The SIDECAR ASIC is a custom-designed integrated circuit for controlling high performance focal plane arrays. It includes 36 parallel analog input channels, each providing pre-amplification coupled with 12-bit or 16-bit AID converters. In addition, the micro-controller based SIDECAR ASIC provides full programmability for bias and clock generation as well as a number of digital processing features. It has been developed for space-based as well as ground-based applications. Excellent performance has been demonstrated both at room temperature and at cryogenic temperatures down to 37 K in conjunction with the HA WAII-2RG multiplexer. The ASIC has been selected by NASA for use in all three JWST near-infrared instruments and is in the process of full space qualification.

Traditionally, focal plane arrays require extensive external focal plane electronics (FPE) to provide clocks and biases as well as to digitize the analog output signals. The FPE has to be well-designed and is typically large, heavy and powerhungry. Most importantly, the FPE has to be placed some distance away from the FPA, which complicates maintaining low noise performance throughout the complete system. To offer an alternative to the discrete electronics, Rockwell Scientific has developed a new approach known as the SIDECAR application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). This single chip provides all the functionality necessary to operate an infrared array with the convenience of a pure digital interface to the outside world. This paper will present performance data on the latest generation of the SIDECAR ASIC operating the JWST H2RG detector arrays at cryogenic temperature. The test results demonstrate that an ASIC based FPA system will meet or exceed all performance requirements for the JWST mission. The SIDECAR ASIC has been selected by NASA to become the FPA drive electronics for all shortwave infrared instruments on JWST.