A Modular Multi-Word Readout System for Proportional Wire Chambers

This paper describes the design features of a data readout system for multi-wire proportional chambers. The electronic circuitry for this "amplifier-per-wire" system has been designed in modular form to provide ease in system assembly, flexibility, and economy. Fast readout of the hit-pattern data is accomplished by using priority encoder integrated circuits for address generation and bit-parallel transfer of the output data words. About 7000 channels have been implemented using this system and an additional 4000 channels have been ordered. An analysis of cost per channel is given, based on the experience gained thus far.