A Charged Coupled Device (CCD) Controller/Signal Processor Based on a Digital Signal Processor

构建了一种新型的模拟信号处理模块，用于对电荷耦合器件（ccd）的输出进行数字化处理。该单元是围绕一个非常快的16位模数转换器和一个数字信号处理器（DSP）集成电路设计的。通过在CCD输出处采集波形的多个样本，可以增加读出的动态范围，并应用最佳滤波技术来降低读出噪声。DSP将存储采样并对其进行数值处理以导出单个数字发送到主机，从而减轻主机的负载。DSP还将生成时钟波形来驱动CCD，以及执行其他时间关键任务，如电机和快门的操作。新的电子系统比以前的设计更简单，并且还能够高速读出CCD用于现场查找或高速测光。我们计划用不同的方法来改进读出噪声和使用多个ccd的大信号处理能力。该项目预计将持续两年左右，除首席研究员外，还包括一名电气工程师、一名电子技术人员和一名研究生。

A new type of analog signal processor module for digitizing the output of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) will be built. The unit is designed around a very fast 16-bit analog-to-digital converter and a digital signal processor (DSP) integrated circuit. By taking multiple samples of the waveform at the output of the CCD it will be possible to increase the dynamic range of the readout and to apply optimal filtering techniques to lower the readout noise. The DSP will store the samples and numerically process them to derive a single number to send to the host computer, thereby relieving the load on the host. The DSP will also generate the clocking waveforms to drive the CCD, as well as carry out other time-critical tasks such as the operation of motors and shutters. The new electronic system is simpler than previous designs, and is also capable of high speed readouts of the CCD for field finding or high-speed photometry. We plan to experiment with various methods for improving readout noise and large signal handling capabilities using several CCDs. The project is expected to last about two years and involve, in addition to the Principal Investigator, an electrical engineer, an electronics technician, and a graduate student.