SBIR-STTR Award

Nova Sensors proposes the development of a new 2K x 2K dual-band readout integrated circuit (ROIC) that will be specifically tailored for use in MDA Infrared Search and Track System (IRSTS) applications. We propose incorporation of on-FPA features that streamline the use of dual-band focal plane array (FPA) data for missile detection, tracking and spectral discrimination applications. In cooperation with our STTR technology partner at JHU/APL and our project partners at QmagiQ Inc. and Cyan Systems, Nova will produce a preliminary design for this dual band ROIC in the Phase I effort. The ROIC will also accommodate use of other detector materials, but superior uniformity and “bandgap engineered” features of QmagiQ’s multiple quantum well (QWIP) material will be an important element of the proposed effort. APL has already invested research efforts in development of on-FPA processing techniques involving nonuniformity correction and bandwidth reduction that are directly applicable to wide field of view, large format IRSTS sensors. A variety of advanced on-FPA processing operations are proposed that will help to optimize the implementation of such very large format dual band FPAs for IRSTS; these include on-FPA spectral differencing and ratioing operations, event-driven automatic foveation as well as on-chip analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion.

Keywords:
Dual Band, Mwir, Lwir, Qwip, Roic, On-Fpa, Processing, 2k X 2k

Nova Sensors is engaged in the development of an advanced large format dual-band readout integrated circuit (ROIC) that is closely coupled with a compact, high performance image analytics processor. This combined technology is optimized for use in MDA Infrared Search and Track System (IRSTS) applications. The focal plane array will incorporate on-ROIC features that improve SNR, manage data volume and optimize data throughput. The near FPA video processor will apply image analytics algorithms to the dual band video for the purpose of missile acquisition, tracking, target interrogation, and discrimination. In cooperation with our STTR technology partner, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), the team will collaborate on systems analysis, image processing algorithm development, integrated testing and evaluation. The integrated system will be used in ground mount and flight experiments for proof-of-principle demonstration of real time multiple target tracking off the focal plane.

Keywords:
Irsts, Fpa, Roic, Mct, Dual Band, On-Fpa, Processing, Interrogation, Identification