Infrared detector array with selectable pixel binning systems and methods
First Claim
1. A device comprising:
- a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture image frames of a scene, the FPA comprising;
a plurality of bolometers arranged in an array to provide a corresponding plurality of pixels;
a plurality of column lines adapted to supply a bias voltage to the bolometers;
a plurality of row lines adapted to provide a reference voltage to the bolometers; and
a first plurality of switches adapted to selectively connect two or more adjacent column lines to group two or more of the bolometers to form binned bolometers in the array, wherein each binned bolometer comprises a corresponding group of the bolometers and is adapted to provide;
separate output currents from each bolometer of the group while the adjacent column lines are disconnected in a first mode, anda combined output current from the bolometers of the group while the adjacent column lines are connected in a second mode.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Various techniques are provided for binning (e.g., clustering or grouping) two or more infrared sensors of a focal plane array (FPA) to permit configuration of the FPA to various dimensions and/or pixel sizes. For example, according to one or more embodiments, switchable interconnects may be implemented within the FPA, wherein the switchable interconnects comprise a plurality of switches adapted to selectively connect or disconnect infrared sensors of the FPA to/from column lines, row lines, and between each other. The switchable interconnects may also comprise another set of switches adapted to selectively connect adjacent column lines together. By selectively opening and closing appropriate switches of the switchable interconnects, two or more neighboring infrared sensors may be binned together to form a binned detector. Advantageously, the binned detector, along with the array and associated circuitry, may provide increased sensitivity, reduced power consumption, and/or increased frame rate.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A device comprising:
a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture image frames of a scene, the FPA comprising; a plurality of bolometers arranged in an array to provide a corresponding plurality of pixels; a plurality of column lines adapted to supply a bias voltage to the bolometers; a plurality of row lines adapted to provide a reference voltage to the bolometers; and a first plurality of switches adapted to selectively connect two or more adjacent column lines to group two or more of the bolometers to form binned bolometers in the array, wherein each binned bolometer comprises a corresponding group of the bolometers and is adapted to provide; separate output currents from each bolometer of the group while the adjacent column lines are disconnected in a first mode, and a combined output current from the bolometers of the group while the adjacent column lines are connected in a second mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
10. A method of binning bolometers of a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture imaging frames of a scene, the method comprising:
-
selectively connecting adjacent column lines of the FPA using a first plurality of switches, wherein the column lines are adapted to supply a bias voltage to the bolometers; selectively connecting some of the bolometers to row lines of the FPA using a second plurality of switches, wherein the row lines are adapted to provide a reference voltage to the bolometers; selectively connecting some of the bolometers to the column lines using a third plurality of switches; selectively connecting some of the bolometers in series using a fourth plurality of switches, wherein the selectively connecting using the first, second, third, and fourth plurality of switches group every two or more of the neighboring bolometers together to form binned bolometers within the array, wherein each binned bolometer comprises a corresponding group of the bolometers; providing separate output currents from each bolometer of the group while the adjacent column lines are disconnected in a first mode, and providing a combined output current from the bolometers of the group while the adjacent column lines are connected in a second mode. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification