Compact IR camera takes to the air

A Goodrich Optical and Space Systems product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 21, 2005

The SU320US-1.7RT InGaAs NIR Snapshot MicroCamera is now being used as payload on miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotic systems.

The SU320US-1.7RT InGaAs NIR Snapshot MicroCamera is now being used as payload on miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotic systems.

Because the MicroCamera weighs less than 70g and occupies less than 26cm3 of space, it is ideal for use where size and weight are critical factors.

The tiny, uncooled camera captures 320 x 256pixel images in the short-wave infra-red waveband, from 900 to 1700nm, with unparalleled temporal control and sensitivity.

The high resolution InGaAs imager is stabilised at room temperature and needs no field nonuniformity corrections.

All solid-state, with low power consumption, the NIR MicroCam is perfectly suited for covert surveillance, machine vision, fibre optic components inspection and free space communications.

For applications within the payload compartment of unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, the SWIR MicroCamera's 12bit digital data interface is CameraLink compatible.

Both digital and analogue outputs can be transmitted simultaneously for easy display on any RS170 or CCIR compatible monitor.

The Snapshot MicroCam adapts to most commercially available video and digital frame grabber boards.

Other imaging options on the miniature snapshot exposure focal plane array include advanced windowing functionality for high speed imaging and exposure timing as short as 129us.

Sensors Unlimited recently introduced a dual-wavelength, visible-SWIR version of this MicroCamera.

It is also available in the same compact, miniature packaging for use in surveillance, robotic systems, UAVs, machine vision and more.