CA3.2 padframe

CA3

The CA3 is an ASIC with 32/64-channels for energy resolved single-photon counting optimized for CZT/CdTe detectors. Each channel consists of a preamplifier, two shaping amplifiers, 3 or 6 (depending on operating mode) discriminators and 16-bit counters.

The CA3 has to main modes: 32 channel with 6 energy levels discriminated or with 64 channels and 3 energy levels discriminated. Each energy level is configured globally from input pads and can be adjusted per channel by internal DACs. The counters are outputted through a parallel interface, which makes it possible to connect multiple CA3 on the same bus.

Keywords: Energy Resolved Photon Counting, Singe-Photon Counting, X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Tomography

Publications

Galao ROIC Development Kit

The Galao Development Kit is a readout system used to access and work with IDEAS ROICs (readout ICs). The kit consists of all the hardware, firmware and software needed for ROIC control and readout. It supports several IDEAS ROICs with different functionality and interface methods. The system consists of following main components:

  • Galao board: General purpose control board with control and readout circuitry
  • ROIC test board: Interchangeable ROIC-specific board
  • IDEAS Testbench: Software for controlling the boards and ROIC

The Galao board includes a digital core pre-installed IDEAS firmware, a calibration circuit for charge injection, trigger receivers, bias generators, and an analog receiver with 14-bit data ADC. It is powered by a single 5 V supply, and controlled via Ethernet.

The ROIC test boards contain wire-bonded ROICs and circuitry needed for the specific ROICs, as well as test points for all key ROIC signals. The boards also have front-end connectors for detectors, simplifying testing of the ROIC together with the intended detector. Schematic of the board is delivered along with the Galao ROIC Development Kit, giving the possibility to use it as basis for the design an application-specific ROIC readout system.

IDEAS Testbench is the control and readout software created by IDEAS. It allows for configuration of ROICs, readout with data being presented in plots while being obtained, and data logging to file. It also has an integrated Python interpreter for customized ROIC control and readout functionality. IDEAS Testbench is supported by Windows.

Download the Galao Overview document for more information.

Supported ROICs

ROIC ROIC test board Release
VATA64HDR16.2 VATA64HDR16-TG Available now
IDE3380 IDE3380_SIPHRA-TG Available now
VATA450.3/VATA460.3 * VATA4XX-TG Available now
VATAGP7.2 ** VATAGPX-TG Available now

* VATA461 to be supported by this test board in the future.

** VATAGP8 to be supported by this test board in the future.

Please contact us about release dates for these test board variations.

More ROIC test boards are being developed. For more information about specific ROIC test boards, please contact IDEAS.

Galao Overview

Galao system overview

Gamma-Spect-2×2

The Gamma-Spect-2×2 is a camera-core for hyperspectral x-ray and gamma-ray imaging. The device has 26-cm2 sensitive area (5.1cm x 5.1cm) and 1.6-mm spatial resolution (pixel pitch of 1.6mm). The sensitive area is pixelated with 1024 pixels (32 x 32).  Each pixel is sensitive to x-rays and gamma-rays in the energy range from 20keV to 700keV with about 6keV FWHM energy resolution. The device can be fitted with various collimators to provide imaging capability (pin-holes, coded-apertures, and all types of multiple hole collimators).

The Gamma-Spect-2×2 camera-core is based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) radiation sensors. The sensor can be operated at room temperature without cooling. Each sensor pixel is read out by charge sensitive amplifiers implemented on an integrated circuit.

The Gamma-Spect-2×2 camera-core can be mounted in any orientation and can be combined with more units to build systems with larger sensitive area or curved geometry.

The Gamma-Spect-2×2 connects to external systems via a standard Ethernet network interface.

Please contact us for more information.

Gamma-Spect-5×5

The Gamma-Spect-5×5 is a camera-core for hyperspectral x-ray and gamma-ray imaging. The device has from 26-cm2 (5,1 cm x 5,1 cm) up to 163 cm2 (12,7 cm x 12,7 cm) sensitive area and 1.6-mm spatial resolution (pixel pitch of 1.6mm). The sensitive area is pixelated with 1024 pixels (32 x 32 up to 6400 pixels (80 x 80)).  Each pixel is sensitive to x-rays and gamma-rays in the energy range from 20keV to 700keV with about 6keV FWHM energy resolution. The device can be fitted with various collimators to provide imaging capability (pin-holes, coded-apertures, and all types of multiple hole collimators).
The Gamma-Spect-5×5 camera-core is based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) radiation sensors. The sensor can be operated at room temperature without cooling. Each sensor pixel is read out by charge sensitive amplifiers implemented on an integrated circuit.
The Gamma-Spect-5×5 camera-core can be mounted in any orientation and can be combined with more units to build systems with larger sensitive area or curved geometry.
The Gamma-Spect-5×5 connects to external systems via a standard Ethernet network interface.
Please contact us for more information.

GDS-100

The GDS-100 is a CZT-based gamma-ray spectrometer that employs continuous sampling and pulse shaping in the digital domain to provide waveform data of gamma events.
The system is designed for up to four large CZTs providing a large sensitive area. It has a large dynamic area up 9 MeV and delivers high spectral resolution and depth of interaction.

The GDS-100 includes a digital core with pre-installed IDEAS firmware, a calibration circuit for charge injection, a high-voltage module and is powered by a single 12 V supply, and controlled via Ethernet.
The system is located within a light-tight enclosure to ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio.

