A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method and system for a cross-strip anode detector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method and system for a cross-strip anode detector, belonging to the field of photon imaging detection technology, and solving the technical problems of poor universality and low efficiency of coded readout. The method comprises formulating coding rules for electronic channels according to channel multiplexing rules; connecting the cross-strip anode detector channels with corresponding electronic channels using the coding rules for electronic channels; determining the number of electronic channels for data acquisition and processing, reading out data, and determining the position where the electron cloud falls on the detector. The system comprises a cross-strip anode detector and a readout electronics system. The cross-strip anode detector comprises several detector channels, and the readout electronics system comprises several electronic channels; one electronic channel is connected to four detector channels, and one detector channel is connected to one electronic channel. The invention is used for coded multi-channel multiplexing readout of a cross-strip anode detector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of photon imaging detection, and in particular relates to a coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method and system for a cross-strip anode detector. Background Art

[0002] Photon imaging detectors can accurately capture weak photon signals and convert this information into high-resolution images. They are widely used in fields such as medical imaging, nuclear physics experiments, and high-energy physics research. Among the various types of photon imaging detectors, cross-stripe anode detectors offer advantages such as high spatial resolution, high precision, and low gain, making them an indispensable technology in the field of optical imaging. Cross-stripe anode detectors are available in various configurations with 64, 128, and 256 channels. This increased number of electronic channels significantly enhances the detector's processing power, enabling it to process more signal data, thereby improving detection accuracy and precision. However, despite the increasing number of readout electronic channels, the signal response from the anode output is limited to 5-7 channels. This limitation means that increasing the number of electronic channels not only negatively impacts detector resolution but can also lead to signal saturation or distortion in large-scale practical applications. Furthermore, the increased integration density of the detector system also significantly increases power consumption. In traditional cross-stripe anode detector systems, data readout is typically performed through a single channel. While this approach is simple and straightforward, it has many limitations. First, the single-channel readout method significantly limits the data processing rate, as each channel requires independent data processing and processing time, slowing down the overall operation of the entire system. Second, due to the presence of noise and interference signals within the detector, these external factors can affect the accuracy of the data, making the results less accurate, especially in high-precision measurement applications. Finally, this data reading method also increases the integration and complexity of the readout electronics.

[0003] When faced with complex electronic pathways, how to effectively utilize limited resources while ensuring signal quality and efficiency becomes a challenge. To address this problem, the present invention provides an innovative solution - a multi-channel multiplexing encoding method. The core of this technology is to change the arrangement or structure of the traditional detector readout electrodes so that they can be connected and merged in a special way. Through this method, data originally carried by multiple electronic channels can be integrated into a few channels for processing, thereby significantly reducing the number of electronic channels required. More importantly, this method does not sacrifice the original resolution of the detector. On the contrary, it encodes the signals so that signals on different channels can coexist harmoniously during transmission, effectively avoiding unnecessary information interference and improving the reliability and accuracy of the signal.

[0004] In current research, multi-channel multiplexing has not yet been widely adopted in cross-strip anode detectors. This article describes existing channel multiplexing solutions for other detectors. These solutions fall into two main categories: the first is charge-induced encoding. This technique employs two sensor strips of different sizes placed below the anode plate's readout signal channel. Whenever the detector captures a charge signal, the electrons on these sensor strips precisely match the charge on the anode strip based on their area ratio, thereby sensing the corresponding charge. By thoroughly analyzing the relationship between the channel number and charge amplitude as readback by the electronics, the system can effectively identify and correct the number of the detector strip that was hit, thereby achieving accurate and reliable output. In 2007, D. Kataria et al. presented their work on a technique for implementing coded readout by adding sensor strips below the readout strips of a microchannel plate detector electrode. This technique, based on an FPGA (field programmable gate array), enables system miniaturization and application in fields such as space plasma measurement instrumentation. This demonstration not only demonstrates the feasibility of this technology but also its significant potential for resource conservation. In 2011, Hu Rongjiang and his team from the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, further demonstrated their one-dimensional inductive coding readout technology, integrating an inductive readout strip into the readout portion of a microstructured gas detector. They demonstrated the feasibility of one-dimensional inductive coding readout with a sensitive area of ​​up to 10 cm x 10 cm. The experimental results demonstrated that this new technology can indeed save significant electronic channel resources. However, they also noted that while the technology is effective in specific cases, its encoding and decoding methods lack standardization and universality, making it difficult to generalize to other types of electronic channels.

