What is the difference between a MOS linear CCD array and a Photodiode linear array?
The main difference between the two is the readout scheme of the output signal from each element in the linear array. In a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), the signal (charge) is transferred from one element to the next one down the row until it reaches the end, where it is read in sequence in a time multiplexed fashion. In a photodiode array (PDA), the signal (current) is outputted at each element’s unique anode and cathode. Therefore, the signal for the PDA can be read simultaneously, rather than sequentially and multiplexed.
