Advanced Digital Readout for Starting Focal Plane Arrays

Senseeker Engineering will develop a high dynamic range (HDR) large format digital readout integrated circuit (DROIC) that significantly improves the detection and tracking of distant dim targets and small fast-moving targets. Senseeker’s proposed solution for wide field of view MWIR sensors is based upon an innovative dual-gain pixel concept that is optimized for HDR search and track by providing unique multi-windowing capabilities and operating modes.  To simplify prototyping and enable cost-efficient FPA testing, Senseeker will develop a 10 µm pitch, 2k x 2k solution that will be compatible with an existing MWIR detector array. The new Senseeker DROIC design will be a stitch-compatible architecture that can be easily extended to formats up to 6k x 4k. This is intended to support rapid transition of the technology to Navy and Government Programs. Senseeker’s solution is a ‘clever’ rather than a ‘brute force’ approach to object tracking that will exceed the objectives of the SBIR solicitation by implementing a novel pixel design that supports innovative smart-sensing modes. The dual integrators, along with various noise-reduction techniques, will facilitate significant improvement in dynamic range allowing objects to be identified and tracked much farther out than existing solutions. In addition, the DROIC will support an unlimited number of windows operating simultaneously with full-frame search to enable the tracking of a large number of fast-movers. This simultaneity will significantly reduce data overhead without compromising critical information.