The performance of silicon-drift-detector (SDD) arrays and digital electronics designed for X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the fluorescence excitation mode is reported. Different detectors have been manufactured and tested: two single-channel SDDs with different active areas (10 mm(2) and 1 cm(2)) and a monolithic 2 cm(2) SDD with eight readout anodes. The energy resolution varies between 160 and 170 eV FWHM. A new digital multichannel shaping amplifier has been produced. Its performance is presented in comparison with that of a standard commercial shaper.