MATRIX THERMAL IMAGERY SENSOR HAVING RADIATION PIXEL, AND REDUCING METHOD OF SPACE NOISE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a matrix thermal imagery sensor having a radiation pixel, and a reducing method of space noise. SOLUTION: In this matrix thermal imagery sensor of a radiation type, each pixel includes a radiation resistance (Rb) whose value is varied by heat flow received by the pixel. The resistance (Rb) is biased by bias voltage of the value of Vpol. The current passing them is compensated by compensating current Icomp, and the difference between these currents is integrated to generate a measuring signal. The bias voltage (or compensating current) is adjusted between calibration stages, for example, for each pixel so that all pixels have the same apparent sensitivity regardless of the variation in nominal value of radiation resistance. Adjustment is performed in an analog manner by storing each voltage (VG) peculiar to each pixel in a sensitivity trimmer capacitor (Ca) peculiar to this pixel. The capacitor acts directly on the adjustment of the bias voltage or on other parameters playing a role in the sensitivity of the pixel (integration time for example). The space noise is thus reduced significantly. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT