Towards AGIPD1.0: optimization of the dynamic range and investigation of a pixel input protection

AGIPD is a charge integrating, hybrid pixel readout ASIC, which is under development for the European XFEL [1, 2]. A dynamic gain switching logic at the output of the preamplifier (preamp) is used to provide single photon resolution as well as covering a dynamic range of at least 10(4).12.4 keV photons [3, 4]. Moreover, at each point of the dynamic range the electronics noise should be lower than the Poisson fluctuations, which is especially challenging at the points of gain switching. This paper reports on the progress of the chip design on the way to the first full-scale chip AGIPD1.0, focusing on the optimization of the dynamic range and the implementation of protection circuits at the preamplifier input to avoid pixel destruction due to high intense spots.