Data encoding efficiency in binary strip detector readout

TL;DR

This paper presents a systematic approach to calculate the minimum bits for binary strip detector readout, analyzes existing encoding efficiency, and introduces a new method called Pattern Overlay Compression that significantly improves efficiency.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for readout bit efficiency and introduces a novel encoding method that outperforms existing techniques.

Findings

Existing encoding method achieves about 50% efficiency.

Pattern Overlay Compression significantly improves efficiency.

The systematic analysis guides the development of more effective readout methods.

Abstract

A prescription to calculate the minimum number of bits needed for binary strip detector readout is presented. This permits a systematic analysis of the readout efficiency relative to this theoretical minimum number of bits. Different level efficiencies are defined to include context information and engineering properties needed for reliable transmission, such as DC-balance. A commonly used encoding method is analyzed as an example and found to have an efficiency only of order 50%. A new encoding method called Pattern Overlay Compression is introduced to illustrate how the systematic analysis can guide the construction of more efficient readout methods. Pattern Overlay Compression significantly outperforms the above example in the occupancy range of interest.