Flexible modular signal processor for infrared imaging and tracking

Abstract

A modular signal processing architecture adapted for use with a focal plane array of detectors. The inventive architecture includes an analog signal processing module (42) for adjusting signals from the focal plane array (12). A nonuniformity correction module (44) provides signal adjustment parameters to the analog signal processing module (42) for each of the detectors in the array (12). A control module (80) provides control signals to each of the modules in the system as required for a desired system configuration. In a specific embodiment, the control signals are communicated via programmable registers on each module. Software running on the system control module provides the control signals to the programmable registers to reconfigure the system in response to the addition of modules thereto. Hence, additional modules may be easily incorporated into the system without a costly redesign of same. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the modules is connected to a common bus via a backplane connector (90). Optional add-on modules, for the purpose of illustration, include a frame memory module (79), an output processor module (82) and a scene based nonuniformity correction module (81).The novel modular design of the signal processing architecture of the present invention is facilitated by the unique design of the analog processing module (42) which includes a sample and hold multiplexer (100) for simultaneously sampling a plurality of parallel inputs from the focal plane array (12) and subsequently multiplexing the inputs onto a single analog path.