Bolometer pixel readout integrated circuit including trigger sense circuit

A trigger sense circuit comprising:

• a current source configured to generate a trim current;
• a pixel group input line in signal communication with a pixel group included in a pixel array, the pixel group including a plurality of pixel rows, each pixel row containing a plurality of bolometer pixels;
• an overheating condition detector circuit in signal communication with the pixel group input line;
• and
• a selector switch that operates in a first state to connect the pixel group to the pixel group input line to establish a signal path between the pixel group and the overheating condition detector circuit, and a second state to disconnect the pixel group from the pixel group input line to open the signal path between the pixel group and the overheating condition detector circuit.

A method of detecting at least one overheated bolometer pixel among a plurality of bolometer pixels, the method comprising:

• arranging a plurality of pixel groups in a pixel array, each pixel group comprising a plurality of pixel rows, each pixel row containing a plurality of bolometer pixels;
• connecting each pixel group to a pixel group input line, and connecting the pixel group input line to a trigger sense circuit;
• operating a group selector switch in a first state that disconnects a selected pixel group among the plurality of pixel groups from the pixel group input line and connects the selected pixel group to an integration unit while remaining groups are connected to the pixel group input line, and a second state that disconnects the pixel group from the integration unit and connects the selected pixel group to the pixel group input line such that the selected pixel group is in signal communication with the trigger sense circuit;
• generating an image based on a resistance of the plurality of bolometers connected to the integration unit;
• and
• monitoring a temperature of the remaining pixel groups via the trigger sense circuit.