In-Pixel Signal Processing for Hypertemporal Applications

Nova Sensors will develop and demonstrate a new type of infrared focal plane array (FPA) that performs real-time pixel-level dynamic range compression at frame rates in excess of 1 kHz. This will permit hardbody/plume imaging for all pixels in the FPA without saturation of the imaging array, without the need to adjust camera parameters. The very wide dynamic range performance as well as the high speed operation capabilities of this new FPA will permit the same device to be effective in (a) boost-phase plume detection, (b) midcourse detection and tracking of the hardbody, and (c) can provide terminal homing guidance imagery for intercept processing. Using a SPICE model for unit cell circuits, the Phase I program has shown that this design can accommodate approximately five orders of magnitude of in-band incident flux by incorporating an adaptive circuit element into the input amplifier stage. Designed after pioneering work of Dr. T. Delbruck of the California Institute of Technology, Nova’s CMOS unit cell circuit can image both hardbody and plume flux levels (approximately 3000K surface temperatures) without saturation and without the requirement to adjust sensor parameters. In addition, high-speed hypertemporal imaging techniques will be able to exploit the operational characteristics of this imaging array because it will not saturate like conventional linear FPAs; in addition, radiation hardened design approaches will be considered in the development of the Phase II imaging device. A complete demonstration camera system will be developed and demonstrated to MDA at the end of the Phase II effort.