Low Cost Microbolometer Development Using Commercially Available CMOS Foundry Processes

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khoa V. Dang ◽  
Philippe Pouliquen ◽  
Michael Grenn ◽  
Andreas Andreou ◽  
Paul Blase ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Focal Plane Arrays ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Cmos Process ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Uncooled Microbolometer ◽  
Dry Etch

We have demonstrated the monolithic fabrication of uncooled microbolometer Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) for infrared imaging applications using available CMOS, BiCMOS foundry processing and micromachining techniques which trade higher performance with potentially much higher yield and lower production costs. Past and current efforts have exclusively focused on using the commercial silicon foundries for the Readout Integrated Circuits (ROICs) fabrication, and then the microbolometer detector bridges are fabricated on top of the ROICs using processes that involve many complex growth layers and etching steps. These current approaches require specialized microbolometer fabrication facilities and foundries to be built and maintained. We have demonstrated methods to fabricate inexpensive, reasonable performance uncooled microbolometer FPAs using commercially available silicon foundries. To be truly cost effective, we are using the commercial foundries to fabricate the microbolometer FPAs. To release or suspend the bolometer structures, we have used a simple post-foundry maskless anisostropic or isotropic wet/dry etch. We have fabricated a prototype 13×14 uncooled microbolometer FPA using the commercial AMI 1.5um CMOS process as well as a 38×38 microbolometer array using the AMI 0.5um CMOS process. Discussions of the microbolometer circuit designs, MEMS micromachining techniques, and test results will be presented.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Thermal Mapping from IRT Images for Rapid Architectural Heritage NDT

Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Efstathios Adamopoulos ◽  
Monica Volinia ◽  
Mario Girotto ◽  
Fulvio Rinaudo
Keyword(s):  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Thermal Infrared ◽  
Architectural Heritage ◽  
Thermal Camera ◽  
Historical Building ◽  
Custom Made

Thermal infrared imaging is fundamental to architectural heritage non-destructive diagnostics. However, thermal sensors’ low spatial resolution allows capturing only very localized phenomena. At the same time, thermal images are commonly collected with independence of geometry, meaning that no measurements can be performed on them. Occasionally, these issues have been solved with various approaches integrating multi-sensor instrumentation, resulting in high costs and computational times. The presented work aims at tackling these problems by proposing a workflow for cost-effective three-dimensional thermographic modeling using a thermal camera and a consumer-grade RGB camera. The discussed approach exploits the RGB spectrum images captured with the optical sensor of the thermal camera and image-based multi-view stereo techniques to reconstruct architectural features’ geometry. The thermal and optical sensors are calibrated employing custom-made low-cost targets. Subsequently, the necessary geometric transformations between undistorted thermal infrared and optical images are calculated to replace them in the photogrammetric scene and map the models with thermal texture. The method’s metric accuracy is evaluated by conducting comparisons with different sensors and the efficiency by assessing how the results can assist the better interpretation of the present thermal phenomena. The conducted application demonstrates the metric and radiometric performance of the proposed approach and the straightforward implementability for thermographic surveys, as well as its usefulness for cost-effective historical building assessments.

A High-Performance Interface ASIC for Quartz Rate Sensor

2011 ◽  
Vol 483 ◽  
pp. 471-474
Author(s):  
Wei Ping Chen ◽  
Qing Yi Wang ◽  
Liang Yin ◽  
Zhi Ping Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Power Consumption ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Stable Operation ◽  
Cmos Process ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Bias Stability ◽  
Output Noise ◽  
Rate Sensor

In this work, an ASIC interface for quartz rate sensor (QRS) is introduced. Based on 0.6μm 18V N-well CMOS process, it is the first to be realized in the domestic. This chip has a minimized size of 5×4.4mm2. Compared with traditional interface constructed by separate devices, such interface implemented with integrated circuits is advantageous in size and power consumption. This satisfies the requirements of miniature and low power consumption in space industry and military domain. The test results show that this interface features low noise, high linearity, and stable operation. Integrated with the sensor, the entire system presents high performance in short term bias stability, nonlinearity, output noise, bias variation over temperature, and power consumption.

scholarly journals Architecture and implementation of a high frame-rate stereo vision system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamin Islam
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Stereo Vision ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Frame Rate ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
High Frame Rate ◽  
Stereo Vision System

