Design and implementation of a ground detection system for HERD-TRD front-end electronics

Abstract The Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) is a critical component of the High Energy Cosmic Radiation Detection (HERD) experiment, calibrating the electromagnetic calorimeter at the TeV energy range and observing X-rays in the all-sky survey. To support HERD-TRD test, a comprehensive ground detection system featuring a data acquisition (DAQ) board and host computer software was designed and implemented. The DAQ system manages data from six front-end electronics (FEE), totaling 768 detector channels, using an LVDS interface for high-speed scientific data transfer and an RS422 interface for command and telemetry. Gigabit Ethernet and mini USB enable real-time communication with the host computer. Host computer software developed on the QT platform efficiently manages data acquisition, storage, and display. The DAQ board offers a compact circuit design and complete functionality, and the host software provides an intuitive user interface. The DAQ board and host computer software have been tested to meet the design requirements. Performance tests show that the system realizes a stable data transfer rate of 360 Mbps over Gigabit Ethernet and 55 Mbps from the FEE to the DAQ board. The system has minimal noise and runs continuously for a week without data loss. In addition, a joint test with TRD using the 55 Fe radioactive source was performed, and the particle signal was correctly acquired.