Data Connector Masks (Parylene)

Maintainer: Saverio D'Auria, Jon Taylor

🧭 Overview

The data connector masks are used during Parylene coating of quad pixel modules to protect the data-connector area and ensure clean, reproducible masking geometry.
The masks are now transitioning to injection-moulded production, replacing previous versions made by alternative methods.

🧩 Current Status

Purchase order: sent on October 30, 2025
Manufacturing method: injection moulding (drawings modified to produce negative form)
Prototype batch: 25 mould-injected pieces expected at CERN on November 10, 2025
Validation: coordinated with Jon (Liverpool) for functional testing during Parylene operations

Once validated, the full production will follow quickly — estimated 2 weeks from the production order.

🔬 Prototype Validation

Validation sites: primarily Liverpool, also CERN and Paris.
Testing timeline:
Liverpool: testing expected shortly after prototype arrival
CERN: ?
Paris: early December (parylene batch planned on 25.11)

🛠️ Differences from Previous Versions

The new injection-moulded masks introduce small mechanical changes:

Material: changed, but without conflict — no strict material requirements existed.
Width: increased by about 300 µm.
Glue groove: now symmetrical, with a 0.1 mm modification.

These masks can be used as long as they fit, and no functional issues are expected from the changes.

📦 Production Outlook

Target quantity: to be confirmed — approximately 3,000 to 5,000 masks
Lead time: around 2 weeks once the production order is validated
Unit cost: < 1 € per piece, all manufactured in Europe
Distribution: handled via CERN logistics after validation

Last update: 2025-11-17