Abstract:
The invention measures the frequency of a heterodyne laser radar (LADAR) system signal in the input cell of a focal, plane array (FPA). Embodiments amplify the return signal, and drive it into a counter for a fixed period of time. The frequency is the number of counts divided by the count time. An example design amplifier amplifies the return of a single photon response of an avalanche photodiode with a gain of 100 into a digital signal level at a 200 MHz rate with only 84 µW, demonstrating the feasibility of the approach.
Abstract:
An integration circuit having multiple wells that allow for the simultaneous storage of charge during an integration interval and techniques for using the same provide benefits in dynamic range that enhance the performance of pixels. The circuit and techniques described herein could also be used in many different infrared focal plane array applications where higher dynamic range is desired and multiple gain state outputs are allowed.
Abstract:
A method of operating switched capacitor filter integration circuits by pre-charging a final filter capacitor thereof with the final full voltage gain value during a first subframe to obtain an enhanced signal to noise ratio without changes to the circuit or components thereof.