A Bulk Driven Transimpedance Amplifier for Portable SiPM Based Detectors

Silicon photomultipliers, SiPM, in conjunction with scintillators are used in nuclear imaging and detection. This paper demonstrates a transimpedance amplifier, TIA, designed and fabricated in a 0.18 μm standard CMOS process. The TIA is compatible with both custom CMOS and commercial SiPMs. The bulk driven amplifier used in the TIA topology enables the system to operate with lowered power supply. Experimental measurements show the proposed TIA has 65 dB open loop gain, while consuming 0.4 μW. The designed TIA has been simulated with two SiPMs in SPICE to verify its functionality. The SiPM model is based on experimental measurements. The TIA is a suitable choice to enable portable nuclear detection and imaging systems.