Core/basic binary (C/C++) API introduction

The PIXet is a multi-platform software developed in ADVACAM company. It is a basic software that allows measurement control and saving of measured data with Medipix detectors. It supports Medipix2, Medipix3, Timepix and Timepix3 detectors and all the readout-devices sold by ADVACAM company such as FitPIX, AdvaPIX, WidePIX, etc. It is written in C++ language and uses multi-platform Qt libraries.

This document describes a developer interface of the PIXet software. This developer interface consists of dynamic linked library pxcore.dll (Windows) or libpxcore.so (Mac or Linux), the corresponding header file for the library pxcapi.h and few other supporting libraries (fitpix.dll, Visual Studio runtime libraries, etc.)

The core API with the pxcore library, allowing basic measurements and device settings.
Files:

pxcapi.h API header file
pxcore.dll or pxcore.so binary libraries for Windows or Linux
pxcore.lib static linging file for easier using on Windows (compile time only)
common.h common file defining basic types, constatns and usefull macros. It's not necessary, but it can be useful.

And need some auxiliary files and directories:

Requirements

Hardware

This API requires computer with x86 compatible architecture (no ARM), 64bit Windows or Linux and connected some Advacam hardware with imaging chip. Medipix3, Timepix, Timepix2, Timepix3, etc. Some functions are universal for all hardwares (pxcInitialize, pxcGetDeviceName, etc), some is specialized for only one chip type (pxcMeasureSingleFrameTpx3 is Timepix3 only).

Specialized functions have names with chip type included:

pxcSetTimepixCalibrationEnabled – Timepix only (no Timepix3)
pxcMeasureTpx3DataDrivenMode – Timepix3 only
pxcMeasureSingleFrameMpx3 – Medipix3 only

The attempt to use the function if compatible hardware (in initialized state) not present, end with error.
Return code is PXCERR_UNEXPECTED_ERROR.

Software

All the API functions have heads in pxcapi.h, implemented for Windows in the pxcore.dll and for linking must use the pxcore.lib in the linker settings. Implementation for Linux is in the libcore.so.
Compiled program need the pixet.ini file with proper hwlibs list inside, necessary hardware dll files (eq minipix.dll for Minipixes), optional special files (eq zestwpx.bit for Widepixes), subdirectory “factory” with default config files for all present imaging devices (eq MiniPIX-I08-W0060.xml) and the Pixet core will create subdirectory “configs” to save changed configs on exit.
See The Pixet core, additional libraries and other files
Usually, for build, just set the compiler to use 64bit and the linker to use the pxcore.lib file.

In Microsoft visual studio, while creating the C++ CLR project, it is also necessary to insert the use of WIN32 definition into the project settings (C/C++ / Preprocessor / Preprocessor definitions):

Visual Studio Project Settings

The Pixet core, additional libraries and other files

Main files:

pxcapi.h API header file for importing to C/C++
pxcore.dll or pxcore.so binary libraries for Windows or Linux
pxcore.lib static linging file for easier using in C/C++ on Windows

And need some auxiliary files and directories:

Where to get these files?

All need files except XML configs are located in the zip file with name like us: PIXet_SDK_1.8.0_(Build_22b1f335)_Win.zip

Download: Advacam: Pixet Pro Software Updates

And all files except LIB files for Windows compilation are located in the Pixet directory:

All files except LIB files for Windows compilation are located in the Pixet directory

Example of the project directory

Example of the project dirrectory

On the right is a screenshot of the Windows CLR APP project directory in Visual Studio that uses Minipix Tpx3. The marked files were copied from the Advacam SDK and the "factory" directory contains the configuration XML file for the device. It is important that the name is complete, eg MiniPIX-I08-W0060.xml. This file will be used on first launch.

The directory "configs" is created when Pixet core is terminated and contains a configuration XML file with saved current settings. This file will be used on each subsequent startup and updated on each subsequent exit.

The "logs" directory is created when Pixet core is started for the first time and contains LOG files from device activity and backups of these files for the last 10 starts.

