Technologies Available for License
Category: electronics & instrumentation
2007-024: ASIC for High Dynamic Range Charge
Invention: 2007-024
Patent Status: U.S. Patent Number 8,260,565 was issued on September 4, 2012
For technical and licensing related questions, email tcp@bnl.gov.
Summary
A block diagram of a charge amplifier configuration
The charge amplifier includes an operational amplifier, a switch that selectively couples its input to one of at least two voltages, and at least one capacitor electrically coupled in series between the input of the amplifier and the input of the switch, the capacitor electrically coupled to the input of the operational amplifier without a switch. The circuit may implement a method of measuring charge in radiation sensing that includes selectively diverting charge from an input of an amplifier to an input a capacitor by selectively coupling an output of the capacitor to one of at least two voltages, wherein the input of the capacitor is operatively coupled to the input of the amplifier without a switch, and calculating the total charge based on the sum of the amplified charge and the diverted charge.
Description
A charge amplifier for use in radiation sensing includes an amplifier, at least one switch, and at least one capacitor. The switch selectively couples the input of the switch to one of at least two voltages. The capacitor is electrically coupled in series between the input of the amplifier and the input of the switch. The capacitor is electrically coupled to the input of the amplifier without a switch coupled there between. A method of measuring charge in radiation sensing includes selectively diverting charge from an input of an amplifier to an input of at least one capacitor by selectively coupling an output of the at least one capacitor to one of at least two voltages. The input of the at least one capacitor is operatively coupled to the input of the amplifier without a switch coupled there between. The method also includes calculating a total charge based on a sum of the amplified charge and the diverted charge.
Benefits
The high dynamic range circuit and method increase the available dynamic range in charge amplifier configurations to well above a few hundred after technology and system constraints, such as signal processing and associated noise, are taken into consideration.
Applications and Industries
The circuit and attendant methods are useful in radiation sensing applications, such as homeland security and nuclear medicine. They may also be used in other applications that receive charge as a signal from a sensor.
Journal Publication & Intellectual Property
- US 8,260,565 B2 (.pdf)
Contacts
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Poornima Upadhya
Manager Technology Transfer & Commercialization
Technology Commercialization
(631) 344-4711, pupadhya@bnl.gov
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Avijit Sen
IP Licensing & Commercialization
Technology Commercialization
(631) 344-3752, asen@bnl.gov
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