Multi-Channel Readout IC for Nuclear Physics Experiments*

Alphacore is developing low-cost, single-chip multi-channel readout integrated circuits (ROICs) for nuclear physics experiments. The ICs meet the critical requirements for a high-performance, low-cost readout solution needed by several current and planned nuclear physics experiment facilities.

Alphacore is producing three different types of versatile and low-cost detector readout IC solutions: 16-channel preamplifier/shaper IC; 16-channel ADC IC; and 16-channel combined IC with preamplifiers, shaping amplifiers, ADCs, zero suppression logic and serializer output I/O circuitry optimized for interfacing to a low-cost FPGA.

To cover as many current needs as possible, Alphacore has designed and taped out two different types of preamplifiers: low noise charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) operates in the detector capacitance range of 0 - 50pF with noise level in the range of 350ENC (Cd = 1pF) to 840 ENC (Cd = 50pF), and current conveyor-based preamplifier that operates for detector capacitances from 0pF to 300pF (and beyond) with a flat noise level of ~1,500ENC.

 [AL1]Particle physics?