[0005] The second implementation is known as direct coded readout. Its core lies in its ability to directly connect the readout electronics to numerous detector channels. This approach designs a specific pair of detector channels, ensuring a unique mapping between each pair. In 2013, S. Procureur and colleagues at the French Institute of Atomic Energy (INAE), inspired by the principles of genetic coding in bioengineering, incorporated this concept into their research. They proposed a novel coded readout approach. Unlike traditional readout methods, this approach does not rely on complex electronic circuit design or signal processing algorithms, but instead uses a direct and simple method to read detector information. The core of this technology is a 50 cm x 50 cm microstructured gas detector with 61 electronic channels. Through careful design and programming, these channels can accurately read 1024 distinct readout strips. This process has been validated in experiments and demonstrated extremely high accuracy and reliability. However, while this coded readout approach holds great potential, it also presents several challenges. Currently, the encoding and decoding mechanisms are relatively complex, resulting in a lack of a universal solution that can accommodate any n-channel encoding requirement. In 2015, Qi Bingxiang and others from the University of Science and Technology of China implemented a coding scheme based on Hamiltonian circuits and achieved the maximum channel compression rate without aliasing the detector signal. However, this coding scheme did not consider the impact of channel unresponsiveness on the coding. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of poor universality and low efficiency of existing coded readout, the present invention proposes a coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method and system for a cross-strip anode detector.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is:

[0008] A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector comprises the following steps:

[0009] Step S1, formulating coding rules for electronic channels according to channel multiplexing rules;

[0010] The coding rules of the electronics channel are:

[0011] Each detector channel is denoted as i, and the corresponding electronic channel is denoted as j. Based on the numerical relationship between i and j, the connection relationship between the detector channel and the electronic channel is as follows:

[0012] When i≤j, a one-to-one mapping relationship is established between i and j, and a one-to-one mapping relationship is established between the i-th detector channel and the corresponding j-th electronic channel;

[0013] When j < i < j + 6, connect through one separated electronics channel; when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel.

[0014] When j + 6 ≤ i < 3j + 1, connect through two separated electronics channels; when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel.

[0015] When 3j + 1 ≤ i < 4j + 1, connect through three separated electronics channels; when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel.

[0016] Step S2: Determine the number of electronics channels for data acquisition and processing according to the number of channels of the cross-strip anode detector, and then connect the cross-strip anode detector channels to the corresponding electronics channels using the encoding rule of the electronics channels.

[0017] Step S3: Read the signal through the electronics channels for data acquisition and processing. Based on the encoding rule of the electronics channels, determine the cross-strip anode detector channel where the detector signal is located according to the position where the strongest signal appears in the electronics channels, and determine the position where the electron cloud hits the detector.

[0018] For the above encoding multi-channel multiplexing readout method, the channel multiplexing rule is as follows:

[0019] First, adjacent detector channels are connected to non-adjacent electronics channels.

[0020] Second, each detector channel can only be connected to one electronics channel, while one electronics channel can be connected to several detector channels.

[0021] For the above encoding multi-channel multiplexing readout method, in step S2, the cross-strip anode detector is a 32-channel cross-strip anode detector, and 8 electronics channels are used for data acquisition and processing.

[0022] An encoding multi-channel multiplexing readout system for a cross-strip anode detector includes a cross-strip anode detector and a readout electronics system.

[0023] The cross-strip anode detector includes several detector channels, and the readout electronics system includes several electronics channels; one electronics channel is connected to 4 detector channels, and one detector channel is connected to one electronics channel.

[0024] For the above encoding multi-channel multiplexing readout system, the number of detector channels is 32, and the number of electronics channels is 8.

[0025] The connection relationship between the 8 electronics channels and the 32 detector channels is as follows:

[0026] The first electronics channel is connected to the first, ninth, seventh, and twenty-fifth detector channels;

[0027] The second electronics channel is connected to the second, 13th, 20th, and 27th detector channels;

[0028] The 3rd electronics channel is connected to the 3rd, 10th, 23rd, and 29th detector channels;

[0029] The 4th electronics channel is connected to the 4th, 14th, 18th, and 31st detector channels;

[0030] The 5th electronics channel is connected to the 5th, 11th, 21st, and 26th detector channels;

[0031] The 6th electronics channel is connected to the 6th, 15th, 24th, and 28th detector channels;

[0032] The 7th electronics channel is connected to the 7th, 12th, 19th, and 30th detector channels;

[0033] The 8th electronics channel is connected to the 8th, 16th, 22nd, and 32nd detector channels.

