Towards an Efficient Prototype of a RPC Detector Readout System for the Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment

The Daya Bay RPC (Resistive Plate Chamber) readout system is responsible for collecting event data created by muons entering the detector systems from above. The readout system should be capable of converting analog signals from the RPC detectors into digital signals, which are buffered and uploaded for readout by the online DAQ (Data Acquisition) system. The RPC readout system will report trigger information to a master trigger system. The numerous and relatively minute pulses from the RPC detectors require accurate signal discriminating and reliable data transmission. This article provides a brief overview of the Daya Bay RPC detector and then outlines the design and performance of the prototype RPC readout system.