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How do you get the most pixels for your money? Check out the new Dalsa Nano C4900 camera!


Teledyne Dalsa has continued expanding its Genie Nano GigE vision camera series. Introducing the Nano C4900 GigE camera based on the ON Semiconductor AR1820HS 18 Megapixel Back Side Illuminated (BSI) image sensor with a resolution of 4912 x 3684.

Attractively priced below $600, this just may be the most pixels for your money!

Furthermore, Teledyne DALSA’s “Burst Acquisition” feature provides frame rates of 13 fps @ 18MP pixels resolution while maintaining superb image quality!





 

If the attractive price for 18 MP is not enough to get you excited, there are a few other aspects of this camera worth discussing further.  

 

  • Back Side Illuminated Technology (BSI):  If we were to look at this sensor 5 years ago and see a pixel size of 1.25um, we’d assume that is not light sensitive.  On the contrary as ON Semiconductor flipped the pixel upside down!  Traditional image sensors were front illuminated where the photo detectors were towards the back of the pixel stack.  In turn, there was loss in this method as it interfered with overall light reaching the detector.  Back side illuminated sensors have the same elements, but the photo detector was moved forward to not have as much loss due to internal wiring and reflections.  BSI technology improves the change of photons being captured from 60 to 90% on average providing high sensitivity even in small pixels!
  • Burst Acquisition mode:  The Nano C4900 has 200 MB of internal memory allowing image capture at higher rates exceeding the GigE bandwidth for periods of time.  This mode is very useful for applications needing a rapid series of images at intervals.  
  • Rolling Shutter with Global Reset:  Rolling shutter image sensors have the benefit of lower cost typically, but are limited to stationary objects due to image distortion. However, thanks to a the global reset feature, distortion is minimized by allowing all the lines to be exposed with read out of the lines there after.  
  • Extended Operating Temperature range:  Nano cameras have an operating case range of -20 to 60 deg. C.  This provides higher temperatures versus the competition. 
  • 1 / 2.3″ Image Format: High resolution cameras typically have relatively large formats which increases the cost of lenses.  As the pixels are relatively small, the image format is only 1/2.3 allowing lower cost lenses to be used.  


18 Megapixels, 13 frame/sec, high sensitivity, overall low cost creates possibilities!  

Applications may include: 

  • Low light, high magnification medical applicications
  • Industrial Metrology
  • Intelligent traffic solutions (ITS)
  • Microscope applications
  • Unmanned Aerial

Need high resolution, global shutter cameras still in a compact format?   Dalsa is now shipping the following new high resolution cameras: 

Dalsa Nano M4020 (IMX304) – 12MP,  4112 x 3008, 20 fps

Dalsa Nano M4030 (IMX267) – 9MP, 4112 x 2176, 30 fps

See the complete Teledyne Nano camera line here

As the old saying goes, “A system is only as strong as its weakest link”.  As a reminder, do not let your cables be your weak link!  

Be sure to use our new industrial GigE Cables – Click here NOW!

Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  We have over 100 years of combined experience we can put to work for you.  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  

BSI Image courtesy of Solid State Technology Magazine

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Can I just get my camera cables from the internet (or why do your cables cost so much!)

As distributors of camera systems, we hear this question many times a day. Why does your GigEor USB3 cable cost so much?  I can just buy a cable online from Amazon, Ebay, etc for $5 when yours cost $25 or more!
The answer is: You can..  sometimes… but it depends upon many things, and how critical those things are to your application. 
 
Here are 5 key variables you need to consider in a camera cable selection
  1. Distance from camera to computer
  2. Data rate in which the camera is transmitting  
  3. Importance of reliability of application 
  4. Structural integrity of connection at camera and computer
  5. Total cost of your process and / or down time

From many years of diagnosing industrial imaging problems, after incorrect software setup, BAD CABLES ARE NEXT ON THE LIST FOR  “MY CAMERA DOESN’T WORK” problems!!

