Basler is expanding its ace 2 camera series with 24 models featuring the Sony Pregius S sensors IMX540, IMX541, and IMX542. The combination of small pixel size, backside-illuminated structure (BSI), and global shutter summarizes the most important new features of Sony's 4th generation sensors. With 16 to 24 megapixels, the new ace 2 Basic and ace 2 Pro models maximize the possible resolution in a C-mount format.
The new camera models are equipped with the following sensors from Sony's Pregius S Series:
- IMX540 with 24 megapixel resolution (5328 x 4608 pixels)
- IMX541 with 20 megapixel resolution (4512 x 4512 pixels) and
- IMX542 with 16 megapixel resolution (5320 x 3040 pixels).
Depending on resolution and interface (USB 3.0 / GigE), the cameras deliver frame rates of 4 to 23 frames per second.
Price advantage due to high number of small pixels and reduced hardware
"Our customers benefit in three ways: The strengths of the price-optimized ace 2 Basic and the powerful ace 2 Pro, coupled with the innovative new features in Sony's latest sensor generation, have a direct impact on productivity, price, and precision," explains Michael Rieck, Product Manager for Basler's ace 2 camera series. "The small pixels and compact sensor size meet the need for high-resolution cameras in spatially limited environments, for example in embedded vision systems. At the same time, hardware costs can be reduced, for example, by having one 24 MP camera replace two 12 MP cameras," emphasizes Rieck.
High resolution, no motion artifacts
The combination of BSI and Global Shutter in particular is new and innovative in technological terms: it ensures recordings without any motion artifacts even at high speeds.
Thanks to the modified pixel architecture of Sony's backside-illuminated structure, the light sensitivity of the sensor remains at a similarly high level as with sensors of previous generations, even with the significantly smaller pixel size of 2.74 µm. The higher number of small pixels on the sensor surface increases the resolving power up to 24 megapixels - in combination with a suitable lens from Basler's accessories portfolio, even the smallest details can be seen more precisely. This takes into account the trend toward miniaturization of components and allows a very low price per megapixel resolution.
Med Ace cameras
Basler is adding four models to its Basler MED ace camera series for the Medical & Life Sciences field. The USB 3.0 cameras with Sony’s particularly sensitive and high-resolution backside-illuminated sensors IMX178 (6 megapixels) and IMX183 (20 megapixels) are available in both color and monochrome versions. They all offer the Dust Protection MED Feature Set, which ensures that the cameras fulfill specific cleanliness standards. Like all other cameras in the Basler MED ace series, these models are produced, sold and serviced throughout their entire lifecycles according to ISO 13485:2016. The affordable prices of the new 6 MP cameras make the models interesting for price-sensitive applications that also meet high demands for performance and quality.
The two sensors IMX178 and IMX183 are proven CMOS sensors from Sony. Depending on the resolution, they achieve a frame rate of 59 or 17 images per second. Both sensors stand out with their rolling shutter and backside illumination technology. The cameras further excel with the Sensor Binning and Focus Indicator features. Customers benefit from Sensor Binning whenever a high frame rate is desired with a lower resolution. The Focus Indicator is an in-camera feature and assists the customers in identifying the image with the highest sharpness.
All models in the Basler MED ace camera series are remarkable for their Basler MED Feature Sets: Easy Compliance, Brilliant Image, Perfect Color, Low Light Imaging, Industrial Excellence, High Speed and Dust Protection. Specifically designed to meet the challenging demands in the Medical & Life Sciences area, the features combine hardware, firmware and software functions. Their benefit lies in helping customers reduce their development effort. They enable top-quality images in minimal time, while also offering full flexibility for individual requirements.
“In the development of our Basler MED ace camera series, our top priority was to design high-performance and durable cameras that can be easily integrated into medical devices. We are achieving this through our introduction of the ISO 13485:2016 standard in selected organizational areas,” explains Peter Behringer, Head of Product Management Medical at Basler AG. “Thanks to the Basler MED Feature Sets, the MED ace cameras also fulfill special requirements, e.g. for color reproduction or cleanliness. We see these requirements in the Medical & Life Sciences area as well as in factory automation. Inspection tasks that require high resolutions benefit particularly from the Dust Protection MED Feature Set. For AI tasks where color reproduction is important, the Perfect Color MED Feature Set is a perfect choice.”
