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Pyramid FX4 User Manual

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FX4
FX4 User Manual
Document ID: 2994405386
Version: v1

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Summary of Contents for Pyramid FX4

  • Page 1 FX4 User Manual Document ID: 2994405386 Version: v1...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual Table of Contents Preamble ....................5 Revisions ........................5 1.2 Document Approvals....................5 1.2.1 Signatures ..............................5 FX4 Introduction ..................6 2.1 Intended Use and Key Features ................6 2.1.1 Intended Use ............................6 2.1.2 Operating Environment ...........................7...
  • Page 3 5.2.2 High Voltage Configuration ......................... 30 5.3 FX4 Solid State Relays....................31 5.3.1 Configuration ............................32 5.3.2 Connectors............................32 5.4 FX4 Digital Inputs and Outputs ................33 5.4.1 Physical Connections........................... 34 Fiber Optics............................34 Digitals and Environmental Sensors ....................34 5.4.2 Digital Configuration ..........................34 Fiber Optic Transmitters and Receivers ....................
  • Page 4 Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 5.5 FX4 Digital to Analog Converter ................40 5.5.1 Analog Output Connections ........................ 40 5.5.2 Analog Output Configuration ......................40 Output Mode ............................40 Slew Rate ...............................41 Output Voltage Limits .......................... 42 Output Voltage Calibration ........................43 5.6 FX4 Quadrant Sensor Readout ................44...

  • Page 5: Preamble

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 1 Preamble Document ID: 2994405386 1.1 Revisions Version Description Saved by Saved on Status Initial release. Matthew Nichols Mar 6, 2025 10:32 PM APPROVED 1.2 Document Approvals This document has been reviewed and approved as follows.

  • Page 6: Fx4 Introduction

    Additionally, multiple digital inputs and outputs, including TTL, relays, and fiber optics, enable the FX4 to be used in process control applications such as dose delivery and beam interlocking. An I2C expansion interface allows the addition of peripherals such as environmental probes, additional high-voltage supplies, and process control interfaces.

  • Page 7: Operating Environment

    2.1.2 Operating Environment The FX4 is designed to be resilient in electrically noisy environments, though it is intended for use in clean, sheltered areas with a stable temperature range. The temperature of the FX4 should only vary by a few degrees to maintain optimal performance.

  • Page 8: Product Variants

    The FX4 does not come with a power supply, one must be ordered as separate line item. If you place the order on our website, you can easily specify a power supply as you are adding the FX4 to your cart or quote.

  • Page 9: Fiber Optic Accessories

    Pyramid Technical Consultants, Inc. or their authorized distributors. The FX4 unit is designed to operate from a +24 VDC power supply, with a maximum current requirement of 1 Amp. A suitably rated power supply can be provided with an FX4.

  • Page 10: Standard Symbols

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual 2.3.3 Standard Symbols 2.4 Device Certification The FX4 has been designed to comply with the following international standards: • Manufactured and tested under quality management systems accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 (for medical applications).

  • Page 11: Fx4 Getting Started

    3.1 Mounting The FX4 does not require special mounting and is typically placed flat on a tabletop or in a control chassis. The FX4 can be mounted in a 19” rack or DIN rail system using optional accessories sold by Pyramid.

  • Page 12: Network Connection

    1 Network Settings 3.4 Updating Instructions Device updates for the FX4 are managed through the web interface. To check for and install updates, access the device's web interface using a compatible browser and navigate to the System Firmware section in the Admin tab. Updates can be downloaded from the Pyramid website and uploaded via the web interface.

  • Page 13: Rebooting

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual For detailed instructions on updating, please refer to the IGX User Manual. 3.5 Rebooting At times, it may be necessary to reboot your FX4 device. The device can be restarted in the following ways: •...

  • Page 14: Fx4 Web Gui Overview

    The screen also contains rows of tabs (4 and 5) that allow users to navigate between different sections of the display. The FX4 always starts up with the same system state as before it was shut down.  The state includes range selection, sampling settings and high voltage setting.  However, any browser display settings such as graph scaling, or tab selections start in the default arrangement when the page is first opened in a browser.

