Uncooled IR video engine for 17μm VOx μ bolometer: a modular open architecture approach

Abstract

SCD's new 17µm pitch VGA VO x µ-Bolometer detector was introduced in April 2010. Due to their overall size, weight and power advantages, 17µm pitch uncooled detectors are currently being considered for next generation systems such as thermal weapon sights (TWS), driver vision enhancers (DVE) and digitally fused goggles (DENVG). In this paper we describe a new video engine developed at SCD to support the new 17µm pitch VGA detector. First, the modular design concept of the hardware for the new video engine is described. This is followed by a description of the software design concept, including features that emphasize the open architecture and the provision for a customer to add on his own algorithms and software. The detector and the engine are on low rate production these days. Full production is planned for Q4/2010.