Title :
CMOS active pixel sensor star tracker with regional electronic shutter
Author :
Yadid-Pecht, Orly ; Pain, Bedabrata ; Staller, Craig ; Clark, Christopher ; Fossum, Eric
Author_Institution :
Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Technol., Pasadena, CA, USA
fDate :
2/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A 64×64 element CMOS active pixel sensor (APS) for star tracker applications is reported. The chip features an innovative regional electronic shutter through the use of an individual pixel reset architecture. Using the regional electronic shutter, each star in the field of view can have its own integration period. This way, simultaneous capture of bright stars with dim stars is accommodated, enabling a large increase in tracker capability. The chip achieves 80 dB dynamic range, 50 e-rms read noise, low dark current, and excellent electronic shutter linearity
Keywords :
CMOS integrated circuits; astronomical instruments; image sensors; space vehicle electronics; CMOS active pixel sensor; pixel reset architecture; regional electronic shutter; star tracker; Aerospace electronics; Circuits; Dynamic range; Energy consumption; Image sensors; Intellectual property; Pixel; Sensor arrays; Space technology; Transistors;
Journal_Title :
Solid-State Circuits, IEEE Journal of