Patent ID: 6953932
Filing Date: 2005-10-11
Classification: G01J,H04N

Abstract:
1. A readout circuit arrangement for a microbolometer imaging apparatus including an array of selectable substrate-isolated microbolometer detectors, each detector having a resistance value Rpixel n associated with the nth detector, D n , and wherein an electrical bias source is coupled to each detector, and wherein a readout circuit is provided for sequentially establishing a corresponding output signal, Sout n , representative of the resistance value, Rpixel n , associated with the detector at a given instant, the readout circuit comprising: a temperature sensor, thermally coupled to the substrate of said array, for substantially sensing the temperature of said substrate, and having an electrical sensor parameter that has a temperature characteristic behavior resembling the temperature characteristic behavior of said array of detectors in response to changes in substrate temperature; first circuit means for sequentially establishing an electrical pixel parameter as a function of said electrical bias source and said detector resistance, Rpixel second circuit means responsive to said electrical pixel parameter for providing an electric signal output signal, Sout bias source generating means for generating said electrical bias source as a function of said electrical sensor parameter of said temperature sensor.