Design and Implementation of Multi-Channel Readout Circuits for Low-Temperature Environments

Abstract

Infrared sensors and focal plane imaging arrays are among the most important types of devices in the field of aerospace applications. To effectively amplify the small signals collected by infrared sensors and focal plane imaging arrays for subsequent processing, a new multi-channel preamplifier circuit based on ultra-low temperatures was designed in this study to read the acquisition signals of such devices. The technology of an SMIC 180 nm CMOS with 1.8 V power was adopted to realize the circuit. Meanwhile, an eight-level adjustable gain switch was used to increase the selectivity of signal processing. According to the simulation’s results, the single-channel power consumption of the circuit in the 77 K ultra-low temperature environment was only 5.17 mW. The circuit could drive a large load of 200–400 pF with an open-loop gain of 131.4 dB, which showed excellent performance in driving large loads, providing high gain and consuming less power. Additionally, the circuit exhibited good aspects for front-end signal reading and processing of infrared sensors and focal plane arrays in extreme environments.