New Calgary Neutron Monitor Data Acquisition System

The purpose of the project is to supply the World Neutron Database (NMDB) with high-quality data in an online, real-time mode. To do so, we created, and run continuously, a new "real-time hardware" data acquisition system using a set of low-cost (less than $15) counters based on Cypress Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC) technology. The PSoC is flexible and has microcontroller and FPGA-like capabilities which have enabled us to build a multi-level solution with low-level multi-channel counters and a top-level data acquisition and storage system, capable of supplying the NMDB with a real-time data stream. The top-level data acquisition system queries twelve PSoCs in an asynchronous command mode, sending commands and waiting for replies from the PSoCs asynchronously. The PSOC units replace the preamplifier electronics on each counter. Recent test show the units to be stable with a variety of supply-voltage sources and capable of running without adjustment for extended periods.