Contents of the pixet.ini file:

[hwlibs]
minipix.dll

(x64, Myform... and TPx3-1... are from the MS Visual studio project)

Don't forget to set up WIN32 and pxcore.lib in the project settings as described in the parent chapter.

Tip: How to create the Windows CLR APP:
MSDN:create-c-windows-forms-application-in-visual-studio-2017

Example of the minimalistic program directory

Example of the minimalistic project dirrectory

Basic examples

Simple C commandline example and build

Example code

This is simple example of commandline C program, whitch initializes the Pixet core and device, sets it's operation mode, measures single frame, saves the frame to some files and deinitializes the Pixet core with all the connected devices.
(Timepix3 only)

 #include "pxcapi.h"
 
 int main() {
     int rc; // return code
     
     printf("Initializing...\n");
     rc = pxcInitialize();
     printf("pxcInitialize: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     
     rc = pxcSetTimepix3Mode(0, PXC_TPX3_OPM_TOATOT); // sets OPM of device with index 0
     printf("pxcSetTimepix3Mode: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     
     // pxcMeasureMultipleFrames(deviceIndex, frameCount, acqTime, triggerSettings);
     rc = pxcMeasureMultipleFrames(0, 3, 1, PXC_TRG_NO);
     printf("pxcMeasureMultipleFrames: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     
     // pxcSaveMeasuredFrame(deviceIndex, frameLastIndex, filename);
     rc = pxcSaveMeasuredFrame(0, 0, "testImg0.png");
     printf("pxcSaveMeasuredFrame 0: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     rc = pxcSaveMeasuredFrame(0, 1, "testImg1.txt");
     printf("pxcSaveMeasuredFrame 1: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     rc = pxcSaveMeasuredFrame(0, 2, "testImg2.pbf");
     printf("pxcSaveMeasuredFrame 2: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
     
     rc = pxcExit();
     printf("pxcExit: %d (0 is OK)\n", rc);
 }

Note: If You want test it in device other than Timepix3, You can comment lines with pxcSetTimepix3Mode. But then it is not clear what will be measured.

Building using cmake on Windows with Visual Studio installed

Example of CMakeLists.txt file for compiling this using cmake (C++ file is named "minipix1.cpp"):

 cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.10)
 project(minipix1)
 
 # include_directories(${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR})
 # link_directories(${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR})
 add_library(pxcore SHARED IMPORTED)
 set_property(TARGET pxcore PROPERTY IMPORTED_LOCATION "${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/pxcore.dll")
 set_property(TARGET pxcore PROPERTY IMPORTED_IMPLIB  "${CMAKE_SOURCE_DIR}/pxcore.lib")
 add_executable(minipix1 minipix1.cpp)
 target_link_libraries(minipix1 pxcore)

Example of the Cmake building script:

 rmdir /s /q build
 mkdir build
 cd build
 cmake -DCMAKE_GENERATOR_PLATFORM=x64 .. 
 
 msbuild /P:Configuration=Release ALL_BUILD.vcxproj 
 
 cd .. 
 copy pxcore.dll build\Release\pxcore.dll
 copy minipix.dll build\Release\minipix.dll
 copy pixet.ini build\Release\pixet.ini
 echo build\Release\minipix1.exe > run.cmd

User can finally run the run.cmd to run the program.

Building on Linux using GCC

Example build.sh:

 #!/bin/bash
 gcc -o build-out minipix1.cpp -Wno-write-strings -L. -lpxcore -lminipix  -ldl -lm -lc -g

Example run.sh to run the output executable:

 #!/bin/bash
 LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./build-out
 # run last compiled example

C# examples

Notes:

Use the release/64 bit configuration
The working directory is directory with the exe file. Typically project\bin\Release. Copy pixet.ini and other auxilliary files here.
In the MS Visual studio 2019, project first not working. You must click Properties, change .NET version to old, save it, change .NET version back to actual and save. Now project can work.

