Optimized Multi-Spectral Digital Pixel Readout IC

There is industry demand for a multi-spectral infrared camera that has improved discrimination of narrow spectral bands and offers both higher charge handling capability and higher sensitivity than conventional analog pixels are able to support. We will design and fabricate an innovative 2k x 1k format, 12 um pitch digital pixel readout integrated circuit (DPROIC) that is optimized to support multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imaging and make it commercially available to all of the multi-spectral focal plane and camera vendors. The DPROIC shall be suitable for SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, VLWIR or broad-band detectors covering multiple infrared regions and contain specific features designed to support narrow-band filtering over both low (SWIR) or high (LWIR/VLWIR) background signals.This unique integrated circuit will include a number of features and operating modes specifically intended to enhance multi-spectral performance and be attractive to both commercial and DoD community. These include:Support for detectors across a broad spectral range (SWIR to VLWIR).Programmable row skipping for cross-row filter optimization.Programmable gain control by row for optimal SNR match-up to spectral signal.Implants to immunize DPROIC against single event latch-up.Designed-in hooks to the base design so that triple modular redundancy can be implemented quickly and easily, thus offering the option of single-event effect radiation-tolerant versions of the DPROIC for the Air Force and national space community.We have done this on our Calcium DPROIC product line.Capacitive Transimpedance Amplifier (CTIA) input interface with high sensitivity for SWIR detectors with a very large well capacity to support MWIR, LWIR, and VLWIR detectors.Based on Senseeker’s Neon DROIC product line.Further features and refinements will be determined after engaging with partners in the hyperspectral imaging community.The key benefit to Air Force and the US Government resulting from this work is a state-of-the-art multi-spectral digital pixel readout integrated circuit that will be available to all multi-spectral performers on future government programs and acquisitions. Much higher performance multi-spectral sensors will result, leveraging this investment to the benefit of many future programs.