Test system for infrared search and track precision

The precision test of an infrared search and track system usually need field trial. It’s unsuitable for short-distance and indoor test. This paper presents an indoor test technique for infrared search and track precision. The indoor test system design and implementation are described in detail. The experimental results and analysis are provided. The movement of the small target dial was driven by a high-precision stepper motor in this system. A blackbody was used to simulate the radiation of targets. Controlling Computer connects to the stepper motor via RS-232 serial port. The software interface written by Visual Basic sets the stepper motor’s running speed, direction and the operating angle value. The target’s track coordinate is translated into azimuth and elevation angles through the algorithm of angle measurement. Then the value recorded by the tested search and track system compare to the theoretical value given by the test system. The search and track precision are analyzed and test.