In 1999, SBIR introduced MIRAGE™, the world’s first integrated Dynamic IR Scene Projection System, designed to support hardware-in-the-loop testing of missile seekers, FLIRs, counter measure simulation and tracking systems. MIRAGE™ is a complete turnkey infrared scene projector that utilizes unique resistive emitter array technology to produce high definition dynamic IR scenes. The original MIRAGE™-1 used a 512 x 511 pixel resistive array emitter capable of frame rates up to 200 Hz. Below is a list outlining the progression of the product line and a list of SBIR’s currently available scene generation systems:
MIRAGE™-1 (512 x 511, maximum temperature 475K)2
MIRAGE™-1.5 (512 x 511, maximum temperature 575 K)2
MIRAGE™-H (512 x 512 or 800 x 800, maximum temperature 675K)
MIRAGE™-XL (1024 x 1024, maximum temperature 675K)
MIRAGE™ is an integrated scene projection solution—not a technology or component. 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. SBIR’s MIRAGE™ products offer high fidelity simulation capability in a system that is reliable and easy to use.
All common inputs are supported including DVI, DVP2/DDO2, RS170, NTSC and PAL. The high level of integration and usability means the end-user can devote his or her time to testing.
Each of these products produce high definition dynamic IR scenes for land, air and space based simulations. SBIR’s patented systems are in use at government and defense contractor installations throughout the world.
Advanced Emitter Array
The fundamental component of the MIRAGE™-H 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™-H 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™ 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™-H 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™-H from their own facility control computer, a remote application programming interface is provided.
Specifications
Emitter array resolution | 512 x 512 pixels or 800 x 800 pixels |
Pixel size | 48 microns square |
Effective temperature range | 285 to 675K, 3-5 µm, 290-650K with NUC applied 285 to 500K 8-12 µm, 290-500K with NUC applied |
Thermal resolution (MWIR) | <40mK below 350K MWIR apparent <100mK above 325K MWIR apparent |
Input frame rate | 20-200 Hz |
Non-uniformity correction | 16 point LUT |
Max pixels change per frame | Full frame (262,144 pixels) |
Pixel rise time (10% to 90%) | 6.5 msecs * 5.0 msecs with Scene Accelerator Upgrade |
Dead pixels | <0.5% |
DEE size | 14.5″ diameter x 13.5″ long |
DEE weight | 54 pounds |
Input scene data | DVI and local memory image upload inputs |
Advanced Emitter Array
The fundamental component of the MIRAGE™-XL 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™-XL 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™ 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™-XL 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™-XL from their own facility control computer, a remote application programming interface is provided.
Specifications
Emitter array resolution | 1024 x 1024 pixels |
Pixel size | 48 microns square |
Effective temperature range | 285 to 675K, 3-5 µm, 290-650K with NUC applied 285 to 525K 8-12 µm, 290-500K with NUC applied |
Thermal resolution (MWIR) | <40mK below 325K MWIR apparent <100mK above 325K MWIR apparent |
Input frame rate | 20-200 Hz |
Non-uniformity correction | 16 point LUT |
Max pixels change per frame | Full frame (1,048,576) pixels |
Pixel rise time (10% to 90%) | 6.5 msecs * 5.0 msecs with Scene Accelerator upgrade |
Dead pixels | <0.5% |
DEE size | 14.5″ diameter x 13.5″ long |
DEE weight | 54 pounds |
Input scene data | DVI and local memory image upload inputs |
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