New electronics for the surface detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory

The surface detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory consists of 1660 water-Cherenkov detectors that sample at the ground the charged particles and photons of air showers initiated by energetic cosmic rays. Each detector records data locally with timing obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) units and power from solar panels and batteries. In the framework of the upgrade of the Auger Observatory, AugerPrime, new electronics has been designed for the surface detectors. The electronics upgrade includes better timing with up-to-date GPS receivers, higher sampling frequency, increased dynamic range, increased processing capability, and better calibration and monitoring systems. It will also process the data of the AugerPrime scintillator detectors. In this paper, the design of the new electronics will be presented and its performance will be discussed in light of results from test measurements and from the engineering array data analysis.