High-Speed Low-Cost Signal Processor for Multi-Band IR Fuzes

This proposal seeks to establish the feasibility model for a high- performance inexpensive multi-band IR processor based on morphological signal processing, to be incorporated into the Navy's next generation of IR fuzes. Our unique processing approach is based on very simple computational circuits which can be implemented in compact, high-speed, low-power, low- cost gate array logic. Furthermore this nonlinear processing approach has resulted in robust target detection performance, sometimes even exceeding state-of-the-art algorithms which require massive computation. This innovation has been demonstrated for one-dimensional as well as two- dimensional real sensor multi-band data. In Phase I we will: 1) determine the IR characteristics of air targets of interest and background clutter, 2) demonstrate short range detection of powered and unpowered air targets based on our simple processing approach, 3) use NAVSWC detector array output data to quantify detection performance, and 4) identify an appropriate family of IR-fuzed munitions and develop a high-level processor architecture specific for this application. The anticipated results of Phase I will be a proof of concept that reliable detection can be achieved within the IR fuze form factor. A hardware processor prototype will be built in a Phase II effort to fully test and validate the multi-band IR fuze.