Israeli company Semi Conductor Devices (SCD), which manufactures a range of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and high-power laser diodes, announced the launch of its next-generation Sparrow HD detector on 30 September 2024.
The Sparrow HD is a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor module that features an industry-first 5-micron pixel pitch – the smallest available – representing what the company calls “a quantum leap in infrared imaging technology for defence and homeland security applications”.
Building on SCD’s previous expertise in 5-micron technology, notably with its Crane detector, the Sparrow HD “offers unparalleled performance in a SWaP (size, weight, and power)- optimised design”, according to SCD. The previous-generation Sparrow has already been widely adopted, with thousands of units delivered annually. Designed for wide distribution, it caters to a range of applications from handheld thermal imagers to advanced unmanned aerial vehicle payloads and vehicle-mounted systems.
A key advantage of the Sparrow HD, SCD notes, is that it provides “more pixels on target”, significantly enhancing detection and identification capabilities. The sensor is available in two configurations: High Operating Temperature (HOT) XBn, operating at 150K, and HOT Full-Mid-Wave (HFM). Both configurations, according to SCD, are “designed to meet diverse integration requirements in tactical defence applications”. The Sparrow HD features flexible mechanical configurations, including 90° vertical or horizontal orientations, which is crucial for multi-functional systems such as handheld thermal imagers, aerial gimbals, loitering munitions, and remote weapon stations.
Engineered for cost-effective, large-scale production, the Sparrow HD incorporates advanced interfaces like MIPI CSI for seamless integration with Edge AI processors. Optional video engine and image processing capabilities further enhance its versatility, supporting the growing demand for high-resolution imaging and automated target recognition on the battlefield.
“The Sparrow HD is a major breakthrough in infrared detection, building on our advanced 5-micron pixel technology,” Shai Fishbein, vice president of business development and marketing at SCD, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Its high-definition performance allows us to offer the industry a robust, scalable solution for modern defence challenges. With the ability to integrate across multiple platforms, from UAVs to advanced weapon systems, Sparrow HD sets a new standard for both tactical flexibility and operational efficiency.”
