Optimization of a readout architecture for pixel detectors

This paper analyzes in detail some theoretical aspects in the modeling of a readout architecture for pixel detectors. In fact, these problems are common to the design of data acquisition systems and other processes containing buffers and where the input and output signals can be expressed by probability density functions. It is the purpose of this paper to point out that the same type of analysis can be extended to other systems with the benefit of saving time in long Montecarlo simulations and prototype design. The example case in which this paper is based on is the readout architecture of a column-based pixel detector amplifier and discriminator chip containing more than 3000 pixels of 50µ x 400µ. Several readout strategies are compared searching for an optimal design, which minimizes data loss and maximizes throughput. In particular, the probability of loosing pixel hits by overflowing the readout system is minimized studying the behavior of the stochastic Marcov process. Also, the communication channel bandwidths and local buffering are optimized

Optimizing cavity gradients in pulsed Linacs using the cavity transient response

In order to achieve beam intensity and luminosity requirements, pulsed LINAC accelerators have stringent requirements on the amplitude and phase of RF cavity gradients. The amplitude and phase of the RF cavity gradients under heavy beam loading must be kept constant within a fraction of a % and a fraction of a degree respectively. The current paper develops a theoretical method to calculate RF parameters that optimize cavity gradients in multi cavity RF units under heavy beam loading. The theory is tested with a simulation example

Real Time RF Simulator (RTS) and control

The multi-cavity RTS allows LLRF algorithm development and lab testing prior to commissioning with real cavities and cryomodules. The RTS is a valuable tool since it models the functions, errors and disturbances of real RF systems. The advantage of a RTS over an off-line simulator is that it can be implemented on the actual LLRF hardware, on the same FPGA and processor, and run at the same speed of the LLRF control loop. Additionally the RTS can be shared by collaborators who do not have access to RF systems or when the systems are not available to LLRF engineers. The RTS simulator incorporates hardware, firmware and software errors and limitations of a real implementation, which would be hard to identify and time consuming to model in off-line simulations

Beam Test Results of the BTeV Silicon Pixel Detector

The results of the BTeV silicon pixel detector beam test carried out at Fermilab in 1999-2000 are reported. The pixel detector spatial resolution has been studied as a function of track inclination, sensor bias, and readout threshold.Comment: 8 pages of text, 8 figures, Proceedings paper of Pixel 2000: International Workshop on Semiconductor Pixel Detectors for Particles and X-Rays, Genova, June 5-8, 200

Performance of prototype BTeV silicon pixel detectors in a high energy pion beam

The silicon pixel vertex detector is a key element of the BTeV spectrometer. Sensors bump-bonded to prototype front-end devices were tested in a high energy pion beam at Fermilab. The spatial resolution and occupancies as a function of the pion incident angle were measured for various sensor-readout combinations. The data are compared with predictions from our Monte Carlo simulation and very good agreement is found.Comment: 24 pages, 20 figure

Beam Test of BTeV Pixel Detectors

The silicon pixel vertex detector is one of the key elements of the BTeV spectrometer. Detector prototypes were tested in a beam at Fermilab. We report here on the measured spatial resolution as a function of the incident angles for different sensor-readout electronics combinations. We compare the results with predictions from our Monte Carlo simulation.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, Invited talk given by J.C. Wang at "Vertex 2000, 9th International Workshop on Vertex Detectors", Michigan, Sept 10-15, 2000. To be published in NIM