5-2 Low noise readout circuits for thermopile IR image sensors

Abstract

IR imaging is used in a variety of applications such as automobile, security systems and night vision. Many kinds of IR sensors have been developed. A thermopile IR sensor is suitable for low-cost applications. However, the output signal generated by a thermopile is very small and it can be easily deteriorated by both internal and external noises. In this paper a low noise high-gain readout circuit for thermopile IR image sensor is proposed, and the noise of the readout circuit including thermopile resistance is analyzed.