The system is delivered with a rudimentary PC software for control and data acquisition. An API is also included, letting the user design their own data acquisition software.

IDE1140

The IDE1140 (previously VA140) is a 64 channel low-noise/low power high dynamic range charge sensitive preamplifier-shaper circuit, with simultaneous sample and hold, multiplexed analogue readout, calibration facilities and internally generated biases. High integration time.
The pre-amplification stage is optimized for a 50pF detector capacitive load. The ASIC can use an active current compensation by introducing a MOS source/sink at the preamplifier’s input.
The IDE1140 is an updated version of the VA64HDR9A ASIC.
Keywords: Space, astrophysics, cosmic rays

Publications

IDE1162

The IDE1162 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has been designed for the front-end readout of ionizing radiation detectors, e.g., silicon strip sensors and wire-chambers. The chip has 32 inputs of charge sensitive pre-amplifiers (CSA) and 32 pre-amplifier outputs, which can be connected directly to a triggering chip, e.g., TA32cg3. Each pre-amplifier output is connected to a shaper with 2-μs to 2.5-μs shaping time. All shaper outputs can be sampled simultaneously and the pulse heights can be multiplexed sequentially to the analogue output buffer. The chip can be used with negative and positive charges in the range from -1.5pC to +1.5pC. The equivalent noise charge is 1900e without load, and 2000e at 50pF input load. The integral linearity is 1% and 3% for positive and negative charge, respectively.
The chip requires positive and negative supply voltages (-2V, +1.5V) and generates all bias currents internally. However, one can also apply bias currents externally, if needed. The total power is 57mW in steady state and 66mW maximum, depending on the readout rate. The chip allows one to test and measure its gain by injection of an external calibrated charge. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD).

Keywords: Ionizing radition detectors, silicon strip sensor, wire chambers

Publications

IDE1180 AMADEUS

The IDE1180 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has been designed for the front-end readout of multi-channel plates (MCPs). The chip has 16 inputs of charge sensitive pre-amplifiers (CSA) and 16 single ended voltage outputs. Each pre-amplifier output is connected to a shaper with 20-ns to 40-ns adjustable shaping time. Optionally all shaper outputs can be sampled and held simultaneously. The chip can be used with negative and positive charges up to 50, 100, 200, 400 fC depending on the programmed gain. The integral non-linearity is better than 1 %. The equivalent noise charge is 900 e without load, and 1000 e at 5 pF input load. The chip requires a single positive supply voltage of 3.3 V. The chip derives all internal biases from one external bias of 100 µA. However, one can also apply bias currents externally, if needed. The total power is 100 mW maximum, depending on the bias settings. The chip allows one to test and measure its gain by injection of an external calibrated charge. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD).

Keywords: Spectroscopy, imaging, e.g. ultra-violet, neutron detectors

Publications

IDE3160

The IDE3160 (previously VATA160) is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has been designed for the front-end readout of photomultiplier tubes coupled to scintillators. The chip has 32 charge sensitive pre-amplifiers (CSA) inputs, a multiplexed output for the pulse heights, and a trigger output. The amplifiers are optimized for positive input charge in the range from -5pC to +13pC, but it can also be used with negative input charge. In each channel, the charge sensitive pre-amplifier is connected to a slow shaper that has nominally 2-μs shaping time and a fast shaper of 100-ns shaping time. The equivalent noise charge at the pulse height output is 3200e without load, and 4000e at 220pF input load for a readout clock speed of less than 500kHz. The pulse height integral non-linearity (INL) is 2% for positive charge. Each fast shaper output is connected to a comparator, which triggers when the pulse height exceeds the threshold level. The threshold can be adjusted externally for all channels in common, and trimmed for each channel using threshold trim 3-bit DACs. The minimum threshold above noise is +20fC. The comparator outputs are connected by logic OR, which provides a trigger signal that can be used by the external system to initiate the readout of the pulse heights of the slow shapers. The chip requires positive and negative supply voltages (-2.5V, +2.5V) and generates all bias currents internally. However, one can also apply bias currents externally, if needed. The total power is 181mW in steady state and 203mW maximum, depending on the readout rate. The chip has a 165-bit configuration register that allows one to program various features, and allows one to test and measure its gain by injection of an external calibrated charge. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD).
Keywords: Photomultiplier tubes

Publications

IDE3380

The IDE3380 is an integrated circuit (IC) for the readout of photon detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), and multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs).

The IC has 16 input channels and one summing channel. Each channel can be used for pulse-height spectroscopy and timing. The summing channel is important for the readout of detector arrays with monolithic scintillators. The programmable shaping time of 200 ns, 400 ns, 800 ns, or 1600 ns allows for pulse-height spectroscopy using various scintillators. The current-mode input stage (CMIS) is designed for large negative charge (-16 nC, -8 nC, -4 nC, -0.4 nC) depending on the programmable attenuation and it accommodates large capacitive load (several nF) and large leakage current (up to –10 μA from dark counts). Alternatively, the CMIS  can  be  bypassed  to allow  for  positive  charge  depending  on programmable  gain (+40 pC, +4 pC, +0.4 pC).

