Digital Pixel Readout Integrated Circuit for High Dynamic Range Infrared Imaging Applications

This proposal outlines a digital pixel readout integrated circuit (DPROIC) to achieve extremely high dynamic range, high speed and elegant functionality for infrared image focal plane arrays. This digital pixel readout will be a complete camera-on-chip architecture when combined with single or dual polarity dual band detectors in a hybrid fashion. It will have a wide operating temperature range to support a broad range of detector architectures. The proposed DPROIC will be implemented in a mature CMOS process with much more reasonable mask costs as compared to that of state-of-the-art line width processes, saving money and broadening the possible supplier base. The final product will be flexible enough to be used as a generic readout integrated circuit for a broad range of NASA missions and other applications.

- Earth observing including water vapor, sea ice, land & water temperature, ecosystem dynamics, weather science, land resource mapping - Compact and low power short duration missions such as cube satellites - Solar System and astronomy applications such as imaging cold bodies near bright objects, measuring temperatures and atmospheres of planets - Any application requiring two color (any combination of & from shortwave to longwave) detectors to determine precise irradiances at two different wavelengths radiating from the same area at the same time

- Any infrared application requiring high dynamic range and improved sensitivity - Ground and air combat applications - Military surveillance compatible with sun-approach warnings - Any application requiring high dynamic range and a lower-cost system - Homeland security applications - Fire/disaster emergencies - Security and surveillance in hostile scene situations - Industrial and medical applications

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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