Integration of data acquisition and real time processing for radiation detection

This research paper presents a novel approach to portable radiation detection through the integration of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and system-on-chips (SoCs). Traditional radiation detectors, often reliant on high-voltage photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), face limitations in portability and power efficiency. By employing Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) with significantly lower biasing voltages, this study develops a compact detector design that enhances operational flexibility. The proposed system utilizes a Terasic ADC-SoC FPGA Development board, integrating data acquisition and real-time signal processing capabilities into a unified platform. Experimental results demonstrate that the FPGA + SoC architecture provides substantial improvements in data acquisition speed and efficiency compared to mixed-signal setups and an ability for fast real time processing with a high accuracy for determining the presence of a radiation source. Most of our experiments were conducted using 14-bit resolution; but notably, the analysis also shows that 8-bit resolution is sufficient for accurate radiation detection, which could enable faster processing, lower power consumption, and reduced storage requirements. Furthermore, the paper introduces an adaptive method for noise floor analysis, improving calibration processes and minimizing the impact of dark pulses. This work underscores the potential of FPGA + SoC-based radiation detectors to meet the growing demands for portable and precise detection systems across various industries, including environmental monitoring and nuclear safety. The findings indicate that such systems can be tailored for specific applications, providing low-cost and efficient solutions for real-time radiation monitoring in diverse environments.