Operational and performance comparisons between conventional and foveating large format infrared focal plane arrays

We present a detailed comparison between the operational performance of "conventional" and "foveating" large format infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). Foveating FPAs provide its users with a substantial advantage when compared with imaging sensors currently in use. This paper details the differences between foveating and traditional FPAs and provides objective comparisons to aid systems designers select the appropriate imaging device for their applications. A variety of on-FPA operations are performed with foveating sensors; some of these operations require the use of a companion processor to spatially reprogram the foveal sensor. We will compare several critical sensor performance parameters including: frame rate, data bandwidth, spatial and temporal noise. In addition, operational comparisons will be made to contrast the various applications that may be best suited for the two respective imaging sensor types.