Bolometer pixel readout integrated circuit including trigger sense circuit

US10834340B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Raytheon Company · US

Inventors

• Ryan Boesch · Louisville, US
• Matthew C. Thomas · Carpinteria, US
• Jeffrey R. Mitchell · Tallahassee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 12, 2019
• Grant date: Nov 10, 2020
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A thermal imaging system includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixel groups. Each pixel group including a plurality of pixel rows and a trigger sense circuit including a pixel group input line in signal communication with the plurality of bolometer pixels pixel row containing a plurality of bolometer pixels. The pixel group further includes a selector switch that selectively establishes an electrical connection between the pixel group and the trigger sense circuit. The selector switch operates in a first state to disconnect the pixel group from the pixel group input line while connecting the pixel group to the integration unit such that the integration unit generates the image, and a second state to disconnect the pixel group from the integration unit while connecting the pixel group to the pixel group input line such that the trigger sense circuit monitors the pixel group for a high temperature bolometer.