Precision charge amplification and digitization system for a scintillating and lead glass array

A 544-channel low-noise, high-rate precision charge-amplification and ADC (analog/digital converter) system was constructed for the Fermilab Experiment 705 electromagnetic calorimeter, which uses SCG1-C scintillating glass and SF5 lead glass instrumented with photomultiplier tubes. A general discussion of the system is given, and the charge amplification, fast-trigger-pulse generation, and analog/digital conversion aspects of the system are presented in more detail. Performance is evaluated using data from Experiment 705 and from offline tests. Short- and long-term pedestal stability, baseline recovery and rate capability, linearity of response, and crosstalk between channels are discussed. >