The OctoPAES board for the validation of KM3NeT data acquisition system. (28th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Filippini, F.; Chiarusi, T.; Balbi, G.; Pellegrini, G.; Benfenati, F.; Degli Esposti, L.; Real, D.; Calvo, D.; Van Beveren, V.
• Other Names: collab.
• Is Part Of: Journal of instrumentation. Volume 16:Number 9(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-28
• Subjects: Data acquisition circuits -- Data acquisition concepts -- Modular electronics -- Trigger concepts and systems (hardware and software); Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; 502.84
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-0221/16/09/C09031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0221

Abstract

Abstract: A testbench has been set up at the INFN Sezione di Bologna to optimise key elements of the KM3NeT data acquisition system. A complete framework has been built to simulate a full detection unit and test the optical network, time synchronisation, and on-shore computing resources. A fundamental tool in the test-setup is a customized electronic board: "the OctoPAES". Based on an Altera MAX10 CPLD, it is designed to emulate in a realistic way the optical and acoustic signals recorded by the underwater detectors. This allows us to test, in extreme conditions, the acquisition system and validate its performance with realistic data. If properly configured, the optical data provided by the OctoPAES can be combined to emulate the signals of a through-going muon or other calibration events. In this contribution the OctoPAES boards and some of their use cases at the testbench are presented.