A Method for the Optimization of Front-End Electronics for Ionizing Spectrometers

Many different aims must be satisfied in the design of front-end readout electronics for spectroscopy detectors (equivalent input noise, gain bandwidth and stability, etc.), some of which may result in conflicting design specifications. We propose an interactive procedure that allows the optimization of all design parameters (individual dimensions of integrated devices, resistors and capacitors values, etc.) by finding the best compromise between the possibly conflicting design goals. This is achieved in an automated way just by changing the relative weights associated with the different design goals. Implementation issues are briefly discussed and an applicative example is given. The example is based on a real circuit for cryogenic gamma rays spectroscopy. Two modified designs are obtained by the optimizing method: the first one shows improved bandwidth specifications while the second one has better noise.