Development of a modular and scalable data acquisition system for calorimeters at a linear collider

TL;DR

This paper presents a modular, scalable, and standards-based data acquisition system for calorimeters at a linear collider, emphasizing flexibility and future detector integration.

Contribution

It introduces a novel backplaneless DAQ architecture using FPGAs and serial links, enhancing modularity and scalability for collider calorimeter readout.

Findings

System demonstrates effective readout and control of prototype calorimeters.

The backplaneless design reduces complexity and improves flexibility.

Performance analysis discusses advantages and limitations of the system.

Abstract

A data acquisition (DAQ) system has been developed which will read out and control calorimeters serving as prototype systems for a future detector at an electron-positron linear collider. This is a modular, flexible and scalable DAQ system in which the hardware and signals are standards-based, using FPGAs and serial links. The idea of a backplaneless system was also pursued with a commercial development board housed in a PC and a chain of concentrator cards between it and the detector forming the basis of the system. As well as describing the concept and performance of the system, its merits and disadvantages are discussed.