  • Page 15: Quadrant Plots

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.2 Quadrant Plots Selecting the Quadrant Plots option presents the incoming data in a format suited for situations where the four currents are derived from sensing elements arranged in a symmetric quadrant pattern.

  • Page 16: Auxiliary Plots

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.3 Auxiliary Plots The auxiliary plots provide tracking of additional parameters of the FX4. The top plot is a smaller version of the four signal inputs. The central plot displays the internal high voltage monitor alongside the external high voltage loopback measurements.

  • Page 17: Control Points

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.5 Control Points The Control Points plot is used when programming the FX4 for multi-spot dosimetry. After loading a map, each control point is displayed in the table below the plot. Measured values will be added once the map is run.

  • Page 18: Time Slice

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.6 Time Slice The Time Slice plot displays the data accumulated from running the map, with each slice representing a 1 ms interval. Version: v1 FX4 Web GUI Overview: 18...

  • Page 19: User Docs

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.7 User Docs The User Docs page provides users with detailed information about the FX4. It typically includes a descriptive listing of all relevant I/O for the device. Version: v1 FX4 Web GUI Overview: 19...

  • Page 20: Programmer Docs

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.1.8 Programmer Docs The Programmer Docs page provides information for developers working with the FX4. It typically includes a listing of all relevant I/O names for the device. Version: v1 FX4 Web GUI Overview: 20...

  • Page 21: Data Display (2)

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.2 Data Display (2) The Data Display section shows the numeric values for each of the four current inputs, as well as their sum. The selected range is displayed in the upper right corner.

  • Page 22: Configuration

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.3.1 Configuration The Configuration section is used to set all features on the device, as well as control the data acquisition and output. See the Features section of this manual for full details.

  • Page 23: Process

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.3.2 Process The Process section is used to configure and operate the Dosimetry process feature. The Pyramid Nozzle software uses this feature to implement the scan/dose product. For full information on this feature see the IGX User Manual .

  • Page 24: Network

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 4.3.3 Network The network section is used to configure the Ethernet network options for the FX4. For full information on this feature see the IGX User Manual . 4.3.4 Admin The Admin section is used for administrative tasks, such as reporting the version, updating firmware, and other tasks.

  • Page 25: Fx4 Features

    5 FX4 Features 5.1 FX4 Current Inputs The primary function of the FX4 is to make current measurements. To facilitate this, the unit is equipped with four separate inputs. For detailed instructions on how to make measurements using these inputs, please refer to the section on Making Measurements in this manual.

  • Page 26: Current Measurement Configuration

    5 The FX4 GUI to Adjust Sample and Conversion Frequency Scale Correction The scalar is applied to each channel at the full data rate, immediately following the conversion process.

  • Page 27: Offset Correction

    Dose Controller. Data Acquisition Data Acquisition is a feature that allows the FX4 to capture a window of data at the sample frequency, with a guarantee of no lost samples. The device buffers the data locally in a table and can either download the data via the web GUI once the acquisition is complete or stream it to the GUI while the acquisition is still ongoing.
  • Page 28 Pressing the Link button will open the data in a new browser tab, displaying only the table data. 10 FX4 Data Acquisition Table View To export the data, press the Export CSV button located in the upper right corner of the table view.

  • Page 29: Fx4 High Voltage

    The FX4 measures the sampled voltage, and if it matches the expected level, you can be confident that the bias voltage is being properly delivered. This loopback connection is completely optional and is not required for proper high voltage output.

  • Page 30: Connections

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 5.2.1 Connections Two SHV connectors interface with the high voltage output and loopback signals. 14 High Voltage Connectors on Rear Panel 5.2.2 High Voltage Configuration The High Voltage configuration section allows you to set the command voltage up to the maximum allowed voltage for the device.

  • Page 31: Fx4 Solid State Relays

    The relays on the FX4 can be configured to operate in current loops or as 24V logic. A +24 VDC supply is provided and fused at 300 mA. In either configuration, it is straightforward to connect multiple devices in a series interlock loop, where any single device can interrupt the line, providing redundant interlocking and enhancing system reliability.

