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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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What are the attributes to consider when selecting a camera and its performance?

We first need to start with some of the basic attributes of the camera such resolution, frame rate, color vs monochrome and interface.  From there, depending on the application, we may look at more advanced attributes such as dynamic range, sensitivity, dark noise and signal to noise ratios.


The basic attributes are easy to understand, but the advanced attributes can be confusing and the data is not easily accessible.  The more advanced information can be found on EMVA 1288 reports from the camera manufacturers when available.  This is a standard which helps provide an apples to apples comparison on key camera sensor attributes.

Allied Vision has done a great job to help understand the attributes by defining the terms and putting them in a graphical format as seen below.  

The following is a graphic to help understand the
terminology along with the definitions  (Courtesy of Allied Vision!)



Definitions are as follows: 

  • Absolute Sensitivity Threshold:  The smallest detectable amount of light.  Expressed in number of electrons.  The point where signal equals temporal dark noise.  This is important to understanding low light performance!
  • Photon Shot Noise:  Signal noise equal to the square root of the incoming photons.  Due to the randomly distributed particle nature of light.
  • Temporal Dark Noise:  Noise when no light is hitting the sensor, also known as read noise.  Due to electric dark current, quantization noise, and other noise sources depending on the specific construction of the sensor and the camera electronics.  
  • Saturation Capacity:  The maximum number of electrons each pixel can hold before reaching non-linear response. 
  • Dynamic Range:  Ratio of maximum signal (saturation capacity) to the minimum signal (temporal dark noise)
  • Signal to Noise at Saturation:  Ratio of the maximum signal (saturation capacity) to noise (photon shot noise).  At saturation, temporal dark noise is insignificant compared to photon shot noise and can be ignored.  

The EMVA 1288 information is available for most cameras upon request.  Contact us to discuss and obtain this information.   

Need help on some of the basics in your camera selection?  We have many helpful blog ports ranging from Calculating camera resolutions to understanding interfaces.  

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Are you drowning in the amount of new image sensors & cameras now available? Download our cheat sheet to keep your head above water!

With a slew of new sensors coming on like a fire hose from Sony and ON-Semi, the announcement of cameras has been overwhelming to say the least. Even for us distributors whose jobs are to keep up with this!
So we at 1stVisionhave created a “cheat sheet” with the pertinent sensor data: model number, size, pixel pitch etc. etc.
And since no sensor is good without the proper lens, see our information on making sure you have the right lens (performance and price) for the sensor you need!

 






Below is a snapshot of the data 
 
Sony Pregius image sensors




ON-Semiconductor Python image sensors  

Note:  Values are typical and vary slightly per camera manufacturer


All industrial cameras with the new Sony Pregius and ON-Semiconductor Image sensors can be found below – Contact us for a quote on any camera with these sensors

Selecting the best image sensors and camera for an application can be a challenging job in itself.  Improper selection of the lens to match the sensor can make your cameras selection useless!  The format and lens resolution must match the sensor to achieve the best image contrast and not cause vignetting.  We have published several blogs to help in lens selection which you can find below…. or just contact us and we can help you!

Helpful blogs to help with lens selections: 

Calculating lens focal length

Demystifying lens specs (MTF)

Our cheat sheets provide the “ideal lens resolution” in terms of line pairs / millimeter (lp/mm).  To help identify a lens, you can search all lenses which have the resolution in the last column HERE.  This is stated in lp/mm in center and edge (i.e 120 / 100 ) 

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Product Release: New Models of the IDS USB3 uEye CP Series

As of now, there are four new USB 3.0 cameras available in the series, including two models with Sony’s 3 MP global shutter.

The UI-3270CP with the Sony IMX265  global shutter CMOS sensor offers a resolution of 3.2 MP (2056 x 1542, 1/1.8”). At full resolution, the USB 3.0 camera delivers up to 57 fps (Full HD with up to 80 fps). 
 
It is particularly suitable for cost-oriented applications in the fields of machine vision, medical engineering or microscopy. 
 
For customers who are looking for a camera with more speed, we recommend our UI-3070CP with the faster Sony IMX252  sensor, up to 134 fps are possible (Full HD up to 187 fps).
 
 
 
It’s worth taking a look at our models with Sony’s fast and cost-effective rolling shutter sensors of the STARVIS series: the light sensitivity is so impressive!
 
 
The UI-3880CPmodel with the Sony IMX178 sensor offers a high resolution of 6.4 MP (3088 x 2076 px, 1/1.8″) for high-resolution images at frame rates of up to 60 fps at full resolution. 
 
Due to its high speed and sensitivity, this camera is well suited for traffic monitoring (ITS). It is also perfect for visualization tasksin microscopy or quality assurance.

 

The UI-3860CPmodel equipped with the Sony IMX290 (2.1 MP) sensor is great for classic industrial applications like metrology or logistics. Good resolution, high speed, and high image quality at a low price.


Contact us for a quote on the IDS UI-3860CP and UI-3880CP camera