Direct Digital Conversion
Summary:
Amain Electronics (Simi Valley, CA) has developed a more efficient method for converting analog detector signals into a digital form. This technology, called MOSAD (Multiplexed Over Sample Analog-to-Digital conversion), directly digitizes the detector signal at each pixel, thereby eliminating circuit elements that add size, weight, and cost to the system. MOSAD, development of which was aided by BMDO SBIR funds, is being used as part of Amain’s Stream Vision display system, which offers an end-to-end digital imaging solution. Wireless Internet systems, computer monitors, and video cameras are all potential markets for Stream Vision.
Technology Description:
Amain Electronics (West Hills, CA) has developed a more efficient method for converting analog detector signals into a digital form. This scheme directly digitizes the detector signal at each pixel, thereby eliminating circuit elements that add size, weight, and cost to the system. In addition, early conversion of the analog signal to a digital format decreases the signal's susceptibility to noise and increases processing throughput.
The key to this innovation is Amain’s new circuit design based on an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) technique known as Sigma-Delta sampling (named for the technique's major circuit elements). Amain’s modification of Sigma-Delta sampling—called MOSAD for Multiplexed Over Sample Analog-to-Digital conversion—enables sensor designers to replace the relatively high-power, bulky, precision circuit elements used in traditional ADC schemes with low-power circuit elements ideally suited to on-focal-plane integration. MOSAD can be used in focal plane arrays operating from the visible to the very long infrared wavelengths.
MDA Origins:
In three Phase I BMDO SBIR contracts, Amain investigated the development aspects of an all-digital imager . BMDO was interested in developing sensors without analog processing components for significant power, weight, and size reduction. Although Amain did not receive a Phase II contract from BMDO, the company is continuing to develop the concept in Army, Navy, NASA, and Department of Energy programs and is using the simulation tool in these efforts. So far, the company has built both cooled and uncooled infrared sensor focal-plane arrays that incorporate MOSAD technology.
Spinoff Applications:
MOSAD's low-cost, high-speed, and high-performance potential should enable previously uneconomical uses of many sensors designed for picking up images. For instance, digital imaging could replace conventional film-based imaging in the consumer marketplace if performance can be improved and cost can come down. In addition, MOSAD could lower the cost of systems that acquire an image and immediately project it onto a flat-panel display. Amain has provided quotations to build such a system for the automobile industry. In
sufficient volume, the cameras will sell for less than $10 apiece, and can be used to help drivers view blind-spots.
By allowing detectors to achieve their full performance levels, this ADC scheme could also open the door to very long wavelength infrared detectors once thought too noisy for widespread use. Some other technologies that would benefit from MOSAD include scientific instruments, telecommunications gear, medical diagnostic equipment, night vision goggles, and security sensors.
Commercialization:
Amain is employing the MOSAD technology in a display system called Stream Vision, which allows the display to modulate each of its pixels on and off in uniform time pulses, eliminating the flicker and graininess found in today's frame-driven displays. This end-to-end digital design has fewer components, requires less power and bandwidth, and still can offer a higher dynamic range than current systems.
Prototypes of Stream Vision have been developed and are being tested. Video conferencing systems, computer monitors, and video cameras would all benefit from Stream Vision's improved display capabilities. Stream Vision can also be used for infrared imaging, making it a viable possibility for the industrial controls market.
Company Profile:
Amain Electronics Company (Simi Valley, CA) was formed in 1995 to provide a new electronic digital imaging technology for photography, infrared sensing, graphics and telecommunications. The privately-run company employs nine people.
Contact Information:
William Mandl
Amain Electronics
1875 Angus Avenue Unit C
Simi Valley CA 93063
Tel:805-577-0583
Fax:805-577-0548
email: wmandl@amain.com
web: http://www.amain.com
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