New Products
Monitors serve industrial needs
The RAC6186 Pro and RAC6185 flat-panel industrial-type monitors withstand harsh factory-floor conditions. The 6168 line monitors come with a Class 1, division 2 rating and resist shock, vibration, dirt, water, and extreme temperatures. The 6186 18-in. monitor and 6185 15- and 17-in. monitors offer 1280 x 1024-pixel resolution; an optional resistive touchscreen; built-in diagnostics; optional panel, rack, or console housing; and video and communication options. Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, IL 53204; (770) 622-6247.
CMOS sensors detect low light levels
S7986 and S7987 back-thinned frame-transfer CCD area image sensors provide a quantum efficiency of >90% at 650 nm. Spectral range is 200-1100 nm. Active sensor area size is 9.212 x 6.860 mm2. Both sensors feature low noise, MPP mode operation, and high saturation charge for a wide dynamic range. They operate at a readout rate of 14 MHz. The S7987 uses a hermetically sealed thermoelectric Peltier cooler within the CCD package. Hamamatsu Corp., Bridgewater, NJ 08807; (800) 524-0504.
Computer choices for board
The IBC 2600/Castor 6U CompactPCI single-board computer offers the choice of either a Pentium 800-MHz III FC-PGA processor or a Socket 370 733-MHz Celeron processor along with the Intel 440BX chipset. It supports up to 512 Mbytes of SDRAM (ECC or non-ECC) with 256-kbytes of cache memory for the Pentium III processor and 128 kbytes of cache memory for the Celeron processor. Other features include dual 10/100BaseTx Ethernet channels, dual IDE, Ultra-2 SCSI, and Intel 69030 AGP video with up to 1280 x 1024-pixel resolution. Software support covers MS-DOS, Windows 3.x/95/98/NT, QNX, Linux, and Solaris. Interfaces include a USB port, a floppy connector for up to two drives, RJ-45 Ethernet connector, dual 16C550 serial ports, and a bidirectional parallel port. I-Bus/Phoenix, San Diego, CA 92123; (858) 503-3000.
Processor deals four video displays
The 4View display processor can accept four video inputs and display them simultaneously in quadrants on a single 1280 x 1024-pixel monitor or deliver a full-screen display of any single input. Features include titling, borders, and both front panel and RS-232 controls. Options are available for auxiliary video-rate output, DVI digital output, and RGB display. RGB Spectrum, Alameda, CA 94501; (510) 814-7000.
Telecentric lenses offer distortion-free imaging
Xenoplan bilateral telecentric lenses work with 2/3-in., C-mount, line, and matrix cameras for noncontact optical metrology applications. Telecentric in both object and image space, they come with manually adjustable iris and focus controls that lock securely and with front threads to accept filters. These lenses deliver a parallel beam path that makes the system insensitive to object size/location. By delivering distortion-free imaging over the entire object field, no software correction of results is needed. Mounting collar and fine-focus control can be rotated to accommodate unusual or cramped system configurations. Available magnifications include 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. Schneider Optics Inc., Hauppauge, NY 11788; (631) 761-5000.
Camera adds lens
The WV-BP134 1/3-in. monochrome CCD camera comes with the WV-LZF61/2 varifocal fixed iris lens for a variety of security and surveillance applications. The combined unit produces 380 horizontal lines and works under a minimum illumination of 1.08 lux at f/1.4. Other features include a signal-to-noise ratio of 46 dB, selectable backlight compensation, C or CS lenses, linelocked sync or automatic switching, and selectable auto iris. The 3- to 8-mm varifocal lens comes with a fixed iris that can be adjusted for desired scene dimensions. Panasonic Security Systems Group, Secaucus, NJ 07094; (877) 733-3689.
CMOS imager captures x-rays
The RadEye 2 x-ray specific digital imager contains more than 1 million pixels in a 49.2 x 49.2-mm active imaging area. In conjunction with two RadEye 1 photodiode arrays, the imager uses a rare-earth scintillator to detect x-ray and other energetic radiation ranging from 10 to 160 KeV. It runs from a single 5-V supply and requires an external master clock. An optional frame start input can be used to control the frame rate between 0.01 and 4.5 frames/s. Analog video is available sequentially via differential output ports at data rates to 2.5 MHz. Other features include asynchronous array reset, binning mode, and nondestructive readout. Rad-icon Imaging Corp., Santa Clara, CA 95054; (408) 486-0886.
System measures in 3-D
The YF10 is a noncontact 3-D video-coordinate measuring machine for inspecting miniature electronic parts. It comes with an IEEE-1394 digital CCD camera, metrology software, and 10:1 zoom lens optics or fixed optics. Twin halogen light sources transmit illumination via fiberoptics to obtain coaxial episcopic and diascopic illumination. A multi-LED programmable ringlight allows flexible settings. The system is equipped with 0.0001-mm resolution digital scales, servo-controlled stage and bridge assembly, and closed-loop feedback for precise positioning and repeatability. Measuring volume is 400 x 400 x 200 mm. Machine is directed by a joystick or mouse for continuous, incremental, and go-to movements. It runs under Windows 98 and a user-friendly graphical interface. Sony Precision Technology America Inc., Lake Forest, CA 92630; (949) 770-8408.
Cameras are rugged Rated at 100G in any axis, the HG 100+ Model 1000 provides 1024 frames of storage and can record at frame rates to 1000 frames/s. The HG 100+ Model 2000 offers 2048 frames and can record at frame rates to 1000 frames/s and to 2000 partial scans/s. Both cameras come in color configurations and do not require a processor. Other features include a control-panel lockout, continuous recording with variable pre/post trigger, and an RS-170 output. Roper Scientific MASD Inc., Tucson, AZ 85706; (520) 889-9933.
Lens operates smart InfiniMite lens can comprehend the proper working distance and magnification for a particular imaging task. Because the lens can directly focus from infinity to 39 mm at up to 0.75X, it can operate at 0.25X, 0.5X, and 0.75X. In combination with the company's 2X DL or LDL power module amplifier, the lens can achieve magnifications of 0.5 to 1.5X, and other standard intermediate magnifications. Infinity Photo-Optical Co., Boulder, CO 80301; (303) 440-4544.
Collimating lens beams light Collimating lens produces a structured beam of light for directional backlighting in machine-vision applications. It produces a 22.9-mm (0.9 in.) spot of light with a working distance of 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) to 152.6 mm (6 in.) as an accessory for fiberoptic illuminators. The lens comprises a black anodized barrel-shaped assembly, a threaded tap, and an integrated lens coated with magnesium fluoride. The complete structure measures 84.1 mm (3.31 in.) in length and 35.1-mm (1.38 in.) in diameter with a 914-mm (36 in.) long, 3.2-mm (1/8-in.) diameter fiberoptic bundle. StockerYale, Salem, NH 03079; (603) 893-8778.
Camera shrinks size Cohu 7500 monochrome progressive-scan camera offers 1300 x 1030-pixel resolution, measures 52.3 x 52.3 x 73.5 mm, and weighs 340 g without a lens. It uses 6.7-µm square pixels, runs at full resolution rates of 12 frames/s, 24 frames /s at half resolution, and delivers a 10-bit digital output. A 44-pin D-connector and cable handles all power, control, and output signals. Control signals can be configured for either LVDS (RS-644) or TTL (single-ended) levels. Cohu Inc., San Diego, CA 92186; (858) 277-6700.