Vega IR

Vega IR extends the Vega platform into the 940 nm near‑infrared range, delivering high‑stability DC‑driven LED illumination for contrast‑based camera performance testing. Designed specifically for IEEE-2020:2024 measurements, Vega IR enables accurate Contrast Transfer Accuracy (CTA) and Contrast Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio (CSNR) evaluation under NIR illumination, matching the precision and stability of the visible‑light Vega system.

Vega IR operates at 940 nm, the dominant wavelength used in automotive driver monitoring systems (DMS), occupant monitoring systems (OMS), and RGB‑IR cameras. To assess how well these cameras resolve contrast under their own infrared light, the illumination source must reproduce the camera’s operating wavelength with high accuracy and stability, exactly what Vega IR is engineered to provide.

Because infrared light lies outside human visual sensitivity, NIR intensity cannot be described using photometric units such as cd/m². Vega IR is therefore radiometrically characterized, ensuring that CTA and CSNR measurements rely on defined radiance rather than visible‑light equivalents. This guarantees physically correct and repeatable NIR test results.

Built on the same DC‑driven LED architecture as Vega, Vega IR offers fine intensity control, high output stability, and consistent thermal behavior even at extremely short exposure times. The DC driver maintains the operating point without affecting temperature regulation, allowing the device to remain stable when switching sources or adjusting intensity. Vega IR also includes the platform’s advanced flicker generation, supporting sine, triangular, and square waveforms, essential for testing cameras that rely on modulated infrared illumination.

Looking for the visible‑light version? See our Vega light source.

Vega IR provides defined illumination at 940 nm, the wavelength widely used in automotive and in-cabin cameras.

Vega's extremely high stability provides a very strong consistency for testing cameras with very short exposure times.

DC (direct current) technology does not affect temperature regulation and allows very fine intensity adjustment at high stability.

Stable output at very short exposure times gives consistent, repeatable results when characterizing NIR cameras.

Test the infrared response of RGB-IR sensors and study infrared leakage and color separation alongside the visible channels.

Advanced low-frequency functionality to include sine, triangular, and square waveforms to cover nearly all real-world scenarios.

Measure Contrast Transfer Accuracy (CTA) and Contrast Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CSNR) in the near-infrared band, the purpose Vega IR was designed for.

Vega is an ideal solution for measuring Contrast Transfer Accuracy (CTA), Modulated Light Mitigation Probability (MMP), Contrast Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CSNR), or other high-intensity measurements outlined in the IEEE-2020:2024 standard. These factors are relevant to almost all automotive camera applications, which require test solutions capable of creating dynamic test scenes for cameras with very short exposure times.

Vega is sold with control software that lets you manage up to seven devices simultaneously. APIs are also available (sold separately) to enable seamless integration into individual designs. We offer APIs in C, C++, and Python.

VLS-Evaluation

The evaluation software analyzes the camera's performance using the defined KPIs, including CTA, MMP, and CSNR. CTA evaluations are based on pixel-value distributions. Results are exported as XML files. This software is sold separately.

The TE294 chart is optimized for Vega. It is a unique series of grayscale test charts for high-precision measurements, including Contrast Transfer Accuracy (CTA) and other contrast-based performance indicators. Charts are available individually or in sets. Please note that the TE294 charts are always sold separately from the Vega light sources.

Vega IR Test charts

Vega IR is used with grayscale test charts selected for defined behavior in the near-infrared range. Please contact our sales team to confirm the chart configuration for your wavelengths.

Note:

As with the Vega light sources, you can purchase charts in one-, three-, or seven-piece sets.

The Vega IR is available a hardware set. The set comes with a controller and control software. The controller can connect and control up to seven different Vega light sources. All of which can be programmed with the control software.

The Vega IR 1+1* is sold with one Vega IR light source and is perfect for those looking for a simple solution for testing HDR cameras with very short exposure times.

In addition to the set listed above, we also offer individual Vega light sources as an “add-on” option for your project (an “add-on” does not come with a controller or control software).

Please contact our sales department for a consultation if you have questions or inquiries.

*Evaluation software not included.

Vega is designed for high‑precision visible‑light measurements under extremely short exposure times, particularly for automotive HDR cameras.

Arcturus provides extreme illumination levels for challenging HDR sensors, enabling accurate CTA, CNR, and MMP testing in realistic high‑brightness scenes.

The Lightcube‑Controller delivers reliable power management and seamless control for all Vega and Arcturus illumination devices.