Development and Evaluation of a Driver Circuitry for Miniature Spectrometers Used in Cold Environments

Abstract

Special attention should be paid during the development of the driver circuitries for miniature spectrometers when using them in extreme environments, especially when the ambient temperature changes tremendously. In this study, a driver circuitry for a miniature spectrometer is developed by providing a basic control signal and ADC circuitry. Meanwhile, temperature stability and power consumption are considered. The performance of the driver circuitry is evaluated comprehensively from −50°C to 30°C. The lower boundary is below the operating range of most electronic parts adopted. Based on these examinations, temperature dependence, linearity and conversion accuracy of the ADC circuitry are quantified. And a correction algorithm is developed to correct any deviation in the driver circuitry with an uncertainty of around ±20 Counts. The practicality of the driver circuitry is also identified. This approach provides a general framework for developing driver circuitry for miniature spectrometers which will face tremendous variations in the ambient temperature.