The IC contains one 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that allows for digitization of the pulse heights from all channels, including the summing channel at a sampling rate of 50 ksps. Every channel output is available for external use and provides either the pulse height or a digital trigger/timing pulse with fixed width or time-over-threshold. The programmable channel output facilitates many applications, such as external waveform sampling and digitization, pulse height and time spectroscopy, pulse counting, and triggering.

The IC operates at 3.3 V supply voltage and dissipates about 15 mW without CMIS and 30 mW with CMIS active. To save power, any channel or function can be powered down. The ASIC has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for programming its register settings and for slow ADC data readout. Faster readout with up to 1 Mbit/s is possible via a serial data transmission line. The IC has been designed to be latch-up immune and resilient to single event upsets.

Supported by the Galao ROIC Development Kit.

galao_overview_v1r1-10percent

Simplified block diagram

Spectrum obtained with IDE3380

The spectrum shown in the plot below was obtained with the IDE3380 on a Galao ROIC Development Kit, using an SensL SiPM combined with a LaBr scintillator. The source of the radiation was Eu-152 (x-rays Kalpha @ 39.91 keV and Kbeta @45.7 keV). Gamma ray lines are shown at 121.8, 244.7, 344, 411, 443, 778, 867, 964 and 1112 keV. This was carried out with no corrections for backscatter or detector geometry.

IDE3380 Spectrum

Eu-152 spectrum obtained from the IDE3380

 

Additional Resources

IEEE NSS/MIC 2017 – SIPHRA Poster

RADECS 2019 – Poster – Radiation testing and orbital performance evaluation of the IDE3380 (SIPHRA)

Publications

Meier, et al., 2016, «SIPHRA 16-Channel Silicon Photomultiplier Readout ASIC», Proc. AMICSA&DSP (June 12, 2016); doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1460.8882

Mangan, et al., 2021, «The environmental test campaign of GMOD: a novel gamma-ray detector», Proc. Vol. 11852, Int. Conf. Space Optics — ICSO 2020; 1185214 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2599225

IDE3381 APOCAT

Summary

IDE3381 APOCAT – the Array of Photon Counters Above Threshold is an integrated circuit (ASIC) for reading out up to 16 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). With scintillators, it is ideal for high-resolution x-ray and gamma-ray pulse-height spectroscopy, or photon timing and 4-bin energy resolved photon counting at high data rates up to 1Mcps per channel, synchronously or asynchronously per channel. The ASIC was originally designed for space missions, but thanks to on-chip ADC and versatile registers, it can be programmed for other use cases including low-power terrestrial applications with PMTs and SiPMs.”

General Description

The IDE3381 is an integrated circuit (IC) for the readout of photon detectors, e.g., photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The IC has 16 channels and 1 summing channel. Each channel can be used for high-resolution pulse-height spectroscopy, timing and 4-bin energy resolved 18-bit counting. The readout was designed for relatively high rates of about 1Mcps per channel. The channels can operate synchronously or asynchronously. The channel is programmable for peaking time of 50 ns, 150 ns, 300 ns, or 2000 ns to allow for pulse-height spectroscopy using various scintillators. Each channel has a current-mode input stage (CMIS) followed by a charge sensitive amplifier (CSA). The CMIS is designed for large negative charges and its attenuation can be programmed to be 1, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20. The CMIS input potential is programmable individually for each channel for operation with DC-coupled SiPM/MPPC array readout. The CMIS is ideal for relatively large detector capacitance (several nF) and large detector leakage currents (-10 μA from dark counts). The CMIS can be bypassed to allow for either positive or negative charge directly into the CSA. The CSAs have individually programmable conversion gain of 46, 48, 51, 53, 55 or 265mV/pC. The IC contains one 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that allows for digitization of the pulse heights from all channels, including the summing channel at a sampling rate of 2 Msps (FN-about-ADC). Every channel has 2 outputs: one analog output for the pulse height and one digital output for the trigger/timing pulse with fixed width or time-over-threshold. The outputs facilitate many applications, such as external digitization, pulse height and time spectroscopy, pulse counting, triggering, and time-over-threshold. The IC operates at 3.3-V supply voltage and dissipates about 360 mW with both CMIS and on-chip ADC active. To save power, any channel or function can be powered down. The ASIC has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for programming its register settings and for the readout of ADC and counter data. Fast readout with up to 16 Mbit/s is possible via a serial data transmission line. The IC has been designed to be latch-up immune and resilient to single event upsets.

FN-about-ADC: The ADC data output at TXD_O is not working correctly. We recommend using the chip without the on-chip ADC until the bug is fixed.

Applications

The IDE3381 has been designed for high-rate and high-resolution x-ray and γ-ray spectroscopy with scintillators and PMTs or SiPMs.

