The MCS-CT3 is a cost-effective, high-performance pulse counting instrument designed for seamless integration with PCs or laptops via a USB 2.0 interface. This versatile module can be employed as a laboratory rate-meter or transformed into a wide dynamic range photon counting system when paired with an ET Enterprises AD8 amplifier/discriminator and an appropriate detector. Its compact design ensures that it can be easily incorporated into various setups without occupying significant space.

One of the standout features of the MCS-CT3 is its ability to record and store pulses as a function of time, providing users with the flexibility of three software-configurable counting modes: pre-set number of channels, pre-set total measurement period, or continuous measurements. This adaptability allows for precise control over the counting process, which can be managed through the supplied application software or user-customized code. Additionally, the module supports external trigger inputs and offers two trigger outputs for controlling associated hardware, such as optical shutters. At the conclusion of a measurement cycle, results are automatically saved in an MS Excel compatible format, facilitating further analysis or export to other software.

The MCS-CT3 also features a software-controlled analogue voltage output, enabling users to program the high voltage supply to a photomultiplier, such as those in the ET Enterprises series of photomultiplier HVBases. This functionality is particularly useful for generating automatic plateau plots to determine the optimal operating voltage for photon counting applications. To safeguard against photomultiplier overload, a maximum count rate can be set.