Temperature control board design and validation for skipper-CCD sensors using a buck converter

Abstract

This article describes the creation and validation of a custom temperature control board explicitly designed for Skipper-CCD sensors. The board is versatile and can be used in various experimental setups. It consists of two galvanically isolated sections: a control section equipped with a Raspberry Pi and essential instrumentation for measurement and protection, and a power section with a buck converter and additional instrumentation for enhanced protection and monitoring. The seamless integration of these sections provides robust temperature control and comprehensive safeguards against potential issues. Through careful design and extensive experimental validation, the developed board ensures precise thermal management tailored to the unique needs of Skipper-CCD sensors. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in the OSCURA experiment and can serve as a model for potential applications in other projects.