Design of a modular signal processing board (MSPB) for gamma-ray imaging applications

In this paper a new modular signal processing board (MSPB) for high-resolution gamma-ray computed tomography (GCT) is presented. The MSPB is optimised for parallel signal processing of eight detector channels operating in pulse counting mode. Signal processing stages comprise of variable gain amplifiers, pulse height discrimination stages, 13-bit counters with corresponding latches as well as logic circuitry for coordinated data transfer with a multitude of MSPBs. The digital signal processing units are realised in commercially available complex programmable logic devices (CPLD). Each MSPB is addressable by an 8-bit DIP-switch which allows the use of up to 256 modules or 2048 detector pixels within one detector system. The geometry of the MSPB allows a multiple and seamless detector module arrangement which eases the adaptation of a given gamma-ray detector system to specific industrial and laboratory applications. The choice of the electronic devices and the thermal design was optimised for low power consumption in order to minimise internal heat production, which would affect the characteristics of the detector’s intrinsic gain strongly. Thermal measurements have been executed to prove the functionality of the thermal design.