Semi-Conductor Devices (SCD) - a global leader in the development and manufacture of a wide range of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and high-power laser diodes - will launch its Sparrow-Blackbird 640 MWIR Sensor at AUSA 2018.
The low-SWaP MWIR Sparrow has a 10μm pitch VGA FPA, which is significantly smaller than common existing VGA solutions, enabling the user to reduce the overall size and weight of the system optics, thereby lowering overall system SWaP. The Sparrow is based on SCD's 640x512 10 μm FPA with mature XBn HOT (High Operating Temperature) technology, operating at 150K and combining multiple advanced capabilities to enable extremely high-quality images.
The Sparrow enables implementation of new operational capabilities for a wide range of applications that would otherwise have to rely on larger, heavier sensors that consume a lot of power, and at a higher cost. Such applications include hand-held sensors, tactical UAV mini payloads, armored vehicle sights, sniper thermal weapon sights, perimeter security sensors and more.
Additional unique capabilities of the Sparrow include a digital ROIC, a linear cooler with high-reliability and performance, integrated smart electronics which support the cooler, FPA control and built-in image processing, such as NUC, BPR, DRC, noise reduction and more.
“We are proud to present for the first time the Sparrow, which is one of the latest additions to the SCD Blackbird family, with 10μm-pitch mature technology,” says Dan Slasky, SCD’s CEO. “The Sparrow is a cost-effective video core solution, offering high-quality thermal vision for many applications. Due to its extremely compact size and very low weight (just 300gr), it will open up new opportunities for our customers, providing them with an advanced, uncompromised operational performance solution. The Sparrow will also enable stand-off operation from tactical platforms, engaging long-distance targets earlier, thus leveraging the overall platform and force performance.”
The Sparrow is the latest in SCD’s full range of solutions based on its Blackbird 10μm pitch MWIR technology. Earlier this year at EUROSATORY 2018, the company launched the Mini Blackbird1280, one of the world's smallest HD-capable MWIR IR detectors. The product range also includes the Mini Blackbird SXGA - an HD MWIR video core, optimized for low-SWaP applications such as small and tactical payloads for mini UASs and drones, ground-based and hand-held surveillance systems, airborne surveillance applications, and more.
