xMAP
The xMap is a multi-channel digital pulse processor designed for high-rate x-ray spectroscopy and fast-mapping applications at synchrotron beamlines, and offers the following advantages:
- Compatible with SDD, HPGe and other x-ray detector types
- Output Count Rates approaching 1 Mcps per channel
- Sophisticated pile-up inspection
- 4-channel PXI card easily expandable to 100+ channels
- Auto gain adjust/calibration across all channels
- Onboard dual memory for deadtimeless MCA, SCA and List Mode mapping
- Open source driver libraries for custom DAQ control
Documents
Software
| Name | Type | OS | Architecture | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProSpect | GUI | Windows 10 | 64-bit | View Release |
| Handel | API | Windows 10, Linux | 32 or 64-bit | View Release |
FAQ
Is the xMAP compatible with 64-Bit Windows?
The xMAP itself is fully compatible with 64-bit Windows systems. However, the PXI-PCI and PXI-PCIe bridges may not be supported. We have confirmed that 64-bit Windows supports the following PXI-PCI(e) bridges:
-
PCI-8361
-
PCI-8366
-
PCIe-8361
-
PCIe-8362
-
PCIe-8371
-
PCIe-8375
-
PCIe-8381
-
PCIe-8398
Why can't I execute burst reads of data from the hardware?
The burst read function used in reading out xMAP spectrum and mapping data is particularly sensitive to operating conditions. A problematic PCI bridge could start up normally, but will cause error at spectrum and mapping data readout. The problem may be caused by one or more of the following causes:
- a faulty fan in the system causing overheating,
- dust on the PCI bridge,
- an incompatible PCI/PCIe bridge for your operating system,
- or incorrect drivers.
How do I install the 64-bit PLX Windows Drivers?
- Connect and power on the crate and boot up the PC. Check if “Other PCI bridge device” and “PCI devices” show up in Device Manager.
- Run “NI Device Drivers CD” from Aug 2011, reboot. Note: starting with a newer version of the Device Drivers CD, NI-VISA, or NI PXI Platform Services should also install the necessary drivers.
- If Device Manager shows a problem on a “PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge” device (error code 31) or does not show an “Other PCI Bridge Device,” there may be a compatibility problem with the host system BIOS. Follow the steps in the NI MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility software. For example, the combination of Lenovo Thinkpad L512 and PXI-1033 crate connected via NI ExpressCard-8360 requires this update.
- Verify NI PXI 8360 and PXI-6221 are recognized after reboot.
- Install ProSpect. Reboot as directed.
- The xMap drivers should have been installed correctly now, if not, try the following procedures.
- In Device Manager open the 2 “Other PCI bridge device”, update drivers, and select the drivers\plx folder in ProSpect’s program directory.
- Device Manager should now recognize an XIA xMAP Digital Spectrometer (64-bit) under Other Devices.
