FIERA: ESO's new generation CCD controller

ESO is developing a new generation CCD controller for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) facility on Cerro Paranal. This CCD controller, named FIERA, will also be used at the Cerro La Silla Observatory and in ESO's testing and integration laboratories. A major emphasis in the FIERA design is the ability to run a large number of CCD outputs at fast readout rates, so as to rake advantage of the new generation of high speed, low noise amplifiers. The first FIERA prototype was successfully demonstrated in October 1996. The design is undergoing revisions during 1997 and about 20 systems will be produced and deployed through the end of 1998. FIERA will see "first light" at La Silla and Paranal telescopes in early 1998.