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The SBIR Model 13132 Low-Temperature Blackbody Source is designed for applications where temperatures below the 0°C limit of standard blackbodies must be generated. This blackbody system can achieve temperatures as low as -40°C in an uncontrolled lab environment. For applications such as low-background flood mode testing of detectors, the Model 13132 can eliminate the need for expensive and cumbersome temperature chambers or other special provisions to achieve these cold backgrounds.

A recirculating refrigerated bath cools the blackbody to approximately the desired temperature, and then a sophisticated electronic control system and an array of thermoelectric coolers control the blackbody surface precisely at the setpoint. The Model 13132 includes all of the components needed for operation: blackbody, refrigerated bath, temperature controller, cables, and hoses. Operation of the system is straightforward, and maintenance is minimal.

The Model 13132 is a low cost, easy-to-use solution for applications requiring a low temperature blackbody source.

F E A T U R E S

Advanced System Architecture
The Model 13132 is designed using the same Smart Blackbody® architecture as SBIR’s 2000 Series Blackbodies, so it has the superior accuracy, stability, and ease of use of SBIR’s other Smart Blackbodies. The Smart Blackbody puts the brains of the system, the temperature measurement and calibration electronics, in the blackbody head rather than in the control electronics package. With this new architecture, temperature measurement information from the blackbody to the controller is serial digital data rather than a low-level analog temperature sensor signal. The result is significantly improved performance, more stable and accurate temperature control, and improved immunity to EMI. Other Smart Blackbody features make installation, operation, calibration, and maintenance easier and more secure (see the 2000 Series data sheet for more information).

Extended Temperature Range
This blackbody has a standard temperature range of -30°C to +60°C. The temperature range can be extended to as low as -40°C and as high as +100°C.

Absolute or Differential Temperature Control
The absolute temperature of the blackbody may be set directly, or the blackbody temperature may be set relative to the temperature of an external optional sensor. Typically, an absolute temperature setting could be used to flood a detector or detector array with a low-background (cold) flux level. A differential temperature setting would be used to create a temperature contrast, typically for an imaging application.

Dry Gas Purge
When a blackbody is operated below the dew point, condensation can be a problem. To address this issue, the front plate of the blackbody includes a mounting feature so that the volume between the blackbody and the Unit Under Test can be enclosed with a shroud and purged with dry gas. Or, instead of a shroud, the mounting feature can be used to install an IR window in front of the exit aperture of the blackbody. A gas fitting on the rear plate of the blackbody is provided as a convenient way to route the dry gas into the sealed system.

O P T I O N S

Handheld Remote Panel
An optional remote control is available. All instrument front panel functions can be accessed using this handheld unit. It is connected to the temperature controller with a 10 foot cable.

IEEE Std. 488 Interface (GPIB)
The thorough implementation of the ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 allows computer control of all blackbody functions, calibration, and optional features such as target wheels and illuminators. (Option G)

RS-232 Serial Interface
An optional serial interface provides computer control of all blackbody, calibration, illuminator and target wheel functions. (Option S)

Rack Mounting
The blackbody controller is designed for bench-top or standard 19 inch rack use. Rack mount ears are included with the instrument. A rack slide kit is also available.

Rollaround Cart The low-temperature blackbody system can be delivered installed in a 38" tall laboratory cart. The blackbody, control electronics, refrigerated bath, and all cables and hoses are mounted inside the cart, so the instrument becomes a portable, self-contained blackbody test station. The blackbody exit aperture is sealed with a 3" diameter ZnSe window, and gas flow regulation is provided to allow purging the blackbody with dry gas. The blackbody is mounted so that it looks up through a 24" x 36" stainless steel work surface. A typical application for this system would be for flood-mode testing of downward-looking dewar assemblies. This system (pictured here) may be ordered as Model 13127.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

*requires external temperature sensor (optional).

O R D E R   I N F O R M A T I O N

The Model 13132 consists of a 4" blackbody, control electronics, refrigerated bath, and all necessary interconnect cables and hoses. Options are specified as suffixes to the model number. For example, Model 13132G designates a system with an IEEE 488 interface. Other options, such as extended temperature ranges or non-standard cable and hose lengths should be explicitly specified.

The Model 13127 (described above) consists of a Model 13132G mounted inside a 24" x 36" x 38" high cabinet. Both the blackbody and the bath have an IEEE 488 interface. The exit aperture of the blackbody is sealed with a 3" diameter ZnSe window, and appropriate plumbing is installed to regulate flow of dry gas through the sealed blackbody.

Contact SBIR for assistance in selecting standard or custom systems.

Information subject to change without notice