Development of a High Dynamic Range Beam Position Measurement system using Logarithmic Amplifiers for the SPS at CERN

A new Front-End electronics, based on Logarithmic Amplifiers, is currently being developed for the CERN SPS Multi Orbit POsition System (MOPOS). The aim is to resolve the multi-batch structure of the beams and cope with their large intensity range (> 70 dB). Position and intensity signals are digitized in the Front-End electronics installed in the tunnel. The data are then transmitted over a serial fibre-optic link to a VME Digital Acquisition board located in surface buildings. A first prototype, equipped with a calibration system, has been successfully tested on the SPS under different beam conditions, including single bunch, 25 ns and 50 ns bunch trains. The system architecture and the first beam measurements are reported in this paper