For the purpose of autonomous satellite grasping, a high-speed, low-cost stereo vision system is required with high accuracy. This type of system must be able to detect an object and estimate its range. Hardware solutions are often chosen over software solutions, which tend to be too slow for high frame-rate applications. Designs utilizing field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) provide flexibility and are cost effective versus solutions that provide similar performance (i.e., Application Specific Integrated Circuits). This thesis presents the architecture and implementation of a high frame-rate stereo vision system based on an FPGA platform. The system acquires stereo images, performs stereo rectification and generates disparity estimates at frame-rates close to 100 fpSi and on a large-enough FPGA, it can process 200 fps. The implementation presents novelties in performance and in the choice of the algorithm implemented. It achieves superior performance to existing systems that estimate scene depth. Furthermore, it demonstrates equivalent accuracy to software implementations of the dynamic programming maximum likelihood stereo correspondence algorithm.

A Novel Low Cost Package for Radio Frequency Applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Chaturvedi ◽  
Shiban K. Koul
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Printed Circuit Board ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Printed Circuit ◽  
Pcb Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
Commercial Applications

Design, fabrication, and test results of a novel 3-layer RF package using a commonly available high frequency laminate are presented in this paper. The developed package can be manufactured using standard multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing techniques making it cost effective for commercial applications. The package exhibits excellent RF characteristics up to 6 GHz.

scholarly journals Strain-enabled ultra-broadband Ge-based photonic devices for low-cost integration in PICs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiding Lin ◽  
Danhao Ma ◽  
Rui-Tao Wen ◽  
Kwang Hong Lee ◽  
Govindo Syaranamual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Data Communication ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Photonic Devices ◽  
Single Step ◽  
High Data ◽  
Data Capacity

Abstract Photonic-integrated circuits (PICs) have become one of the most promising solutions to the burgeoning global data communication and are being envisioned to have revolutionary impact in many other emerging fields. This outlook requires future PICs to be significantly more broadband and cost-effective. The current germanium (Ge)-based active photonic devices in PICs are thus facing a new bandwidth-cost trade-off. Here, we demonstrate ultra-broadband, high-efficiency Ge photodetectors up to 1,630 nm operation wavelength and Ge0.99Si0.01 electro-absorption (EA) modulator arrays with an operating range of ~100 nm from 1,525 to 1,620 nm, using a CMOS-compatible recess-type silicon nitride (SiNx) stressor. The broadband operation could facilitate a wide (>100 nm) window for low-cost Ge modulator-detector co-integration, requiring only a single step of Ge epitaxy and two different SiNx depositions. The broad modulation and co-integration coverage can be entirely shifted to shorter (~1,300 nm) and longer (>1,700 nm) wavelengths with small amounts of Si or tin (Sn) alloying. This proof-of-concept work provides a pathway for PICs towards future low-cost and high-data-capacity communication networks, immediately accessible by designers through foundries.

Poly-Siloxane Impregnation and Pyrolysis of Basalt Fibers for the Cost-Effective Production of CFCCs

2014 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Mingazzini ◽  
Matteo Scafè ◽  
Daniele Caretti ◽  
Daniele Nanni ◽  
Emiliano Burresi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Basalt Fiber ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ceramic Composites ◽  
Silicon Oxycarbide ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Basalt Fibers ◽  
Thermomechanical Characteristics

In this work, the optimisation of basalt fiber CFCCs (Continuous Fiber Ceramic Composites) production is presented, focusing on the development of a silicon-oxycarbide matrix by PIP (Polymer Impregnation Pyrolysis). The use of low cost poly-siloxanes and basalt fibers is particularly promising for transports and constructions, where thermostructural CFCCs would be interesting for vehicle weight reduction and fire-resistant panels, but only on the condition that production costs are kept really low. The basalt/SiCO composites are suitable for mechanical applications up to 600°C and stand up temperatures up to 1200°C, also in oxidative environments. The key parameters to keep the production costs low are the furnace and moulds type, being steel probably the best material for both, since it withstands the pyrolysis temperature and can be easily cleaned, by oxidation, from any residue. Regarding the pyrolysis environment, two conditions were compared, nitrogen flow and vacuum, being perhaps the vacuum procedure less expensive and so potentially more appealing for a large scale production. The microstructure and the thermomechanical characteristics of the obtained composites were compared, Another key parameter in determining the production costs is the number of PIP steps, which has to be minimised. The present results support the conclusion that one PIP step in nitrogen or two PIP steps in vacuum can provide CFCC with satisfactory mechanical characteristics for thermomechanical applications in oxidative environments.

