The X-PIPS Detector is a spectroscopy sub-system sensitive to X-rays and low-energy gamma rays. It comprises a hermetically sealed silicon drift detector (SDD) element with a low noise FET assembly and Peltier cooler, a reset type preamplifier, a HV bias supply, and a temperature controller. The detector element and FET are cooled and regulated to a stable temperature, ensuring stable operation in changing environmental conditions. The Beryllium entrance window is standard 0.5 mil.

The preamplifier has a digitally controlled reset mechanism providing fast reset time and excellent count rate performance. A reset inhibit signal is available to prevent storage of spurious pulses due to transient reset effects. The width of the inhibit output pulse can be set from 10 μs to 650 μs.

The energy resolution is guaranteed within an ambient temperature range of +10 °C to + 30 °C with the default factory settings.

The X-PIPS Detector has an internal multilayer collimator for improved peak to background.