An Ethernet-based Data Acquisition System for the NIFFTE Time Projection Chamber

When fully instrumented, the NIFFTE Time Projection Chamber will consist of nearly 6000 channels, each of which requires a preamplifier, ADC, and digital readout. To minimize channel cost and size, the EtherDAQ data acquisition system utilizes off-the-shelf FPGA and Ethernet fiber technology. This application of commercially-available components made it possible to meet the requirements of the DAQ system with considerably less development cost and time than the a customized ASIC solution, and provides considerable flexibility in the final design. The detailed design and current status of the preamplifier and EtherDAQ boards will be discussed.