Software configurable CCD camera for SOHO mission

J. Patrick Haas; Leslie J. Payne

doi:10.1117/12.259706

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25 November 1996 Software configurable CCD camera for SOHO mission

J. Patrick Haas, Leslie J. Payne

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Proceedings Volume 2804, Missions to the Sun; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259706
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Goddard's Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics has developed a CCD camera design for space flight use with multi-mission capability as part of its design philosophy. The first application of this camera is being demonstrated as part of the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory launched on December 2, 1995. The multi-mission design philosophy allows for the architecture of the camera electronics to be largely independent of the actual CCD selected for use as the detector. It is the CCD device itself that is typically the mission dependent part of the instrument. This is of great importance to the overall camera design since CCD topologies can vary widely from one manufacturer to another. Such factors as aspect ratio, number of pixels, readout mechanisms, clock phasing and clocking levels are all variables that must be incorporated into the hardware design of the camera. Among the advantages of this approach are the reduction of dedicated hardware and CCD development time. Also, since the camera can be reprogrammed from the ground, it is possible to continually optimize CCD performance in orbit. This may prove useful in offsetting degradation of the device due to factors such as radiation damage.

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J. Patrick Haas and Leslie J. Payne "Software configurable CCD camera for SOHO mission", Proc. SPIE 2804, Missions to the Sun, (25 November 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259706

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