Overview:

MIRAGE™-1 is a complete turnkey infrared scene projector that utilizes unique resistive emitter array technology to produce high definition dynamic IR scenes. Signal processing electronics, power supplies, emitter array cooling, calibration (non-uniformity correction) hardware, and user interface software are all integrated with the MIRAGE emitter engine. MIRAGE™-1 accepts digital (DVI) and analog (RS-170/NTSC/PAL) video input, and delivers a high-fidelity infrared scene to the user's or SBIR supplied optics. Typical test applications include hardware-in-the-loop testing of missile seekers, FLIR testing, counter measure simulation and testing of tracking systems.

Features:

• Advanced Emitter Array
  
  The fundamental component of the MIRAGE™-1 scene projector is its advanced micro-emitter array. This state-of-the-art integrated circuit is constructed of thermally isolated mechanical structures with deposited thin film resistive heaters, fabricated on an advanced sub-micron silicon read-in integrated circuit (RIIC). Proprietary unit cell design minimizes thermal and electrical crosstalk.
  
  
• Highly Integrated Digital Emitter Engine
  
  The Digital Emitter Engine (DEE) is compact, lightweight and rugged designed for use on multi-axis motion simulators. The DEE comprises the emitter array and its support electronics, a vacuum dewar for the emitter, a heatsink for emitter cooling, local regulation for power supplies, a fiber optic receiver for scene data, and a precision kinematic mount for the optical interface. The lightweight and small size of the DEE make it the most compact IR scene projector available for FMS mounting.
  
  
• High Gray-Scale Resolution for any UUT Integration Time
  
  SBIR's scene projection systems provide high gray-scale resolutions of 12 to 14 bits delivered to the user's unit under test (UUT). This grayscale resolution is the same for any UUT integration time; or for variable integration times.
  
  
• Automated Non-Uniformity Correction
  
  Non-uniformity correction (NUC) is applied to each pixel in real time. SBIR's C&CE supports an individual correction curve for each pixel, defined by 8 data points. Data for determination of those points is collected in the Calibration Radiometry System (CRS), an optional accessory for the scene projector which automates the process of NUC data collection. NUC can be done by the customer or purchased as an option from SBIR.
  
  
• Built In Test (BIT)
  
  An extensive BIT assures that the MIRAGE™-1 system is functioning properly during use. BIT is automatically invoked on power up, and a continuous background (transparent to the user) BIT is performed during operation. Two levels of error are reported: error conditions that may damage the hardware will invoke an orderly hardware shutdown to protect the system; less serious errors are reported to the user, but continued operation of the system is permitted.
  
  
• Graphical User Interface
  
  A Windows XP graphical user interface provides a central control panel for system configuration and operation. The GUI automates the complex setup and sequencing of the instruments within the MIRAGE™-1 system as it moves from its initial power-on state through real-time operation. The straightforward interface greatly reduces the load on the operator, prevents any inadvertent damage to the hardware, and provides continuous system status and built-in-test reporting. For users who want to control the MIRAGE™-1 from their own facility control computer, a remote application programming interface is provided.

System Components:

• Digital Emitter Engine (DEE)
  
  The Digital Emitter Engine (DEE) is a compact, lightweight, rugged enclosure for the 512 x 511 emitter array and its support electronics. The DEE comprises a vacuum dewar for the emitter, a heatsink for emitter cooling, local regulation for power supplies, a fiber optic receiver for scene data, and a precision kinematic mount for the optical interface. The lightweight and small size of the DEE make it the most compact IR scene projector available for FMS mounting.
  
  
• Command and Control Electronics (C&CE)
  
  This subcomponent provides the user interface, user control, signal processing/formatting, NUC and data/image input for all MIRAGE systems. The C&CE is a PC-based subsystem installed in a rack mount configuration. It includes a top-level ICD and user's guide.
  
  
• Thermal Support Subsystem (TSS)
  
  The TSS includes power supplies, refrigerated chiller, an ion pump controller for DEE operation and a top-level ICD.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Options:

• Calibration Radiometry System (CRS)
  
  The CRS compares emitter output on a pixel-by-pixel basis to the output of a pair of blackbodies, yielding a uniform and accurate radiant output over the full dynamic range of the emitter.
  
  
• Real-time Image Playback System (RIPS)
  
  SBIR's Real Time Image Playback System (RIPS) is a low cost PC disk array based real-time digital image capture and playback system. The RIPS is designed to capture real-time digital image data from a DVI interface and store the image sequences on a high speed disk array for real-time playback into the MIRAGE™-XL dynamic infrared scene projector. A user friendly GUI provides VCR type functionality to RECORD, PLAY, STOP, and LOOP through a selected image sequence. The image data is output (played back) in the DVI format for driving the MIRAGE™-1, MIRAGE™-1.5, MIRAGE™-H and MIRAGE™-XL IR scene projection systems.
  
  
• Collimators
  SBIR can provide and integrate custom collimators based on a customer's specifications.
  
  
  
  
  

Specifications:

Emitter array resolution	512 x 511 pixels
Pixel size	39 microns square
Effective temperature range	285 to 475K, 3-5 µm 285 to 390K 8-12 µm
Thermal resolution (MWIR)	<50mK at 285K <200mK at 400K
Input frame rate	20-200 Hz
Non-uniformity correction	16 point LUT
Max pixels change per frame	Full frame (261,632 pixels)
Pixel rise time (10% to 90%)	<10 msecs
Dead pixels	<0.5%
DEE size	8.5" diameter x 11" long
DEE weight	16 pounds
Input scene data	DVI, RS-170, NTSC, PAL

PDF Data Sheet:

See PDF Datasheet

Order Information:

Pricing and order information subject to change.
Please contact SBIR at (805) 965-3669 for more information on this product.