A mixed signal CMOS readout chain for imaging spectroscopic pixel X-ray detectors

A CMOS readout chain for pixel X-ray detectors has been designed and prototyped in 0.8 /spl mu/m technology. The system is capable of simultaneous imaging and spectroscopic functions. Each pixel circuitry incorporates both analog and digital features to perform the dual tasks. It exhibits excellent linearity in the range of 0-1 fC with a gain of 514 mV/fC. With a silicon area of 0.05 mm/sup 2/ and a power consumption of 1.8 mW per pixel at a 3.3 V it is a promising solution for biomedical applications. The paper describes the system architecture and reports simulation results obtained after back-annotation from the physical design.