Ams Osram introduces a new 512-channel ADC for CT detectors

     Ams Osram today announced the introduction of the AS5912, the first 512-channel analog to digital converter (ADC) for CT detectors, in a compact system-wide package solution with a 23mm×15mm ball grid array (BGA). This ADC has the advantage of high channel density, which enables the CT module to reach smaller pixels and enables the imaging quality of the CT scanner to reach higher resolution.

     In a system-level package, the AS5912 integrates silicon wafers and power decoupling capacitors for reliable performance, reducing customer bill of materials (BoM) costs and facilitating system integration. It has an analog front end and analog to digital conversion on each channel, has a low voltage difference regulator (LDO) and integrates reference voltage and temperature sensors. The on-chip automatic calibration function can reduce the development workload of data acquisition system. At the same time, this ADC also reduces the complexity of CT modules. In particular, the four-sided spliced module, consisting of a 16×32PD array, can now be connected only through the AS5912.

     With the same architecture as the 256-channel AS5911 device, the AS5912 delivers the best-in-class power to noise ratio, enabling the next generation of CT scanners to achieve the best image quality. In low power mode, the power consumption per channel is 1.25mW, which reduces the self-heating effect and makes the temperature control strategy of the CT scanner easier to implement. Noise is a key factor in determining image quality, with input reference noise below 0.29fC in the input current range of 0.5µA.

     Compared to the 256-channel AS5911, the BGA package of the new AS5912 has twice the number of channels, and the equivalent size of each channel is smaller. The new AS5912 will play a key role in the next generation of high-performance CT scanners for medical and security applications, which require lower complexity and higher performance.