Abstract: An improved imaging technique is disclosed wherein an output from an IR-FPA (16) corresponds to image motion, wherein a scene image stays correlated with the IR-FPA readout, and wherein non-uniformities (e.g., fixed pattern spatial noise) are uncorrelated from frame to frame. The uncorrelated fixed pattern spatial noise is identified and removed by a signal processor, such as a SB-NUC block (24). The scene image is scanned over the IR-FPA by a dither mirror (14) in synchronism with the movement of a frame of pixels (17) on the IR-FPA. Electronics (16a, 16b, 30, 32, 34) are included on the IR-FPA for controlling the scanning and read out of pixels within a currently selected frame.

Abstract: A Compressing Capacitively Coupled Transimpedance Amplifier (CCTIA) circuit (10) has an amplifier (AMP) with a variable capacitance feedback network (C1, C2, C3, Q1, Q2) coupled between a current receiving amplifier input node and an amplifier output node. The output node outputs a voltage in response to a received current. The variable capacitance feedback network is responsive to the output voltage for establishing one of a plurality of different transimpedance values for the circuit such that the circuit exhibits a greatest transimpedance value for an input current having a magnitude below a threshold magnitude, and a lesser transimpedance value for an input current having a magnitude equal to or above the threshold magnitude.

Abstract: An adaptive dynamic range control circuit architecture is disclosed that enables an IR-FPA (10) to achieve a higher dynamic range. The circuit architecture significantly reduces a resolution required for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC 24) that converts the analog output signals of the IR-FPA to a digital representation. In a preferred embodiment of this invention a column CTIA readout integrated circuit architecture is used in conjunction with the adaptive feedback circuitry of this invention to provide pedestal suppression on a per-pixel basis for the IR-FPA. The use of the circuitry of this invention modifies the conventional column CTIA amplifier configuration to a configuration having an auto-zeroed charge ratioed gain stage (50). One advantage to this technique is that by suppressing the charge pedestal, the usable signal output from the IR-FPA can be brought off-chip to the readout integrated circuit at a much higher gain.