IDE3381 Simplified block diagram

IDE3381 Simplified block diagram

Publications

  • Q. WanY. ZhangJ.H. GuoY.Q. Zhang and X. Xu, 2022, “Design of front-end electronics for HXI spectrometer flight model on-board ASO-S satellite”, Journal of InstrumentationVolume 17February 2022, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/17/02/P02020

IDE3465

20-channel charge sensitive preamplifier-shaper circuit with a total of 37 digital logic trigger outputs and one analog multiplexer output for pulse heights. The chip is designed for readout of the P-side of silicon sensors for charged particles using 16 high-gain channels with saturation at 2.6 pC and 4 low gain-channels with saturation at 26 pC. The high-gain preamplifiers are connected to three parallel shapers, one for spectroscopy with peaking time of 1 µs connected to a sample and hold circuit. The remaining two shapers have different gain and are intended for simultaneous discrimination of pulse heights from both low and high input energies. The shaping time is 250 ns and they are connected to discriminators with 8 bit DAC threshold settings. The discriminator outputs are connected to monostables that enables direct FPGA connection of trigger signals. The trigger signals can either be readout channel by channel or via a common trigger-OR output. The low-gain channel preamplifier is connected to two parallell shapers, one for spectroscopy with peaking time of 1 µs connected to a sample and hold circuit and one for pulse height discrimination using a shaper with 250 ns peaking time. The shaper is connected to one discriminator with a 8-bit threshold. The ASIC is radiation hard by design and has been radiation tested using heavy ions.
Keywords: Ionizing radition detectors, silicon sensor, charged particle counting, NGRM

Publications

IDE3466

IDE3466 packaged ASICThe IDE3466 (also VATA466) is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has been designed for the p-side readout of silicon detectors for charged particles. The chip has 36 charge sensitive pre-amplifiers (CSA), programmable coincidence logic and 36 counters, and one analogue multiplexer output. The counters count charge pulses depending on the combination (coincidences or anti-coincidences) and charge magnitude. The counters can be read out from the ASIC by an external controller. Out of the 36 channels, 32 have a high-gain with saturation at 2.6 pC, and 4 have a low gain with saturation at 26 pC. The chip is optimized for positive input charges, i.e., it is suitable for the readout and triggering of the charge from the p-side of silicon sensors.

In the high-gain channels, the charge sensitive pre-amplifier is connected to one slow shaper of 1-μs shaping time and two fast shapers of 250-ns shaping time, while the low-gain channels have only one 1-μs slow shaper and one 250-ns fast shaper. Each fast shaper output is connected to a comparator, which triggers when the pulse shape exceeds the reference level that can be programmed by 10-bit DACs. The two fast shapers and comparators of the high-gain channels are designed to discriminate charges in the range from 2.2 fC to 100 fC and 2.2 fC to 1 pC, respectively. The fast shapers and comparators of the low-gain channels are designed to discriminate charges in the range from 100 fC to 26 pC. Each comparator output is a mono-stable, which can be masked and feeds to the coincidence logic. Read-out of the slow shapers is also possible through a serialised analogue output.

The chip requires positive voltage supplies (+1.8V and +3.3V) and one reference bias current to generate its internal biases. The total power consumption is less than 180 mW, depending on settings and readout rate. The chip has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for the data readout and programming internal settings. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD). The chip is SEU/SEL radiation hardened by design and manufacture.

We only sell the IDE3466 technology with an IDEAS’ electronic readout development system. Please contact us for more information.

Keywords: JUICE, RADEM, NORM

Additional Resources

IEEE NSS/MIC 2017 – VATA466 Poster

SPIE Astro 2016 – VATA466 Poster

References

T. A. Stein, et al., “Front-end readout ASIC for charged particle counting with the RADEM instrument on the ESA JUICE mission,” Proc. SPIE 9905, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2016: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 990546 (19 July 2016). DOI: 10.1117/12.2231901; http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2231901

IDE4184

The IDE4184 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has been designed for the readout of CdTe/CZT radiation detectors. The chip can be used for single photon spectroscopy of x-rays and γ-rays with energy between 20keV and 650keV and rate up to 92 kHz per chip. The chip contains 128 low-noise pre-amplifiers (130e ENC) each followed by a pulse shaper (adjustable peaking times from 0.35μs to 1μs) and a level comparator for triggering and address encoding. The amplifiers are optimized for negative polarity input charge up to -25fC maximum. When a charge from the detector exceeds one of the adjustable thresholds, the chip generates a trigger signal and delivers an analog signal proportional to the energy of the photon and an address corresponding to the triggering channel. The chip requires positive and negative voltage supplies (+1.5V and -2V) and one reference bias current to generate its internal bias currents. The total power consumption is 90 mW maximum. The chip has a 858-bit memory register, programmable via serial interface, which allows one to set various functions, program digital-to-analogue converters (DACs), and tune parameters. Each channel has an optional current compensation for detector leakage currents. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD).
Keywords: Gamma spectroscopy, imaging

Publications

IDE4281

12-channel charge sensitive preamplifer-shaper circuit with programmable peaking time from 0.75 µs to 4 µs and current compensation on each input. The dynamic range is from 0 to -5.43 fC which covers 3.5 keV to 140 keV in CdTe/CZT. The shaper is connected to a comparator with adjustable threshold settings. When the signal out from the shaper exceeds the comparator threshold a trigger signal is generated. Upon trigger the ASIC delivers a package containing the triggering channel address and a value proportional to the energy of the deposited charge. The ASIC is then automatically reset, and is ready for the next radiation event.The countrate of the ASIC is up to 100 kcps.
Keywords: Radiation detector, X-ray single photon spectroscopy

Publications

NIRCA on PCB

IDE8410 NIRCA Prototype

 

Publications

  • D. Meier, et al., 2014, “Development of an ASIC for the readout and control of near-infrared large array detectors”, Proc. SPIE 9154, High Energy, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy VI, 915421 (July 23, 2014); doi:10.1117/12.2055839
  • P. Påhlsson, et al., 2015 “Preliminary validation results of an ASIC for the readout and control of near-infrared large array detectors”, Proc. SPIE 9451, Infrared Technology and Applications XLI, 94512J (June 4, 2015); doi:10.1117/12.2180439
  • P. Påhlsson, et al., 2016, “NIRCA ASIC for the readout of focal plane arrays”, Proc. SPIE 9819, Infrared Technology and Applications XLII, 98192C (May 20, 2016); doi:10.1117/12.2223619
NIRCA

IDE8411 NIRCA

Chip for control and acquisition from external read-out IC (ROIC). Designed for use in cryogenic infrared applications.


