APACHE camera core

The APACHE camera core consists of a detector/dewar/cooler assembly (DDCA), the cooler controller, camera electronics, a mechanical frame, and interconnect cabling, as pictured below. Two versions are available: a large format 640x512; and a mid-format 320x256. Both camera core versions are based on high performance indium antimonide (InSb) focal plane arrays. The Apache electronics consist of three cards: a digitizer, mounted local to the DDCA; a main controller board; and a power supply module. The power supply provides sensor power and controls a non-uniformity correction (NUC) source and filter wheel mechanism. An integrated four-position NUC source/filter wheel assembly contains the room temp/ warm source and cold source as well as two warm filters. A 3-point NUC (room ambient, warm, and cold) takes less than 20 seconds to perform. The filters are operated for normal and see-spot modes. The APACHE camera core provides convenient control via RS-232, video output in RS-170A format, and requires only two DC inputs to operate. As with most FLIR Systems products, APACHE is commercially developed and military qualified (CDMQ). APACHE is qualified to standards of MIL-STD-810E to withstand the environmental conditions anticipated throughout its life cycle.