  • Page 32: Configuration

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 5.3.1 Configuration • Relay State: Displays the current state of the relay. It will show CLOSED if the relay is closed, OPENED if the relay is open, or LOCKED is the relay is open and cannot be closed due to an interlock.

  • Page 33: Fx4 Digital Inputs And Outputs

    Relay B Contact 2 Relay A Contact 2 5.4 FX4 Digital Inputs and Outputs The FX4 features a variety of digital inputs and outputs, including fiber optic I/O, digital I/O, and support for environmental sensors. The digital I/ O is highly flexible and can perform a range of...

  • Page 34: Physical Connections

    Fiber Optic Transmitters and Receivers The FX4 is equipped with three fiber optic transmitter/receiver pairs, all of which can be used for general-purpose I/O. However, the first pair has a special function that allows it to be used for remote...

  • Page 35: Logic Digital I/O

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual communication. The inputs can be de-bounced to eliminate noise, and the outputs can be slewed to smooth transitions. 3.3V Logic Digital I/O Digital I/O is typically available through the D9 expansion connector, with individual pins referred to as D1, D2, D3, and D4.

  • Page 36: Timer Module 7

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual The encoder typically has three inputs, two to receive the encoder pulses, and one for the encoder index. These dedicated inputs must be programmed to enable the encode feature. The following setups and readbacks are available: •...
  • Page 37 Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual • Clock Configuration: When the timer module is set to “Clock”, the digital is programmed to output a standard clock signal. The clock frequency is configurable. • PWM Configuration: When the timer module is set to “PWM”, then the digital can be programmed to output a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal.
  • Page 38 Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual For more information on the Timer 7 feature see the Sitara AM335x Programmer Manual . PWM Module 0, 1, and 2 PWM modules can control up to two digital outputs for pulse width modulation output. The digitals will be specific to the device, which will need to be programmed for PWM functionality.

  • Page 39: Pwm Module 0, 1, And 2

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual ◦ up-count: the time based counter starts from zero and increments until it reaches the value in the period register. ◦ down-count: the time based counter starts from the period register and decrements when it reaches zero.

  • Page 40: Fx4 Digital To Analog Converter

    21 FX4 Digital to Analog Converter GUI 5.5.1 Analog Output Connections The analog outputs are accessed via four BNC connectors as show in the diagram below.

  • Page 41: Slew Rate

    The ramp rate value is available in the Web GUI or can be programmed via the HTTP interface. If the ramp rate is set to zero, the feature is disabled, and the output will change as fast as the FX4 internal amplifiers allow.

  • Page 42: Output Voltage Limits

    23 Analog Output Ramp Rate with No Slew Setting a non-zero value for the ramp rate defines the rate in V/sec. The FX4 will then execute a staircase of small, short steps to closely approximate a smooth slope at the requested rate. The fine detail of this staircase is constrained by the minimum time between steps (25 microseconds) and the smallest possible voltage step (one bit = 0.3 mV).

  • Page 43: Output Voltage Calibration

    The calibration factors are applied as follows: Vout = Gain * (Vraw – Offset) Where Vout is the voltage sent out by the FX4, and Vraw is the voltage that would be sent out if no calibration were applied. The Raw Gain represents the resolution of the output, or the number of microvolts per bit.

  • Page 44: Fx4 Quadrant Sensor Readout

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 5.6 FX4 Quadrant Sensor Readout If the FX4 is connected to a symmetric quadrant sensor arrangement, the centering of a charge distribution can be determined from the four signals. The labeling of the four quadrants, the...

  • Page 45: Quadrant Position Calculation

    5.6.1 Quadrant Position Calculation The FX4 employs an algorithm to calculate the beam position, based on a standard method used for beam position calculations. The basic algorithm assumes a Gaussian beam and is as follows: •...

