Product Data Sheet

Model SAM 920+ SPRD

Spectroscopic Personal Radiation Detector (SPRD)

Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation

1Overview

The Model SAM 920+ SPRD is a handheld spectroscopic personal radiation detector. It brings RIID-class detection, isotope identification, and field connectivity into a compact personal form factor that stays affordable to deploy at scale. The SAM 920+ SPRD is built for reliable nuclide identification with enhanced neutron sensitivity, and it follows ANSI N42.48. GPS and network connectivity let the unit aggregate field data into shared radiation maps. Sourceless auto-stabilization holds the energy calibration steady without a check source. A built-in camera, GPS, and gyro support the survey workflow, and one-touch reach-back connects the operator to expert review in the field.

Model SAM 920+ SPRD front and rear views
Front and rear views of the Model SAM 920+ SPRD handheld detector.

2Applications

  • Homeland security
  • Emergency response
  • Safeguards and nuclear security
  • Radiological area mapping
  • Geological radiation survey

3Key Features

  • ANSI N42.48 compatible
  • Enhanced neutron sensitivity
  • Built-in camera, GPS, and gyro sensors
  • One-touch reach-back service
  • Sourceless auto-stabilization
  • Big-Data radiation mapping

4High-Performance CLLBC Scintillator

The SAM 920+ SPRD uses a CLLBC scintillator, which detects gamma rays and neutrons at the same time. CLLBC improves gamma energy resolution and increases neutron sensitivity compared with conventional materials. An onboard algorithm optimizes the separation between gamma and neutron events, so the operator reads a clean result for each radiation type.

Pulse-shape discrimination scatter plot showing gamma and neutron event separation in CLLBC
Pulse-shape discrimination scatter plot. The CLLBC detector sorts gamma events and neutron events into distinct populations.

5Radiation Mapping (Big-Data)

GPS and network connectivity work together to aggregate field survey data, the Big-Data layer, into radiation maps. A map shows source locations and contaminated areas across the survey region. The workflow moves through four stages: field collection in the survey area, on-site operation of the detector, data transfer to the command center, and a finished radiation map for the response team.

Survey team sensor placements across the deployment area
Deployment Team
Multi-layer situational awareness view of survey routes and sensors
Multi-Layer Awareness
Command center providing expert reach-back support
Expert Support
Real-time radiation plume map overlay across the survey region
Realtime Plume Mapping

6Description of Device

The SAM 920+ SPRD is compact, light, and easy to operate in the field. The numbered callouts below identify the main components.

SAM 920+ SPRD exploded view with numbered callouts 1 through 8 and a labeled component legend
Device components, callouts 1 through 8.
  1. Gamma and neutron detector
  2. PIN detector (high dose)
  3. LCD display
  4. Function buttons
  5. Protective cover
  6. USB port
  7. Belt clip
  8. Camera

7Application Software

The application software uses an intuitive menu with a hierarchical design and an ergonomic keypad, so operators move through detection, identification, and review without a long learning curve. The screens below show the main views.

SAM 920+ SPRD Home screen
Home
SAM 920+ SPRD Finder screen
Finder
SAM 920+ SPRD Manual ID screen
Manual ID
SAM 920+ SPRD Event Log screen
Event Log

Alarm Status

The dose-rate alarm uses four levels to guide the operator toward or away from a source: Move Forward, Move Back, In Range, and Danger. Each level maps to a clear on-screen icon.

Move Forward
Move Back
In Range
Danger
The four dose-rate alarm states: Move Forward, Move Back, In Range, and Danger.

8Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Detectors
Gamma-only detectorCsI(Tl) and PIN detector (for high dose)
Gamma and neutronCLLBC and PIN detector (for high dose)
Performance
Energy range30 keV to 3 MeV
Dose rate range<100 nSv/h to 1 mSv/h (CsI or CLLBC), 1 mSv/h to 10 mSv/h (PIN diode)
Energy resolution<8.5% (CsI), <4% (CLLBC)
SensitivityCsI(Tl) 3.8 cps/µrem/h @ Cs-137, CLLBC 1.3 cps/µrem/h @ Cs-137
Linearity<2% (real-time linearization by firmware)
MCA channels16-bit, 1024 channels
StabilizationTemperature-corrected real-time stabilization
IdentificationANSI N42.48 compatible
Battery
TypeLi-ion
Operation timeSleep mode 16 hr (display backlight off), max run time 6 hr
Physical
Dimensions (W x H x D)70 mm x 148 mm x 38 mm
Weight340 g
Environmental
Operating temperature-20°C (-4°F) to 50°C (122°F)
Protection ratingIP65
Relative humidity10 to 80%, non-condensing
Testing conditionEN 61326, MIL-STD-810G 501.5, MIL-STD-810G 514.6
Display
TypeLCD
Size2.4 in
Resolution240 x 320 pixels
Input / Output
USBUSB-C
BluetoothBLE 5.0
WLANIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Miscellaneous
GPS22 tracking, 66 channels, 1-10 Hz
Reach-backANSI N42.42 or CSV event data
CameraCMOS 8 MP
Gyro sensorLinearity 0.1 ±% FS
Accessories
Carrying casePortable hard case
ChargerUSB charger
Belt clipBelt clip
Connection cableMini USB cable

Safety, EMC, and Environmental Compliance

CE mark

The SAM 920+ SPRD is tested to EN 61326 for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment, and to MIL-STD-810G methods 501.5 and 514.6 for high temperature and vibration. The enclosure carries an IP65 protection rating. The SAM 920+ is CE and FCC compliant.

9Webinar

Watch the SAM 920+ SPRD webinar for a full walkthrough of the detector, its workflow, and field use.