Single-Channel Analyzers (SCA)

• Essential instrument for pulse-height discrimination and event selection
• Outputs logic signal only when pulses fall within a defined energy window
• Available in timing and non-timing configurations for flexible applications
• Supports integral, normal, and window modes for precise signal filtering
• High stability and accuracy for nuclear spectroscopy and counting systems
• Models available with integrated amplifier, timing, and pulse-shape analysis
• Multi-channel options (e.g., quad SCA) for parallel signal processing
• Compatible with HPGe, scintillation, proportional, and silicon detectors

Single-Channel Analyzers (SCA) are specialized electronic instruments used in radiation detection systems to select and process signals within a defined energy range.

An SCA operates by setting lower-level (LL) and upper-level (UL) thresholds, creating a pulse-height window. Only signals with amplitudes within this window generate an output logic pulse, enabling precise event selection and noise rejection.

There are two main types of SCAs:

Non-timing SCAs → Generate output based on energy window conditions
Timing SCAs → Provide timing signals correlated with detected events

ORTEC offers a wide range of SCA solutions, including:

Standard pulse-height analyzers (e.g., Model 550A)
Timing SCAs for coincidence and time-resolved measurements (e.g., Model 551)
Pulse-shape analysis + timing SCAs (e.g., Model 552)
Integrated amplifier + SCA systems (e.g., Model 590A)
Multi-channel SCAs (e.g., Model 850 Quad SCA)

These systems are widely used in nuclear physics experiments, radiation counting setups, and detector signal conditioning, where accurate event discrimination is critical.

Product Type: Single-Channel Analyzer (SCA)
Function: Pulse-height discrimination and signal selection
Operating Modes:

• Integral mode (single threshold)
• Normal mode (independent LL and UL)
• Window mode (defined energy window)

Input Signal Range: Typically 0 to 10 V (model-dependent)
Dynamic Range: Up to 200:1 or higher
Timing Features (timing models):

• Adjustable delay
• Constant-fraction timing
• Fast logic outputs

Output:

• NIM-standard logic pulses
• LL and UL discriminator outputs

Configurations Available:

• Single-channel modules
• Multi-channel (quad) systems
• Integrated amplifier + SCA units

Interfaces: NIM module standard (laboratory systems)
Compatibility:

• HPGe detectors
• Scintillation detectors (NaI, LaBr)
• Proportional counters
• Silicon detectors

• Pulse-height discrimination in radiation detection
• Nuclear spectroscopy experiments
• Coincidence and timing measurements
• Event selection and noise rejection
• Particle counting and detector signal processing
• Gamma and alpha spectroscopy systems
• Research in nuclear and particle physics