Blackbird 640 - Sparrow
Low SWaP, Low Cost MWIR Video Core
The Sparrow is a low cost and low SWaP MWIR camera core designed for the demanding requirements of wide distribution market applications such as handheld thermal systems and miniature payloads for drones or long range thermal weapon system for snipers. The Sparrow uses a state-of-the-art HOT Blackbird FPA which is integrated into a compact and novel Dewar and cooler architecture. These elements are ssembled in a compact manner that also includes low power electronics. The Sparrow electronics has multiple capabilities including FPA control, cooler driver & control, and a complete set of video processing features. This 640x512 FPA is based on SCD's mature and field proven XBn (HOT) technology operating at 150K with 10μm pixel pitch. It includes a Digital readout integrated circuit (ROIC) implemented in advanced CMOS process. Combining these two elements yields outstanding image quality.
The 10μm pitch FPA overall size is about 55% smaller than common VGA solutions based on 15μm pitch pixel which enable the user to reduce the size & weight of the system optics. The combination of this miniature FPA with its high operating temperature enables optimization of the cooler and Dewar for low SWaP applications. Another important advantage of the Sparrow is its long life time that is based upon linear engine technology combined with the HOT FPA technology.
| Parameter |
Typical Value |
|
Sensing Material |
XBn |
| Pitch | 10µm |
|
Format |
640x512 |
|
FPA Temperature |
150°K |
| NETD (2Me- Cap.) |
< 28mK at 50% well fill capacity |
|
Local Residual Non Uniformity |
< 0.04% STD/DR @ 10-80% well fill capacity |
| Integration modes |
ITR, IWR |
| Integration capacitors |
0.9Me- ; 2.0Me- |
| Maximum Frame rate |
60 Hz with Image Processing 180 Hz without Image Processing |
|
Video Engine Main Processing Algorithms |
NUC, BPR, Image Enhancement and DRC, Digital Zoom, Pseudo color, Graphics ovelay |
| Digital signal resolution |
13 bit |
|
Operation Modes |
Full Image Processing Mode (Video Engine) Raw Digital output (Proxy Mode) |
|
Residual Non Uniformity |
< 0.06% STD/DR at 20-80% well fill capacity |
|
Operability |
> 99.5% |
|
IDCA Optical Parameters |
Standard F/3.6 Spectral Range: 3.6÷4.2 μm |
| Cooler type |
Micro Cooler, Split Linear |
|
Module MTBF |
> 18,000 hours (GM @ 35°C) |
|
Module Total Power Consumption @ 23°C |
Typical 4W not including Image Processing
Additional 1WDC for full video processing |
|
Image Ready @ 23°C |
Typical 4 minutes |
|
Module Dimensions |
58 x 62 x 42 mm (2.28” x 2.44” x 1.65”) |
|
Weight |
300 gm. (0.66 lb.) |
• HandHeld Thermal Imager cameras
• Drone & Tactical UAV IR cameras
• Perimeter security
• Armored vehicle weapon stations
• Mini and micro tactical payloads
• Snipers long range TWS
Cooler Type: Micro Cooler, Split Linear
Maximum Frame Rate: 60 Hz with Image Processing; 180 Hz without Image Processing
