Electronics Design of the IceCube-Gen2 Optical Module Prototype

TL;DR

This paper details the design and development of the electronics and data acquisition system for the IceCube-Gen2 optical modules, which are crucial for detecting cosmic neutrinos with enhanced sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel electronics architecture for IceCube-Gen2 sensors, integrating multiple PMTs, digitization, FPGA processing, and calibration features in a compact module.

Findings

Successful prototype development of the electronics system

Integration of 18 PMTs with high-speed digitization

Implementation of in-module calibration and data buffering

Abstract

IceCube-Gen2 is a planned extension to the existing IceCube Neutrino Observatory and will provide an order of magnitude increase in the detection rate of cosmic neutrinos by deploying ~10,000 sensors in a volume of ~8 cubic kilometers. As part of the upcoming IceCube Upgrade, we are developing prototype IceCube-Gen2 sensors to test all components in-situ in preparation for mass production required for IceCube-Gen2. The novel IceCube-Gen2 module will contain up to eighteen 4-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The signals for each PMT are digitized with a 2-channel, 12-bit ADC (low- and high-gain) at a rate of 60 MSps. In addition, each module contains LED flashers for in-ice calibration, an FPGA for performing in-module local coincidence of PMT signals, and onboard $\mu$SD flash memory for buffering data before it is sent to the surface. In this contribution, we discuss the electronics and data acquisition system design.