The IDE8411 is a control and acquisition integrated circuit (IC) for large area hybrid imaging focal plane arrays (FPA). It is designed for use in extremely wide temperature ranges, spanning from room temperature to cryogenic conditions (77K), making it particularly suitable for MCT or InSb based FPAs. It integrates the functionality that is usually found in discrete proximity electronics into one radiation tolerant SoC.

IDE8411 has 5 parallel differential video channels with programmable gain amplifier and 12-bit, 2.2 Msps ADC in every channel.
The ASIC contains a programmable sequencer for generation of clock patterns and to control ASIC functions. The sequencer can control 40 parallel 3.3 V digital outputs for generation of custom clock patterns, to read out any 3.3 V compatible ROIC. The clock patterns and sequencer instructions are stored in integrated RAM memories with bit error detection and correction. In addition the IDE8411 has 8 parallel digital inputs that are accessible and can be evaluated using the sequencer.

The IDE8411 contains integrated 3.3 V and 1.8 V LDOs for regulation of ROIC power and 16 integrated low noise DACs for bias and reference voltage generation. Internal IC settings are controlled via registers that are accessible by serial peripheral interface (SPI). The SPI interface is used to program the RAM memories with clock patterns and instructions. In addition, slow ADC acquistion can be performed directly via SPI. Digitized image data is serialised and encoded on a 300 Mbps 8b/10b output data interface.

The IC is radiation hardened by design as it is implemented in IDEAS custom radiation hard library.
In sample quantities, the IDE8411 is delivered mounted chip on board to a carrier PCB to simplify customer system breadboarding.

Keywords: ADC, Focal Plane Electronics, Cryogenic application, controller, IR

Publications:
Publication on NIRCA 1.0 (IDE8410): P. Paahlsson et al.: “NIRCA ASIC for the readout of focal plane arrays”, Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 9819, id. 98192C 18 pp. (2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2223619

Additional Resources:
Short article for ESA Final Presentation 2017 on NIRCA 1.1 (IDE8411)
Presentation slides available here

IDE8420 NIRCA MkII

The IDE8420 is a radiation tolerant control and acquisition integrated circuit (IC) for large area hybrid imaging focal plane arrays (FPA). It is designed for use in high speed, large area focal plane applications, making it particularly suitable for MCT or InSb based applications in Earth observation and security. It integrates the functionality that is usually found in discrete proximity electronics into one radiation tolerant SoC with operating temperature between -40°C and +85°C.

The IDE8420 includes 16 video channels, each with a 1x to 8x programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and a pipeline ADC with 14-bit and 16-bit output options running at 12 Msps. Analog input offset is adjustable in the analog domain with fine-tuning of gain and offset in the digital domain. Digitized sensor data is output on a 9×480-Mbps high-speed serial LVDS interface with 8b/10b encoding. The ASIC provides a digital interface (DIN/DOUT) for controlling the sensor, and analog reference voltages (AOUT) for biasing the sensor. IDE8420 is programmed via an SPI interface. After a program has been loaded into the internal ECC RAM the internal sequencer can execute a variety of tasks, e.g., waveform generation, ADC sampling control, configuration, and control of both internal analog and digital modules. Readout systems based on the IDE8420 which are supplied by IDEAS can include Camera Link and/or Gigabit Ethernet.

INX-500

The INX-500 is a  current integrating x-ray detector system that allows one to acquire x-ray shadow images from liquidsor solid objects. The radiation sensor is made of CZT arranged in a line pattern. The readout electronics is based on IDEAS radiation sensor readout IC technology.
The INX-500 is designed for applications that require high radiation flux and high readout frame-rate (50000 frames per second). The integration time can be programmed to be as low as 50ns.
The INX-500 hardware is modular, which allows system designers to assemble any length of sensors in line or curved shapes.
Currently two types of sensor are available: 2-mm thick with 0.8-mm pixel pitch, and 5-mm thick with 1.6-mm pixel pitch.
The image data is transferred via standard Ethernet interface using custom TCP/UDB base readout and control protocol. A C-API and/or LabView-API are available.

Ordering Information

Product ID Detector Thickness Pixel Pitch Pixels per Seg. Pixel Layout per Seg. No. of Seg. Options
IDE-INX-500 5 mm 1.6 mm 1024 128×8 max 8 C and/or LabVIEW API; auxiliary synch and power equipment.
IDE-INX-501 2 mm 800 μm 256×4

NORM – Space Radiation Monitor

Mission

NORM is the Norwegian Radiation Monitor for measuring energetic charged particle radiation in space. Understanding space radiation is required for reliable operation of satellites, and all human activities in space. Monitoring of “Space Weather” as the interaction of solar particles with earths magnetic field and radiation belts is called is important for life on earth as well. Solar storms affect radio transmissions and can damage our electrical grid and electronics even on the earths surface.

