Embedded real time digital signal processing unit for a 64-channel PET detector module

Arpin, Louis; Koua, Konin; Panier, Sylvain; Bouziri, Haithem; Abidi, Mouadh; Attouch, Mohamed W. Ben; Paulin, Caroline; Maille, Pascale; Geoffroy, Charles; Pratte, J.‐F.; Fontaine, R.

doi:10.1109/nssmic.2011.6154367

Cited by 14 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…The ASICs generate energy and timestamp data based on the dTOT scheme 19 . The data are sent to an FPGA‐based embedded signal‐processing unit (ESPU) through low‐voltage differential signaling (LVDS) links.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The ASICs generate energy and timestamp data based on the dTOT scheme. 19 The data are sent to an FPGAbased embedded signal-processing unit (ESPU) through low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) links. Another set of links connects ESPUs to the coincidence, communication, and gating units for further signal processing.…”

Section: A Standard Detection Modulementioning

confidence: 99%

“…18 Pichler et al demonstrated that the APD performance remains intact in the presence of a high magnetic fields up to 9.4 T. 11 Second, analog signals from the individual APD pixels are closely routed to the inputs of a 64-channel application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for signal digitization based on a dual time-overthreshold (dTOT) method. 19 Early digitization makes the data much less prone to the EMIs. 17 These unique features are compelling reasons to consider the LabPET II DM as a promising technology for an MRI-compatible PET-insert.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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MRI‐compatibility study of a PET‐insert based on a low‐profile detection front‐end with submillimeter spatial resolution

et al. 2020

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The LabPET II detection module is a potential candidate to create an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible positron emission tomography (PET)-insert with submillimeter spatial resolution for small animal applications. However, the feasibility of such an insert is hampered by the large radial size of the LabPET II front-end electronics and by components containing ferromagnetic materials. In this paper, a new low-profile front-end design based on the LabPET II architecture, called "low-profile detection module," is investigated. Materials and methods: The performance of the low-profile detection module in the presence of MRI-like RF signals and gradient coil pulses was independently examined. The baseline of the analog signal, its RMS noise level, and the energy resolution, determined by a dual time-over-threshold (dTOT) method for each pixel of the new low-profile detection module, was measured in the presence of RF signals at different frequencies equivalent to the Larmor frequency of 3, 7, and 9.4 T MRI. The same parameters were investigated in the presence of a gradient coil switching at frequencies from 10 to 100 kHz. The performance of the low-profile detection module inside a 7 T MRI and its effects on an MR image have also been studied using gradient echo sequences. The same measurements were repeated for the shielded low-profile detection module, inside and outside the MRI. Results: Our results show that pulses in both the kilohertz and megahertz ranges cause up to 50% increase in the noise level of the baseline (DC analog signal at the output of the shaper filter) and up to 17% degradation in TOT energy resolution. By inserting a conducting composite layer as shielding around the low-profile detection module, these degrading effects were avoided. The performance measurement of the low-profile PET detection module inside a 7 T small animal MRI scanner confirmed that the shielded low-profile detection module behavior was similar inside and outside the MRI bore. In addition, gradient echo images of a water-filled phantom without and with the shielded and unshielded low-profile detection modules were acquired. The results demonstrated no evidence of artifacts in the MR image, either due to eddy currents or ferromagnetic materials with the shielded modules. Conclusion: A low-profile detection module based on the LabPET II technology was shown to be a viable candidate as a PET-insert for simultaneous PET/MRI applications considering its thin radial size and its EMI immunity due to placing it between two electronic boards. In comparison to the standard LabPET II detection module, it provides better performance in the presence of electromagnetic interferences, but a shielding layer is still required. When properly shielded, the proposed lowprofile detection module can be operated inside an MRI without degrading the PET count rate or the MRI performance.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Standard Detection Modulementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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MRI‐compatibility study of a PET‐insert based on a low‐profile detection front‐end with submillimeter spatial resolution

et al. 2020

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“…This is significant, as it was found that 50% of electronic device failures can be related to high on-chip temperatures [ 15 ]. As integrated circuit complexity grows, and as they are composed of various types of modules (memory, processors, vector engines and analog interfaces), it gets more complicated to manage the thermal profile of complex designs [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Thus, thermal aspects of SoCs and SiPs need careful consideration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Real-Time Thermal Monitoring System Intended for Embedded Sensors Interfaces

