ArduSiPM technology: Compact and light All-in-one detectors for space application

ArduSiPM technology integrates System on Chip (SoC) innovation and Silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) detector improvements into a new generation of all-in-one scintillation detectors, developed by INFN Rome since 2014. To minimize reliance on pre-built Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, we utilize the peripherals and CPU of the SoC for edge computing tasks and various functions, such as Counters, Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), Pulse-Width modulation (PWM), and digital input/output interfaces. Our compact electronic system eliminates the need for external data acquisition systems and ASICs, while also enabling the CPU to perform edge computing functions. The detector, capable of measuring the rate, arrival time (with a resolution of 7 ns correlated to the SoC main clock), and number of photons arriving on the SiPM, is ideal for radiation monitoring and highly sensitive photon detection. The INFN MICRO experiment explores circuits and engineering solutions for developing detectors for diverse fields such as Transient Luminous Events, analytical chemistry, and nano/picosatellites. Our ultimate goal is to integrate the detector into the onboard computer of a satellite, akin to navigation instruments and attitude control systems, with future improvements in SoC technology easily leveraged thanks to our approach’s independence from the specific SoC.