A flexible cost-effective detector controller for space

Abstract

Ground-based infrared observations are often limited by atmospheric absorption and emission. Space-based instruments avoid this, but introduce unique technical challenges. We present the design of a flexible, compact, and cost-effective detector controller for space, based on commercial off-the-shelf components. Its architecture provides up to 50 configurable clock sequences and 16 biases, 32 16-bit video channels and several genera lpurpose ports. This allows for full control of CMOS detectors including Leonardo ‘SAPHIRA’ avalanche photodiode arrays (APD) which represent current state of the art in low-noise infrared imaging.