Test and characterization of finely segmented pixel CZT detectors for future hard X-ray missions

NuSTAR has achieved a milestone by deploying the first orbiting telescopes that concentrate light on high-energy X-rays. Future missions may leverage advancements in hard X-ray mirrors for more precise measurements. We present the first prototype of the HEXID ASIC: a novel pixelated front-end tailored for processing finely segmented CZT sensors. This readout ASIC efficiently handles photon-generated charge across a broad dynamic range (up to 180 keV), maintaining low input noise featuring a compact pixel size of 150um. The developed ASIC architecture will be reviewed, and the initial characterization of the physical prototype will be presented.