Next generation of real time data acquisition, calibration and control system for the RatCAP scanner

The RatCAP (Rat Conscious Animal PET) is a miniature positron emission tomography scanner intended for neurological and behavioral study of small awake animal. The RatCAP system comprises of three distinct modules: a rigid-flex technology based Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which houses the detector components and front end Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Time to Digital Converter and Signal Processing module (TSPM) which receives and processes ASIC signals and transmits processed data over two Glga bit fiber optic links to, finally, a PCI based data acquisition and control PCB (PACRAT). TSPM-3 Is redesigned from previous versions to accommodate second generation front end ASIC and possible future two scanner expansions. ASIC's programmable features are exploited using new additional TSPM electronics for scanner calibration and test. Designs of these three modules and corresponding firmware and software upgrades are complete. Results from a fully integrated next generation RatCAP on the bench are presented.