A small and compact infrared scene projector (10) allows for projection of infrared images from a variety of sources. The unit utilizes an external power supply to reduce the weight of the unit and has several input pathways such as an integrated RS-232 serial port (28) and a video port (30) for receiving RS-170 formatted video signals (42). The projector uses a digital signal processor (46) to control its internal electronics (12) and for on-board generation of pre-programmed infrared images. A processor electronics card (36) and a scene generator electronics card (34) communicate internally to generate images and to control a thermoelectric cooling device (58) mounted to a semiconductor infrared emitter array (51) to project flicker free, high resolution infrared images. Optics (53) in the form of an interchangeable lens (16) or a mirrored collimator (18, 22) allow for projection of a generated image onto a test object. Internal high speed memory (112) and electrically erasable firmware (111), both externally programmable through an external user programmable interface, allow for on-the-fly programming and self-sustaining and continued operation after disconnection from a separate programming computer.
