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Battle of the 2 Megapixel Image sensors – Sony Pregius IMX174 vs Starvis IMX290

Sony has continued to improve image sensors, first with the debut of the Pregius sensors and now with the low light sensitive Starvis sensors. The Starvis sensors are slowly being released by camera manufacturers and IDS Imaging is the first to release them in the new LE USB3.1 models.

These new camera sensors are being released at an astonishing rate, which is great for the imaging market, but making it harder to make decisions in identifying the best sensor for an application.

1stVision is continuing to compare Sony image sensors to help make these decisions easier!

We have put two more sensors into the boxing ring to battle it out and see how they fair in various categorizes. In this contest, we put the Sony Pregius IMX174 (and essentially its sibling, the IMX249) and the new Sony Starvis series, specifically the 2.1MP IMX290 in the ring.  

The Sony Starvis has become very interesting in applications that require very low light sensitivity and are attractive due to the back side illuminated architecture. As seen in the diagram below, the metal wiring has been set behind the photodiode and decreasing the distance light has to travel. This new pixel design lends itself to improved sensitivity.






















Diagram courtesy of Sony

The chart below compares some key attributes of the Sony Pregius IMX174 & IMX249 image sensors 

Sensor Comparison Chart



Round 1 –  Sensitivity:  Absolute sensitivity is a great way to identify low light performance.  Using the “Absolute sensitivity” figures above, we see that the IMX290 sensor takes less photons to register the smallest detectable amount of light.  In this round, we see that the IMX290 has a lower value of 8.5 vs 12.1 (less photon’s needed) lending itself to the winner in this round for best low light sensitivity.   In essence, we can start to form an image in lower light with the IMX290.  

Round 2 – Quantum efficiency (QE):  QE is the ability to turn photon’s into electrons at given wavelengths.  In this round, we see that the IMX290 has a better efficiency of 65.9% vs 59.2% in converting photons into a charge again winning the round.  This means more signal is provided for that given wavelength, creating a brighter image.  

Round 3 – Saturation Capacity:  This value is essentially the size of the pixel well measured in electrons.  The larger the well, the better is can drown out noise and not saturate quickly.  The IMX174 excelled in this round.   In turn, you see the dynamic range is higher at 73% vs 66%.  In cases where you would like to see the brights and the darks in a scene, higher dynamic range is desired.  

Conclusion:  In the end, its really a draw between the two sensors.  In the 2MP range of these sensors, it really depends on your application!

If you need low light sensativity, the Sony Starvis family of sensors excel due to the pixel architecture.  You’ll find the Sony Starvis currently in the IDS LE3.1 model cameras in the following cameras with 2 and 6 MP resolutions with more on the roadmap.

2MP – UI-3860LE
6MP – UI-3880LE  

If you need more dynamic range, the Sony Pregius IMX174 and IMX249 are the best CMOS sensors on the market today.  (As a note, the IMX174 and IMX249 are identical, but the IMX174 being a faster version and a bit more costly than the IMX249).  You’ll find these sensors in the several camera lines hosting the Sony Pregius sensors.


Interested in other sensor comparison?  Click below!

IMX174 vs CMOSIS CMV2000 – CMOS battle between 2MP Sony Pregius and CMOSIS

IMX250 vs ICX 625 – 5MP’s sensor battle between Sony’s older CCD vs new CMOS model

Interested in the EMVA1288 Data?  IDS can provide this data upon request, email me (jonc@1stvision.com) if you are interested in receiving the data for one of the cameras.  


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  

               

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Do you need high camera data rates and reliable image transfer at 6.25Gbits /sec? Learn about CoaXPress & the new Xtium-CXP PX8 frame grabber!

Do you need high camera data rates and reliable image transfer at rates at 6.25 Gbits / sec over a single cable reaching 100+ meters?

CoaXPress (CXP) may be the perfect interface to solve your problems!

First, let us explain - What is CoaXPress (CXP) and its benefits?  
CoaXpress, established in March 2011, has become the worlds leading standard for high speed imaging in various industries from machine vision, medical imaging, life sciences and defense.  Combining the simplicity of coaxial cables with state of the art high-speed serial data technology, CoaXPress is a very desirable solution for high speed imaging and data transmission.    Click here for a list of CoaXPress camera options

Benefits of CoaXPress (CXP) include: 

  • 6.25 Gbps per cable for image and data transfer with higher speeds using aggregate cables up to 25 Gbps!
  • Long Cable lengths up to 100 meters using standardized connections.
  • One cable solution can provide digital video, power, trigger and GPIO
  • Cost effective cable solutions which are hot pluggable.  
  • Real time behavior with fixed, very low latency transmission.  
  • Potential to re-use existing coaxial cable to upgrade image systems.  

CoaXPress is an interface which requires a frame grabber on the host computer which communicates with the camera.  

Teledyne Dalsa has recently adopted CoaXPress into the popular Xtium family of frame grabbers providing a robust solution based on the current Xtium platform.  

The Xtium-CXP PX8 is based on the industry standard PCI Express Gen 2.0 expansion bus to deliver high speed access to host memory over 8 lanes.  Featuring a half length PCIe card with 4 input channels of up to 6.25 Gb/s, fully supported by Dalsa's Sapera LT SDK.



What is the key differentiator of the Xtium-CXP PX8 CoaXPress frame grabber?  

Free Run Time licences
When using Teledyne Dalsa's Sapera processing library, the Xtium series offers free run-time licenses for Sapera processing standard Run-Time (RTL).  The standard tools include access to over 350 highly optimized image processing functions and tools for area based search, blob analysis and image calibration!  If you are already using Sapera processing, you have an immediate cost savings!

Trigger to Image Reliability framework
The Xtium series support Sapera LT’s Trigger-to-Image (T2IR) framework for maximum reliability of the image acquisition system. The T2IR functions provide critical, real-time details of system events that help track and monitor acquisition, transfer, and control processes to ensure reliability of the imaging system.  System up-time is increased and cost are lowered and all free of charge as part of the Sapera LT SDK.  




1st Vision can provide technical guidance on the new frame grabbers and identify complete imaging solutions... don't hesitate to contact us for quotes or to discuss your application.  
 
Technical data for the new Xtium frame grabbers can be found on the following links: 

Click here for technical data on the Xtium-CXP PX8 Frame grabber.

Click here for the Xtium-CXP PX8 complete manual

The Teledyne Dalsa Xtium frame grabber series is well established with its flagship MX4 Camera Link frame grabber.  If Camera link is your preferred interface, you'll find details on the Xtium-CL MX4 Camera link frame grabber here.

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  

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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