MIRAGE™-XL 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™-XL 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.
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.
Digital Emitter Engine (DEE)
The Digital Emitter Engine (DEE) is a compact, lightweight, rugged enclosure for the 1024 x 1024 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.
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.
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 |
See PDF Datasheet
The product(s) described in this document will require an export license for shipment outside of the United States.
Please contact the SBIR sales team at (805) 965-3669 or sales@sbir.com for applications engineering assistance or specific test needs.
The product(s) described in this document will require an export license for shipment outside of the United States.
Information subject to change without notice.