A novel delay generator for the triggering of particle detectors at the CERN LHC

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel remotely programmable delay generator that will be used in the triggering of the High Momentum Particle Detector at the CERN LHC. The architecture is based on a delay locked loop, that is used to generate a look up table delay transfer characteristic for digitally controlling a delay line and to provide the required delay. The delay generator was implemented using the X-FAB 0.18 μm technology and occupies a total area of 2.434 × 2.434 mm 2 . It consumes a total power of around 6 mW from a 1.8 V supply.