The Optical Multiplexer Board for the ATLAS Hadronic Tile Calorimeter

This paper presents the architecture and the status of the optical multiplexer board (OMB) for the ATLAS/LHC tile hadronic calorimeter (TileCal). This board will analyze the front-end data CRC to prevent bit and burst errors produced by radiation. Besides, due to its position within the data acquisition chain it will be used to emulate front-end data for tests. The first two prototypes of the final OMB 9U version have been produced at CERN. Detailed design issues and manufacturing features of these prototypes are described. These prototypes are being validated while firmware developments are being implemented in the programmable devices of the board.