Distance, the killing factor!  If you were to look at a ‘bode plot’ of the signal transmitting from the camera to the computer you would see dramatic attenuation of the signal vs. distance, and also versus the data rate. In fact, at the distance limits, you might wonder if it actually works as the signal is so low! 
GigE is rated at 100 meters, however, the signal does degrade quite a bit, so cable quality and data rate will be the determining factors.  USB3 does not have a real specification and it is difficult to find consumer grade cables greater than 2 meters in length. In fact, we have experienced poor results with consumer cables greater than 1 meter in length!
 
 
 
What are the differences between ‘Industrial’ and ‘’consumer’ cables?  
8 differences are listed below: 
  1. Industrial cables are tested to a specification for each cable.  There are no batch to batch differences. 
  2. That specification usually meets organization requirements such as IEEE or Automated Imaging Association (AIA) standards
  3. Industrial cables give you consistency from a single manufacturer (when buying online, you are not always sure you are getting the same cable)
  4. Industrial cables have over-molded connectors
  5. Industrial cables have screw locks on the ends
  6. Industrial cables are usually made with larger gauge wire
  7. Industrial cables typically specify bend radius
  8. Industrial cables are made with flex requirements (bend cycles they can meet)
When should we consider using an “Industrial cable”?  Here are a few examples to consider:
Example 1: In a research lab, using a microscope 1 meter from the computer running low data rates, non automated.
Distance is small, data rate is low, chance of someone pulling on the cable is low, and if the data doesn’t get delivered, you can re-acquire the image. There is no big need for a special cable and can buy it off the internet.
 
Example 1a:Let’s change some of these parameters, now assuming you are not in lab, but the microscope is in an OEM instrument being shipped all over the world. 
If the system fails because you went with an unspecified cable, what is the cost of sending someone to fix this system 3000 miles away? In this situation, even though the distance is small, and the data rate is low, the consequences of a cable failure are very high!
 
Example 2: GigE cameras running at close to the full bandwidth. If you don’t need screw lock connectors, and the distance is not too great (< 10 or 20 meters), 
You can probably get by with ‘higher quality’ consumer cables. At distances greater than 20 meters, if you care about system reliability, you will definitely want industrial cables.  
Example 3. Two to Four GigE cameras running at close to full bandwidth in a system.
 
If you need system repeatability, or anything close to determinism, you will need industrial cables. On the other hand, if you your application is not sensitive to packet re-sends, a consumer cable should work at under 20 meters
 
 
Example 4. GigE cameras in an instrument.  Regular GigE cables are just locked into the RJ45 with a plastic tab. 
 
If your product is being shipped, you can’t rely on this not to break. You want an industrial cable with screw locks.
 
Example 5. GigE cameras in a lab. 
 
Save the money and use a consumer cable!
 
Conclusions
  • If you running USB3 cables at distances more than 2 meters, DO NOT use consumer cables.  
  • If you are running multiple cameras at high speeds, DO NOT use consumer cables.  
  • Obviously, if you need to make sure your cables stay connected, and need lock downs on the connectors, you cannot use consumer cables. 
  • If you are running low speed , short distance, and you can afford to re-transmit your data, consumer cables might be just fine.

1st Vision is a distributor for Alysium-Tech who manufactures industrial GigE Vision and USB3 Vision cables along with other types of camera cables.  Full data sheets are available which include test specifications in the links below. 



 

Have more questions?  Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  1st Vision can provide additional information on the industrial cables.  Furthermore we can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  

We have over 100 years of combined experience we can put to work for you!

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  
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Learn about FUJI’s HF-XA-5M (5 Megapixel) lens series which resolves 3.45um pixel pitch sensors! Perfect for cameras with Sony Pregius image sensors.

 

FUJINON has continued to expand its HF-XA-5M product line with the new 5 MegaPixel lens (MP) series.

These lenses provide the resolving power required for the popular Sony Pregius Image sensors with 2/3″ formats and 3.45um pixel pitch.  

For any cameras using the Sony Pregius 5 MP IMX264 and IMX250 sensors, these are a perfect match for the pixel pitch.  Even older   Sony ICX625 sensors will benefit from the new HF-XA-5M lenses.  




