High-performance dual-speed multiport CCD camera

The AIS2 is a dual speed multi-port slow-scan CCD imaging system intended for use in applications which require both low speed low noise operation and higher speed setup and acquisition modes. Flexibility in CCD operation is emphasized and all CCD control voltage and timing may be reconfigured through software command. Additionally multi-port CCDs and multi-device CCD mosaics may be supported with separate clock voltage references and timing generators for each CCD or output amplifier. The system is extensible and may be tailored to the individual needs of the application. A high speed programmable timing sequencer generates the CCD clock signals with timing resolution to 25 ns. Virtually any CCD clocking signals may be generated. Timing sequences and clock references for each CCD output port in the system may be separately configured. An adaptable camera system controller accepts high level commands for system operation and image acquisition. The operational parameters and command language may be modified by the user if desired and may be retained from session to session. Reconfiguration of the system to operate a different CCD requires only replacement of one circuit card and downloading a set of modified parameters. The initial version of the system is configured to perform four port operation of a Tektronix 111024 CCD at a 100 kilohertz pixel rate and a 1 megahertz rate at 16 and 12 bit resolution respectively. 1.