NOAA KLM User's GuideSection 3.2.1 |
The High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/3) is a discrete stepping, line-scan instrument designed to measure scene radiance in 20 spectral bands to permit the calculation of the vertical temperature profile from Earth's surface to about 40 km.
Multispectral data from one visible channel (0.69 micrometers), seven shortwave channels (3.7 to 4.6 micrometers) and twelve longwave channels (6.5 to 15 micrometers) are obtained from a single telescope and a rotating filter wheel containing twenty individual filters. An elliptical scan mirror provides cross-track scanning of 56 increments of 1.8 degrees. The mirror steps rapidly (<35 msec), then holds at each position while the 20 filter segments are sampled. This action takes place each 100 msec. The instantaneous FOV for each channel is approximately 1.4 degrees in the visible and shortwave IR and 1.3 degrees in the longwave IR band which, from an altitude of 833 kilometers, encompasses an area of 20.3 kilometers and 18.9 kilometers in diameter, respectively, at nadir on the Earth.
Three detectors are used to sense the radiation. A silicon photodiode at the instrument temperature (nominally 15 degrees C) detects the visible energy. An Indium Antimonide detector and a Mercury Cadmium Telluride detector (mounted on a passive radiator and operating at 100K) sense the shortwave and longwave IR energy. The shortwave and visible optical paths have a common field stop, while the longwave path has an identical but separate field stop. Registration of the fields of view in all channels is largely determined by these stops with secondary effects from detector position.
IR Calibration of the HIRS/3 is provided by programmed views of two radiometric targets: a warm target mounted to the instrument base and a view of space. Data from these views provides sensitivity calibrations for each channel every 40 lines (256 seconds), if commanded. Internally generated electronic signals provide calibration and stability monitoring of the amplifier and readout electronics.
Data from the instrument is multiplexed into a single data stream controlled by the TIP system of the spacecraft. Information from the radiometric channels and voltage telemetry are converted to 13-bit binary data. Radiometric information is processed to produce the maximum dynamic range such that instrument and digitizing noises are a small portion of the signal output. Each channel is characterized by a noise equivalent radiance (NEΔN) and a set of calibration data that may be used to derive atmospheric temperatures and probable errors.
The HIRS/3 instrument is a single package mounted on the Instrument Mounting Platform (IMP) of the NOAA KLM spacecraft. Thermal blankets cover most outer surfaces other than that of the radiating panel and door area. The cooler radiating surface views space, emitting its heat to provide passive radiant cooling of the shortwave and longwave detectors to the stabilized 100K operating temperature. An Earth shield on the cooler door assembly insulates the door from Earth direction thermal input. The door is closed during launch and through the initial orbital outgas period (at least 14 days). After this outgas period, the door is opened permanently for cooling of the radiator. If there are indications of contaminate accumulation subsequently, a door-open outgas procedure can be performed by applying power to the heaters located on both stages of the radiant cooler. During this procedure, the cooler temperature rises to approximately 300K.
Table 3.2.1.1-1 lists the system characteristics of the HIRS/3 Instrument. Table 3.2.1.1-2 lists the spectral channel and sensitivity requirements for the HIRS/3. See Appendix J.2 for specific scan parameters and patterns of the HIRS/3 instrument.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Optical Field of View | 1.4 degrees VIS/SW IR 1.3 degrees LW IR |
