Fundamental Technologies Voyager LECP Pages

The Voyager (MJS) LECP Pulse Height Analyzer (PHA)

(Document Source: A. F. Hogrefe, 28 July, 1977, EME-77-159)

Preface

The Applied Physics Laboratory S1P Group has an experiment to monitor Low Energy Charged Particles during the Voyager '77 (originally Mariner-Jupiter-Saturn) mission. The two spacecraft probes in this series provide a unique opportunity for measurement of both the interplanetary solar winds and the local radiation fields of the two planets. The LECP is the latest in a series designed by S1P and includes an elementary Pulse Height Analyzer for improved particle identification and energy resolution. EME was responsible for the design and qualification of this Pulse Height Analyzer. Concepts, specifications and test results are detailed herein.

The LECP was conceived and designed by several individuals. The Pulse Height Analyzer portion uses some designs and concepts developed elsewhere in the experiment. The successful interface with the analog and digital portions of the experiment was due to the patience and perseverance of all concerned. Supporting help at the board and test level was provided by S1P and EEF fabrication personnel. Mechanical design and drafting was accomplished by S1P while the hybrid designs were developed within EME. JPL provided assistance in radiation hardening the design and maintaining highly reliable components for production. The attached references detail some of the contributions and the efforts of all concerned have been much appreciated.

Contents:

1. The Basic Pulse Height Analyzer
2. LEPT Mode
3. LEMPA Mode
4. Circuit Detail
5. Tailoring the Pulse Height Analyzer
6. Specifications for the LECP Pulse Height Analyzer
7. Calibration Table for Pulse Height Analyzers
8. References
9. Appendix A - PHA Test Set
10. Appendix B - Discrete Parts List

Return to Voyager LECP Data Analysis Handbook Table of Contents.
Return to Fundamental Technologies Home Page.

Last modified 6/20/03, Tizby Hunt-Ward
tizby@ftecs.com