Description
The FERS-5200 (Front-End Readout System) is a modular and scalable platform designed for the readout of large arrays of detectors, such as SiPMs, multi-anode PMTs, Silicon Strip detectors, Wire Chambers, GEMs, and Gas Tubes. Each unit is a compact card housing 64 or 128 channels, integrating front-end electronics, A/D converters, trigger logic, synchronization, local memory, and readout interfaces.
Key Features:
- Modular Architecture: Comprises various front-end cards (A520x units) tailored for specific detectors, and a DT5215 Concentrator Board for data aggregation.
- Scalability: From a single standalone unit for R&D to large systems with thousands of channels managed by a single concentrator.
- Synchronization: Utilizes the optical TDlink protocol for automatic synchronization, slow control, and high-throughput data readout across multiple units.
- Flexibility: Front-end units are available in boxed versions for desktop use or naked for integration into mechanical frames.
- Software Support: Controlled via Janus open-source software, providing both console and GUI modes for configuration and data acquisition.
Front-End Units:
- A5202 / DT5202: Equipped with two Weeroc Citiroc-1A ASICs for SiPM readout, supporting spectroscopy (PHA), counting, and timing with Time-over-Threshold (ToT).
- A5203 / DT5203: Features CERN’s picoTDC for high-resolution time measurements, capable of capturing both leading and trailing edges with 3.125 ps resolution.
- A5204 / DT5204: Combines Weeroc Radioroc ASIC and CERN picoTDC, enabling pulse height analysis, pulse shape discrimination, photon counting, and precise timing.
DT5215 Concentrator Board:
The DT5215 manages up to 8 TDlinks, each connecting up to 16 FERS units in a daisy chain, allowing a single concentrator to handle up to 8192 channels. It aggregates data from all connected units, performs event building based on timestamps or trigger IDs, and interfaces with the host computer via USB 3.0 or 1/10 Gb Ethernet.
