Magnetic Tape Data Interface for Multiple Ge(Li) Spectrometers

A buffered electronic Data Transfer Interface has been developed for acquiring data from 1-14 Ge(Li) and/or NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometers and processing this data in an IBM 1130 Minicomputer System. Sample instrument and spectrum data are transferred between remote spectrometers and mass storage buffer and between buffer and processor as standard formatted data files. Spectrometers and the processor are serviced on a time-sharing basis in accordance with a multiple service demand queue. The first record of each magnetic tape data file consists of a serial file number and all samples and instrument data. Sample and instrument data, including sample number, sample group code, accummulate time, configuration code, energy range code, energy calibration code, instrument number and analysis code, are entered from punched sample cards, thumbwheel switches and a time of year clock. All subsequent data file records consist of spectra data. Operation of the data interface is initiated from individual spectrometers, the data interface Control and Data Unit or from the processor. Part of the data interface was installed and placed in continuous operation with one Ge(Li) spectrometer in 1970. Additional spectrometers and interface equipment are currently being added to complete the system.