Trends of Data Path Topologies for Data Acquisition Systems in Positron Emission Tomography

In this paper, we describe current trends in data path topologies for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data acquisition (DAQ) systems which is used to capture signals from the detector modules and generate coincidence data for a image reconstruction computer. First, the requirements of DAQ systems in PET, such as event throughput, timing resolution, and energy resolution, are analyzed. Then, design issues related to DAQ designs are discussed including multiplexing schemes, DAQ boards interconnection topologies, and transmission protocols to transfer data to the image reconstruction computer. We also discuss how new trends in PET systems, such as time-of-flight (TOF) PET, depth-of-interaction (DOI) information, and PET/MRI, can affect the design of PET DAQ systems.