Speaker
Description
This paper describes the development of a focal plane array (FPA) readout system based on the NIRCA application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The system aims to reduce the size, weight, power, and cost of IR image sensor systems. We have developed NIRCA and board-level electronics with NIRCA that allows users to connect FPAs and acquire data via Camera Link (CL) to their computers. The board-level electronics allows one to design instruments with NIRCA packaged in 208-pin CQFP, which currently is being qualified for flight. We describe the functionality and performance of NIRCA with the board-level electronic system. Using a function generator connected to all 16 video inputs we demonstrate that the system can read out with 16-bit resolution and transmit mega-pixel frame size at a frame rate of up to 183fps (frames per second).
