Digital Signal Processing Electonics for Silicon Strip Detectors

78109 Large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detector arrays are being developed for nuclear physics research. In this application, the traditional electronic processing of the detector signals, along with mixed analog and digital function blocks, largely determines the complexity and cost of such systems. Next generation electronics systems are being constructed using pipelined digital processing of high-speed digitized signals, as is done in the telecommunications industry. Real time analysis of position and correction for detector nonlinearities are needed to improve the nuclear pulse processing and tracking functions for the physics researcher. This project will use digital signal processing concepts and existing graphical system design tools to develop a set of real-time modular functions and hardware targeted for large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detector arrays. Phase I will model the equivalent circuit response of large-area, position-sensitive silicon strip detectors, develop digital signal processing functions specific to large-area silicon strip detectors, implement a proof-of-principle test module, and evaluate the applicability of the approach. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The functions and hardware developed should provide researchers working with complex nuclear detector arrays and data acquisition systems found at heavy ion research facilities with the capability to embed real-time data processing concepts within field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Interest would extend to industries involved in homeland security monitors, detection of special nuclear materials, medical imaging systems, chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and gamma-ray astronomy.