Data signal amplifier with automatically controllable dynamic signal range

An apparatus including data signal amplification and processing circuitry with a dynamically controllable dynamic signal range, comprising:

• input means for conveying an input data signal having a data signal charge associated therewith;
• output means for conveying an output data signal corresponding to said input data signal;
• amplifier and processor means, including preamplifier means with a variable feedback capacitance associated therewith, for receiving a gain control signal and said input data signal and generating said output data signal, wherein a ratio of said output and input data signals is a function of said data signal charge and feedback capacitance and is responsive to said gain control signal;
• and
• controller means for monitoring said output data signal and controlling said variable feedback capacitance via said gain control signal, wherein said variable feedback capacitance is changed when said output data signal transcends a predetermined signal threshold.

An apparatus including an X-ray imaging system, comprising:

• an X-ray imaging device that provides a plurality of pixel data signals having respective data signal charges associated therewith;
• amplification and processing circuitry, coupled to said X-ray imaging device and including preamplification circuitry with a plurality of variable feedback capacitances associated therewith, that receives one or more gain control signals and said plurality of pixel data signals and generates a plurality of output data signals corresponding respectively to said plurality of pixel data signals, wherein respective ratios of respective ones of said pluralities of output and pixel data signals are functions of corresponding respective ones of said data signal charges and feedback capacitances and are responsive to respective ones of said one or more gain control signals;
• and
• control circuitry, coupled to said amplification and processing circuitry, that monitors said plurality of output data signals and controls said plurality of variable feedback capacitances via said one or more gain control signals, wherein respective ones of said plurality of variable feedback capacitances are selectively changed when one or more of said plurality of output data signals transcend one or more predetermined signal thresholds.

An apparatus including an X-ray imaging system, comprising:

• X-ray imaging means for providing a plurality of pixel data signals having respective data signal charges associated therewith;
• amplifier and processor means, including preamplifier means with a plurality of variable feedback capacitances associated therewith, for receiving one or more gain control signals and said plurality of pixel data signals and generating a plurality of output data signals corresponding respectively to said plurality of pixel data signals, wherein respective ratios of respective ones of said pluralities of output and pixel data signals are functions of corresponding respective ones of said data signal charges and feedback capacitances and are responsive to respective ones of said one or more gain control signals;
• and
• controller means for monitoring said plurality of output data signals and controlling said plurality of variable feedback capacitances via said one or more gain control signals, wherein respective ones of said plurality of variable feedback capacitances are selectively changed when one or more of said plurality of output data signals transcend one or more predetermined signal thresholds.