Next-generation Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPAs) are demonstrating ever increasing frame rates, dynamic range,
and format size, while moving to smaller pitch arrays.1 These improvements in IRFPA performance and array format
have challenged the IRFPA test community to accurately and reliably test them in a Hardware-In-the-Loop environment
utilizing Infrared Scene Projector (IRSP) systems. The rapidly-evolving IR seeker and sensor technology has, in some
cases, surpassed the capabilities of existing IRSP technology.
To meet the demands of future IRFPA testing, Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. is developing an Infrared Light Emitting
Diode IRSP system. Design goals of the system include a peak radiance >2.0W/cm2/sr within the 3.0-5.0μm waveband,
maximum frame rates >240Hz, and >4million pixels within a form factor supported by pixel pitches ≤32μm. This paper
provides an overview of our current phase of development, system design considerations, and future development work.
Several organizations in the government and industry are actively developing IR emitter array nonuniformity
correction (NUC) algorithms. While significant effort has been expended and progress has been made, there are no
standard and comprehensive metrics for describing post NUC emitter nonuniformity. Subsequently, the
nonuniformity data reported by one organization may not be comparable with data from another. Further, the
sigma/mean uniformity values typically reported do not shed light on fixed pattern noise such as row and column
offsets. As a result, NUC reporting often does not give a customer adequate insight into the value of emitter
nonuniformity correction.
This paper offers standard metrics for measuring and reporting IR emitter array nonuniformity. The metrics
established here allow data from one measuring organization to be directly compared with that of another. Further,
more practical aspects of nonuniformity correction are addressed which shed light on issues such as fixed pattern
noise (FPN), emission gradients and other undesirable artifacts. Data analysis techniques described in this paper
demonstrate the new metrics and their descriptive role in the NUC process. The NUC parameters established here
characterize the ability of IR emitter arrays to accurately represent terrestrial scenes as well as hot objects and gases.
This paper also explores areas in the emitter dynamic range that provide special challenges for generating a NUC
table and their influence in the selection of nonuniformity correction radiance levels.
Radiometrically accurate simulation of InfraRed (IR) signatures is an essential prerequisite for valid IR sensor testing
within the IR Scene Projection (IRSP) community. The Electronic Combat Stimulation (ECSTIM) Branch EO/IR
Laboratory at the NAVAIR Air Combat Environment T&E Facility (ACETEF), NAWC-AD, Patuxent River, Maryland
has recently begun validation testing of their Large Format Resistive-emitter Array (LFRA) IRSP. This is in preparation
for developmental and operational testing of emerging mission-critical IR Countermeasure (IRCM) systems. Validation
is guided by the Navy Air Defense Threat Simulator Validation Procedures Manual (NAWCWPNS TM 7489-3) and will
support s other emerging high priority development programs such as the Joint Distributed IRCM Ground-test System
(JDIGS). This paper discusses the ECSTIM/EO/IR Laboratory LFRA IRSP validation testing process, the resulting data
collection, measurements and analysis.
Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) produces high performance resistive emitter arrays for its line of IR
Scene Projectors (IRSPs). These arrays operate at frame rates up to 200 hertz. The inherent
properties of the pixels can result in transitions between two temperatures that are more than the 5
millisecond frame time. Modifying the pixel drive level on a frame by frame basis can lead to
improvements in the measured rise times. This paper describes a new capability developed by SBIR
that improves the rise time of the pixels. It discusses the process by which array drive levels are
modified to achieve quicker transitions together with test results showing improved rise time. In an
example transition cited here, the risetime is reduced by more than a factor of two from 8.3 ms to 3.7
ms.
MIRAGE WF is the latest high definition version of the MIRAGE infrared scene projector product line from Santa
Barbara Infrared Inc. (SBIR). MIRAGE WF is being developed under the Wide Format Resistive Array (WFRA)
program. The WFRA development is one of several efforts within the Infrared Sensor Simulator - Preplanned Product
Improvement (IRSS P3I) umbrella funded by the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) and led by
the US Navy at Patuxent River, MD. Three MIRAGE WF infrared scene projection systems are being delivered as part
of the WFRA program. The main differences between the MIRAGE XL (1024x1024) and MIRAGE WF are a 1536x768
emitter array and 100Hz true raster capability. The key emitter requirements that have been measured and will be
discussed include: Operability, Maximum Apparent Temperature, Rise Time and Array Uniformity. Key System
specifications are: 1536x768 pixels, maximum apparent temperature of 600K, maximum frame rate of 100Hz, raster and
snap shot updating, radiance rise and fall time less than 5 ms and windowed mode (1024x768) operation at up to 200 Hz.
