Area Scan Cameras: CMOS and CCD Cameras for Machine Vision

Area scan cameras capture a complete image of a part within a defined field of view in a single exposure. That makes them the default choice for most machine vision stations, where a part is presented, triggered and inspected in place. Wavelength Opto-Electronic offers area scan cameras in resolutions from 0.3MP to 151MP. You can choose CMOS or CCD sensors, global or rolling shutters, and monochrome or color output, with GigE, CameraLink, CoaxPress-6 and USB 3.0 interfaces. Bodies are compact and straightforward to install, so they fit into existing fixtures and enclosures on production equipment.

Configuring the camera for your application

Each part number encodes the main selection parameters: frame rate, interface, pixel size, sensor type, shutter type and color type. You can narrow the catalogue by working through each of these in turn.

• Sensor type. CMOS sensors suit most current inspection and measurement work, particularly where throughput matters. CCD sensors remain available for systems that were designed and validated around them.
• Shutter type. A global shutter exposes every pixel at the same instant, which avoids motion distortion when you image parts on a moving conveyor or a fast-indexing stage. A rolling shutter reads the sensor out line by line and works well for static or slow-moving scenes.
• Color type. Monochrome cameras are the usual choice for gauging, edge detection and other measurement tasks. Color cameras support sorting, verification and defect detection where hue carries the information. Some models are offered in both monochrome and color versions.
• Interface. GigE (including PoE variants) supports longer cable runs and simple networking. USB 3.0 suits compact, PC-attached setups. CameraLink and CoaxPress-6 serve higher-bandwidth, frame-grabber-based systems.

The full specification table on this page lists resolution, frame rate, bit depth, pixel size and sensor size for every part, so you can filter directly to the models that meet your requirements.

Where area scan cameras are used

Whether you’re building an inline gauging station or adding vision to a laser system, area scan cameras cover a broad range of industrial tasks:

• Measurement and metrology. Dimensional checks on machined, molded and stamped parts, where pixel size and sensor format set the achievable resolution over a given field of view.
• High-speed inspection. Defect detection on electronics assemblies, packaging and semiconductor components, where a global shutter and an appropriate frame rate keep pace with line speed.
• Laser processing and laser scanning. Part location, alignment verification and post-process inspection on laser marking, cutting and welding systems.
• Medical device manufacturing. Visual inspection and verification steps on assembled devices and components.
• Security and monitoring. Fixed-view imaging where a compact body and a standard interface simplify installation.

A camera is only half of the imaging system. Wavelength also supplies machine vision lenses, including fixed focal length, variable focal length and large format designs, so you can match the lens to the sensor size and pixel size of the camera you select.

Why buy through Wavelength Optics USA

When you specify through Wavelength Optics, the US arm of Wavelength Opto-Electronic, you work with a local team in your time zone rather than coordinating directly with an overseas manufacturer.

• Selection support. Choosing between sensor types, shutter types and interfaces depends on your part, line speed, lighting and processing hardware. Our engineers can review your requirements and recommend camera and lens combinations that fit.
• Fast quoting. Send us part numbers or a description of your application and we’ll turn around a quotation.
• Single source for the optical path. Cameras, machine vision lenses and laser optics are all available from the same supplier, which simplifies procurement and keeps compatibility questions with one team.
• Local technical contact. Questions during integration go to a US-based contact who can liaise with the manufacturing team in Singapore when needed.

To get started, use the Request for Quotation form or contact Wavelength Optics USA with your application details.