Depending on the measurement mode the full energy sweep is performed 32 or 64 times per spin period thus providing a two-dimensional cut through the distribution function in polar angle every 156 ms or 78 ms. One complete three-dimensional ion distribution function is obtained in half a spin period (2.5 secpnds). The instrument's axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the spacecraft spin axis and the spacecraft surface. TEAMS operates in a number of different data acquisition modes.
The instrument's data acquisition modes vary depending on the measurement mode. The full energy sweep occurs 32 or 64 times per spin period, generating a two-dimensional view of the distribution function every 156 ms or 78 ms. A complete three-dimensional ion distribution function is acquired in half a spin period (2.5 seconds).