NORM’s first use will be in the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a pair of broadband communication satellites providing coverage over the arctic, owned and operated by Space Norway. The satellites will fly in a highly elliptical three point apogee orbit (HEO-TAP), touching different domains in radiation environment. This provides a unique opportunity to validate existing and new radiation environment models. The data produced will also benefit the development of the second generation of Galileo navigation satellites currently being developed by the European Union.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) for their help with the mechanical structure and environmental analyses.

NORM was developed under ESA Contract (4000128542/19/NL/AS) with the support of the Norwegian Space Agency and Space Norway HEOSAT AS.

The Instrument

NORM is designed as an easily adaptable space radiation monitor for satellite missions in GEO, LEO, and HEO. Various features such as communication interface, power supply and radiation hardness can be tailored to better fit the needs of the hosting satellite.

Product Flyer

ROSMAP-MP

The ROSMAP-MP is a compact readout module for multi anode photomultiplier tubes (MaPMT). The module can operate both in spectroscopy mode and timing mode. The mechanical interface is designed to fit the Hamamatsu H8500C and H12700 MaPMTs. Three variants of the ROSMAP-MP are available, namely the ROSMAP-MP-80, the ROSMAP-MP-200 and the ROSMAP-MP-1000, which have dynamic ranges of -80pC, -200pC and -1000pC, respectively.

In spectroscopy mode the ROSMAP-MP can read out all 64 channels upon a trigger (68k events/s), or only the triggered channel (200k events/s). The event energy is digitized with 13-bit resolution, and the pulse-height is transmitted along with the timestamp and channel ID. In timing mode, the module detects events up to a rate of up to 1M events/s, and only transmits information about the channel ID and timestamp. The trigger threshold can be set individually for each channel to cope with gain variations of the MaPMT.

IDEAS Testbench software is delivered with the module to ensure that the user can quickly start operating the ROSMAP-MP. This software allows module configuration, readout in all operating modes, pulse-height and histogram visualization and data logging to file. It also includes a Python interpreter for scripting. An API is also available, enabling creation of custom software solutions.

The size of the module is 50 mm x 50 mm, which allows it to fit entirely behind the Hamamatsu MaPMT tube. The module depth is 55 mm, and its mass is 113 g.
The ROSMAP-MP is controlled via an Ethernet interface, and powered by a 5V power supply. It is possible to synchronize several modules via the sync inputs.

ROSSPAD

The ROSSPAD is a readout module for detecting and measuring the signals from silicon-photomultipliers / multi-pixel-photon-counters. Detector modules can easily be connected to the ROSSPAD via 2 multipin connectors. This interface offers a connection to all 64 input channels and the bias voltage. Events on each channel are detected at a high rate, with a configurable dynamic range between -400pC and -16nC. The system is designed to measure negative input charges.
In spectroscopy mode, the ROSSPAD can readout all 64 channels with a rate of up to 20 000 frames per second. The event energy is digitized with 12-bit resolution, and the pulse-height is transmitted along with the timestamp, number of channels, and frame data. The trigger threshold can be adjusted individually for each of the 64 channels.
In count mode, the number of events over the threshold is readout for all 64 channels. Each channel has a counter which increments each time a trigger pulse is detected. The maximum event detection rate is approximately 20 000 frames per second. The readout interval can be set by the system between 50µs – 1s.
The ROSSPAD provides the acquired data and is controlled via an Ethernet interface. The module is powered by a 5V power supply or a PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) module. It also offers the possibility to synchronize several systems via a sync interface. An API is available, allowing the design of customer-specific readout software. The ROSSPAD can be purchased a complete system with a scintillator and detectors from Hamamatsu or ON semiconductor (SensL). Upon request, the ROSSPAD can be made to fit the other detectors.

ROSSPAD Line Scanner

The ROSSPAD Line Scanner is an x-ray and gamma-ray detector for industrial tomography. The sensitive area is 6.2mm wide and 397mm long. The detector is made with a linear array of 64 CsI (TI) scintillator crystals and a silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) . The ROSSPAD Line Scanner detects x-ray and gamma-rays with energies from 20 keV to 778 keV. The system can operate in spectroscopy-mode or counting-mode.
In spectroscopy mode, the ROSSPAD Line Scanner can readout all 64 channels with a rate of up to 20 000 frames per second. The event energy is digitized with 12-bit resolution, and the pulse-height is transmitted along with the timestamp, number of channels, and frame data. The trigger threshold can be adjusted individually for each of the 64 channels.
In count mode, the number of events over the threshold is readout for all 64 channels. Each channel has a counter which increments each time a trigger pulse is detected. The maximum event detection rate is approximately 20 000 frames per second. The readout interval can be set by the system between 50µs – 1s.
The ROSSPAD Line scanner provides the acquired data and is controlled via an Ethernet interface. The module is powered by a 5V power supply or a PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) module. It also offers the possibility to synchronize several systems via a sync interface. An API is available, allowing the design of customer-specific readout software.

SRE3020

The SRE3020 “VAST” series is a family of OEM camera modules for gamma and x-ray spectroscopy. The camera module is designed to allow integration in user-end instruments, and is delivered with 1 pixelated mono-crystal CZT sensor (two-sensor version will be developed) and readout electronics based on IDEAS’ proprietary front-end IC technology.

