High-reliability power-supply and monitoring module for the EP-FXT detector

Purpose The Einstein Probe (EP) is an X-ray astronomical satellite designed for time-domain astronomy. The Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT) is an important payload on the EP. The FXT’s detector utilizes a pn-junction charge-coupled device (pnCCD), which is currently the fastest-readout X-ray CCD worldwide. The design and implementation of a dedicated power-supply and monitoring module constitute a key aspect in the development of the detector system.
Methods The FXT comprises several components, including the electric control box (EC-Box), the detector electronics box (DE-Box), and the focusing camera. The detector module of the focusing camera consists of two primary components: the pnCCD and the multi-channel analog signal processing chip known as the CAMEX (CMOS amplifier and multiplexer) ASIC. The CAMEX ASIC is used for the readout of the pnCCD signals. The operation of the detector module requires a sophisticated power-supply module. This paper details the design and implementation of a dedicated power-supply and monitoring module for the detector module. Based on the voltage requirements of the detector module, the power-supply module has been designed to include switchable, adjustable, and programmable functions. The monitoring module includes voltage, current, and temperature monitoring based on the different types of monitoring.
Results The power-supply and monitoring module operates reliably and performs effectively in orbit, meeting the requirements of the FXT payload on the EP satellite.
Conclusion The power-supply and monitoring module has successfully provided a stable power-supply and monitoring module for the detector module. It operates effectively in orbit, ensuring that the detector system achieves optimal performance.