FLIR Systems has introduced the fixed-mounted A66xx-Series for automation applications that call for high sensitivity and fast integration as well as super-accurate camera synchronisation and triggering.
A66xx thermal imaging cameras have a cooled Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector which reduces thermally-induced noise to below that of the signal from the scene being imaged.
As the most sensitive in the standard FLIR A-Series range, the models can see minute temperature differences, capture high-speed thermal events, measure temperatures of very small targets and synchronise with other measuring devices.
The InSb cyrocooler allows the FLIR A66xx to operate in the 3 to 5 micron, mid-wave infrared band, where thermal contrast is high.
This is important because the higher the thermal contrast, the easier it is to detect objects against a background that offers little thermal difference.
The detector produces crisp thermal images at 640 x 512 pixel resolution with a thermal sensitivity of <20mK.
A66xx models also have much higher imaging speeds than their uncooled counterparts.
The FLIR A6600 supports image frame rates up to 480 frames per second when operating in windowing mode and the FLIR A6650, up to 4,175 frames per second in a 16 x 4 pixel window.
An incorporated global shutter also contributes to the cameras' ability to inspect fast-moving objects effectively as it enables the output of all
pixels to be read simultaneously rather than line by line - the method by which uncooled cameras handle thermal data.
The ability to capture a snapshot of all the information is especially relevant for applications such as paper manufacturing and other high-volume processes which are characterised by consistently high line speed.
A standard infrared camera used for such a purpose could suffer significantly from image blur.
Another defining benefit of the FLIR A66xx models is greater magnification capacity.
Increased sensitivity means that lenses with more optical elements or thicker elements can be used without degrading the signal-to-noise ratio.
The result is better magnification performance for applications such as the dynamic thermal checking of electronic circuit boards.
Because of the cooled operation, products may be specified with custom cold filtering options for specific spectral detection and measurement, permitting imaging through glass, measuring the temperature of thin film plastics and also filtering different wavebands for laser profiling and detection.
A66xx cameras use a standard GigEVision/GeniCam interface to transmit both commands and full dynamic range digital video; additional interfaces include a BNC analogue video output.
The Gigabit Ethernet and analogue video are simultaneously active yet independently controlled, allowing greater flexibility for recording and display.
A software developer’s kit is also optionally available with both models.
