Online track processor for the CDF upgrade

A trigger track processor is being designed for the CDF upgrade. This processor identifies high momentum (P/sub T/>1.5 GeV/c) charged tracks in the new central outer tracking chamber for CDF II. The track processor is called the eXtremely Fast Tracker (XFT). The XFT design is highly parallel to handle the input fate of 183 Gbits/sec and output rate of 44 Gbits/sec. The processor is pipelined and reports the results for a new event every 132 ns. The processor uses three stages, hit classification, segment finding, and segment linking. The pattern recognition algorithms for the three stages are implemented in programmable logic devices (PLDs) which allow for in-situ modification of the algorithm at any time. The PLDs reside on three different types of modules. Prototypes of each of these modules have been designed and built, and are presently undergoing testing. An overview of the track processor and results of testing are presented.