Simple C# commandline example

using System;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;

namespace ConsoleApp1 {
    class Program {
        [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
        public static extern int pxcInitialize(Int32 a, UInt64 b);

        [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
        public static extern int pxcExit();

        [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
        public static extern int pxcGetDevicesCount();
        static void Main(string[] args) {
            int rc;

            Console.WriteLine("pxcInitialize ...");
            rc = pxcInitialize(0, 0);
            Console.WriteLine($"rc={rc:D}");

            Console.WriteLine("pxcGetDevicesCount...");
            rc = pxcGetDevicesCount();
            Console.WriteLine("rc={0:D}\n", rc);

            if (rc > 0) {
                // do something now
            } else {
                Console.WriteLine("No devices detected\n");
            }

            Console.WriteLine("pxcExit...");
            rc = pxcExit();
            Console.WriteLine("rc={0:D}", rc);

            Console.ReadKey();
        }
    }
}

Some more complex imports for inspiration:

 [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
 public static extern int pxcGetDeviceChipID(UInt32 deviceIndex, UInt32 chipIndex, StringBuilder chipIDBuffer, UInt32 size);

 [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
 public static extern int pxcGetDeviceDimensions(UInt32 deviceIndex, ref UInt32 width, ref UInt32 height);

 [DllImport("pxcore.dll", CallingConvention = CallingConvention.Cdecl)]
 public static extern int pxcMeasureSingleFrameTpx3(UInt32 deviceIndex, double frameTime, [Out] double[] frameToaITot, [Out] UInt16[] frameTotEvent, ref UInt32 size, UInt32 trgStg = 0);

C# Windows desktop example

See C-sharp windows example

API Functions

This chapter contains list of functions of the binary API.
The PXCAPI keyword is defined:

#ifndef WIN32 // Windows
    #define PXCAPI extern "C" __attribute__ ((visibility("default")))
#else         // Linux
    #define PXCAPI extern "C" __declspec(dllexport)
#endif

Auxiliary functions

This chapter describes auxiliary functions. There are need for normal using of the device, but it not measuring.

Start-up and end

pxcInitialize

This function initializes the Pixet software and all connected devices. This function has to be called first before any other function except pxcGetLastError.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcInitialize(int argc = 0, char const* argv[] = NULL);

Parameters

argc – number of program command line arguments (optional parameter)
argv – command line program arguments (optional parameter)

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Note

Can be imported with parameters int32,int64 and called with 0,0. Usesfull in languages other than C/C++.

Example

int rc = pxcInitialize();

pxcExit

This function deinitializes Pixet software and all the connected devices. This function has to be called as last function before unloading the pxcore library.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcExit();

Parameters

(no pars)

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcExit();

pxcRefreshDevices

This function looks for newly connected devices and removed disconnected devices from the device list.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcRefreshDevices();

Parameters

(no pars)

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcRefreshDevices();

pxcReconnectDevice

If the device was disconnected or experienced communication problems, this function will try to reconnect the device and reinitialize it. Like as do the pxcExit and pxcInitialize, but only for one device index. The process is:

Saves the device config to the “configs” directory
Disconnects the device
Connects the device
Loads the device config

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcReconnectDevice(unsigned deviceIndex);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcReconnectDevice(0); // reconnect device with index 0

Parameter Get/Set functions (direct)

Functions described in this chapter working directly, function name defines parameter name and type.

Example: Setting operation mode

 // Set the operating mode
 rc = pxcSetTimepix3Mode(deviceIndex, PXC_TPX3_OPM_TOATOT);
 printErrors("pxcSetTimepix3Mode", rc);