Polarization is increasingly being considered as a method of discrimination in passive sensing applications. In this paper
the degree of polarization of the thermal emission from the emitter arrays of two new Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR)
micro-bolometer resistor array scene projectors was characterized at ambient temperature and at 77 K. The emitter
arrays characterized were from the Large Format Resistive Array (LFRA) and the Optimized Arrays for Space-Background Infrared Simulation (OASIS) scene projectors. This paper reports the results of this testing.
Santa Barbara InfraRed (SBIR) is producing high performance 1,024 x 1,024 Large Format Resistive emitter Arrays
(LFRA) for use in the next generation of IR Scene Projectors (IRSPs). The demands of testing modern infrared imaging
systems require higher temperatures and faster frame rates. New emitter pixel designs, rise time enhancement techniques
and a new process for annealing arrays are being applied to continually improve performance. This paper will discuss the
advances in pixel design, rise time enhancement techniques and also the process by which arrays are annealed. Test
results will be discussed highlighting improvements in rise time, uniformity and reduced numbers of defective pixels.
SBIR has passed the midpoint of delivering ten 1024x1024 IR Scene Projector Systems (IRSPs) to the Government. Six systems have been installed at Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC), Patuxent River, and Edwards Air Force Base. Four more systems are in production and will be shipped by the end of this year. The commercial name of the LFRA IRSP is Mirage XL. This ground breaking projector technology is being leveraged on the Wide Format Resistive Array (WFRA) program and on the Mirage II product. The WFRA IRSP, also known as Mirage HD, features an even larger 1536x768 emitter array and will be in system integration by the end of the year. Mirage II, which also leverages LFRA, is being readied as the next generation 512x512 projector system.
Additional signal processing capabilities have been installed in the LFRA systems. Each system now has full Translation/Rotation Processing (TRP) capability. Systems also have image convolution and 400Hz 1024x512 windowing capabilities.
KEYWORDS: Cryogenics, Analog electronics, Electronics, Prototyping, Packaging, Interfaces, Mid-IR, Digital electronics, Microelectromechanical systems, Temperature metrology
SBIR has completed the development of the first lot of OASIS emitter arrays and custom packaging for cryogenic IR scene projection applications. OASIS performance requirements include a maximum MWIR apparent temperature of greater than 600 K, with 10-90% radiance rise time of less than 6.5 ms. Four (4) arrays have been packaged, integrated, tested and delivered.
This paper will report on the first measurements taken of the OASIS resistive emitter arrays at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures. This paper will also provide a discussion of the OASIS cryogenic projector/electronics module (Cryo-PEM) design. We will also describe the novel thermal design employed within the array package and Cryo-PEM assemblies, which allows OASIS to produce radiometrically accurate imagery with reduced thermal lag/gradient artifacts compared to legacy Honeywell cryogenic IRSP assemblies. As OASIS supports both analog and digital input, we will discuss the differences between the two modes in terms of system integration, support electronics and overall array performance.
SBIR has completed development of the Large Format Resistive Array (LFRA) Infrared Scene Projector (IRSP) and shipped the first production system. Nine more systems are in production and will be shipped to several US Government customers on approximately six week centers. The commercial name of the LFRA IRSP is Mirage XL. System performance meets a broad range of program requirements and SBIR has been extremely successful in producing this ground breaking projector. Tests performed on System #1 reveal broad compliance to the specification and, in particular, outstanding emitter array performance. Key emitter requirements that have been met or exceeded include Operability, Maximum Apparent Temperature, and Array Uniformity. Key System specifications are:
Large-format emitter array (1024x1024);
High maximum apparent temperature (>700K);
200 Hz full-frame operation;
400 Hz static window mode (1024x512);
Non Uniformity (uncorrected) <10%.
