Use of data aquisition with SPCM-AQRH-14.

[Calico1]

Hello,

I'm hoping to use LabVIEW to aquire data from a single photon counting module (SPCM-AQRH-14, with BNC TTL output), in order to produce 'intensity' as a function of time plots. The current hardware I have is a BNC 2120 and a PCI 6221, but I am unsure whether these will allow me to do what I would like to do (I am very new to LabVIEW, DAQ, etc.)?

If they are not suitable, would you be able to recommend suitable data aquisition hardware- I will also require to aquire data from 3 analog inputs via BNC.

Thanks for your help.

[Chris_Jones_NIUK]

Hi Calico,

Welcome to the NI Discussion Forums!

I have looked at a datasheet for the SPCM-AQRH-14, and as I understand it, this will generate a pulse train of up to a maximum of 20MHz, with a 15ns high time and a 35ns low time. Please let me know if this is not the case. 

Based on this, are you looking at acquiring the frequency of the input 'waveform' (pulses)? From this, you could relate the higher frequency to higher intensity.

You can use the counters on the 6221 to determine the frequency of input pulses, using DAQmx tasks such as those included with the examples here: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/epd/p/id/5000

Due to the high frequency of the input, accuracy would be limited, but this should be possible.

Please let me know if I have misunderstood or if you would like any clarification.