An Electronic Instrument for Measurement of the Charge and Energy of Cosmic-Rays in High-Altitude Balloons

In this paper, we present an electronic instrument that is intended for measurement of the charge and energy of cosmic rays. Built with state-of-the art electronic hardware and custom software, the instrument is capable of measuring energy up to a practical upper limit of 20 GeV/nucleon. Design details are presented as general guidelines for others to further develop a similar instrument as needed. Examples of test results in our laboratory are presented that confirm proper functioning of the instrument. This instrument has recently completed its mission of successfully collecting data as intended during a 5-hour long flight at afloat altitudes of ~150,000 ft on the 60MCF Test #1 flight provided by NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.