Integration of a 16-channel low power cmos instrumentation chain for electron and charged particle detection in astrophysics

A CMOS instrument chain for electron and charged particle detection was optimized for low noise, low power consumption and high speed response. 16 channels were integrated in a standard 0,35 μm CMOS process. With a power consumption of only 2,12 mW/channel and a chip area of 5,67 mm², the ASIC is compatible with embedded applications. The pulse shaper has a rise time of 50 ns and an equivalent noise charge of 318 e^- + 48 e^- / pF for a conversion gain of 1,4 mV/fC. The charge conversion resolution is smaller than 35,7 fC and greater that 1,2 pC. This circuit has a maximum repetitive pulse rate of 2,5 MHz and is able to drive a largest output capacitor of 25 pF.