Abstract: A focal plane array having: a plurality of detectors; a plurality of unit cell sections, each section being fed by charge produced by corresponding detector for producing a sequence of frames; and a plurality of sets of storage sections, each section being coupled to a corresponding one of the unit cells. Each set of storage sections includes a plurality of storage units for sequentially storing the frames. A region of interest selector section examines the frames of the plurality of unit cells, to detect at least one of the frames having a predetermined characteristic. A processor: (i) identifies a sub-set of the plurality of unit cells proximate the detected unit cells having the predetermined characteristic to establish a region of interest; and (ii) sequentially reads the plurality of storage units in the storage sections coupled to the sub-set of unit cells in the established region of interest.

Abstract: A focal plane array having: an imaging array section, comprising: an array of electromagnetic radiation detectors; and an address section providing outputs from selectively enabled detectors. The imaging array section comprises a plurality of circuit blocks, each one of the circuit blocks having a primary circuit and a redundant circuit. Test circuitry is for provided for supplying test signals to test each one of the primary circuits and determining whether a response from the test signals is proper or improper and for storing in the test circuitry in response to such determining select signals associated with each one of the tested circuit blocks. An array controller is provided for, during a subsequent normal operating mode, providing timing pulses to the address section wherein the address section selectively enables the detectors using either the primary or redundant circuits in the plurality of circuit blocks selectively in accordance with the stored select signals.

Abstract: A focal plane array having: a plurality of detectors; a plurality of unit cell sections, each section being fed by charge produced by corresponding detector for producing a sequence of frames; and a plurality of sets of storage sections, each section being coupled to a corresponding one of the unit cells. Each set of storage sections includes a plurality of storage units for sequentially storing the frames. A region of interest selector section examines the frames of the plurality of unit calls, to detect at least one of the frames having a predetermined characteristic. A processor: (i) identifies a sub-set of the plurality of unit cells proximate the detected unit cells having the predetermined characteristic to establish a region of interest; and (ii) sequentially reads the plurality of storage units in the storage sections coupled to the sub-set of unit cells in the established region of interest.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system includes a scanner of infrared radiation emanating from a subject, the radiation being scanned past an array of radiation detectors disposed on a common substrate. A set of amplifiers connecting with a multiplexer is built upon the array of detectors, individual ones of the amplifiers connecting with respective ones of the detectors. Each amplifier is composed of a structure having the components of a charge-coupled device and includes circuitry for pulsing a charge-coupled device repetitively. A transistor switching circuit interconnects a detector with its corresponding charge-coupled device for modulating the magnitude of charge in each charge packet propagating through the device. A pair of integrators is disposed on the common substrate, and a steering circuit steers modulated and unmodulated pulses to alternate ones of the integrators.