Digital Real-Time Multiple Channel Multiple Mode Neutron Flux Estimation on FPGA-based Device

¹ CEA, LIST – Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) – France DM2I – Bd. 516 PC 72 Instrumention Information and Metrology Department DM2I, Sensors and Electronic Architecture Lab, France
² CEA, DEN, DER Instrumentation, Sensors and Dosimetry Laboratory, 13108 St. Paul-les-Durance, France

^a e-mail: Mathieu.Thevenin@cea.fr
^b e-mail Loic.Barbot@cea.fr
^c e-mail: Gwenole.Corre@cea.fr
^d e-mail: Romual.Woo@cea.fr
^e e-mail: Christophe.Destouches@cea.fr
^f e-mail: Stephane.Normand@cea.fr

Published online: 3 February 2016

Abstract

This paper presents a complete custom full-digital instrumentation device that was designed for real-time neutron flux estimation, especially for nuclear reactor in-core measurement using subminiature Fission Chambers (FCs). Entire fully functional small-footprint design (about 1714 LUTs) is implemented on FPGA. It enables real-time acquisition and analysis of multiple channels neutron's flux both in counting mode and Campbelling mode. Experimental results obtained from this brand new device are consistent with simulation results and show good agreement within good uncertainty. This device paves the way for new applications perspectives in real-time nuclear reactor monitoring.