Example: List of devices with parameters

 #include <stdio.h>
 #include "pxcapi.h"
 #define CHT_Si 0
 #define CHT_CdTe 1
 char chipType = CHT_Unknown;
 int main(int argc, char const* argv[]) { // #######################################
     int rc = pxcInitialize();
     if (rc) {
         printf("Could not initialize Pixet:\n");
         printErrors("pxcInitialize", rc, ENTER_ON);
         return -1;
     }
     int connectedDevicesCount = pxcGetDevicesCount();
     printf("Connected devices: %d\n", connectedDevicesCount);
     if (connectedDevicesCount == 0) return pxcExit();
     for (unsigned devIdx = 0; (signed)devIdx < connectedDevicesCount; devIdx++) {
         char deviceName[256];
         memset(deviceName, 0, 256);
         pxcGetDeviceName(devIdx, deviceName, 256);
         char chipID[256];
         memset(chipID, 0, 256);
         pxcGetDeviceChipID(devIdx, 0, chipID, 256);
         printf("Device %d: Name %s, (first ChipID: %s)\n", devIdx, deviceName, chipID);
     }
     double bias;
     rc = pxcGetBias(devIdx, &bias);
     if (bias < 0.0) {
         if (devIdx == 0) chipType = CHT_CdTe;
         printf("Chip material detected: CdTe\n");
     } else if (bias == 0.0) {
         printf("Chip material not detected!\n");
     } else {
         if (devIdx == 0) chipType = CHT_Si;
         printf("Chip material detected: Si\n");
     }
     printf("=================================================================\n");
     
     // here can be working code (calling some example function from this manual)
     
     return pxcExit();
 }

pxcGetLastError

Returns text of last error. This function can be called even before pxcInitialize()

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetLastError(char* errorMsgBuffer, unsigned size);

Parameters

errorMsgBuffer - buffer where text will be saved
size - size of supplied buffer

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

char msg[200];<br> pxcGetLastError(msg, 200);<br> printf("Error msg: %s\n", msg);

Example1 (console)

 #define ERRMSG_BUFF_SIZE 512
 #define ENTER_ON true
 #define ENTER_OFF false
 // (the function used in most examples in this manual)
 void printErrors(const char* fName, int rc, bool enter) {
    char errorMsg[ERRMSG_BUFF_SIZE];
    pxcGetLastError(errorMsg, ERRMSG_BUFF_SIZE);
    if (errorMsg[0]>0) {
        printf("%s %d err: %s", fName, rc, errorMsg);
    } else {
        printf("%s %d err: ---", fName, rc);
    }
    if (enter) printf("\n");
 }

Now you can use it:

 rc = pxcSetTimepix3Mode(deviceIndex, PXC_TPX3_OPM_EVENT_ITOT);
 printErrors("pxcSetTimepix3Mode", rc, ENTER_ON);

If mode set was suscessfull, result is:

pxcSetTimepix3Mode 0 err: ---

If not, you can see some as:

pxcSetTimepix3Mode -2 err: Invalid device index

Example2 (Windows CLR)

 const unsigned cErrBufSize = 512;
 // primary use to show function name, return code, last error message
 bool errorToList(const char* fName, int rc) {
     char errorMsg[cErrBufSize];
     char cMsg[cErrBufSize];
     String^ eMsg;
     pxcGetLastError(errorMsg, cErrBufSize);
     if (rc!=0) {
         sprintf(cMsg, "%s %d err: %s", fName, rc, errorMsg);
         eMsg = gcnew String(errorMsg);
     } else {
         sprintf(cMsg, "%s %d err: ---", fName, rc);
     };
     String^ sMsg = gcnew String(cMsg);
     listMessages->Items->Add(sMsg);
     return (rc!=0);
 }

Now you can use it:

 rc = pxcSetTimepix3Mode(deviceIndex, PXC_TPX3_OPM_EVENT_ITOT);
 if (printErrorToList("pxcSetTimepix3Mode", rc)) return rc;

pxcGetDevicesCount

This function returns number of connected and initialized devices.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDevicesCount();

Parameters

(no pars)

Return value: Number of devices, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code

Example

printf("Connected devices count: %d\n", pxcGetDevicesCount());

pxcListNetworkDevices

Search for available network devices and store basic information about it to arrary.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcListNetworkDevices(NetworkDevInfo* devInfos, unsigned* size);

