Performance of the RENA-3 IC with position-sensitive CZT and CdTe detectors

The RENA-3 (Readout Electronics for Nuclear Applications) is a 36-channel self-resetting, charge sensitive amplifier/shaper IC with trigger output, wide energy range and sparse readout designed for use with position-sensitive, spectroscopy-grade radiation detectors. It has in recent years been favored to provide the front-end electronics in prototype instruments for various applications — from space physics research through medical imaging to homeland security — that employ CZT or CdTe in the form of planar sensor assemblies or monolithic pixel/strip arrays. We will present a summary of spectroscopic data drawn from the body of RENA-3-based results obtained in our laboratories and by other RENA-3 users. Spectroscopic performance metrics will be discussed relative to the requirements of the specific application targeted in each case as well as from the general standpoint of what may be achievable within this detector-array/RENA-3 approach. A method to automate the test and calibration of RENA-3 ICs will also be described.