SBIR has completed design and development of prototype emitter arrays and is completing custom cryogenic vacuum device packaging and support electronics for the Optimized Arrays for Space-background Infrared Simulation (OASIS) program. The OASIS array is a 512 x 512 device featuring high output dynamic range, a selectable analog/digital scene data interface, and the capability to operate from cryogenic to ambient substrate temperatures - thereby providing an enabling technology for projection of simulated radiance of space-background scenes. Prototype emitter production has been completed at RTI International in support of initial deliveries. The OASIS array package incorporates novel electrical bussing schemes optimized for the OASIS RIIC and a modular architecture to allow user re-configuration of both window and emitter shield. The OASIS package leverages LFRA operation features, and supports both ambient and cryogenic chamber-based operation with a minimum of mechanical and electrical re-configuration. The OASIS close support electronics (CSE) supports both analog and digital input data modes, while providing easy electronic connection between arrays installed in the cryogenic chamber and the external control and scene-generation systems. We present a technical overview of the OASIS array/package and CSE designs, and will report on measured radiometric performance from prototype OASIS arrays.
SBIR's family of MIRAGE infrared scene projection systems is undergoing significant growth and expansion. The first two lots of production IR emitters have completed fabrication at Microelectronics Center of North Carolina/Research and Development Institute (MCNC-RDI), and the next round(s) of emitter production has begun. These latest emitter arrays support programs such as Large Format Resistive Array (LFRA), Optimized Array for Space-based Infrared Simulation (OASIS), MIRAGE 1.5, and MIRAGE II. We present the latest performance data on emitters fabricated at MCNC-RDI, plus integrated system performance on recently completed IRSP systems. Teamed with FLIR Systems/Indigo Operations, SBIR and the Tri-Services IRSP Working Group have completed development of the CMOS Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) portion of the Wide Format Resistive Array (WFRA) program-to extend LFRA performance to a 768 x 1536 "wide screen" projection configuration. WFRA RIIC architecture and performance is presented. Finally, we summarize development of the LFRA Digital Emitter Engine (DEE) and OASIS cryogenic package assemblies, the next-generation Command & Control Electronics (C&CE).
Santa Barbara Infrared's (SBIR) family of MIRAGE infrared scene projection systems is undergoing significant growth and expansion. The first lot of production IR emitters is in fabrication at Microelectronics Center of North Carolina/Research and Development Institute (MCNC-RDI), the state-of-the-art MEMS foundry and R&D center which completed prototype fabrication in early 2003. The latest emitter arrays are being produced in support of programs such as Large Format Resistive Array (LFRA) and MIRAGE 1.5, MIRAGE II, and OASIS. The goal of these new development programs is to increase maximum scene temperature, decrease radiance rise time, support cryogenic operation, and improve operability and yield. After having completed an extremely successful prototype run in 2003, SBIR and MCNC-RDI have implemented a variety of emitter process improvements aimed at maximizing performance and process yield. SBIR has also completed development and integration of the next-generation MIRAGE command and control electronics (C&CE), an upgraded calibration radiometry system (CRS), and has developed test equipment and facilities for use in MIRAGE device wafer probing, test, evaluation, diagnostic, and assembly processes. We present the latest emitter performance data, an overview of emitter foundry processing and packaging improvements, and an update on MIRAGE II, LFRA, and OASIS development programs.
Resistive emitter-based IRSP technology still leads the industry in terms of a flickerless, high dynamic range test solution. Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) is producing a high performance 1024 x 1024 Large Format Resistive emitter Array (LFRA) for use in the next generation of IR Scene Projectors (IRSPs). The CMOS Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) was designed by SBIR and Indigo Systems, and fabricated at AMI Semiconductor. Performance and features include > 700 K MWIR maximum apparent temperature, 5 ms radiance rise time (10-90%), 200 Hz full frame update, and 400 Hz window mode operation. Ten 8” CMOS wafers have been fabricated and preliminarily characterized. Emitter pixel design is underway and emitter fabrication is scheduled to start at Microelectronics Center of North Carolina Research & Development Institute (MCNC-RDI) in mid-2003. This paper discusses the RIIC design, wafer probe test results, emitter pixel design, emitter fabrication plans, packaging and test plans, and reports on 1024 x 1024 IRSP system component development status.
Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) is producing a high performance 1,024 x 1,024 Large Format Resistive emitter Array (LFRA) for use in the next generation of IR Scene Projectors (IRSPs). LFRA requirements were developed through close cooperation with the Tri-Service IR Scene Projector working group, and through detailed trade studies sponsored by the OSD Central T&E Investment Program (CTEIP) and a Phase I US Navy Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. The CMOS Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) is being designed by SBIR and Indigo Systems under a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract. Performance and features include 750 K MWIR maximum apparent temperature, 5 ms radiance rise time, 200 Hz full frame update, and 400 Hz window mode operation. Ten 8-inch CMOS wafers will be fabricated and characterized in mid-2002, followed by emitter fabrication in late 2002. This paper discusses array performance, requirements flow-down, array design, fabrication of 2 X 2-inch CMOS devices, and plans for subsequent RIIC wafer test and emitter pixel fabrication.