Parameters

devInfos - Pointer to array of NetworkDevInfo{char ip[15]; char name[20]; int serial;} structures
size - [in] Pointer to size of the devInfo (number of elements) / [out] Value overwritten by the number of devices found

Return value: Returns 0 if OK or PXCERR_BUFFER_SMALL if the number of devices exceeded the size of the array (the array is still filled and *size is set)

Example

NetworkDevInfo ndi[10];
unsigned size = 10;

int rc = pxcListNetworkDevices(ndi, &size);
printf("Network dev list:\n");
for (int i=0; (rc==0 && i<size) || (rc<0 && i<10); i++) printf("  IP: %s, Name: %s, Serial: %d\n", ndi[i].ip, ndi[i].name, ndi[i].serial);
printf("Devices found: %d\n", *size);
if (rc<0) printf("Warning: Number of devs exceeded the array size\n");

pxcGetDeviceName

This function returns the full name of the selected device.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDeviceName((unsigned deviceIndex, char* nameBuffer, unsigned size);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
nameBuffer - buffer where the name of the device will be saved. Cannot be NULL

size - size of the supplied name buffer

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

char name[100];
pxcGetDeviceName(deviceIndex, name, 100);
printf("Dev %d name: %s\n", deviceIndex, msg);

pxcGetDeviceChipCount

This function returns number of chips in the device.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDeviceChipCount(unsigned deviceIndex);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero

{{{8}}}

Return value: Number of chips if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

printf("Dev %d has chip count: %d\n", deviceIndex, pxcGetDeviceChipCount(deviceIndex));

pxcGetDeviceChipID

This function returns the ID of chip of the detector connected to the readout device.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDeviceChipID((unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned chipIndex, char* chipIDBuffer, unsigned size);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
chipIndex – index of the chip in the device, starting from zero

chipIDBuffer - buffer where the chipID of the detector will be saved. Cannot be NULL

size - size of the supplied chipID buffer

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Note

{{{Not}}}

Warning

{{{War}}}

Example

char id[50];
int rc = pxcGetDeviceChipID(deviceIndex, 0, id, 50);
if (rc==0) printf("Chip 0 of dev %d have ID: %s\n", deviceIndex, msg);
else printf("pxcGetDeviceChipID failed, code: %d\n", rc);

pxcGetDeviceSerial

This function returns the devise serial number.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDeviceSerial(unsigned deviceIndex);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero

Return value: Serial number (>0) if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

printf("Dev %d has serial number: %d\n", deviceIndex, pxcGetDeviceSerial(deviceIndex));

pxcGetDeviceDimmensions

This function gets pixel width and height of the device.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDeviceDimmensions(unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned *w, unsigned *h);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
w – pointer to unsigned variable where the width of the device will be returned

h – pointer to unsigned variable where the height of the device will be returned

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

unsigned w, h;
int rc = pxcGetDeviceDimmensions(deviceIndex, &w, &h);
if (rc==0) printf("Width: %d, Height %d [px]\n", w, h);
else printf("pxcGetDeviceDimmensions failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcGetBias

This function gets the bias voltage (high voltage) of the sensor chip.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetBias(unsigned deviceIndex, double* bias);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
bias – pointer to double variable where current bias will be returned

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

double bias;
int rc = pxcGetBias(deviceIndex, &bias);
if (rc==0) printf("Bias: %f V\n", bias);
else printf("pxcGetBias failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcGetBiasRange

This function gets the range of the allowed minimal and maximal bias values.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetBiasRange(unsigned deviceIndex, double* minBias, double* maxBias);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
minBias – pointer to double variable where minimum allowed bias will be returned

maxBias – pointer to double variable where maximum allowed bias will be returned

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

double min, max;
int rc = pxcGetBiasRange(deviceIndex, &min, &max);
if (rc==0) printf("Bias min: %f, max: %f V\n", min, max);
else printf("pxcGetBiasRange failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcSetBias

This function sets the high voltage (bias) of the detector.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetBias(unsigned deviceIndex, double bias);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
bias – high voltage in volts (limits and polarity depending on the device configuration, see: pxcGetBiasRange)

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcSetBias(0, -350); // set bias -350 V to device with idx 0

pxcGetThreshold

This function gets the threshold of the detector. Output value is normally in keV, but if the device not properly configurated, output is didital DAC value.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetThreshold(unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned thresholdIndex, double* threshold);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
thresholdIndex – for all except Medipix3 always 0, for Medipix3 index of corresponding threshold starting from zero

threshold – pointer to double variable where threshold will be saved. The value is several keVs with decimals or from 0 to a some power of two (depending of device DAC bits depth).

