Readout Electronics for Infrared Sensors

This chapter covers each of the ROIC functions shown in Fig. 5.1, including preamplifier, signal processor, multiplexer, and video amplifier sections. These functions are addressed in terms of major design drivers such as noise, dynamic range, and power. Since the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the major driver in most sensor designs, each ofthe circuits is detailed in this context. The simplest circuits are introduced first to provide the basis for more advanced circuits. The resistor trans impedance amplifier (RTIA), which is most common in discrete configurations but also utilized in ROIC configurations, will be addressed initially to introduce many of the basic signal and noise concepts required for analysis of other preamplifier circuits in subsequent sections.