| Included Energy | 98% within 1.80 degrees |
| Channel to channel registration | LW: <1.5% of 1.8 degrees Step size SW: <1% of Ch. 19 FOV FWHM |
| Earth Scan Angle | ±49.5 degrees from nadir |
| Earth Scan Steps | 56 increments of 1.8 degrees |
| Step and Dwell Time | 100 msec total |
| Retrace Steps | 8 |
| Total Scan plus Retrace Time | 6.4 seconds |
| Earth Swath coverage | 1127 km |
| Earth Field Coverage: (SW IR) + VIS (LW IR) |
20.3 km (1.4 degrees IFOV) at nadir 18.9 km (1.3 degrees IFOV) at nadir |
| Radiometric Calibration | 290 K IWT Blackbody and Space Look |
| Frequency of Radiometric Calibration | 256 seconds, typical |
| Dwell Time at Calibration Position | 5.6 seconds at IWT, 4.8 seconds at space |
| Longwave Channels | 12 (6.5 to 15 micrometers) |
| Longwave Detector | Mercury Cadmium Telluride |
| Shortwave Channels | 7 (3.7 to 4.6 micrometers) |
| Shortwave Detector | Indium Antimonide |
| IR Detectors Temperature | 100 K |
| Visible Channel | 1 (0.69 micrometers) |
| Visible Detector | Silicon |
| Visible Detector Temperature | Ambient |
| Signal Quantizing Levels | 8192 (13 bit coding) |
| Electronic Calibration | 32 equal levels each polarity |
| Frequency of Electronic Calibration | One level each scan line |
| Telescope Aperture | 15.0 cm (5.9 in) |
| Filter Housing Temperature | 290 K (with baseplate at 283 K) |
| Channel Number |
Central Wavenumber (cm-1) |
Wavelength (micrometers) |
Half Power Bandwidth (cm-1) |
Noise Equivalent Delta Radiance (NEΔN) mW/(m2-sr-cm-1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 669 | 14.95 | 3 | 3.00 |
| 2 | 680 | 14.71 | 10 | 0.67 |
| 3 | 690 | 14.49 | 12 | 0.50 |
| 4 | 703 | 14.22 | 16 | 0.31 |
| 5 | 716 | 13.97 | 16 | 0.21 |
| 6 | 733 | 13.64 | 16 | 0.24 |
| 7 | 749 | 13.35 | 16 | 0.20 |
| 8 | 900 | 11.11 | 35 | 0.10 |
| 9 | 1,030 | 9.71 | 25 | 0.15 |
| 10 | 802 | 12.47 | 16 | 0.15 |
| 11 | 1.365 | 7.33 | 40 | 0.20 |
| 12 | 1,533 | 6.52 | 55 | 0.20 |
| 13 | 2,188 | 4.57 | 23 | 0.006 |
| 14 | 2,210 | 4.52 | 23 | 0.003 |
| 15 | 2,235 | 4.47 | 23 | 0.004 |
| 16 | 2,245 | 4.45 | 23 | 0.004 |
| 17 | 2,420 | 4.13 | 28 | 0.002 |
| 18 | 2,515 | 4.00 | 35 | 0.002 |
| 19 | 2,660 | 3.76 | 100 | 0.001 |
| 20 (see Note 1) | 14,500 | 0.690 | 1,000 | 0.10% albedo |
| Note: 1. Visible Channel |
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The HIRS/3 is a 20-channel scanning radiometric sounder utilizing a stepping mirror to accomplish cross-track scanning, directing the radiant energy from the Earth to a single, 15.24 cm (6-inch) diameter telescope assembly every tenth of a second. Collected energy is separated by a beamsplitter into longwave (above 6.5 micrometers) and shortwave (visible to 4.6 micrometers), passed through field stops and through a rotating filter wheel to cooled detectors. In the shortwave path, a second beamsplitter separates the visible channel to a silicon detector.
The scan logic and control set the sequence of Earth viewing steps to provide a rapid scan mirror step motion to 56 fixed positions for spectral sampling of each respective air column. The filter wheel rotation is synchronized to this step and hold sequence, with approximately one-third of the wheel blank to accommodate each step interval and with the filters positioned for sampling only after the mirror has reached the hold position. Registration of the optical fields for each channel to a given column of air is dependent to some degree on spacecraft motion and on the alignment of two field stops, which can be adjusted to reduce registration error to less than 1 percent of the field diameter.
The characteristics of the instrument temperature sensors are shown in Table 3.2.1.2.1-1, where it may be noted that calibration sources are measured very precisely.
