GBTX emulator for development and special versions of GBT-based readout chains

The GBTX ASIC is a standard solution for providing fast control and data readout for radiation detectors used in HEP experiments. However, it is subject to export control restrictions due to the usage of radiation-hard technology. An FPGA-based GBTX emulator (GBTxEMU) has been developed to enable the development of GBT-based readout chains in countries where the original GBTX cannot be imported. Thanks to utilizing a slightly modified GBT-FGPA core, it maintains basic compatibility with standard GBT-based systems. The GBTxEMU also may be an interesting solution for developing GBT-based readout chains for less demanding experiments.

Automated summary

The GBTX ASIC serves as a standard solution for fast control and data readout for radiation detectors in HEP experiments, but faces export control restrictions due to its use of radiation-hard technology. To address this issue, an FPGA-based GBTX emulator has been developed. It maintains basic compatibility with standard GBT-based systems and provides a solution for developing GBT-based readout chains for less demanding experiments.