Vision Components has introduced the VC4002L line scan camera, suitable for controlling laser scribing of thin-film solar cells, i.e. the separation of conducting paths. The cells' substrate material is coated with a thin silicon film, which is then structured by a laser. The conducting paths run in parallel and as close as possible without touching. The monitoring system checks the P1, P2, and P3 scribes and controls the laser in real-time with a precision of 1µm. The sensor scans the laser line position at a 5ms rate, providing 200 measurements per second. All data can be read out directly from the camera via an Ethernet or RS232 interface.
The camera can transmit the analysis data and the scan results to an optional display terminal and a computer in order to immediately show any error sources. Containing the complete analysis electronics, the robust, intelligent camera autonomously carries out all image processing steps. It needs to be connected to a PC only for parameterisation.
The VC4002L, one of the fastest machine vision systems, has a computing power of 3,200MIPS. Thus, the performance of its 400MHz processor from Texas Instruments equals that of a 2.6GHz Pentium processor. The device supports three integration modes: autonomous operation or external triggering with a constant exposure time or with a triggered exposure. The maximum line frequency is 11kHz. The sensor scans 2,048 pixels of 7 x 7µm.
The camera features 32MB DRAM and 4MB Flash EPROM for program and data storage, four digital PLC inputs and outputs each, an image trigger input, and a flash trigger output. Housing dimension of 90 x 50 x 35mm allow for an easy integration into machines and plants.
Like all smart cameras from Vision Components, the VC4002L is optimally suited for rugged industrial environments – it contains no moving parts and its robust housing withstands vibrations and shocks. Further examples for successful applications are 2D code recognition as well as width measurement and positioning control of endless materials, including the inspection of cable diameters.
