VME-Real-Time Data Acquisition for the Ultracryogenic Gravitational Antenna of the Third Generation

A new design of the front-end electronics for the data acquisition of NAUTILUS, the first ultra cryogenic resonant gravitational wave detector, operating in the INFN National Laboratories of Frascati, is described. The improved sensitivity of this kind of detector poses new requirements on the data acquisition, as more speed, amplitude and timing accuracy are needed. In this work, the result obtained with a new front-end configuration based on VME standard for a data acquisition rate of 5 kHz (present rate 220 Hz) is discussed. The data acquisition system for the cosmic ray telescope assembled around NAUTILUS and the timing system of both the components are also described.