U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command, ATTN: CSSD-CM-CT, PO Box 1500 Huntsville, AL 35807-3801, 106 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805-1990

A -- MOSAIC ARRAY DATA COMPRESSION AND PROCESSING (MADCAP)" SOL DASG60-97-R-0036 POC Mona Neal, Contract Specialist, (205) 955-1187, W. L. Schick, Contracting Officer, (205) 955-1187 The objective of this effort is to advance the concepts and to develop, enhance, and optimize the architecture and components for focal plane array signal processing for near-to mid-term infrared/visible mosaic sensors. It is planned to transition these technologies to U.S. sensing systems. Defense concepts currently under investigation contemplate the use of high performance optical sensors to perform key functions of long range search, acquisition, radiometric characterization and tracking of threat objects, essential information in real-time sensing. The sensor output must be of sufficient quality to allow discrimination, designation, and trajectory prediction of these objects. In order for the optical sensor to perform these functions, it must have a large field of view, possess adequate spatial resolving power, and be capable of accurate angular and radiometric measurements even in the presence of natural and induced background noise. It appears that these requirements can be satisfied currently only by a cryogenically cooled sensor employing a focal plane assembly consisting of a large mosaic array of small, closely spaced infrared detector elements with on focal-plane-array (FPA) processing ability. Detection of the transmission of picowatt signals from the focal plane region into a warmer, electro-magnetically noisy environment is difficult. It is necessary, therefore, that a number of signal processing functions (in fact, all functions performed in real time on each detector channel) be performed at or near the detector array and at or near the detector operating temperature. Signal processing is an integral part of the sensor design and will impact and be impacted by the optical components, the detector array, and the associated sensor electronics. The ultimate outputs of the sensor system must be the spectral must be the spectral irradiances and the angular positions of all resolvable threat objects in the search field. The outputs will serve as inputs to a digital data processor; hence, their interface must be considered in the signal processor design. The contractor shall advance sensor technology in support of the development of on-focal plane signal processing hardware and support software which are capable of handling high input data rates. The contractor shall design (to include enhancement of existing designs), develop, and demonstrate technology and techniques for interrelation signal processing functions with the detector array and readout device. The technology shall be shown to be adequate for a scanning/staring mosaic sensor of not less than one million detector elements to perform the required functions from acquisition through impact point prediction. The contractor shall examine the evolving technology requirements of USASSDC/BMDO sensor designs and threat definitions to ensure that the technology development efforts pursued under this program address and are responsive to the needs of these sensor programs. The technology developed shall be demonstrated to be compatible with high performance state of the art detector chips which cover the wavelength range from 1 to 30 micrometers. The planned period of performance is for a basic effort of 60 months with a surge option. The RFP is expected to be issued by 5 Jul 97. This date is for planning purposes only and is subject to change. Proposals for this action will be solicited using full and open competition. The government contemplates award of a cost-plus-award-fee level of effort type contract. Questions may be addressed to U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense command, ATTN: CSSD-CM-CT/Mona Neal, P.O. Box 1500, Huntsville, AL 35807-3801. (0108)

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