A digital linescan camera with embedded micro-processor

EG&G Reticon has developed a next generation, digital linescan camera system with an embedded micro-processor. The on-board processor performs many functions which have traditionally been handled in the analog domain. Specifically, the problem of channel to channel balance of a multi-tap sensor is solved by feeding back digitally to the micro-processor encompassing all of the drift components in the signal chain, including the A/D converter. The digital architecture also gives the user access to camera settings for real-time performance optimization based on actual camera data. The camera's novel architecture is complemented by the inclusion of a new generation sensor developed at EG&G Reticon. The pinned photodiode detector has excellent blue light response and can read out at over 40 MHz. This paper describes the architecture of the camera and gives a brief overview of the advantages of the new sensor technology.