| Channel Sensor Location | Subcomm Analog (K) | Digital "A" (K) | Approx. Digital "A" Sensitivity (Counts/K) | Nominal @ Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patch - full range | 90-320 | 90-320 | 53 | @100K |
| Patch - expanded range | 90-150 | 141 | @100K | |
| Radiator | 150-320 | 150-320 | 60 | @170K |
| Filter Wheel (F/W) Motor | 260-320 | 260-320 | 71 | @300K |
| Scan Motor | 260-320 (see Note 1) |
260-320 | 78 | @295K |
| Baseplate | 260-320 (see Note 1) |
260-320 | 78 | @290K |
| Electronics | 260-320 | 260-320 | 78 | @290K |
| Primary Mirror | 260-320 | 78 | @290K | |
| Secondary Mirror | 260-320 | 78 | @290K | |
| Scan Mirror | 260-320 | 78 | @290K | |
| F/W Housing (HSG) - 1 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @295 K | |
| F/W Housing (HSG) - 2 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @303K | |
| F/W Housing (HSG) - 3 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @295 K | |
| F/W Housing (HSG) - 4 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @295 K | |
| Internal Warm Target (IWT) - 1 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @290 K | |
| Internal Warm Target (IWT) - 2 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @290K | |
| Internal Warm Target (IWT) - 3 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @290 K | |
| Internal Warm Target (IWT) - 4 | 273.15K-333.15K | 152 | @290 K | |
| Internal Cold Target (ICT) - 1 | 243.15K-303.15K | 152 | @273 K | |
| Internal Cold Target (ICT) - 2 | 243.15K-303.15K | 152 | @273K | |
| Internal Cold Target (ICT) - 3 | 243.15K-303.15K | 152 | @273 K | |
| Internal Cold Target (ICT) - 4 | 243.15K-303.15K | 152 | @273 K | |
| Note: 1. Housekeeping TLM (full time temperature monitoring on switched +28 VDC BUS) |
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Radiant energy is focused on cooled detectors operating at a near optimum temperature of 100K. A Mercury Cadmium Telluride detector and an Indium Antimonide detector are mounted on a two-stage radiant cooler. This assembly is large enough to have reserve cooling capacity, permitting active thermal control to maintain the detectors fixed at 100K. A system of heating the patch and first stage is provided for initial outgassing and for decontamination later if it should be required.
Electronic circuits provide the functions of power conversion, command, telemetry, and signal processing. Amplification of the inherently weak signals from the detectors is done by low noise amplifiers. Radiant signals are fed through a base reference and memory processor, multiplexed, and A/D converted by a 13-bit range system. Once converted to a digital format, the data are again multiplexed with HIRS/3 "housekeeping" data and provided as a serial data stream at the digital A output. Data from HIRS/3 are held in memory until called by the TIP request signals and clocked out of the instrument by the TIP clock.
Repetitive inclusion of electronic calibration signals and the periodic command to scan to space and one internal blackbody provides the system with a complete set of data collection, calibration, and control that permits reliable operation in orbit.
The heart of the scan system is a stepper motor with 200 steps per rotation. Assembled to the shaft of the stepper motor are (1) a scan mirror mounted with the mirror surface plane at 45 degrees with respect to the axis of the motor shaft, (2) a DC torque motor, (3) a DC tachometer, (4) a shaft position encoder, and (5) a two contact slip ring assembly. The DC tachometer is used to derive rate information which is used to control a DC torque motor to aid stopping of the scan rotation as the scan settles into a track position or into a step position.
The drive control signals for the stepper motor are generated by a step generator which has input control features for retrotorque control, step/slew control and rotational direction control (up/down). Output from a scan regulator with power level control is applied to the motor driver to provide stepping torque levels as required.
The Scan Control logic utilizes timing signals and position commands in conjunction with position information derived from a position encoder to monitor and control performance of the system. Connections to a thermal sensor on the scan mirror are provided via two leads from the mirror through the hollow motor shaft to a slip ring assembly at the opposite end of the shaft.
The Calibration Enable command enables the radiometric calibration control logic. Calibration is activated by the calibration start pulse (CSP) which occurs every 256 seconds. The CSP initiates a sequence of scans that provide radiometric calibration of the instrument. When the Calibration Disable command is in effect, the CSP will be ignored and the instrument will continue its normal scan sequence.
Digital A data is clocked into the spacecraft TIP whenever the "A1" Data Enable Pulse is presented to the instrument. A full set of HIRS/3 operational data, including command status monitors, housekeeping information and radiance data of the 20 channels, is contained in the Digital A output. The HIRS/3 data repeats every 6.4 seconds as described below. The 6.4 second period contains 64 elements.
Digital A output is divided into "Elements" of 288 bits. One element is phased to fit into a TIP minor frame. The TIP will allocate 36 8-bit words to accommodate the HIRS/3 element. These TIP words will be grouped by two in fixed locations throughout the 100 millisecond minor frame.
Sixty-four elements make up each scan. The formats for the elements repeat eery 6.4 seconds and correspond to the particular parts of the scan. Element number 0 through 55 are earth scan data (target data during the calibration sequence). Elements 56 through 63 are associated with retrace or when the mirror is slewing between positions. The elements are divided as follows:
Bits 1-26
Two 13 bit words have the same function in all 64 elements. The function assembled in these words are described in Table 3.2.1.4-1.
| Word # | Bits | Function | Range (Decimal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-8 | Scan Encoder Position | 0 to 199 |
| 9-13 | Electronic Cal Level Indicator | 0 to 31 | |
| 2 | 1 - 6 | Channel 1 Period Monitor | 0 to 63 |
| 7-12 | Element Number | 0 to 63 | |
| 13 | Filter Sync Designator | n/a |
Bits 27-286
This group of bits are divided into 20 13-bit words. The word functions are dependent on element number. These functions are given in Table 3.2.1.4-2. Except for the two status words in Element 63, all words are quantity where bit 1 is the sign bit and bits 2 through 13 are amplitude (0 to 4095). Bit 2 is the most significant bit (MSB) of quantity. The sign bit is: logic "1" is + and logic "0" is -.
