Analog pipeline readout for ATLAS calorimetry

This paper presents the design and prototype testing of an analog pipeline readout module suitable for readout of the LAr calorimetry at the large hadron collider. The design has been driven by the readout requirements of the ATLAS electromagnetic liquid argon calorimeter and the ATLAS trigger design parameters. The results indicate that an analog pipeline readout system meeting the ATLAS requirements can be built using our modules. The SCA-chip employed has resolution approaching 13-bits (using the full range of the SCA) and can achieve a 16-bit dynamic range using a dual-range scheme. The module is based on switched capacitor array chips. A brief description of the design of the pipeline controller development, that will enable the SCA readout system to run as a deadtimeless analog RAM, is also given. (orig.)