Data acquisition setup comparison for fast timing ToF-PET applications/systems

The choice of readout technology can impact a scanner's timing and energy resolution, which affects image quality in Photon Emission Tomography (PET). Achieving optimal timing information is imperative for Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems.This study presents a comparison of different data acquisition technologies ranging between custom-made high-frequency electronics (CM-HF) and commercial systems, like PETsys. Different scenarios were compared using 3x3x5 mm$^3$ LYSO:Ce,Ca scintillator crystal pixels from SIPAT. Also, a timing comparison between two SiPMs from different manufacturers (Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Hamamatsu) has been performed. To achieve the best timing and energy results, a voltage bias scan has been performed using a longer pixel.The study evaluates each readout's timing and energy resolution and discusses the possible alternatives available to implement novel data acquisition chains. Results show energy resolutions very close for each scenario (between 7-10 %), while the CTRs differ from the best result for CM-HF (82 ps) and the worst one for PETsys (160 ps) readouts.