SBIR's MIRAGE Infrared scene projector continues to break new ground in the area of dynamic IR scene projection. In July 2001, SBIR reached an exclusive licensing agreement with Honeywell Research Laboratories to fabricate emitter arrays using their industry standard process. SBIR has moved out aggressively to bring the benefits of this process coupled with the MIRAGE CMOS to the IR projection community. This paper discusses emitter array performance from Honeywell devices fabricated on legacy MIRAGE CMOS. It also discusses SBIR's upgraded CMOS plans, which will take advantage of the Honeywell process to extend the state-of-the-art of IR scene projector performance.
Santa Barbara Infrared's (SBIR) MIRAGE (Multispectral InfraRed Animation Generation Equipment) is a state-of-the- art dynamic infrared scene projector system. Imagery from the first MIRAGE system was presented to the scene simulation community during the SPIE AeroSense 99 Symposium. Since that time, SBIR has delivered ten MIRAGE systems. This paper will provide a brief overview of the MIRAGE system and discuss developments in the emitter materials science effort. Overview data will be shown demonstrating the successful development of a high temperature, high stability emitter structure.
With the increased demand for IR sensor and surveillance systems, there is a growing need for technologies to support their operational readiness. Measurement of sensor characteristics such as sensitivity, MRTD, and dynamic range should be standard in all mission critical systems. The Real-Time Infrared Test Set (RTIR) is a portable system designed to provide in-the-field calibration and testing of IR imaging systems and seekers. RTIR uses the high volume manufacturing processes of the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) and the Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology to produce a Thermal Pixel Array (TPA). State-of-the-art CMOS processes define all the necessary on-chip digital and analog electronics. When properly driven, this array generates variable temperature,synthetic IR scenes. A nonuniformity measurement of several TPAs is presented.
The advent of high resolution infrared resistor arrays, has greatly increased the level of fidelity of infrared sensor testing that can be accomplished in the cost effective laboratory environment. However, the sensor output image quality depends on the uniformity of the projector array. In addition to the advanced proprietary design and fabrication process used to create a highly uniform emitter array, Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) applies a high speed correction algorithm to the incoming data stream that improves the uniformity of the final infrared image. The key to this algorithm is a set of calibrated tables that are measured for each emitter element in the array. SBIR has developed a Calibration Radiometry System (CRS) which is used to quickly perform these high precision measurements for each emitter element. This paper looks at the CRS system, reviews the algorithms used for applying the correction and for making the calibration measurements. It concludes with some initial results showing the effect of the calibration tables derived using the CRS.
The advent of high resolution infrared resistor arrays, has greatly increased the level of fidelity of infrared sensor testing that can be accomplished in the cost effective laboratory environment. However, the sensor output image quality depends on the uniformity of the projector array. In addition to the advanced proprietary design and fabrication process used to create a highly uniform emitter array. Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) applies a high speed correction algorithm to the incoming data stream that improves the uniformity of the final infrared image. The key to this algorithm is a set of calibrated tables that are measured for each emitter element in the array. SBIR has developed a Calibration Radiometry System (CRS) which is used to quickly perform these high precision measurements for each emitter element. This paper looks at the CRS system, reviews the algorithms used for applying the correction and for making the calibration measurements. It concludes with some initial results showing the effect of the calibration tables derived using the CRS.
KEYWORDS: Projection systems, Infrared radiation, Control systems, Electronics, Infrared imaging, Calibration, Image storage, Analog electronics, Digital image processing, Scene simulation
Santa Barbara Infrared's (SBIR) MIRAGE (Multispectral InfraRed Animation Generation Equipment) is a state-of-the-art dynamic infrared scene projector system. Imagery from the first MIRAGE system was presented to the scene simulation community during last year's SPIE AeroSense 99 Symposium. Since that time, SBIR has delivered five MIRAGE systems. This paper will provide an overview of the MIRAGE system and discuss the current status of the MIRAGE. Included is an update of system hardware, and the current configuration. Proposed upgrades to this configuration and options will be discussed. Updates on the latest installations, applications and measured data will also be presented.
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