Readout Integrated Circuit Development for Staring Focal Plane Array Laser Radar (LADAR)

An investigative study of the development of an advanced ROIC to interface with a large focal plane array of optical detectors such as the HgCdTe Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) in an array size of 256x256 or larger. TelASIC is proposing the study of twoinnovative approaches using an advanced fine geometry BiCMOS process technology to improve dynamic range and bandwidth, extend range resolution and range accuracy. The first approach is the extension of an existing architecture to include a powersaving, intelligent digital programmable bandwidth / dynamic range feature, along the signal path for different campaign specific requirements. The second approach is the multi-sampling of signal using multiple sample/holds configured without the need ofhigher speed clocks. Special considerations will be provided to address the issues of power dissipation, reduced unit cell size and improvement of noise immunity. Study proposed in Phase I will determine feasibility of design methodology proposed.