Nuclear Instrumentation Module: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:36, 28 June 2023

Latest revision as of 03:03, 25 December 2024

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{{refimprovemore citations needed|date=July 2011}}

[[File:Short Nuclear Instrumentation Crate - side view.jpg|thumb|A NIM crate with a variety of modules]]

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The NIM standard also specifies cabling, connectors, [[Electrical impedance|impedances]] and levels for [[Boolean logic|logic]] signals. The fast logic standard (commonly known as '''NIM logic''') is a current-based logic, negative "true" (at −16 mA into 50 ohms = −0.8 volts) and 0 mA for "false"; {{clarify span|an [[Emitter-coupled logic|ECL]]-based logic|reason="RAS syndrome"?|date=June 2023}} is also specified.

Apart from the above -mentioned mechanical/physical and electrical specifications/restrictions, the individual is free to design their module in any way desired, thus allowing for new developments and improvements for efficiency or looks/aesthetics.

NIM modules cannot communicate with each other through the crate backplane; this is a feature of later standards such as [[Computer Automated Measurement and Control|CAMAC]] and [[VMEbus]]. As a consequence, NIM-based ADC modules are nowadays uncommon in nuclear and particle physics. NIM is still widely used for amplifiers, discriminators, nuclear pulse generators and other logic modules that do not require digital data communication but benefit from a backplane connector that is better suited for high-power use.