New Generation ArduSiPM Detectors Prioritize Precision and Efficiency
Rome, Monday, 18 August 2025.
The INFN Rome group unveils second-generation Cosmo ArduSiPM detectors, achieving 6 ns timing precision for versatile on-field and space applications, courtesy of advanced SOC integration.
Advancements in Analog Electronics
The development of the ArduSiPM technology by the INFN Rome group has underscored significant advancements in analog electronics, particularly in radiation and photon flux measurements. Utilizing silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) and state-of-the-art system-on-chips (SoCs), these detectors measure signals with remarkable precision. By integrating advanced analog and digital components, the second-generation detectors can achieve a time-of-arrival measurement precision of 6 nanoseconds [1].
Implications for Space and Field Applications
Designed with space efficiency in mind, the second-generation Cosmo ArduSiPM detectors offer a compact form factor suitable for CubeSat applications, highlighting their relevance in both on-field and extraterrestrial scenarios. This is achieved with a 10x10 cm² CubeSat form factor that includes dual 300 MHz SAMV71 Cortex-M7 processors, weighing a mere 40 grams [1]. These specifications ensure the detectors’ low weight and energy usage, which are crucial for satellite operations where payload constraints are stringent.
Circuit Analysis and Design Considerations
From a circuit design perspective, the integration of SoCs allows for the reduction of electronic noise, enhancing the detectors’ sensitivity to sub-photon signals. This capability is particularly important in scenarios where minimal photon counts must be detected and analyzed efficiently. The enhanced analog design, coupled with edge computing techniques, significantly reduces data throughput demands on external systems, optimizing communication efficiency in data-intensive environments such as space exploration [1].
Future Prospects with Nano ArduSiPM Developments
Looking forward, the INFN Rome group’s ongoing efforts to develop the third-generation Nano ArduSiPM detectors will potentially introduce even smaller and more efficient modules. These developments are supported by new Thin Film Programmable Gate Arrays (TFPGA) technology, which further minimizes size and weight. By employing a single-channel module for picosatellite applications measuring just 5x5 cm², this advancement promises to expand the horizons of miniaturized detector technology [1].