Preamplifier

Preamp (labeled by its different functions) inside a detector.

Gammasphere's preamplifier (also called a preamp) drives the Ge central contact and two Ge side channel signals of each detector. It sits inside a chamber of the detector, where it receives signals taken directly from the Ge. There are two kinds of preamps: segmented and non-segmented. Segmented preamps are made for detectors that have a Ge that is split in half by having an insulator in the middle of its cylindrical shape (thus making two sides or halves), while non-segmented preamps are made for detectors where the Ge is not split. The preamps themselves are not physically different, but the segmented preamps have additional functions in comparison to non-segmented ones.

The preamp is the first part of the DAQ system from the detectors and provides monitoring data to the EPICS interface. It contains temperature and humidity sensors and has unique self-diagnostic capabilities that can allow it to identify certain failures in the Ge detector. Furthermore, it has the capability to communicate with the pickoff card inside the SBX, using an I2C bus.

Preamplifier EDM Screen

Below is an image of the preamplier's EDM screen, which displays various monitoring and control values. You can find the preamplifier screen as an option in the SBX/Slope Box control screen.

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