[0034] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0035] A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector combines the signals received by multiple detector channels into a few electronic channels for reading, significantly reducing the number of electronic channels required, reducing system complexity, and saving time and resources.

[0036] A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector makes complex signal processing simpler and faster, significantly improves the speed of data transmission, and also enhances the overall performance of the system, improving data processing efficiency and reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of electronic channel coding rules according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a multiplexing connection diagram of 32 detector channels and 8 electronic channels in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is the connection between the 2nd, 4th, and 7th electronic channels and the detector channel in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the fifth electronic channel and the detector channel in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0041] The figures are marked as follows: 100. Cross-strip anode detector, 105. 5th detector channel, 111. 11th detector channel, 121. 21st detector channel, 126. 26th detector channel, 200. Readout electronics system, 205. 5th electronics channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector comprises the following steps:

[0045] 1. Coding rules

[0046] During the detection process, the signal characteristics of a cross-strip anode detector are usually characterized by a large amount of signal falling on three to five consecutive detector channels and presenting a Gaussian distribution. This high-density signal distribution leads to relatively low utilization of the detector channels, which in turn makes the signal appear sparse. In order to optimize the performance and efficiency of this type of detector, the channel multiplexing rules need to strictly follow several key conditions: first, adjacent detector channels must be connected to non-adjacent electronic channels. This ensures the continuity of signal transmission and facilitates the overall debugging and monitoring of the system; second, each detector channel can only be connected to one electronic channel, while one electronic channel can be connected to several detector channels. This design helps to achieve more efficient signal processing, while also improving signal quality and reducing possible interference and crosstalk between signals.

[0047] In the readout of the cross-strip anode detector signal, the encoding rules of the electronic channel are crucial. Figure 1This rule is illustrated in a simple and intuitive flowchart. In this process, each detector channel is assigned a unique channel identifier, i, and its corresponding electronics channel, j. According to this rule, when channel i is less than or equal to j, a one-to-one mapping is established between i and j, ensuring smooth data flow from one electronics channel to another. However, when j is greater than or equal to i and less than j+6, the situation changes. To achieve efficient data transmission and processing, a staggered connection strategy is adopted, separating one electronics channel before connecting it. If an existing channel is encountered during the connection process, the connection is skipped and connected to the next unconnected channel. This improves data processing efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, when j+6 is greater than or equal to i but less than 3j+1, the situation becomes more complex. In this case, to further optimize data flow, the staggered connection strategy is continued. Similarly, when existing channels are encountered, they are prioritized before the next unconnected channel is processed. This strategy not only simplifies the data path but also helps reduce unnecessary waiting time, ensuring optimal detector system response. Finally, when all detector channels are connected, the entire system can operate in an orderly, efficient, and accurate manner. This coding rule design ensures that each step in the signal acquisition and processing process can be completed accurately and without error.

[0048] 2. Cross-strip anode 32-channel detector multiplexing connection

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the figure, we can clearly see the multiplexing status of the 32 cross-strip anode detector channels. To achieve channel multiplexing in this complex system, strict electronic channel encoding rules must be followed. After careful consideration and selection of the appropriate number of electronic channels, it was decided to use 8 electronic channels for data acquisition and processing, effectively saving costs and improving efficiency.

[0050] Assume that the signal is detected in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th electronic channels, according to Figure 2 According to the connection situation, it can be found that the detector channels connected to the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th electronic channels are the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 27th, 28th, 31st, and 32nd channels. Since the detector signal is continuous, it can be determined that the detector signal appears on the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th detector channels. There is another special case. When the detector channel detects a signal, two consecutive groups of detector channels can be found. At this time, it is necessary to determine which group of continuous detector channels the signal occurs on based on the characteristic that the detector signal is Gaussian distributed (the signal value distribution is large in the middle and small on both sides). For example, when the 2nd, 4th, and 7th electronic channels detect a signal, according to Figure 2 The connection status of the detector channels connected to the 2nd, 4th, and 7th electronic channels can be found as follows: Figure 3 As shown, there are two consecutive groups of detector channels: 12, 13, and 14, and 18, 19, and 20. If the electron cloud is detected by detector channels 12, 13, and 14, the signal from detector channel 13 is the strongest, and accordingly, the signal intensity of electronic channel 2 is the highest, due to the Gaussian distribution of the detector signals. If the electron cloud is detected by detector channels 18, 19, and 20, the signal from detector channel 19 is the strongest, and accordingly, the signal intensity of electronic channel 7 is the highest. Therefore, the location of the electron cloud on the detector can be determined based on the location of the strongest signal in the electronic channel.

