1. Multi-Pixel Photon Counter Readout Board
Kurtis Nishimura
February 5, 2008
Conceptual Design Review

2. Motivation Particle ID system using Cerenkov light
Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPPC)
Multiple avalanche photo-diode pixels
Purpose: Build readout board for a set of MPPCs and (BLAB1/2) to determine such a system’s characteristics (gain, timing, etc.)

3. Block Diagram

4. Specifications
Specifications primarily determined by requirements of using MPPC with BLAB…
MPPC Pulse Width
~3 ns
MPPC Gain
2.75x105 – 2.4x106
MPPC Output Voltage
~(0.5 – 7) mV
BLAB1 Dynamic Range
~(0.6 – 1.9) V
BLAB1 Bandwidth
~300 MHz
Noise level (VJohnson)
~15 mV
Required Amplification
~40-60 dB

5. Parts List / Implementation
MPPCs (x16 max)
Hamamatsu S (-025, -050, -100)
50 mm x 50 mm pixel size available?...but should accommodate any.
Alternatively allow for external inputs
Biasing as per MPPC specifications
Amplification for BLAB1 inputs
Use existing multi-stage implementations
Not required for BLAB2
BLAB1 (x2)
BLAB2
Some parameters not yet fixed
Programmable logic (FPGA)
USB Controller
Calibration Pulser (?)
+dB
-dB

6. Schedule