The SenSiC PCR4 is a compact 4-channel picoammeter designed for simultaneous low-current readout of silicon carbide detectors and advanced beamline diagnostic systems.
Developed for applications requiring stable, fast and multi-channel current acquisition, the PCR4 combines a dedicated transimpedance input stage, analog signal conditioning, filtering electronics, integrated voltage bias and remote Ethernet control in a single instrument.
24-bit resolution, with a wide input dynamic, ranging from pico amps to milli amps, the PCR4 comes with an integrated bias source (± 20 V) suited for SiC-based X-ray beam monitors, where reliable readout of positive and negative current signals is essential for detector commissioning, operation, and long-term control.
The system can be easily used through EPICS and TANGO, or with a PYTHON interface.
Designed for silicon carbide sensors
The PCR4 covers a wide input dynamic range, allowing the same instrument to be used to read the SiC sensors across different operating conditions: from low-flux monochromatic beams to high-intensity white beams after the insertion device.
The system provides four selectable measurement ranges:
- Range 0: ±50 mA
- Range 1: ±250 µA
- Range 2: ±2.5 µA
- Range 3: ±25 nA
Fast acquisition and real-time control
The PCR4 is designed for applications where beam-induced current signals must be acquired continuously and transferred to the beamline control system.
Across the full dynamic range, from ±50 mA down to ±25 nA, the PCR4 maintains low RMS noise levels, enabling reliable readout of both high-current beamline signals and low-current detector responses.
The instrument supports acquisition speeds up to 10 kSamples/s, with an analog bandwidth of 800 Hz at −3 dB. Remote communication is provided through Ethernet TCP-IP, with support for EPICS-based and Python-based control interfaces.
Device Specifics
| PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS | SenSiC PCR4 Picoammeter |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Channels Connectors | BNC |
| Current Polarity | Bipolar |
| Dynamic Ranges | 24 bits |
| Measuring Range (R0–R1–R2–R3) | RANGE0: ±50 mA RANGE1: ±250 µA RANGE2: ±2.5 µA RANGE3: ±25 nA |
| Acquisition Speed | Up to 10 kSamples/s |
| Analog Bandwidth −3 dB | 800 Hz |
| Current Resolution LSB (R0–R1–R2–R3) | RANGE0: 6 nA RANGE1: 30 pA RANGE2: 300 fA RANGE3: 3 fA |
| Bias Voltage Source | ±20 V (Bipolar) |
| Bias Voltage Connectors | BNC |
| External Signals | Configurable trigger input/output |
| External Signals Connector | LEMO |
| Communication Interface | 10/100/1000 Mbit Ethernet TCP-IP |
| Interface | EPICS – QuadEM |
| Input Voltage Supply | +12 V |
| Status Indications | 4 LEDs |
| Weight | – |
| Physical Dimension | 200 × 300 × 75 mm |
Complete detector + electronics solution
The PCR4 is part of the SenSiC ecosystem for radiation-hard silicon carbide beam diagnostics.
When combined with SenSiC SiC detectors, the PCR4 enables a complete readout chain from sensor to beamline control system. This integrated approach simplifies device commissioning, reduces compatibility issues and provides users with a coherent solution for real-time X-ray monitoring.
SenSiC can support the selection of the appropriate detector geometry, bias configuration, measurement range and control interface according to the target application.
Easy integration into beamline environments
The PCR4 is housed in a compact metallic enclosure that can be positioned close to the detector in order to reduce cable length and minimize noise pickup. The system also provides configurable external trigger input/output through LEMO connectors, supporting synchronization with external acquisition systems, motion stages, or beamline timing signals.
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