Imperx Launches New Family of SWIR Cameras

Imperx Launches New Family of SWIR Cameras

October 2, 2024, BOCA RATON, FLORIDA  

Imperx announces the expansion of the popular Cheetah family of rugged industrial cameras into the short-wave infrared with the introduction of eight new camera models based on Sony’s SenSWIR technology. These cameras offer sensitivity in both the visible and the short-wave Infrared (SWIR) portions of the spectrum from 400 nm to 1700 nm. Many applications are enabled by SWIR sensitivity including fruit sorting, foreign object detection, wafer inspection, and temperature monitoring. In addition, SWIR light penetrates smoke and fog, making SWIR cameras valuable additions to the sensor suites of ground and air-based vehicles. The new cameras are offered in imaging resolutions of .33MP, 1.31MP, 3.21MP and 5.32MP. In each resolution, Imperx offers both Camera Link® and GigE Vision® output options with integrated power. The SWIR Cheetah cameras are designed to perform in harsh environments. All cameras in this series are MIL-STD-810G compliant and have a wide operating temperature range of -30 °C to +75 °C.

The cameras are based on Sony’s SenSWIR image sensors, featuring global shutter pixels and 8-, 10- and 12-bit output options. The sensors use InGaAs photodiodes in conjunction with CMOS read out circuitry to extend the spectral sensitivity into the short-wave infrared. The C0620 and C1320 camera models utilize a 5 µm pixel while the C2021 and C2520 models incorporate a 3.45 µm pixel. The cameras feature subsampling, ROI capability, multiple trigger options, programmable strobe output, automatic exposure, and automatic gain control with multiple LUTs. The C2021 and C2520 models also support a variety of binning modes.

Figure 1. The SWIR Cheetah family cameras are designed in accordance with the MIL-STD-810G standard for robustness over a wide range of environmental conditions.

“Now our customers can see beyond the visible spectrum while still enjoying the advantages of the trusted Cheetah camera platform for excellent image quality over a wide range of demanding conditions,” says Petko Dinev, Founder and CEO of Imperx. “Because the SenSWIR technology supports imaging in the visible and in the short-wave infrared, in some cases, one SWIR Cheetah camera can replace two cameras and perform the same task.”

Cameras from the SWIR Cheetah family will be demonstrated in Imperx’s booth at the Vision exhibition in Stuttgart October 8 – 10 in booth 10F92.

Imperx is well known providing both off the shelf and customized camera solutions that are ruggedized to perform in extremes of temperature, vibration, and radiation. As with all Imperx camera models, customizations are possible, including additional ruggedization for specific environments.

For more information about Imperx’s broad portfolio of reliable and ruggedized cameras, visit www.imperx.com or contact [email protected]  to discuss a customized solution for your application.