FUJI HF-XA-5M Unique Features  


Compact design for installation versatility

The FUJINON HF6XA-5M, with a focal length of 6mm measures just 39mm in external diameter, the world’s smallest machine vision lenses of this class. The other five models are also compactly designed with the external diameter of 29.5mm, which is about the same size as general compact machine vision cameras. The entire series contributes to achieving a compact form factor for machine vision systems
 
Advanced Optical performance 

FUJI’s unique “4D” High Resolution performance delivers edge to edge sharpness under a range of installation conditions

Delivering high resolution of 3.45 µm pixel pitch on a 2/3-inch sensor at the working distance of 50cm, which is the most frequently-used distance among users.
The unique “4D High Resolution” function mitigates resolution degradation when changing a working distance or aperture value. It maintains their high resolving power of no less than 4.4 µm pixel pitch (equivalent to 3 megapixels) on a 2/3-inch sensor from the image center to all corners. This function perfectly matches when you want to set the aperture wide open to achieve a faster shutter speed.
 
 
Designed for installation convenience
 
Three screw holes each are provided on the iris ring (aperture) and the focus ring. Users can choose the optimum hole according to their installation conditions, providing a high level of installation convenience.
 



 
 
 
 
 
  
Please do not hesitate to Contact us to discuss your application and help select a lens.    1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  We have over 100 years of combined experience we can put to work for you.  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  
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How to select the best SWIR camera for my application and understand applications it can solve.

Allied Vision has built up a strong portfolio of Short Wave Infra-Red cameras including new low cost models.  With 7 models to choose from, it can be difficult to understand which model is best for a given application.

1stVision has made it a bit easier by breaking down the problem by reviewing several considerations which are identified below.  


If you are unsure what a SWIR camera can do for you, read this previous blog.  

The following considerations will help identify the models available

Resolution:  The first consideration is resolution which is available in VGA (640 x 480) or QVGA (320 x 256).  QVGA is only available in the low cost G-008 model and provides the highest frame rates.  

Pixel Pitch:  If attributes such as dynamic range, signal to noise ratios (SNR) and saturation capacity are main factors, larger pixels are better.  The G-008 with 30um pixels provide the highest values in these attributes.  Read our previous blog to learn more about these attributes

Cooling:  Cooled models employ an additional Thermal Electric Cooler (TEC) and fan which substantially reduces the the dark current and increases overall signal to noise ratios. If this is a factor, then the G-032 TEC2 Cool model is a good choice.  The chart below provides the thermal constant of the camera noted as DeltaTmax.  This is the temperature difference from the case to the sensor. In turn, any additional heat sinking will further reduce the temperature of the internal sensor and noise.    

Frame Rate:  Rates up to 344 fps can be achieved with the G/CL-008 QVGA model.  The faster G/CL-033 will still achieve 301 fps with VGA resolution, but at a higher price.  At a minimum, we can still achieve 100 fps with VGA in the G-032 models.  (refer to chart below) For the highest frame rates, use the G/CL-033 in QVGA modes which will provide close to 1000 fps!  

 
Model comparisons by a glance

 

 


Interface:  GigE Vision along with Camera Link interfaces are available, however the TEC2 cool version is only available in GigE.  Camera link should be used if you need to be deterministic or if the full frame rate is needed at higher bit depths.    

GoldEye G-033 – GigE


The charts to the left indicate the achievable frame rates in 8, 12 and 14 bit modes using either GigE or camera link interfaces.




Goldeye CL-033  – Camera Link

As camera link provides a higher bandwidth, the full frame rate can be achieved in 12 bit mode versus a reduced rate using a GigE interface.




Sensitivity: The sensitivity chart below provides a good comparison between various models with the -033 model having the highest sensitivity. This is being driven by the image sensor in which the G/CL-033 has the highest quantum efficiency.    



Cost:  The -008 model is the most economical by a substantial amount providing an excellent entry point for SWIR camera vs G/CL-032 and G-CL-033 models.  The G/CL-033 is slightly less than G/CL-032 models in general. Contact us for pricing

Please do not hesitate to Contact us to discuss your SWIR applications.   1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  We have over 100 years of combined experience we can put to work for you!

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  


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