Multi-Sampling System with a Tree Architecture for Pulse Shape Analysis

79407S05 Low power, cost effective, high bandwidth data acquisition systems are required to analyze pulse shapes generated by arrays of germanium detectors used in nuclear physics experiments. Existing systems utilize multiple multi-channel analog-to-digital converters with 8-14 bit accuracy and sampling rates below 500 Ms/s. State-of-the-art systems have low component density, bulky size (2-3 cPCI slots), and consume a lot of power. This project will develop a system-on-chip sampling technology that will provide an advanced, cost-effective, low power solution for the next-generation of real-time detector triggering, detector control, data processing, monitoring, and visualization for nuclear physics experiments. The system will perform parallel analog data conversion and will operate with low-speed clock signals. The combination of multiple sampling with analog multiplexation will provide parallel delivery of the sampled values and significantly simplify the data conversion and processing operations. Phase I will develop the system-on-chip architecture and determine its maximal bandwidth and power level requirments. Then, the most critical blocks of the system (including the digital data processing cell, the low power double-bridge sample-and-hold amplifier, and the input buffer) will be designed and simulated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the nuclear physics application, the high-speed, parallel analog data converter should find application in the new generation of wireless ground stations, homeland defense products, and a variety of measurement instrumentation. The technology will help system designers increase the processing power of the next generation of large computer systems, both in military and industrial applications.