Fast Self Triggered Multi Channel Readout ASIC for Time- and Energy Measurement

We present a 16-channel self triggered readout chip for simultaneous time and energy measurement, suitable for a wide range of applications. All circuit elements required for detector readout are integrated on the chip. A fast, low-noise discriminator detects hits at the differential inputs. The events are time stamped with an electronic resolution of 15 ps (single channel rms). The timing range is virtually infinite by means of a coarse counter and an overflow indicator. In parallel to the time stamping of the discriminated input signal, the analog input is integrated during a programmable time window and digitized with 8-bit integral resolution. Readout is achieved through a simple serial protocol. Several chips can be synchronized by means of a built in PLL circuit locking to a common reference clock. The 3 times 3 mm² chip has been fabricated in 0.18 mum technology, employing a differential logic for all crucial parts. Possible applications of this ASIC are in the fields of high energy physics experiments, medical imaging, range finding, georadar and others.