Improved Hyperspectral Readout Integrated Circuit

ABSTRACT: To increase the performance of current and next-generation imaging spectrometers for military applications, in this Phase II SBIR effort, a flexible readout integrated circuit (ROIC), optimized for hyperspectral imaging (HSI) will be developed with enhanced capabilities. The ROIC features a 1024 (spatial) x 512 (spectral) format, with 20 micron pitch pixel elements, and has been developed to be later photocomposed, via reticle stitching, to larger spatial formats (e.g. 2048 x 512 elements or larger). The ROIC features row-programmable integration time, row-programmable gain, and row-wise windowed readout. The designs low noise pixel amplifiers combined with the row-programmable integration time and gain features, and a novel in-pixel bit serial digitizer allows the ROIC over 28-bits of intra-scene dynamic range, enabling it to be used, with high linearity, for both VIS-SWIR and LWIR applications. The multi-tap design accommodates variable timing of frame rates, with snapshot integration, up to 450 frames per second (fps). The design includes features for bad pixel and blinker pixel disable, and power down of all non-used portions of the array. The ROIC will be designed, fabricated, hybridized to a SWIR detector array, and its performance demonstrated with laboratory electronics. BENEFIT: These applications for HSI instruments with the expanded ROIC capabilities include airborne, field, in-line, on-process and laboratory uses, ranging from military surveillance, mineral exploration and environmental monitoring, to industrial quality assurance and inspection, food safety, forensics, healthcare and medical research.