Front-end electronics for pixel sensors

This paper discusses the criteria that underlie the design of front-end systems for pixel sensors of different types in a highly diversified fields of application. In the pixel front-end systems, low level analog signals coexist with digital activities and the design must comply with severe limitations in the area and in the power allotted to the single pixel cell. Noise and radiation hardness issues are of utmost importance in several applications. Some ways to arrive at a design which suits specific application requirements are discussed and the impact of the most advanced monolithic processes is evaluated.