Online track processor for the CDF upgrade

A trigger track processor is being designed for the CDF upgrade. This proce ssor identifies high momentum (P-T > 1.5 GeV/c) charged tracks in the new c entral 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 rate of 183 Gbits/sec and output rate of 44 Gbits/sec. The proces sor is pipelined and reports the results for a new event every 132 ns. The processor uses three stages, hit classification, segment finding, and segme nt linking. The pattern recognition algorithms for the three stages are imp lemented in programmable logic devices (PLDs) which allow for in-situ modif ication of the algorithm at any time. The PLDs reside on three different ty pes of modules. Prototypes of each of these modules have been designed and built, and are presently undergoing testing. An overview of the track proce ssor and results of testing are presented.