Flash Analog to Digital Convertor (FADC) is frequently used in nuclear and
particle physics experiments, often as the major component in big multi-channel
systems. The large data volume makes the optimization of operating parameters
necessary. This article reports a study of a method to extend the dynamic range
of an 8-bit FADC from the nominal 28 value. By comparing the integrated
pulse area with that of a reference profile, good energy reconstruction and
event identification can be achieved on saturated events from CsI(Tl) crystal
scintillators. The effective dynamic range can be extended by at least 4 more
bits. The algorithm is generic and is expected to be applicable to other
detector systems with FADC readout.Comment: 19 pages, 1 table, 10 figure