A Low-Power, CMOS Peak Detect and Hold Circuit for Nuclear Pulse Spectroscopy1

M. N. Ericson, M. L. Simpson, C. L. Britton, M. D. Allen, R. A. Kroeger, S. E. Inderhees

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

A low-power CMOS peak detecting track and hold circuit optimized for nuclear pulse spectroscopy is presented. The circuit topology eliminates the need for a rectifying diode, reducing the effect of charge injection into the hold capacitor, incorporates a linear gate at the input to prevent pulse pileup, and uses dynamic bias control that minimizes both pedestal and droop. Both positive-going and negative-going pulses are accommodated using a complementary set of track and hold circuits. Full characterization of the design fabricated in 1.2 üm CMOS including dynamic range, integral nonlinearity, droop rate, pedestal, and power measurements is presented. The circuit operates with only 250 üw for input pulses with 7 üs peaking time. Power consumption was increased to 750 üw for driving off-chip and test system capacitances. Analysis and design approaches for optimization of operational characteristics are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)724-728
Number of pages5
JournalIEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
Volume42
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1995

Funding

'Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC05-840R2 1400.

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