The initial line up will start with camera models based on IMX540, IMX541, IMX542 and continue with other sensors from the Sony 4th Generation Pregius S family. To the outstanding features of the next evolution of Sony CMOS sensors belong the small pixel size in combination with BSI – backside illumination technology. The small pixel allows even the sensors with high resolution of 24.5 Mpix to stay very compact contributing to closer proximity for multi camera setups. This shrinking in size does not lead to compromises in the imaging quality which stays remarkable and at least as good as other recent Sony sensors if not higher.
All of the sensors offer Global shutter readout making them ideal not only for scientific applications, but also for systems where objects move at a higher speed. As was already the case with previous generations, 4th continues with high quantum efficiency as well as lower noise and noteworthy Dynamic range of 71 dB. Earlier mentioned small pixels are 2.74 µm helping with the choice of C-mount lenses thus improving the cost attractivity and allowing a smaller footprint for mobility. To leverage the miniature size of Sony sensors, XIMEA has integrated them into the smallest form factor measuring only 26 x 26 x 33 mm and weighing 38 grams. This is to date the most compact size for cameras with Sony Pregius S 4th generation supplied with 10 Gbit/s bandwidth. Stay tuned for super fast speed 64 Gbit/s version wrapped into innovative housing with detached head possibility.
Power requirements are as low as 3 Watt which allows the cameras to be bus powered directly through the cable. In regard to cables – the sensors are utilizing both USB3 and PCIe interface to offer simplicity and multi camera system synchronization. Another important factor is the availability of high speed versions for each of the sensor resolutions, namely the IMX530, IMX531, IMX532. The higher speed models do not only bring additional considerable improvement in frame rate, but also interesting feature set not available for standard sensors.
This is a continuous Sony trend where standard models are cheaper with the same image quality whereas high speed ones are fast and offer feature benefits. Among the exciting features is the Dual ADC of low and high gain modes, the fusion of which produces HDR image as a result. The processing of Dual ADC is done on the sensor side, plus XIMEA added the off sensor FPGA merging that results in the linear response curve. The rest of the new features include the ultra-short interval between two shutters, exposure time monitoring and an improved on-sensor thermometer. The mentioned features are up to the camera vendor’s decision to implement. XIMEA will start with the HDR and Shot Interval Shutter features, the additional ones are planned and will be made available through firmware updates.
To summarize, the sensor models joining the XIMEA portfolio as first are prepared in versions with USB3 or PCIe interface and provide the following parameters:
16.1 Mpix, Sony IMX542, color and monochrome, 5328 x 3032, 16:9 ratio, 1.1″
16.1 Mpix, Sony IMX532, color and monochrome, 5328 x 3032, 16:9 ratio, 1.1″ with HDR and other features
20.3 Mpix, Sony IMX541, color and monochrome, 4504 x 4504, 1:1 ratio, 1.1″
20.3 Mpix, Sony IMX531, color and monochrome, 4504 x 4504, 1:1 ratio, 1.1″ with HDR and other features
24.5 Mpix, Sony IMX540, color and monochrome, 5320 x 4600, 4:3 ratio, 4/3″
24.5 Mpix, Sony IMX530, color and monochrome, 5320 x 4600, 4:3 ratio, 4/3″ with HDR and other features
High resolution, unbeatable form factor, attractive price, compatibility and customizability make these cameras stand out and they are worth checking out.
