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14
System Overview
1.0 Introduction
The LM98503 is a 10-bit, complete analog-to-digital camera
signal processor for use with CCD imager systems operating
from a single +3 Volt supply. The internal processing is carefully
optimized to maintain the signal-to-noise ratio and excellent
dynamic performance of most popular CCD imagers. The
system block diagram of the LM98503, shown on the cover
page of the datasheet, highlights the main features of the
device: correlated double sampling (CDS), 0-32dB digitally
programmable gain amplifier (PGA), digital black level
correction feedback loop, 8-bit DAC, analog clamp, bandgap
voltage reference, and a 10-bit, 18MHz analog-to-digital
converter.
1.1 Correlated Double Sampling
Correlated double sampling (CDS) is a key feature in CCD
image processors. The sampling process consists of two
samples being taken for each pixel. The first stores the reset
voltage of the input pixel, and the second sample stores the
video signal amplitude. The two samples are subtracted from
one another, effectively removing the reset error offset of each
pixel. This sampling system operates from 1 to 18MHz. .
Reset
Voltage
Figure 9: Correlated Double Sampling
1.2 Programmable Gain Amplifier
The amplifier has a gain ranging from 0-32dB, and is “l(fā)inear in
dB” as shown in Figure 15. The PGA is addressed via an 8 bit
word downloaded through the serial interface.
1.3 Black Level Clamp
CCD signal processors require a reference level for the proper
handling of input signals; this reference level is commonly
referred to as the black level. The LM98503 is designed to
determine a signal’s black level during the CCD imager’s optical
black pixels.
The LM98503 provides both an analog clamp and a digital black
level correction loop. Pulsing the ACLP pin during optical black
pixels causes the analog clamp circuitry to remove the offset
associated with the input signal. Pulsing the BLKCLP pin during
dummy black pixels at the begining of a horizontal line enables
the digital black level correction loop.
Black level correction may be performed through one of two
available methods- automatic or manual. In automatic mode, the
black level is sampled from the ADC output during black pixels
by setting the BLKCLP input of the LM98503. The ADC black
level output value is then averaged over eight pixels and
subtracted from the desired black level code stored in the black
level configuration register. The result of the subtraction may
then be integrated by a preset scaling factor, effectively
smoothing any sharp transitions present in the black level
signal, before the resulting error is finally applied to the input of
the PGA as an analog offset generated by the DAC. The offset
integration scaling factor is stored in two bits of the software
control register 0, and the values available range from full offset
to offset divided-by-16. In addition, an offset output enable bit is
provided in the software control register 0, which when set,
routes the offset value to the digital output bus rather than the
DAC. Use of the automatic mode involves enabling the black
level offset auto-calibration bit in the software control register 0
through the serial interface. Refer to Figure 10.
Figure 10: Digital Black Level Correction Loop
The manual method is intended for use with processing systems
where the desired black level correction loop is external to the
LM98503. In this mode, up to four available configuration
registers may be used to store predetermined offset values that
will be applied on a pixel-rate basis. During the vertical interval,
new values may be stored in these registers for each horizontal
line.
1.4 Auxiliary Input
The LM98503 includes a high-level video switch that allows a an
auxiliary video signal to be selected instead of the camera
image. When the auxiliary input is selected, the PGA gain and
DAC offset are fixed to the value in register 0, so the appropriate
gain and offset values should be written to PGA gain and DAC
offset register 0 prior to AUX IN usage.
1.5 Analog Clamp
During optical black pixels, a signal appears at the CCD output.
This signal is generally refered to as the “black signal level”.
This signal may be seen by the CDS circuitry as a valid video
signal rather than the actual black level signal; therefore, the
LM98503 provides an analog clamp designed to eliminate this
black signal level. Pulsing the analog input pin, ACLP, causes
the output of the CDS to be sampled by the analog clamp
circuitry. Subsequently, an adjustment is made to the CDS
reference voltages by the analog clamp to effectively eliminate
any signal level present during black pixels.
10-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter
The selected imager’s analog signal is sampled by the CDS and
amplified to match the input requirements of the 10-bit analog to
digital converter by the PGA. The final step performed by the
system is to convert the selected analog image to digital values
with a 10 bits of resolution. The ADC has differential inputs
which aids in the coping with headroom constraints common to
+3 Volt systems. Data is acquired at the falling edge of the clock
and is available at the digital output pins 7.0 clock cycles plus
t
OD
later.Internal Timing Generation
All if the necessary clocks for the CDS and ADC operation are
generated internally from the LM98503’s master clock input. The
CDS sampling clocks may be overridden by the user via the
SHP and SHD clock inputs. As depicted in Figure 4 and Figure
5, there are two signals generated internally for CDS sampling
CCD
n
n+1
n+2
Video
Signal
Black Pixels
CDS
+
PGA
ADC
Output
Data
Pixel
Averaging
BLKCLP
-
Black Level Register
Offset
Integration
DAC
10
8
Analog Offset Register
Automatic
Offset
Calibration
L