Detector-Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Interface Methods

This article reviews current development and issues in detector-CCD interface methods employed in mosaic focal plane arrays,particularly those designed for the infrared spectrum. The functions of inter-faces, such as signal inputing, impedance matching, signal conditioning, and background suppressing, are discussed along with their compatibility with MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) and cryogenic techniques. An attempt is made in classifying the interface methods into five main categories - monolithic (optical), direct injection, gate modulation, buffered circuit, and preamplified circuit - while a qualitative assess-ment is made of the capability of background suppression for several interfaces. The article concludes by identifying four classes of limitation of the interfaces - architectural, electrical, test and control, and processing - of achieving high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and large linearity.