SENSOR DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
copyright 2001, 2004 Everett Companies LLC
We will design an electro-optic sensor that will meet the specific requirements of your application. The sensor can operate independently or be integrated into your product or process as a subsystem.
OVERVIEW
Electro-optic technology has reached a level of maturity where a wide variety of detectors and ancillary components are readily available and affordable. The objective of Everett Infrared is to help companies incorporate these detectors into their products and processes and do it profitably. Our in-depth knowledge and understanding of the technology and the industry make sure that you will "do it right the first time" and avoid unnecessary cost and delay.
We have many years of experience designing and building systems and subsystems using a wide variety of detectors, emitters and optics. We can design and build electro-optic sensors using any number of detectors sensitive to any portion of the infrared, visible, ultraviolet and x-ray spectral bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
We design and build the electronics for our sensors. Depending on the application, the electronics can be strictly analog or combined analog and digital. Our electronics will extract the optically generated signal from the detector, calibrate it and provide an output signal in whatever format is needed. In many applications detection is made at dc. In others, the signal is modulated and detected at a specific frequency. In any case, noise will be reduced to the lowest possible level consistent with your application. We will design the electronics to provide an output signal with whatever accuracy and linearity you need. Our electronics will be tailored to meet your specific requirements and generate all the signals needed to operate your sensor and provide the output signal in the appropriate analog or digital format.
These sensors are inherently electro-optical. The optical design, while usually less complex, impacts performance just as the electronics design does. We have the knowledge and experience to design the optics for any wavelength region. Our expertise includes first surface mirrors, refractive lenses, Fresnel lenses, spectral filters and windows as well as cold shields for cooled detectors. We will ensure that the optimum optical performance is achieved.
Many electro-optic sensors use a source to emit the radiation, and the sensor then measures the radiation transmitted through or reflected by various objects or materials. We have worked with all types of emitters including laser diodes, light emitting diodes, as well as filament, thick film, thin film and foil emitters. We can incorporate the best emitter for your application into your sensor.
We have the knowledge and expertise to design and build virtually any type of sensor using any type of electro-optic detector. We use detectors that operate at elevated temperatures, room temperature as well as those that are thermoelectrically or cryogenically cooled. We can package devices to operate at all temperatures from elevated to less than 1 K.
We have extensive knowledge of the electro-optics industry both nationally and internationally. We can identify the most reliable and cost effective sources for your components. We can make sure that you get the highest quality components at the lowest price ensuring that your product has the highest reliability and performance as well as the lowest production cost possible.
DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The process that we typically follow to ensure that your sensor will meet your requirements is described below. We have designed our services to be as flexible as possible to best meet your specific requirements and can modify or supplement the steps in this process to meet your particular needs.
ANALYSIS
We will analyze your requirements in detail. We will determine which detector is best for your application from both the performance and cost points of view. We will determine what other components such as emitters, lenses, spectral filters and coolers best meet your needs. We will determine what design approach is best for your application. We will consider layout, packaging and other issues that will impact performance and cost.
PERFORMANCE MODEL
We will generate a detailed performance model so that the level of performance we can expect to achieve will be accurately predicted. The performance of each component will be modeled as well as that of the integrated system. We will determine up front the level of performance that will be achieved and will perform the tradeoff to ensure that you have the level of performance you need.
DESIGN
We will carry out a detailed optical, mechanical and electronic design including all of the components. The largest design task is usually the electronics. Electro-optic detectors provide analog output, and our expertise in designing low noise analog electronics that interface to the detectors is essential. In many cases only analog electronics are needed. However, in other applications somewhat involved algorithms are used to calibrate the output signal. These functions are typically performed by digital electronics that follow the analog front-end. We have substantial digital experience and will incorporate digital signal processing using whatever type of microprocessor is appropriate. We will layout printed circuit boards incorporating ground and power planes where needed to ensure optimum performance. We will incorporate thermoelectric or cryogenic cooling of the detector if it is needed. We will do a complete optical design and determine the requirements for the mirrors, lenses, spectral filters and windows. We will determine the optimum sensor layout that will meet the performance objectives and fit within the allowed envelope.
SOURCE COMPONENTS
Using our knowledge of the industry, we will determine the most reliable and cost effective sources for the components needed for your sensor. We are familiar with all the major manufacturers of electro-optic and electronic components and will ensure that the most appropriate parts are incorporated into your sensor.
PROTOTYPE
We will build one or more prototype sensors that emulate as closely as possible the planned production design. However, we typically build sufficient flexibility into the prototype so that we are able optimize performance. We will then incorporate the optimum configuration into the final sensor design.
SENSOR CALIBRATION
Electro-optic sensors usually have to be calibrated. We will define and document a straightforward calibration procedure that will ensure that your sensor provides accurate and reliable measurements.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERIZATION
We will define test procedures that will thoroughly characterize the performance of your sensor and fully document them. We will then use these procedures to accurately measure the prototype's performance.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
We will provide extensive support for the integration of the sensor including the optical, electrical and mechanical interfaces into the overall system or product. We will ensure that each component functions properly and that the system as a whole does what it is supposed to do.
DOCUMENTATION
We will provide complete documentation including all drawings, schematic diagrams, net lists and descriptions needed to properly use the sensor and fully understand its operation.
MANUFACTURING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
SENSOR MANUFACTURE
We will be pleased to manufacture your sensor in whatever quantities you need and deliver them to you on a timely basis. Or if you prefer, we will provide the support you need to manufacture the sensor yourself or have a third party manufacture it for you. In addition to a complete documentation package, we will provide continuing customer support to answer questions and propose solutions to issues that may come up, and we will be available on a consulting basis to actively participate in transitioning your sensor into production.
MANUFACTURING RIGHTS
Each customer has the unrestricted right to manufacture any sensor we design for him in any quantity. He also has the right to modify the design in any way he wishes. We, however, retain the right to design similar (but not identical) sensors for our other customers.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We will provide support for as long as you need it. Whenever any questions arise, they will be answered promptly. Whenever you need assistance, you will get it. Your success is our success.
Infrared and Electro-optic Technology
Everett Companies LLC
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
tel/fax: 480-706-4753
You can contact us via email at email@everettinfrared.com (Due to the high volume of spam, our filter sometimes deletes valid email. If you send an email and do not receive a prompt reply, please call us at 480-706-4753)
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