Mobile extended spectrum electro-optical test set

Classical electro optical automated test equipment (EO ATE) inherently has several design limitations due to trying to satisfy the entire EO spectrum requirements. Problems such as a fixed number of targets, ease in changing stimulus and measurement devices and finally, reconfiguring to cover multiple sensor fields-of-view yields a tester that compromises the support of the individual needs of many units under test (UUTs). In addition, targets are static with no dynamic scene projection of realistic, in-band targets in a clutter background environment (targets in defilade, moving targets, smoke, dust, rain, fog, etc.). The Developmental Test Command has a major instrumentation development with Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) for a mobile extended spectrum electro-optical test capability as part of the Mobile Infrared Scene Projection (MIRSP) program. A prototype system that utilizes the Texas Instruments (TI) digital micro-mirror device (DMD™) to project both static and dynamic targets to the UUT is currently under development. This EO tester is modular and programmable allowing the target stimulus sub-system to interface with existing and future optical systems required to support Army sensors across multiple fields-of-view. Targets are defined/programmed in software, and then "replicated" using the DMD for presentation to the UUT within microseconds. The EO ATE supports typical laboratory tests as well as dynamic scene projection to EO sensors. This paper describes the new design techniques implemented to transform standard EO UUT testing as well as scene projection in spectral bands continuous from 0.2 to 14 micrometer (μm) wavelengths. In addition, other innovative techniques have been incorporated to address problems inherent in current EO ATE designs.