Specifications of Analog-to-Digital Converter For uncooled infrared readout circuits

摘要

This paper presents how to specify an ADC to digitalize the analog video of the uncooled infrared readout circuit. In a first part the main features will be discussed to select the right resolution, SNR, THD and ENOB of the converter. In a second part the characteristics more specifically sensitive for an ADC integrated in the readout circuit will be presented: architecture, power consumption, electrical dynamic range, crosstalk issues. Indeed, the increasing demand for integrated functions in uncooled readout circuits leads to on-chip ADC design as interface between the internal analog core and the digital processing electronic. In addition this IP could be seen as an inescapable link to integrate also NUC, BPR or all other processing functions on-chip. However specifying an on-chip ADC dedicated to focal plane array raises many questions about its architecture and its performance requirements. We show two architectural approaches are needed to cover the different sensor features in term of array size and frame speed. Finally we will conclude with a trade-off between external or internal approach taking into account the application of the camera, the cost and the ADC state of art.