  • Page 46: Connections

    27 Connecting the Quadrant Detector The labeling of the four quadrants, the orientation of the sensor, and the required XY coordinate system must all be carefully considered when mapping the sensor outputs to the FX4 inputs. These Version: v1 FX4 Features: 46...
  • Page 47 By correctly mapping the sensor outputs to the FX4 inputs, you can ensure that the beam position calculation accurately reflects the correct X and Y coordinates, as required for your system.

  • Page 48: Fx4 Dose Controller

    Once this is completed, the beam is turned off through one or more of the FX4 outputs. Additionally, in the case of an error or fault condition, the beam will be immediately turned off to ensure safety.
  • Page 49 The Dose Controller feature can be quite complex and intimidating to use, especially for new users. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Pyramid for any assistance during this process. Many of our Dose Controller users seek help at various stages, and we are more than happy to guide you through the setup and operation to ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely.

  • Page 50: Fx4 Making Measurements

    The signals shown below illustrate the FX4’s capability: On one end of the spectrum, it can resolve a three pA current from an ionization chamber using the most sensitive range with slow sampling. On the other end, it can accurately measure a 10 kHz sine wave on the 100 µA range with fast sampling.
  • Page 51 The illustrative data plotted below shows 128 consecutive samples of a 50.015 nA signal measured on range 0 (100 nA full scale), at various FX4 sample rates. Note the difference in timescales: at a 10 Hz sample rate, the plot covers a total of 12.8 seconds of data, whereas at a 10,000 Hz sample rate, the plot shows only 12.8 milliseconds of data.
  • Page 52 Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual sample rate to 1000 Hz provides useful data even when measuring a signal that is just 0.05% of full scale. To avoid digitization effects in your data, use a more sensitive range whenever possible and consider selecting a lower sampling rate.

  • Page 53: Higher Bandwidth 100 Na And 1 Μa Ranges

    As a result, the two most sensitive ranges, 0 (100 nA) and 2 (1 µA), have reduced bandwidth. However, if the capacitive load on the input of the FX4 is kept low, the circuit can still remain stable. To offer greater time resolution, the FX4 provides higher bandwidth versions of these two ranges, 1 (100 nA) and 3 (1 µA).
  • Page 54 Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual 32 Offset of 50nA Signal Over Air Temperature For optimal accuracy, it is recommended to use the offset correction feature to remove any residual offset before taking measurements. Version: v1 FX4 Making Measurements: 54...

  • Page 55: Fx4 Troubleshooting Guide

    Change IP or use DHCP ping the known IP address. Incorrect IP in browser Check FX4 IP on LCD Use correct IP in browser Check computer and FX4 Wrong net mask Use the FX4 netmask or modify netmask Version: v1 FX4 Troubleshooting Guide: 55...

  • Page 56: Communication Interruptions

    Document ID: 2994405386 FX4 – FX4 User Manual Possible Cause Confirmation Solution Bad Ethernet cable Try a CAT 5e or better cable Replace defective cable Software failure Contact Pyramid Contact Pyramid 7.6 Communication Interruptions Possible Cause Confirmation Solution Network traffic too high...

  • Page 57: Fx4 Maintenance

    Instructions on how to update the software via the web interface are provided in the IGX User Manual. If the FX4 is being used in a medical application, Pyramid is equipped to assist you in tracking and managing software versions that are appropriate for your application. Additionally, Pyramid can provide guidance on recommended update schedules and strategies to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

  • Page 58: Fx4 Support & Returns Procedure

    9.2 Returns Procedure To return a damaged or faulty unit, you must first obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from Pyramid Technical Consultants, Inc. Returns without an RMA cannot be accepted. To request an RMA, please contact Pyramid Technical Consultants at support@ptcusa.com...

  • Page 59: Fx4 Disposal

    FX4 – FX4 User Manual 10 FX4 Disposal We hope your FX4 device provides long and reliable service. It is manufactured in compliance with the European Union RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, ensuring that it is free from hazardous substances and meets the environmental standards set forth for electronic equipment. However, when the device reaches the end of its operational life, it is essential to dispose of it in accordance with local environmental regulations.

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