

6.3.3. TCPTestUnit.dfm

object Form1: TForm1
Left = 465
Top = 240
Width = 449
Height = 554
Caption = 'Form1'
Color = clBtnFace
Font.Charset = DEFAULT_CHARSET
Font.Color = clWindowText
Font.Height = -11
Font.Name = 'MS Sans Serif'
Font.Style = []
OldCreateOrder = False
OnClose = FormClose
PixelsPerInch = 96
TextHeight = 13
object Label1: TLabel
Left = 24
Top = 16
Width = 63
Height = 13
Caption = 'webMATE IP'
end
object Button1: TButton
Left = 24
Top = 480
Width = 75
Height = 25
Caption = 'Send'
TabOrder = 0
OnClick = Button1Click
end
object Memo1: TMemo
Left = 24
Top = 56
Width = 401
Height = 137
Lines.Strings = (
'<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>'
'<REQUEST ID="1">'
' <VERSION>0.1.0</VERSION>'
' <COMMAND NAME="GETDEVICES" />'
'</REQUEST>')
TabOrder = 1

WEBMCA Programming

ComTec GmbH 6-12

end
object Memo2: TMemo
Left = 24
Top = 216
Width = 401
Height = 249
ScrollBars = ssVertical
TabOrder = 2
end
object Edit1: TEdit
Left = 104
Top = 16
Width = 121
Height = 21
TabOrder = 3
Text = 'Edit1'
end
object Button2: TButton
Left = 264
Top = 16
Width = 75
Height = 25
Caption = 'Connect'
TabOrder = 4
OnClick = Button2Click
end
object WSocket: TWSocket
LineMode = False
LineLimit = 65536
LineEnd = #13#10
LineEcho = False
LineEdit = False
Addr = '192.168.10.200'
Port = '6668'
Proto = 'tcp'
LocalAddr = '0.0.0.0'
LocalPort = '0'
MultiThreaded = False
MultiCast = False
MultiCastIpTTL = 1
ReuseAddr = False
ComponentOptions = []
ListenBacklog = 5
ReqVerLow = 1
ReqVerHigh = 1
OnDataAvailable = WSocketDataAvailable
FlushTimeout = 60
SendFlags = wsSendNormal
LingerOnOff = wsLingerOn
LingerTimeout = 0
SocksLevel = '5'
SocksAuthentication = socksNoAuthentication
Left = 200
Top = 160
end
end

ComTec GmbH 6-13

Figure 6.1: Delphi example

Technical Data

ComTec GmbH Appendix 7-1

7. Technical Data

General: Device Type: ................................................Network MCA for NIM-ADCs

Processor: ................................................................. 32 Bit RISC 66 MHz

ADC-Control:..................................................... FPGA and adapter board

IP protocols: .........................................................ICMP, NTP, TCP, UDP

Communication: ...................................................... XML based protocols

MCA: Operating modes:...............................................................................PHA

Spectrum length: ................................. 256, 512, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k channels

Presets: ........................................................ Real time, Live time, Counts

Data: .................................................................................................32 bit

Presets: ........................................................ Real time, Live time, Counts

Power Supply: Power over Ethernet (PoE) .......................................48V; 55 mA (typical)

Physical: Material: .................................................................................... Aluminum

Size: .............................................................................. 20 x 57 x 90 mm

3

Weight: ............................................................................................. 130 g

Connectors: Serial: ...................................................................RS232 (consol) internal

ADC:...................................................................... 25 Pin SUB-D, see 3.1

ADC cable: ................................... ADC 40 cm connection cable included

Network: ...................................................RJ 45 IEEE 802.3; 10/100 MBit

External: ............................................... MCX HF-Socket (input) start/stop

Acquisition state: ................................................MCX HF-Socket (output)

Environmental: Temperature: ......................................................................... -0 to +55

o

C

Humidity: .......................................................up to 80 %, non condensing