The SRE3020 is designed to deliver information that can be used for reconstructing the 3-dimensional position of the events (photo-absorption, Compton scattering, etc.) occurring in the detector. The device is suited for users who intend to do Compton reconstruction of the detected events, as both the scatter and absorption events are detected by the same sensor.

Multiple SRE3020 can be connected to build a synchronized system with a larger sensitive detector volume. Each camera module includes I/O interfaces for synchronization.

The event data is available over a standard Ethernet network interface. The detector system is delivered with the “IDEAS Testbench” testing software. APIs for C and LabVIEW also be delivered together with the detector system – allowing the user to quickly make user-end applications.

This product is currently in beta, but is available for purchase by early adopters. Please contact us if you are interested.

SRE4002

SRE4001 and SRE4002 with and without CZT

The SRE4001 and SRE4002 are image sensor readout modules (“microIDM”). The electronics is designed for the readout of gamma ray image sensors made of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT). CZT is a semiconductor material that is ideal for gamma ray detection.

The readout (“microIDM”) is based on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), designed for the readout of the 256 sensor electrodes. The ASIC amplifies the electric charge from the sensor and samples the amplitude when the input signal is above a programmable threshold. The time trigger pulse, the address of the triggered channel and the charge magnitude are available at the at the module output interface.

The SRE4001 allows one to measure gamma ray up to 350keV in CZT, while the SRE4002 allows one to measure up to 700keV in CZT.

The modules with CZT are ideal for small gamma cameras of different geometries. Typical applications include arrays of SRE4001/4002 with CZT creating a larger imaging array. The module has two M2 threaded holes for mounting and two electrical connectors, which allows for mounting on a carrier board.

The SRE4001/4002 are insensitive to magnetic fields and have been operated with CZT in vacuum and in Space.

The SRE4001 and the SRE4002 are available with CZT sensors of size of  25.4 mm x 25.4 mm  and with 40 mm x 40 mm.

We can deliver carrier boards for different number of modules; please contact us for more information.

VA32HDR14.2

32-channel and high dynamic range charge sensitive preamplifier-shaper circuit, with sample and hold, multiplexed analog readout and calibration facilities. Parallel analogue output of all 32 pre-amplifiers. Compatible with parallel connection to 32 channels TA-ASICs.

Keywords: CALET

VA32HDR14.3

33-channel and high dynamic range charge sensitive preamplifier-shaper circuit, with sample and hold, multiplexed analog readout and calibration facilities. Parallel analogue output of all 33 pre-amplifiers. Compatible with parallel connection to 32 channels TA-ASICs.
Keywords: Cosmic-rays, ISS

Publications

VASCM3.2

The VASCM3.2 is a 128 channel low-noise/low power current sensitive preamplifier-filter circuit, with two-channel alternating sample and hold. The ASIC has switched current mode, correlated double sampling and dead time free readout. The integrated signals are read out by a serial multiplexer after S/H. The VA_SCM3.2 design is based on the existing VA_SCM2. Four gain settings with dynamic range: 1pC, 2.5pC, 6pC, and 20pC at 1.5V output voltage. Also, includes means for Correlated Double Sampling (CDS) and can be used in a separate operational mode.
Keywords: Current mode x-ray readout, portal imaging, Current mode x-ray readout, portal imaging, radiation dosimetry, CDS, variable gain, pre-amplifier

Publications

  • Östling, Janina, et al. “A radiation-tolerant electronic readout system for portal imaging.” Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 525.1 (2004): 308-312, doi:10.1016/j.nima.2004.03.079
  • Fedorovich, O., et al. “Metal micro-detectors: Development of «transparent» position sensitive detector for beam diagnostics.” Problems of Atomic Science and Technology, Series «Plasma Physics 6.82 (2012): 196-198, VANT

VATA450.3

The VATA450.3 is a 64 channel readout ASIC with CSA (charge sensitive amplifiers) and 10 bit ADCs with latches in every channel. Triggering is generated by a digital threshold applied to 10 bit digital comperators. A common mode (CM) detector is included on-chip. After each readout the threshold value is common mode corrected. Includes dummy channel for on-chip pedestal correction. Two pre-amplifier gain modes are configurable, with input charge range (dynamic range) ±16 fC or ±40 fC. The VATA450.3 has an alternative mode which provides lower noise (98e + 5.3e/pF) with an increased power dissipation (1mW/channel). Data is read out on a serialized digital interface, which also provides the triggering signals.
Keywords: ASTRO-H, soft gamma-ray detector (SGD)
Additional files: IDE-VATA450

Publications

VATA451

The VATA451 is a 64 channel front-end readout for silicon strip and silicon radiation sensors. The circuit was used in the Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager (FOXSI). Each CSA is followed by a slow and a fast shaper. The fast shaper signals are compared with a global trigger threshold. Each channel has a 10-bit ADC with latches. The digitized pulseheight can be read out from a digital multiplexer. A common mode (CM) detector is included on-chip.

