Patent ID: 6417717
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H03F,H03K,H04J

Abstract:
A multiplexer for use in reading out signals from an analog array including a plurality of analog array elements comprising:a plurality of buffer amplifiers, each having an input, an output and a prescribed amplifier gain, and being arranged to receive an analog array element signal from an associated one of the plurality of analog array elements and to supply a buffer amplified version of said analog array element signal at its output; a plurality of controllable switching elements, each having an input and an output, inputs of a first plurality of said plurality of controllable switching elements being associated on a one-to-one basis with said outputs of said buffer amplifiers, each buffer amplifier and its associated controllable switching element forming a controllable analog array readout element, said output of said controllable switching element being an output of said controllable analog array readout element; at least a first plurality of sets of said controllable analog array readout elements, each set having a prescribed number of said controllable analog array readout elements, outputs from said number of controllable analog array readout elements being connected in circuit relationship to form an output of said set; at least a second plurality of said plurality of said controllable switching elements, outputs of said first plurality of sets being associated on a one-to-one basis with inputs of said second plurality of controllable switching elements forming at least a first controllable analog array readout element group, outputs of said second plurality of controllable switching elements in said group being connected in circuit relationship to form an output of said group; and a controller for controlling said first plurality of controllable switching elements and said at least second plurality of controllable switching elements to supply outputs from said plurality of buffer amplifiers one at a time as an output from said at least first controllable analog array readout element group, whereby any resulting fixed pattern noise and power dissipation are optimally minimized.