Flexible 640 x 480 pixel infrared camera module for fast prototyping

In various military, space and civilian infrared-based applications, there is an important need for fast prototyping. At the very heart, stands a requirement for flexible camera modules that provides a multitude of output formats as well as fast adaptability. Based on this concept, INO has developed an advanced compact camera module that can provide both raw data output as well as fully processed images under a variety of formats such as NTSC, PAL, VGA and GigE. This tool can be used to perform a rapid demonstration of an application concept. The IRXCam-640 camera core is a very flexible module that is based on a 640 x 480 pixels uncooled FPA but which may be rapidly modified to accommodate for other resolutions and sensor types. Providing 16-bit raw signal and 8-bit final image outputs at 60 Hz, the electronics gives total access to the detector configuration parameters. The output is available in NTSC, PAL, and GigE. An additional VGA output can be used as input for a microdisplay. TECless operation minimizes module size and power consumption. If required for absolute measurements, a TEC integrated to the detector package can be controlled with external electronics. The camera core can be configured for outdoors operation from -30°C to +60°C with 200°C scene dynamic range at maximum sensitivity. Windowing capability provides flexibility of frame frequency and operating field of view. The camera can be further coupled with a microscan mechanism to provide a high resolution 1280 x 960 pixel image. In this paper, the camera module is reviewed as well as its performances.