scholarly journals A low-cost chopping system and uncooled microbolometer array for ground-based astronomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. Rashman ◽  
I. A. Steele ◽  
S. D. Bates ◽  
J. H. Knapen
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Mid Infrared ◽  
Evolved Stars ◽  
Uncooled Microbolometer ◽  
Star Formation In Galaxies ◽  
Infrared Background ◽  
Sensitivity Improvement ◽  
Imaging Instrument ◽  
Infrared Sources

AbstractMid-Infrared imaging is vital for the study of a wide variety of astronomical phenomena, including evolved stars, exoplanets, and dust enshrouded processes such as star formation in galaxies. However, infrared detectors have traditionally been expensive and it is difficult to achieve the sensitivity needed to see beyond the overwhelming mid-infrared background. Here we describe the upgrade and commissioning of a simple prototype, low-cost 10 μ m imaging instrument. The system was built using commercially available components including an uncooled microbolometer focal plane array and chopping system. The system was deployed for a week on the 1.52 m Carlos Sanchez Telescope and used to observe several very bright mid-infrared sources with catalogue fluxes down to $\sim 600$ ∼ 600 Jy. We report a sensitivity improvement of $\sim 4$ ∼ 4 mag over our previous unchopped observations, in line with our earlier predictions.

scholarly journals Vein Pattern Locating Technology for Cannulation: A Review of the Low-Cost Vein Finder Prototypes Utilizing near Infrared (NIR) Light to Improve Peripheral Subcutaneous Vein Selection for Phlebotomy

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
pp. 3573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng-Tang Pan ◽  
Mark D. Francisco ◽  
Chung-Kun Yen ◽  
Shao-Yu Wang ◽  
Yow-Ling Shiue
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Medical Laboratory ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Nir Light ◽  
Number Of Patients

One of the most common means for diagnosis is through medical laboratory testing, which primarily uses venous blood as a sample. This requires an invasive method by cannulation that needs proper vein selection. The use of a vein finder would help the phlebotomist to easily locate the vein, preventing possible pre-analytical error in the specimen collection and even more discomfort and pain to the patient. This paper is a review of the scientific publications on the different developed low-cost vein finder prototypes utilizing camera assisted near infrared (NIR) light technology. Methods: Electronic databases were searched online, these included PubMed (PMC), MEDLINE, Science Direct, ResearchGate, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore digital library. Specifically, publications with the terms vein finder prototype, NIR technology, vein detection, and infrared imaging were screened. In addition, reference lists were used to further review related publications. Results: Cannulation challenges medical practitioners because of the different factors that can be reduced by the utilization of a vein finder. A limited number of publications regarding the assessment of personnel performing cannulation were observed. Moreover, variations in methodology, number of patients, type of patients according to their demographics and materials used in the assessment of the developed prototypes were noted. Some studies were limited with regard to the actual human testing of the prototype. Conclusions: The development of a low-cost effective near infrared (NIR) vein finder remains in the phase of improvement. Since, it is being challenged by different human factors, increasing the number of parameters and participants/human for actual testing of the prototypes must also be taken into consideration for possible commercialization. Finally, it was noted that publications regarding the assessment of the performance of phlebotomists using vein finders were limited.

scholarly journals Pelleting Vineyard Pruning at Low Cost with a Mobile Technology

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Toscano ◽  
Vincenzo Alfano ◽  
Antonio Scarfone ◽  
Luigi Pari
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Direct Production ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Variable Distance ◽  
Intermediate Storage

The goal of this work was to test a patented pruning harvester and a mobile pelleting system specifically designed for the vineyard agripellet chain. Biomass was characterized before and after storage and after the pelleting stage. The performance, the fuel consumption, and the work quality of the harvester were assessed together with the productivity and the power consumption of the mobile pelleting system. Production costs of pellet were estimated for the whole logistic chain, considering two scenarios: Storage and pelleting directly at the farm site or at a dedicated location at variable distance from the fields. For comparison, the direct production of chips without pelleting was considered. Results indicate that harvester performance was quite good and comparable with commercial solutions; the chips produced exhibited excellent storage performance, allowing direct pelleting without forced drying; the pellet quality was good comparable with that produced from forestry biomass. From an economic point of view, in-field pelleting was the most cost-effective solution, with a good margin of profit up to 57€ t−1; on the other hand, when transport to an intermediate storage center is necessary, profit margin reduces gradually and fades off at an average 50 km distance from the fields.

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