A real-time, multichannel scaler-analyzer system for clinical investigations

The design of a fast, versatile multichannel scaler-analyzer system is described here. This system is especially suitable for clinical measurements in real time from multichannel nuclear sources characterized by single or multiple isotopes. The instrumentation characteristics are as follows: 1) The system is programmable and modular, with 16 channels maximum per module. The active channels can be selected. The channel scanning time depends upon the selected system configuration. 2) The true acquisition phase is autonomous. The acquired data are transferred from the instrumentation to the master computer under interrupt control. 3) The system is constructed from commercially available components. Their high integration and speed have led to powerful, compact, flexible instrumentation while containing cost.