Keywords: Focusing optics x-ray solar imager (FOXSI)

Publications

  • S. Ishikawa, et al. 2011, “Fine-Pitch Semiconductior Detector for the FOXSI Mission”, IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, vol. 58, issue 4, pp. 2039-2046, DOI: 10.1109/TNS.2011.2154342

VATA453

Keywords: Gamma ray imager/polarimeter for solar flares (GRIPS)

Publications

  • A. Shih, et al., 2012, “The Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar flares (GRIPS)”, Proc. SPIE 8443, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2012: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 84434H (September 7, 2012), DOI: 10.1117/12.926450

VATA460.3

Keywords: BepiColombo MMO, MPPE instrument, Compton imaging, ASTROCAM

Publications

  • H.Odaka, et al., 2011,”High-resolution Compton cameras based on Si/CdTe double-sided strip detectors”, Nuclear Inst. and Methods in Physics Research, A, Volume 695, p. 179-183.DOI:10.1016/j.nima.2011.12.061
  • T. Mitani et al.: “High-energy electron experiments (HEP) aboard the ERG (Arase) satellite”, Earth Planets Space (2018) 70: 77.DOI: 10.1186/s40623-018-0853-1

VATA461

Keywords: ASTRO-H, hard x-ray imager (HXI)

Publications

  • M. Kokubun, et al., 2010, “Hard x-ray imager (HXI) for the ASTRO-H Mission”, Proc. SPIE 7732, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 773215 (30 July 2010), DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2014.05.127

VATA462

Keywords: ASTRO-H, GRB with BGO

Publications

  • T.Nakamori, et al., 2011, “Development of X-ray/gamma-ray imaging spectrometers using reach-through APD arrays” AIP Conference Proceedings, 1279, 400-402 (2010),  DOI: 10.1063/1.3509325
VATA64HDR16

VATA64HDR16.2

The VATA64HDR16.2 is a 64-channel charge sensitive amplifier for SiPM read-out. Each channel features preamplifiers, “slow” shapers, sample/hold, multiplexed analogue readout and calibration facilities. Each channel has a “fast” shaper that gives a trigger signal and a timing unit to record the time difference between triggers in different channels.
Supported by the Galao ROIC Development Kit.
Keywords: Silicon photo multipliers, multi-pixel photon counters

Publications

VATAGP7.1

VATAGP7.1

128-channel “general purpose” charge sensitive amplifier. Each channel features buffered preamplifiers, a shaper with sample/hold, multiplexed analogue readout and calibration facilities. In addition, each channel has a “fast” shaper that gives a trigger signal. The analogue value and the address of the triggering channels are read out. The ASIC can output all channels, only triggered, or triggered channels with neighbors. Each channel has input leakage current compensation automatically adjusted in each preamplifier channel. This ASIC can be used in parallel with many ASICs, sharing all output lines and some control lines.
Keywords: Readout, ASIC, charged particle tracking

Publications

  • A. Studen et al., “A silicon PET probe“, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Volume 648 (2011)

VATAGP8

The VATAGP8 is an integrated circuit that allows one to measure the charge from radiation sensors. The ASIC has 128 channels with low-noise and low-power buffered pre-amplifiers, shapers with sample-and-hold, and multiplexed analogue readout. Each channel has a level-comparator that generates a trigger signal when the pulse-height exceeds the programmable threshold. Depending on the mode of operation, the chip sends out the pulse height value and the address of the triggering channels, from all channels or from selected channels. An internal circuit automatically compensates for detector leakage currents.

The VATAGP8 is a successor of the VATAGP3 and it is pad compatible with VATAGP3.

The VATAGP8 was designed for use in systems employing many chips in parallel, sharing some control lines and all output lines. The VATAGP8 has a test channel that allows one to probe the fast shaper output. The trigger threshold is programmable by 5-bit global threshold DAC. Each channel has an additional 4-bit trim DAC that allows fine adjustment of the trigger threshold.

The chip requires positive and negative supply voltages (-2V, +1.5V) and generates all bias currents internally. However, one can also apply bias currents externally, if needed. The total power is 280mW maximum, depending on the readout rate. The chip has a 926-bit configuration register that allows one to program various features, and allows one to test and measure its gain by injection of an external calibrated charge. All amplifier inputs are protected by diodes against over-voltage and electro-static discharge (ESD).

XCS-1000

The IDE-XCS-1000 series is a family of energy-resolved photon counting systems for x-ray and gamma photons. The detector system is delivered with an array of pixelated mono-crystal CZT sensors, arranged in a line pattern. The detector readout electronics is based on IDEAS proprietary frontend IC technology.

Three versions are available in the series, with 1, 3 and 6 energy threshold levels respectively. The multiple energy levels are counted in parallel.

Multiple detectors can be connected together in a larger synchronized counting system. Each detector unit includes input and output interfaces for synchronization.

The counting data is available over a standard Ethernet interface, using a custom TCP/UDP based readout and control protocol. The detector system is delivered with the “IDEAS Testbench Software” testing software and a detailed user manual, including an interface description for the packet protocol. On request a C API and/or LabVIEW API can also be delivered together with the detector system.

 

Ordering Information

Product ID Energy Bins Pixel Pitch Pixels per Segment Pixel Layout per Segment
IDE-XCS-1108 1 1.6 mm   896 112 x 8
IDE-XCS-1308 3
IDE-XCS-1604 6 448 112 x 4
IDE-XCS-1118 1 800 μm 896   224 x 4
IDE-XCS-1318 3
IDE-XCS-1614 6 448 224 x 2
IDE-XCS-1124 1 400 μm 448   448 x 1
IDE-XCS-1624 6