A flexible DAQ system for the Timepix4 ASIC in the 4DPHOTON project

N. V. Biesuz; J. Alozy; R. Bolzonella; V. Cavallini; A. Cotta Ramusino; M. Fiorini; E. Franzoso; X. Llopart Cudie; A. Saputi

Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 2607.14847

A flexible DAQ system for the Timepix4 ASIC in the 4DPHOTON project

N. V. Biesuz·J. Alozy·R. Bolzonella·V. Cavallini·A. Cotta Ramusino·M. Fiorini·E. Franzoso·X. Llopart Cudie·A. Saputi

View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a flexible data acquisition system13 developed for the Timepix4 ASIC within the 4DPHOTON project. The system is based on a modular14 FPGA-centric architecture combining high-speed serial readout, Ethernet-based data transport,15 and deterministic multi-board synchronization. The hardware platform includes a scalable stack16 composed of commercial FPGA carrier boards, FMC-based interface electronics, detector-specific17 chipboards, and a dedicated Trigger Logic Unit for synchronized operation.18 The firmware architecture separates control and data paths, enabling independent configuration19 and high-throughput acquisition through UDP over 10 GbE links. The design supports zero-back-20 pressure operation toward the ASIC and allows adaptation of the readout bandwidth to different21 experimental conditions. Synchronization between multiple DAQ systems is achieved through22 a common clock and trigger distribution network, experimentally demonstrated with sub-100 ps23 precision.24 The system has been developed to support detector characterization, laboratory measurements,25 and beam-test campaigns for the 4DPHOTON detector concept. Hardware organization, firmware26 architecture, synchronization strategy, and performance measurements are presented.

Explore related subjects

physics.ins-det hep-ex

Keep this discovery

BibTeX RIS

N. V. Biesuz, J. Alozy, R. Bolzonella, V. Cavallini, A. Cotta Ramusino, M. Fiorini, E. Franzoso, X. Llopart Cudie, A. Saputi. 2026-07-16. A flexible DAQ system for the Timepix4 ASIC in the 4DPHOTON project. https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.14847

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

High-Speed Semi-FE Readout Module for ATLAS MDT at HL-LHC: Design and Production-Level Characterization

The High-Luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) introduces increased demands on the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer, particularly in terms of data throughput, timing distribution and system reliability. The Phase-II Chamber Service Module (CSM) is a key component of the upgraded Monitored Drift Tube (MDT) trigger and readout system, providing a high-speed interface between the front-end electronics and the backend systems. This paper describes the design and implementation of the Phase-II CSM, together with its validation. The results show that the CSM supports two independent optical uplinks, each operating at a line rate of 10.24 Gbps, together with clock distribution and slow control in the expected operating environment. Integration with small-diameter MDT (sMDT) chambers and tests with the prototype L0MDT trigger system are also presented. The CSM boards are now in production and will be used for installation and integration during the upcoming LHC Long Shutdown.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Spectral Discrimination of Deposited Gamma-Ray Energies in a Simulated CeBr$_3$ Scintillator

We show that wavelength measurements of individual detected optical photons may provide additional information about gamma-ray energy deposited in a CeBr$_3$ crystal when the detected-photon-count distributions overlap for nearby gamma-ray energies. Monoenergetic 662 and 629 keV gammas are used in a Geant4 simulation of a $25\times25\times20~\mathrm{mm^3}$ CeBr$_3$ crystal. Assuming a light yield of $6.0\times10^4$ photons/MeV, a wavelength-independent photon-detection efficiency of 30%, and a wavelength resolution of $\sigma_{\lambda}=40$ nm, we find that the fraction of photons reconstructed above 385 nm gives an event-level separation of $\sim$ 2 standard deviations between the 662 and 629 keV event populations selected within the same $\sim$ 1%-wide detected-photon-count interval. No timing or reconstructed interaction-position information is used. The result demonstrates, within the present simulation model, that event-dependent optical spectra can retain energy information beyond an undifferentiated photon count.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Operation of a negative ion gas time projection chamber without electronegative fill gases

The high fidelity reconstruction of particle tracks in micropatterned gaseous time projection chambers renders this technology ideal for future rare-event searches, including direction-sensitive dark matter experiments. Large drift distances are typically required for such experiments, so that the overall spatial resolution is limited by diffusion. Negative ion drift exhibits lower diffusion than electron drift and is thus an attractive option for realising a large-scale detector. The use of electronegative gases to create negative ions introduces technical challenges, most notably a reduction in gain when compared to conventional gas mixtures. In this study, we demonstrate a new method for negative ion generation via dissociative electron attachment using the conventional molecular fill gas CF$_4$. Our optical measurements of negative ion drift indicate electron attachment lengths of $<$1 mm and comparable gain to electron avalanches. The individual negative ion avalanches were also time-resolved, allowing the number of ions reaching the readout to be counted. We measure an improved energy resolution by single ion counting, relative to an integrated electron avalanche signal measured under identical gain conditions.

physics.ins-det↗