Bits 287 and 288
In the same manner as for bits 1 through 26, these two bits have the same function in all 64 elements as shown in Table 3.2.1.4-2.
| Bits | Function | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 287 | Valid Data Bit | logic "1" Valid Data logic "0" Ignore Radiometric Data |
| 288 | Odd Bit Parity | n/a |
One HIRS/3 word is contained in two contiguous 8-bit TIP words. These two words occur in 1.899 msec. Eighteen pairs, each consisting of two Minor Frames TIP words, are required per minor frame. These eighteen words make up one HIRS/3 Element. The Digital A output is a serial output of 288 bits per element. The first bit (Bit 1) occurs in the MSB of TIP word 14.
Tables 3.2.1.4-3 and 3.2.1.4-4 contain the HIRS/3 Digital A Radiometric and housekeeping functions, and the Digital A Status Telemetry, respectively.
| Element # | Bit # | Function | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 55 | 27-39 | Radiometric Channel No. 1 (668.5 cm-1) | 0 counts radiance from scene equal radiance from Filter Wheel (FW). Minus (-) values are colder than FW. Plus (+) values are warmer than FW. |
| 40-52 | Radiometric Channel No. 17 (2,420 cm-1) | 0 counts offset from FW radiance. Plus and minus are hotter and cooler than offset. | |
| 53-65 | Radiometric Channel No. 2 (680 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 66-78 | Radiometric Channel No. 3 (690 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 79-91 | Radiometric Channel No. 13 (2,188 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 92-104 | Radiometric Channel No. 4 (703 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 105-117 | Radiometric Channel No. 18 (2515 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 118-130 | Radiometric Channel No. 11 (1365 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 131-143 | Radiometric Channel No. 19 (2,660 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 144-156 | Radiometric Channel No. 17 (749 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 157-169 | Radiometric Channel No. 8 (900 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 170-182 | Radiometric Channel No. 20 Visible (14,500 cm-1) | Black is minus. White is plus. | |
| 183-195 | Radiometric Channel No. 10 (802 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 196-208 | Radiometric Channel No. 14 (2,210 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 209-221 | Radiometric Channel No. 6 (749 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 222-234 | Radiometric Channel No. 5 (716 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 235-247 | Radiometric Channel No. 15 (2,235 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 248-260 | Radiometric Channel No. 12 (1,533 cm-1) | No offset. | |
| 261-273 | Radiometric Channel No. 16 (2,245 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 274-286 | Radiometric Channel No. 9 (1,030 cm-1) | Offset. | |
| 56 | 27-286 | Positive Electronics Calibration applied to 20 radiometric channels. | Calibration level advances one of the 32 equal level steps on successive scans. The offset and gain of each channel will influence the amplitude of the signal. The calibration level applied to the (continued) electronic channels is indicated by bits 9 through 13 of the Element. |
| 57 | 27-286 | Negative Electronics Calibration applied to 20 radiometric channels. | Calibration level advances one of the 32 equal level steps on successive scans. The offset and gain of each channel will influence the amplitude of the signal. The calibration level applied to the (continued) electronic channels is indicated by bits 9 through 13 of the Element. |
| 58 | 27-91 | Internal Warm Target Temperature Sensor #1 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 273 to 333 K. |
| 92-156 | Temperature Sensor #2 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 273 to 333 K. | |
| 157-221 | Temperature Sensor #3 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 273 to 333 K. | |
| 222-286 | Temperature Sensor #4 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 273 to 333 K. | |
| 59 | 27-91 | Internal Cold Target Temperature Sensor #1 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. |
