A multi-channel charge readout IC without dead time for X-ray security imaging

A multi-channel charge readout integrated circuit (IC) which converts detector charge to analog voltage without dead time for X-ray security imaging is described. The charge readout IC provides 32 channels of circuit having a max dynamic range of 15 bit and is comprised of charge amplifier gain control, timing generator, shift register chain, charge amplifier array, sample/hold (S/H) stage amplifier and driver etc. It was fabricated using 0.6 um standard CMOS process, and occupies a die area of 2.9 mm × 7.1 mm. It operates at 4 MHz, consumes 45 mW from 5 V supply and 3.5 V as reference, and has a demonstrated output noise performance of 90 uV_rms on 31.5 pF of charge amplifier gain capacitance and 52 pF of photodiode (PD) terminal capacitance.