THE LIQUID ARGON CALORIMETER SYSTEM FOR THE SLC LARGE DETECTOR

The physical packaging and the logical organization of the liquid argon calorimeter (LAC) electronics system for the Stanford Linear Collider Large Detector (SLD) at SLAC are described. This system processes signals from approximately 44,000 calorimeter towers and is unusual in that most electronic functions are packed within the detector itself as opposed to an external electronics support rack. The signal path from the towers in the liquid argon through the vacuum to the outside of the detector is explained. The organization of the control logic, analog electronics, power regulation, analog-to-digital conversion circuits, and fiber-optic drivers mounted directly on the detector is described. Redundancy considerations for the electronics and cooling issues are discussed.