Robin 12µm LWIR Detectors Deliver 7ms Thermal Response

Semi Conductor Devices (SCD) has introduced the Robin™ family of 12µm VGA Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) uncooled detectors and thermal cores, expanding its uncooled infrared portfolio to support advanced thermal imaging requirements across modern defense applications.

Based on VOx microbolometer technology, the Robin family achieves a thermal time constant (Tau) of ≤7ms, placing it among the fastest in the 12µm LWIR class. This rapid response enables clear, stable thermal imagery during fast movement, reducing motion blur and supporting reliable detection, tracking, and targeting in highly dynamic operational environments.

The system also incorporates shutterless operation, ensuring continuous imaging performance and improved reliability in mission-critical scenarios. These capabilities make Robin well-suited for demanding applications such as missile seekers, guided and loitering munitions, autonomous effectors, and agile Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) payloads.

Robin delivers Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) performance below 50mK at detector level and below 35mK at core level, supporting high sensitivity and image clarity in complex and rapidly changing conditions. The family is available in a range of configurations, including standalone detectors, compact video modules, and fully integrated thermal cores, enabling flexible integration across platforms such as armored vehicle situational awareness systems, Driver Vision Enhancement (DVE), Missile Warning Systems (MWS), thermal weapon sights, and persistent surveillance solutions.

Engineered to address the limitations of existing 12µm LWIR technologies, Robin maintains image sharpness in motion-intensive scenarios while reducing dependence on heavy stabilization hardware and minimizing post-processing requirements. This approach simplifies integration, lowers system complexity, and enhances overall operational effectiveness.

Designed to support a new class of high-volume, high-performance applications, the Robin family also meets growing demand for compact, power-efficient, and cost-effective thermal imaging solutions at scale. To support this, SCD is advancing automated manufacturing capabilities to ensure consistent quality, long-term supply, and program resilience.

The Robin platform is designed not only to meet current operational needs but also to support future developments, including smaller pixel architectures and AI-ready imaging capabilities for autonomous sensing and real-time decision-making at the edge.

Kobi Zaushnizer, CEO of SCD, commented, “The Robin family represents a strategic step in expanding SCD’s leadership into the uncooled infrared domain. By leveraging decades of infrared expertise and advanced ROIC capabilities, we are introducing a new generation of 12µm solutions that combine ultra-fast thermal response, high image quality, and production scalability. This enables our customers to develop and deploy next-generation EO/IR systems with greater confidence, operational performance and supply assurance.”