SiPM Amplifier Components

The following presents a more concrete description of components necessary to implement the amplifier design discussed in the SiPM Amplifier Optimization section.



Bypass Circuits
The passive components used to bypass high frequency noise to clean up DC levels were picked as follows. The 10 nF capacitor frequently used in the circuit was deemed a good choice - high enough without raising concerns of introducing much inductance. This was also Photonique's choice for bypass capacitors in their prototype amplifier. The resistance on the bases of relevant transistors should be same or lower than that of the bench prototype (200 &Omega;). 154 &Omega; is sufficient, leading to a low pass filter with 3 dB point of 100 kHz. Frequencies below this point are well out of the amplifier's band (see SiPM Amplifier Signal Analysis).

The bypass circuit for the gate of the MOSFET switch takes more care. Gate resistance forms a voltage divider with resistance on the Source leg. Given the low value of Rd: 82 &Omega;, and the MOSFET specification of VGS = -4 as the maximum pinch-off value, RG of 18 &Omega; is a good choice. The resulting VGS when the controlling voltage is pulled down ground is -4.1 V. However, the 10 nF capacitor, setting frequency roll-off just under 1 MHz, is now insufficient. A 50 nF value was judged to be good compromise.