A compact readout system for the R3B High-Resolution Neutron Time-of-Flight Spectrometer (NeuLAND)

The R³B High-Resolution Neutron Time-of-Flight Spectrometer consists of up to 30 double planes each containing 100 sub modules of plastic scintillators which are read out on the far ends by two PMTs. For these 6000 channels a new compact and modular readout system has been developed. The electronics setup is divided into 16 channel amplifier and fast comparator boards. Digitization units using FPGA TDC technology with a timing precision of about 10 ps rms are used. Optional charge measuring boards based on the method of conversion of charge to time-over-threshold and configuration boards to parameterize thresholds, timings, etc. are also available. All these components have to fulfill the challenging requirements such as high time precision and precise charge measurement even for high data rates up to 1 MHz. Further attention was given to the preparation for mass production and easy servicing for a long time period up to 20 years.