IDeF-X V1.0: A new 16-channel low-noise analog front-end for Cd(Zn)Te detectors

Joint progress in Cd(Zn)Te detectors, microelectronics and interconnection technologies open the way for a new generation of instruments for physics and astrophysics applications in the energy range from 1 to 1000 keV. Even working between −20 and 20 °C, these instruments will offer high spatial resolution (pixel size ranging from 300×300 μm2 to few mm2), high spectral response and high detection efficiency. To reach these goals, reliable, highly integrated, low noise and low power consumption electronics is mandatory. Our group is currently developing a new full-custom detector front-end ASIC named IDeF-X, for modular spectro-imaging system based on the use of Cd(Zn)Te detectors. We present the most recent version of IDeF-X which is a 16 channels analog readout chip for hard X-ray spectroscopy. It has been processed with the standard AMS 0.35 μm CMOS technology. Each channel consists of a charge sensitive preamplifier, a pole zero cancellation stage, a variable peaking time filter and an output buffer. IDeF-X is designed to be DC coupled to detectors having a low dark current at room temperature and is optimized for input capacitance ranging from 2 to 5pF.