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

double thl;
int rc = pxcGetThreshold(deviceIndex, &thl);
if (rc==0) printf("Threshold: %f\n", thl);
else printf("pxcGetThreshold failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcGetThresholdRange

This function gets the allowed range of values for threshold. Output values are normally in keV, but if the device not properly configurated, output is didital DAC value.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetThresholdRange(unsigned deviceIndex, int thresholdIndex, double* minThreshold, double* maxThreshold);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
thresholdIndex – for Timepix and Timepix3 always 0, for Medipix3 index of corresponding threshold starting from zero

minThreshold – pointer to double variable where the minimal allowed threshold will be returned

maxThreshold – pointer to double variable where the maximal allowed threshold will be returned

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

double min, max;
int rc = pxcGetThresholdRange(deviceIndex, &min, &max);
if (rc==0) printf("Threshold range - min: %f, max: %f\n", min, max);
else printf("pxcGetThresholdRange failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcSetThreshold

This function sets the threshold of the detector in KeV.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetThreshold(unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned thresholdIndex, double threshold);

Parameters

deviceIndex - index of the device, starting from zero
thresholdIndex - for Timepix and Timepix3 always 0, for Medipix3 index of corresponding threshold starting from zero

threshold – detector threshold in keV.

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Warning

Too low thl value cause many noising pixels with all related problems.

Example

int rc = pxcSetThreshold(1, 0, 4.5); // set threshold with idx 0 on device with idx 1 to the 4.5 keV.

pxcGetDAC

This function gets a single DAC value of the detector.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetDAC(unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned chipIndex, unsigned dacIndex, unsigned short* value);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
chipIndex – index of the chip, starting from zero

dacIndex – index of the DAC, starting from zero

value – pointer to output value be stored

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

unsigned short val;
int rc = pxcGetDAC(deviceIndex, chipIndex, dacIndex, &val);
if (rc==0) printf("Input value of DAC with idx %d, on chip with idx %d, of device with idx %d is: %d\n", deviceIndex, chipIndex, dacIndex, val);
else printf("pxcGetDAC failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcSetDAC

This function sets a single DAC value of the detector.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetDAC(unsigned deviceIndex, unsigned chipIndex, unsigned dacIndex, unsigned short value);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
chipIndex – index of the chip, starting from zero

dacIndex – index of the DAC, starting from zero

value – new DAC value

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcSetDAC(0, 1, 2, 123); // set DAC with idx 3 on chip with idx 2 on device with idx 1 to the 123.

pxcGetTimepixClock

This function gets the current value of measurement clock for Timepix detector (in MHz).

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetTimepixClock(unsigned deviceIndex, double* clock);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
clock – pointer to double variable where the clock will be saved

{{{8}}}

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

double val;
int rc = pxcGetTimepixClock(deviceIndex, &val);
if (rc==0) printf("Timepix clock: %f MHz\n", val);
else printf("pxcGetTimepixClock failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcSetTimepixClock

This function sets the value of measurement clock for Timepix detector (in MHz). Not all values are possible, the result will be the closest possible frequency.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetTimepixClock(unsigned deviceIndex, double clock);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
clock – desired value of the measurement clock for Timepix detector

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Note

Only for the Timepix devices, not usable on Timepix3 and other TimepixN. Timepix3 has a fixed clock of 40 MHz. Timepix2 has other clocks managenment.