| 92-156 | Temperature Sensor #2 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 157-221 | Temperature Sensor #3 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 222-286 | Temperature Sensor #4 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 60 | 27-91 | Filter Wheel Housing Temperature Sensor #1 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 273 to 333K. |
| 92-156 | Temperature Sensor #2 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 157-221 | Temperature Sensor #3 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 221-286 | Temperature Sensor #4 | Value repeated 5 times. Range 243 to 303 K. | |
| 61 | 27-91 | Patch Temperature Expanded Scale | Value repeated 5 times. Range 90 to 150 K. |
| 92-156 | First Stage Radiator Temperature Sensor | Value repeated 5 times. Range 150 to 320 K. | |
| 157-221 | Filter Wheel Housing Heater Current | Value repeated 5 times. Range 0 to 500 ma. | |
| 222-286 | Electronic Calibration Digital to Analog Converter | Value repeated 5 times. Range 0 to 4 V. | |
| 62 | 27-39 | Scan Mirror Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K |
| 40-52 | Primary Telescope Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 53-65 | Secondary Telescope Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 66-78 | HIRS/3 Baseplate Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 79-91 | HIRS/3 Electronics Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 92-104 | Patch Temperature - Full Range | Range 90 to 320 K | |
| 105-117 | Scan Motor Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 118-130 | Filter Wheel Motor Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 131-143 | Cooler Housing Temperature | Range 260 to 320 K | |
| 144-156 | Patch Control Power | Range 0 to 80 mw | |
| 157-169 | Scan Motor Current | Range 0.65 to 1.0 ma | |
| 170-182 | Filter Motor Current | Range 100 to 300 ma | |
| 183-195 | +15 VDC | Range 15 ± 0.2 V | |
| 196-208 | -15 VDC | Range -15 ± 0.2 V | |
| 209-221 | +7.5 VDC | Range +7.5 ± 0.05V | |
| 222-234 | -7.5 VDC | Range -7.5 ± 0.05V | |
| 235-247 | +10 VDC | Range 10 ± 0.2V | |
| 248-260 | +5 VDC | Range 5 ±0.2V | |
| 261-273 | Analog Ground | Range 1 count | |
| 274-286 | Analog Ground | Range ± 1 count | |
| 63 | 27-39 | Line Counter (Gives the number of lines from the last auto calibration sequence) | 0 to 8191 (There is no sign bit used in the line counter). Reset to 0 counts is only when counter overflows. |
| 40-52 | First Status Word | First 5 bits are instrument serial number (no sign bit). The remaining bits indicate status as shown in Table 3.2.1.4-4. | |
| 53-65 | Second Status Word | First 5 bits are zero fill. The remaining bits indicate status as shown in Table 3.2.1.4-4. | |
| 66-78 | Data Verification Binary Code | Binary code is: (1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1) Equivalent base10 value: +3875 |
|
| 79-91 | Base 10 value: +1443 | ||
| 92-104 | Base 10 value: -1522 | ||
| 105-117 | Base 10 value: -1882 | ||
| 118-130 | Base 10 value: -1631 | ||
| 131-143 | Base 10 value: -1141 | ||
| 144-156 | Base 10 value: +1125 | ||
| 157-169 | Base 10 value: +3655 | ||
| 170-182 | Base 10 value: -2886 | ||
| 183-195 | Base 10 value: -3044 | ||
| 196-208 | Base 10 value: -3764 | ||
| 209-221 | Base 10 value: -3262 | ||
| 222-234 | Base 10 value: -2283 | ||
| 235-247 | Base 10 value: -2251 | ||
| 248-260 | Base 10 value: +3214 | ||
| 261-273 | Base 10 value: +1676 | ||
| 274-286 | Base 10 value: +1992 |
| Element # | Bit # | Function | Logic State |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Status Word | |||
| 63 | 45 | Instrument ON/OFF | ON=1 |
| 46 | Scan Motor ON/OFF | ON=0 | |
| 47 | Filter Wheel ON/OFF | ON=0 | |
| 48 | Electronics ON/OFF | ON=1 | |
| 49 | Cooler Heat ON/OFF | ON=0 | |
| 50 | Internal Warm Target Position | True=0 | |
| 51 | Internal Cold Target Position | True=0 | |
| 52 | Space Position | True=0 | |
| Second Status Word | |||
| 63 | 58 | Nadir position | True=0 |
| 59 | Calibration Enable/Disable | Enabled=0 | |
| 60 | Cooler Door Release Enable/Disable | Enabled=0 | |
| 61 | Cooler Door Open | Yes=1 | |
| 62 | Cooler Door Closed | Yes=1 | |
| 63 | Filter Housing Heat ON/OFF | ON=0 | |
| 64 | Patch Temperature Control ON/OFF | ON=0 | |
| 65 | Filter Motor Power HIGH | Normal=1 | |
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