Ettahri

Oukaira

Ali

et al. 2020

Sensors

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This paper proposes a real-time thermal monitoring method using embedded integrated sensor interfaces dedicated to industrial integrated system applications. Industrial sensor interfaces are complex systems that involve analog and mixed signals, where several parameters can influence their performance. These include the presence of heat sources near sensitive integrated circuits, and various heat transfer phenomena need to be considered. This creates a need for real-time thermal monitoring and management. Indeed, the control of transient temperature gradients or temperature differential variations as well as the prediction of possible induced thermal shocks and stress at early design phases of advanced integrated circuits and systems are essential. This paper addresses the growing requirements of microelectronics applications in several areas that experience fast variations in high-power density and thermal gradient differences caused by the implementation of different systems on the same chip, such as the new-generation 5G circuits. To mitigate adverse thermal effects, a real-time prediction algorithm is proposed and validated using the MCUXpresso tool applied to a Freescale embedded sensor board to monitor and predict its temperature profile in real time by programming the embedded sensor into the FRDM-KL26Z board. Based on discrete temperature measurements, the embedded system is used to predict, in advance, overheating situations in the embedded integrated circuit (IC). These results confirm the peak detection capability of the proposed algorithm that satisfactorily predicts thermal peaks in the FRDM-KL26Z board as modeled with a finite element thermal analysis tool (the Numerical Integrated elements for System Analysis (NISA) tool), to gauge the level of local thermomechanical stresses that may be induced. In this paper, the FPGA implementation and comparison measurements are also presented. This work provides a solution to the thermal stresses and local system overheating that have been a major concern for integrated sensor interface designers when designing integrated circuits in various high-performance technologies or harsh environments.

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“…Consiste en 64 canales trabajando en paralelo con una configuración clásica de preamplificación de carga, junto con los correspondientes formadores seguidos de un esquema ToT con una máquina de estados trabajando a 100 MHz que digitaliza la señal ToT. Esta arquitectura es capaz de alcanzar altas tasas de cuentas, de hasta 2 Meventos/s [126].…”

Section: Electrónica Integrada Dedicada (Asics) Para Petunclassified

Detectores monolíticos y sensores compatibles con altos campos magnéticos para tomografía por emisión de positrones

Martín¹

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This thesis is focused on the development of experimental activities used to deepen the knowledge of monolithic detector blocks as an alternative to segmented detectors for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). It includes the development, characterization, setting up, running and evaluation of PET demonstrator prototypes with monolithic detector blocks of Cerium-doped Lutetium Yttrium Orthosilicate (LYSO:Ce) using magnetically compatible sensors such as Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs) and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs).The prototypes implemented with APDs were constructed to validate the viability of a high-sensitivity PET prototype that had previously been simulated, denominated BrainPET. This work describes and characterizes the integrated front-end electronics used in these prototypes, as well as the electronic readout system developed especially for them. It shows the experimental set-ups to obtain the tomographic PET images and to train neural networks algorithms used for position estimation of photons impinging on the surface of monolithic blocks.Using the BrainPET prototype, satisfactory energy resolution (13 % FWHM), spatial precision of monolithic blocks (~ 2 mm FWHM) and spatial resolution of the PET image (1.5 -1.7 mm FWHM) in the center of the Field of View (FoV) were obtained. Moreover, we proved the imaging capabilities of this demonstrator with extended sources, considering the acquisition of two simultaneous sources of 1 mm diameter placed at known distances. However, some important limitations were also detected with the BrainPET prototype. In the first place, it was confirmed that there was a lack of flexibility working with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) whose electronic design was not own but commercial, along with the high cost required to modify an ASIC design with such features. Furthermore, the final characterization of the BrainPET ASIC showed a timing resolution with room for improvement (~ 13 ns FWHM).Taking into consideration the limitations obtained with the BrainPET prototype, along with the technological evolution in magnetically compatible devices, the knowledge acquired with the monolithic blocks were transferred to the new technology iv available, the SiPMs. Moreover, we opted for a new strategy in the front-end electronics, the FlexToT ASIC, an own design ASIC based on a Time over Threshold (ToT) scheme. One of the most interesting features underlying a ToT architecture is the encoding of the analog input signal amplitude information into the duration of the output signals, delivering directly digital pulses. The electronic architecture helps substitute the Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) for Time to Digital Converters (TDCs), and they are easily implemented in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), reducing the consumption and the complexity of the design.A new prototype demonstrator based on SiPMs was implemented to validate the FlexToT ASIC for monolithic or segmented blocks. The design and characterization of the necessary front-end electronic to read-ou...

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Embedded real time digital signal processing unit for a 64-channel PET detector module

Cited by 14 publications

References 11 publications

MRI‐compatibility study of a PET‐insert based on a low‐profile detection front‐end with submillimeter spatial resolution

MRI‐compatibility study of a PET‐insert based on a low‐profile detection front‐end with submillimeter spatial resolution

A Real-Time Thermal Monitoring System Intended for Embedded Sensors Interfaces

Detectores monolíticos y sensores compatibles con altos campos magnéticos para tomografía por emisión de positrones

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