Very large SiPM arrays with aggregated output

In this work we will document the design and the performances of a SiPM-based photodetector with a surface area of 100 cm(2) conceived to operate as a replacement for PMTs. The signals from 94 SiPMs are summed up to produce an aggregated output that exhibits in liquid nitrogen a dark count rate (DCR) lower than 100 cps over the entire surface, a signal to noise ratio better than 13, and a timing resolution better than 5.5 ns. The module feeds about 360 mW at 5 V with a dynamic range in excess of 500 photo-electrons on a 100 Omega differential line. The unit can also operate at room temperature, at the cost of an increase of DCR to 10(8) cps.