I've possibly set a record for longevity in this field, having started in graduate school in the summer of 1977 on a CCD camera based on the Fairchild CCD202 100 x 100 pixel imager. Gen I controllers began in 1993 with contract to design CCD controllers for Keck. Gen III controllers were very successful, and have now reached their end-of-life. But sales of the recently introduced Gen IV IR controllers have been disappointing, and the company is no longer viable. I wanted to retire and see it continue under new leadership, but I've decided to liquidate it instead.

As a consolation prize I've embarked on a stunning retirement adventure. I've purchased a historic chateau in southwestern France, dating from 1267 AD. I'm moving there with my family to set up a hospitality business. You will find some YouTube videos on this link, or google Lady of the Chateau:

Lady of the Chateau

Bob Leach
December 18, 2022

ARC imaging array controllers are open and modular systems intended to allow the user to tailor them to individual requirements and preferences. A timing generator can be programmed by the user to generate array clocking waveforms and video control signals. The voltage levels for the imaging arrays are programmable by the user. The controllers include electronic circuits, mechanical assemblies, power supplies and supporting software. Gen III controllers are available for CCDs and DC-coupled readouts. They are variously known as "Leach controllers", "ARC controllers", as well as "SDSU controllers" for their origins at San Diego State University. Furthermore, all software source code and almost all electronic circuit diagrams are made available to users at no extra cost.

Gen IV controllers operate and read out imaging arrays containing DC-coupled readout circuits such as the Teledyne HxRG and Raytheon VIRGO near infrared arrays. They are the successors to the widely used Gen III controllers used for astronomy and scientific detector development. They control arrays requiring low positive voltages with up to 64 readout channels at readout speeds up to 4 million pixels per second, while providing detector-limited readout noise and flexible array clocking and readout. Modest controller size, weight and power dissipation are combined with excellent stability and extensive diagnostic capabilities.

These documents are password protected. Write to ARC on the contact page for access:

• Quick Start Guide
• Users Manual
• Pinouts
• Application Notes

Software available for Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows:

• G4 Image Aquisition App
• Developer Application Interface (ARC API)
• Microcontroller Development Tools
• Device Driver
• Documentation

Gen III controllers were first developed twenty years ago, and have been widely used in astronomy, detector development and electron microscopy. But technology marches on and their end-of-life is on the horizon. Some products are no longer available, but the core ones are, including the timing and PCIe boards that have new fiber optic parts. However, they will not be available forever, so people should plan on ordering hardware sooner rather than later.
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