Hexagon is a stand-alone, single or dual digital 32k MCA, integrating input stage for the signal conditioning, fast analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital processing algorithms, HV and Preamplifier Power Supply in a compact desktop form factor.

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Operating Modes
Hexagon can be configured to operate in Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) acquisition mode, in Multichannel Scaling (MCS) acquisition mode, or in both PHA and MCS modes simultaneously. Multiple PHA spectra can be collected using Multispectral Scaling (MSS) mode with no data loss when switching to a new spectrum. The Time-Stamped List mode permits time and energy events to be saved either to on-board memory or to the host PC for offline analysis and post-processing. Analog input signals and internal digital filter outputs can be inspected via the Signal Inspector mode. Additionally, Compton/AntiCompton data acquisition is supported by taking advantage of the 2-input channel version.

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I/O Equipment and Additional Features
Hexagon is equipped with I/O connectors which support several features beyond the standard MCA functionality. A DB25 I/O connector supports PHA Start/Stop, SCA, MCS, Coincidence/AntiCoincidence, Acquisition Start/Stop, ICR, Run Status, Sample Changer, and Sample Ready signals. The BNC connectors are reserved for Transistor Reset Preamp (TRP) inhibit, where the inhibit takes place on an external digital signal and can be extended in time via programming. Two SATA connectors allow for very precise multi-board synchronization, time stamp alignment, and system building via a simple daisy chain. Front Panel LED indicators inform the user as to board and I/O status, polarity of the power supply, and multi-board sync status. An OLED display provides general board information, real-time statistics on ICR, OCR, Real/Live/Dead Time, as well as details on the HVPS channel output.

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HV and LV Power Supply
Hexagon can provide HV bias for up to two detectors. Three ranges of bias voltage and current, which are software configurable on a per-channel basis and hardware protected, allow the user to tailor the output V/I to specific detector types such as PMT (2 kV / 1 mA), HPGe (5 kV / 30 μA), and Silicon (500 V / 50 μA). The 2-input channel version of Hexagon allows the user to select the polarity configuration upon ordering: Positive-Positive, Negative-Negative, or Mixed. The 1-input channel version of Hexagon is provided with an HVPS configuration which includes 1-channel Positive Polarity and 1 -channel Negative Polarity. HV inhibit is supported with both positive and negative polarity. Hexagon also integrates low voltage outputs (±12 V / 100 mA and ±24 V / 50 mA) to power preamplifiers. Detector Temperature and Nitrogen Levels may be monitored via external sensor interface.

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Software
Hexagon is controlled by Quantus, a general-purpose gamma-ray quantitative spectroscopy software. Independently of the detector geometry or sample used, Quantus can analyze any recorded gamma-ray spectrum for radionuclide identification and quantification. Multiple spectra can be analyzed at the same time, and/or acquiring data from several connected detectors is supported. The advanced Graphical User Interface incorporates tools for a wide set of necessary analysis functions: peak searching, peaks continuum subtraction, peak qualification, automatic ROI location, energy calibration with visual interaction, FWHM calibration, efficiency calibration, nuclide identification and activity calculation.

Hexagon keeps the compatibility with MC2Analyzer (MC2A), CAEN multi-board configuration and data acquisition software with basical spectrum analysis (ROI, energy calibration, FWHM, statistics), supporting all CAEN MCAs and digitizers running the DPP-PHA algorithm.
The embedded Linux-based ARM processor makes Hexagon well suited for unattended operations. Taking advantage of the available SDK tool, the user can customize the software (running embedded or on an external PC). The parameters of the processing algorithms can be tuned according to the detector or the application, and custom routines can be developed for automated operations, such as on-board spectrum and list recording, acquisition settings, logging and autonomous data acquisition when unconnected from external hosts.

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Connectivity
Hexagon can be controlled with a point-to-point direct connection through the USB 2.0 link and with a remote network connection by the Ethernet 10/100T port. The module also features a web interface that supports basic operations (sans spectroscopy software) by simply opening a web browser. The web interface is a quick and useful tool for finding basic board information (e.g. model type, serial number, firmware version, CPU load averages, real memory occupancy), for retrieving files saved on the onboard memory, for setting operational functions for each run (e.g. order, cut, copy/paste files, create and delete directories, user rights, etc.), and for managing network settings and upgrading firmware.