System Design of the Newest Generation Detector Controller for ELT and new VLT Instruments

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design and development of the NGCII detector controller, a modular system based on MicroTCA.4, intended for ELT and VLT instruments, highlighting early hardware and firmware testing stages.

Contribution

It introduces a new modular detector controller design for ESO telescopes, leveraging MicroTCA.4 standards, with initial hardware and firmware development insights.

Findings

Successful initial tests with detectors and ROICs

Modular design based on MicroTCA.4 standard

Versatile control for infrared and visible detectors

Abstract

A new detector controller, NGCII, is in development for the first-generation instruments of the ELT as well as new instruments for the VLT. Building on experience with previous ESO detector controllers, a modular system based on the MicroTCA.4 industrial standard, is designed to control a variety of infrared and visible light scientific and wavefront sensor detectors. This article presents the early development stages of NGCII hardware and firmware from the decision to start an all-new design to first tests with detectors and ROICs.