Example

int rc = pxcSetTimepixClock(deviceIndex, 25.0);

pxcGetTimepixMode

This function gets the current value of the Timepix mode (Counting, Energy,…)

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcGetTimepixMode(unsigned deviceIndex);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero

{{{8}}}

Return value: Timepix mode if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.; Timepix mode can be:; PXC_TPX_MODE_MEDIPIX – counting mode; PXC_TPX_MODE_TOT – energy mode; PXC_TPX_MODE_TIMEPIX – timepix mode if successful.; Otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Example

int rc = pxcGetTimepixMode(deviceIndex);
if (rc>=0) printf("Mode of dev. idx %d is: %d\n", rc);
else printf("pxcGetTimepixMode failed, code %d\n", rc);

pxcSetTimepixMode

This function sets the value of Timepix mode.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetTimepixMode(unsigned deviceIndex, int mode);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
mode – new value of the Timepix mode. One of the values:

PXC_TPX_MODE_MEDIPIX – counting mode

PXC_TPX_MODE_TOT – energy mode

PXC_TPX_MODE_TIMEPIX – timepix mode

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Note

Only for the Timepix devices, not usable on Timepix3 and other TimepixN.

Example

int rc = pxcSetTimepixMode(0, PXC_TPX_MODE_MEDIPIX); // set dev 0 to mode counting alias MEDIPIX

pxcSetTimepixCalibrationEnabled

This function enables or disables the calibration of Timepix ToT counts to energy in keV

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcSetTimepixCalibrationEnabled(unsigned deviceIndex, bool enabled);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero
enabled – if the calibration is enabled or disable

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Note

Only for the Timepix devices, not usable on Timepix3 and other TimepixN.

Example

int rc = pxcSetTimepixCalibrationEnabled(0, true); // enable ToT calibration to keVs on device with idx 0

pxcIsTimepixCalibrationEnabled

This function returns if the calibration of Timepix ToT counts to energy in keV is enabled.

Definition

PXCAPI int pxcIsTimepixCalibrationEnabled(unsigned deviceIndex);

Parameters

deviceIndex – index of the device, starting from zero

Return value: 0 if disabled, greater than 0 enabled, negative value a PXCERR_XXX code

Note

Only for the Timepix devices, not usable on Timepix3 and other TimepixN.

Example

int rc = pxcIsTimepixCalibrationEnabled(0);
if (rc>=0) printf("Calibration of dev0 is %s\n", (rc==0) ? "disabled" : "enabled");
else printf("pxcIsTimepixCalibrationEnabled failed, code %d\n", rc);

Definition

PXCAPI int ();

Parameters

(no pars)

Return value: 0 if successful, otherwise the return value is a PXCERR_XXX code.

Binary core API

Core/basic binary (C/C++) API introduction

Requirements

Hardware

Software

The Pixet core, additional libraries and other files

Where to get these files?

Example of the project directory

Example of the minimalistic program directory

Basic examples

Simple C commandline example and build

Example code

Building using cmake on Windows with Visual Studio installed

Building on Linux using GCC

C# examples

Simple C# commandline example

C# Windows desktop example

API Functions

Auxiliary functions

Start-up and end

pxcInitialize

pxcExit

pxcRefreshDevices

pxcReconnectDevice

Parameter Get/Set functions (direct)

Example: Setting operation mode

Example: List of devices with parameters

pxcGetLastError

pxcGetDevicesCount

pxcListNetworkDevices

pxcGetDeviceName

pxcGetDeviceChipCount

pxcGetDeviceChipID

pxcGetDeviceSerial

pxcGetDeviceDimmensions

pxcGetBias

pxcGetBiasRange

pxcSetBias

pxcGetThreshold

pxcGetThresholdRange

pxcSetThreshold

pxcGetDAC

pxcSetDAC

pxcGetTimepixClock

pxcSetTimepixClock

pxcGetTimepixMode

pxcSetTimepixMode

pxcSetTimepixCalibrationEnabled

pxcIsTimepixCalibrationEnabled

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