Low Jitter, Burst Mode Arbitrary Waveform Generation for LADAR Scene Projection

ABSTRACT: The AEgis Technologies Group proposes the design and fabrication of an active laser hardware-in-the-loop sensor stimulator and integration into the Eglin KHILS test facility. AEgis will leverage>20yrs of experience developing HWIL test instruments for real-time sensor/seeker test to deliver a complete test instrument capable of providing real world stimulus to a focal plane array sensor. The instrument will be integrated with the facility controller, scene generation computing cluster, an ultra-high speed network backbone, and close-loop coupled with the sensor/seeker to deliver the T & E technology demonstration. The work herein uses unique capabilities of dense package optical modulator with high-extinction ratio and high bandwidth along with a communication and control system that allow for instrument scalability to serve many classes of optical and RF testing. BENEFIT: The need for active laser sensor/seeker testing is a persistent challenge for DoD applications. Within the specific context of this effort; hardware-in-the-loop test and evaluation is a critical element of DoD research and development and electronics systems comprise a majority of these efforts. As such, the need for highly capable test instrumentation has always been critical to our ability to remain in the lead. These simulation systems provide incredible cost and performance benefits in the fielded systems that cannot be achieved any other way. Challenges exist now in the ability of the test instruments to provide adequate simulation for emerging system. These systems include complex platforms consisting of high-fidelity, multi-spectral sensors, their targeting and discrimination processors, and the guidance subsystems. MDA, AFRL, the Army, and the Navy are all investing in HWIL T & E in an effort to provide sufficient capability. Hyper-Computing clusters, new projectors, and injectors are being developed but methods of integrating them remain highly customized and woefully inadequate. This Phase II effort will provide the capability for laboratory data communications with more than 100x the current bandwidth, integrate the key components for dense optical modulation packaging and drive electronics, and integrate the instrument into the Eglin KHILS facility to address customer needs and demonstrate the end-to-end capability of the concept. DoD programs will directly benefit with reduced cost for test and evaluation while simultaneously improving the quality, scalability, and relevance of testing. This will result in more reliable sensors/seekers, interceptors, vehicles and aircraft systems.