[0051] A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout system for a cross-strip anode detector includes a cross-strip anode detector 100 and an electronic channel system 200.

[0052] The cross-strip anode detector 100 includes several detector channels, and the readout electronics system 200 includes several electronic channels; one electronic channel is connected to four detector channels, and one detector channel is connected to one electronic channel.

[0053] There are 32 detector channels, which are numbered as channels 1, 2, 3, ..., 32. There are 8 electronics channels, which are numbered as channels 1, 2, 3, ..., 8. The 8 electronics channels are connected to the 32 detector channels, as shown in Table 1.

[0054] Table 1 Connection relationship between 8 electronic channels and 32 detector channels

[0055] Electronics Channel Detector channel Route 1 Routes 1, 9, 17, and 25 Route 2 Routes 2, 13, 20, and 27 Route 3 Routes 3, 10, 23, and 29 Route 4 Route 4, 14, 18, 31 Route 5 Route 5, 11, 21, 26 Route 6 Route 6, 15, 24, 28 Route 7 Route 7, 12, 19, 30 Route 8 Route 8, 16, 22, 32

[0056] The 5th electronics channel is connected to the 5th, 11th, 21st, and 26th detector channels, such as Figure 4 shown.

Claims

1. A coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: Step S1: According to the channel multiplexing rule, formulate the encoding rule for the electronics channels. The encoding rule for the electronics channels is as follows: Each detector channel is denoted as i, and the corresponding electronics channel is denoted as j. According to the quantity relationship between i and j, the connection relationship between the detector channels and the electronics channels is as follows: When i ≤ j, a one-to-one mapping relationship is established between i and j, and a one-to-one mapping relationship is established between the ith detector channel and the corresponding jth electronics channel. When j < i < j + 6, connect with a gap of 1 electronics channel. Wherein, when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel. When j + 6 ≤ i < 3j + 1, connect with a gap of 2 electronics channels. Wherein, when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel. When 3j + 1 ≤ i < 4j + 1, connect with a gap of 3 electronics channels. Wherein, when encountering a connected channel, skip it and connect to the next unconnected channel. Step S2: According to the number of cross-strip anode detector channels, determine the number of electronics channels for data acquisition and processing, and then use the encoding rule of the electronics channels to connect the cross-strip anode detector channels with the corresponding electronics channels. Step S3: Read the signal through the electronics channels for data acquisition and processing. Based on the encoding rule of the electronics channels, judge the cross-strip anode detector channel where the detector signal is located according to the position where the strongest signal appears in the electronics channels, and determine the position where the electron cloud hits the detector.

2. The coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the channel multiplexing rule is as follows: Firstly, adjacent detector channels are connected to non-adjacent electronics channels. Secondly, each detector channel can only be connected to 1 electronics channel, while 1 electronics channel can be connected to several detector channels.

3. The coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the cross-strip anode detector is a cross-strip anode 32-channel detector, and 8 electronics channels are used for data acquisition and processing.

4. A system for implementing the coded multi-channel multiplexing readout method for a cross-strip anode detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It includes a cross-strip anode detector (100) and a readout electronics system (200). The cross-strip anode detector (100) includes several detector channels, and the readout electronics system (200) includes several electronics channels; 1 electronics channel is connected to 4 detector channels, and 1 detector channel is connected to 1 electronics channel.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of detector channels is 32, and the number of electronics channels is 8. The connection relationship between the 8 electronics channels and the 32 detector channels is as follows: The first electronics channel is connected to the 1st, 9th, 17th, and 25th detector channels. The second electronics channel is connected to the 2nd, 13th, 20th, and 27th detector channels. The third electronics channel is connected to the 3rd, 10th, 23rd, and 29th detector channels. The fourth electronics channel is connected to the 4th, 14th, 18th, and 31st detector channels. The fifth electronics channel is connected to the 5th, 11th, 21st, and 26th detector channels. The sixth electronics channel is connected to the 6th, 15th, 24th, and 28th detector channels. The seventh electronics channel is connected to the 7th, 12th, 19th, and 30th detector channels. The 8th electronics channel is connected to the 8th, 16th, 22nd, and 32nd detector channels.

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