CMOS analog front-end channel for silicon photo-multipliers

A complete self-triggered CMOS analog front-end suitable for silicon photo-multiplier detectors (SiPM) is proposed here, mainly intended for medical imaging applications. The exploitation of a current mode approach allows to achieve the large dynamic range and fast timing required by this kind of detectors without excessive power consumption. Results from characterization measurements on the prototype of the analog channel are also reported: the trigger signal produced by the circuit in response to a fast input current pulse exhibits a measured timing accuracy better than 60 ps and a dynamic range of about 50 pC has been obtained.