Abstract
Reconfigurable detectors with dynamically selectable sensing and readout modes are highly desirable for implementing edge computing as well as enabling advanced imaging techniques such as foveation. The concept of a camera system capable of simultaneous passive imaging and dynamic ranging in different regions of the detector is presented. Such an adaptive-autonomous detector with both spatial and temporal control requires programmable window of exposure (time frames), ability to switch between readout modes such as full-frame imaging and zero-suppressed data, modification of the number of pixel data bits and independent programmability for distinct detector regions. In this work, a method is presented for seamlessly changing time frames and readout modes without data corruption while still ensuring that the data acquisition system (DAQ) does not need to stop and resynchronize at each change of setting, thus avoiding significant dead time. Data throughput is maximized by using a minimum unique data format, rather than lengthy frame headers, to differentiate between consecutive frames. A data control and transmitter (DCT) synchronizes data transfer from the pixel to the periphery, reconfigures the data to transmit it serially off-chip, while providing optimized decision support based on a DAQ definable mode. Measurements on a test structure demonstrate that the DCT can operate at 1 GHz in a 65 nm LP CMOS process.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 2560 |
Journal | Sensors (Switzerland) |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2020 |
Funding
Funding: This document was prepared by using the resources of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), a U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, HEP User Facility. Fermilab is managed by Fermi Research Alliance, LLC (FRA), acting under Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359. This document was prepared by using the resources of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), a U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, HEP User Facility. Fermilab is managed by Fermi Research Alliance, LLC (FRA), acting under Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359. We are indebted to Fermilab colleague and Group Leader Grzegorz Deptuch for suggesting the improved form of a priority-encoder-based readout controller for use in pixel detectors. We also appreciate the support provided by the Fermilab ASIC Design Group staff and Particle Physics Division management in supporting this work. We acknowledge contributions from Scott Holm, Fermilab for developing the readout system to test the chip described in this paper. SJ acknowledges Seda Ogrenci-Memik?s support during this work. SB gratefully acknowledges support from the Ryan Fellowship and the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University. SB gratefully acknowledges support from the Ryan Fellowship and the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University.
Keywords
- Adaptive-autonomous control
- Detectors
- Imaging
- Photon counting
- Reconfigurability
- Synchronization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry
- Information Systems
- Instrumentation
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Biochemistry