Medipix2:: a 64-k pixel readout chip with 55 μm square elements working in single photon counting mode

The Medipix2 chip is a pixel-detector readout chip consisting of 256 x 256 identical elements, each working in single photon counting mode for positive or negative input charge signals. Each pixel cell contains around 500 transistors and occupies a total surface area of 55 mum x 55 mum. A 20-mum wide octagonal opening connects the detector and the preamplifier input via bump bonding. The preamplifier feedback provides compensation for detector leakage current on a pixel by pixel basis. Two identical pulse height discriminators are used to create a pulse if the preamplifier output falls within a defined energy window. These digital pulses are then counted with a 13-b pseudorandom counter. The counter logic, based in a shift register, also behaves as the input-output register for the pixel. Each cell also has an 8-b configuration register which allows masking, test-enabling and 3-b individual threshold adjust for each discriminator. The chip can be configured in serial mode and readout either serially or in parallel. The chip is designed and manufactured in a 6-metal 0.25-mum CMOS technology. First measurements show an electronic pixel noise of 140 e(-) root mean square (rms) and an unadjusted threshold variation around 360 e(-) rms.