The CCD system will be used in clinical applications for Photodynamic Therapy.  Needed form the system is the intensity and wavelength of light that will be spatially resolved onto the CCD array.  I do not require the functionality or versatility of the evaluation board.  I want to construct a relatively simple circuit that will read out the pixel information to a computer.  I do not need to produce an actual image.

I have little knowledge in logic devices and originally intended on using counters, registers, flip-flops and the like.  One possible route is to develop a sync board that will clock the verticle, horizontal, and pixel driver.  I was told that to obtain the CCDs resolution of 1534 x 1024 pixels by such a circuit would involve using about as many flip-flops as there are pixels.  A colleague of mine recommended that I use PLDs due to their flexibility.  However, they are pricey and require addition specific programming knowledge.  Another has instructed me to use crystal oscillators.  I have also looked into CCD DSPs and they look promising.  They would require a certain degree of programming as well. 

At this point I am quite confused as to what steps I should take since I have little experience in digital circuitry.  I am not sure what advantages/disadvantages each route has in terms of data rate, electronic complexity, and ease of implementation.  Does anyone have any experience in such an application or do you know someone who does?   Can you please advise and direct me in the right direction so that I may tackle such a task?  Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.  With regards,

Cristiano Torti

Medical Biophysics

Princess Margaret Hospital

Tel.:  416-946-4501 ext. 5744