Design of 28 nm CMOS front-end channels for pixel detectors in future high energy physics colliders and advanced X-ray imaging instrumentation

Bridging the gap between architectural theory and silicon reality in High Energy Physics.As experiments at the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and future colliders push the boundaries of physics, the instrumentation must evolve to handle unprecedented event rates and radiation levels. The current 65 nm standard is reaching its physical limits. This book explores the critical technological shift to 28 nm CMOS technology, providing a comprehensive guide to designing the next generation of hybrid pixel detectors.Authored by Andrea Galliani, this work details the complete engineering cycle—from schematic design to layout optimization and experimental validation—of innovative front-end architectures. It addresses the fundamental trade-off between the digital speed/density of the 28 nm node and the challenges it poses to analog headroom and noise performance.Key topics covered include:Technological Transition: Analysis of the 28 nm CMOS node for radiation detectors compared to legacy technologies.High-Rate Tracking: Implementation of compact Flash-ADCs capable of 40 MHz operation in area-constrained environments.Precision Timing: Optimization of Linear Time-over-Threshold (ToT) architectures for low-power HEP applications.High Dynamic Range: Design of Bilinear front-ends for advanced X-ray imaging instrumentation.Experimental Validation: A deep dive into the testing ecosystem, including custom DAQ design and post-layout characterization.This text is an essential resource for electronic engineers, physicists, and researchers working on ASIC design for particle physics and advanced radiation imaging. Read more