Pixel-level 8-bit 5-MS/s Wilkinson-type digitizer for the DSSC X-ray imager: Concept study

A pixel-level 8-bit 5-MS/s digitizer for the DSSC X-ray imager utilizing the method of Wilkinson is presented. The timing information is generated column-wise by means of an 8-bit Gray-code counter. The 625-ps time stamps are distributed to the column pixels through 13-mm long shielded coplanar waveguides. Pixel-internal blocks comprise a sample-and-hold stage with current source for ramp generation, a temperature-compensated and supply voltage-stabilized reference circuitry, a comparator, a bank of eight receivers with latches for the time stamps, and control logic. These pixel-internal and global devices in 130-nm CMOS technology occupy 0.015 and 0.012 mm2, respectively. The power consumption amounts to ∼800μW at 1.2-V supply voltage. Taking the 0.8-V dynamic range into account, the simulated rms-noise voltage of about 240μV corresponds to a signal-to-noise ratio above 70 dB. The differential and integral nonlinearity is expected to remain below 0.4 LSB and 1 LSB, respectively. All results promise the compliance with underlying requirements.