IDS announced today that its uEye camera family now has 18 models with a cutting-edge 1.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor featuring global shutter readout mode, which is typically only available in more expensive CCD models. The sensor also boasts high frame rates, achieving a readout speed of up to 60 fps at full format depending on the interface. Using the optional binning and digital image scaling functions, the 1/1.8" sensor from e2v can deliver frame rates of over 100 fps. The highest resolution is 1280 x 1024.

In a global shutter system all rows of the sensor are exposed simultaneously, which is important for capturing sharp images of fast moving objects. Because few CMOS sensors support the global shutter method, these demanding applications require powerful flash strobes or the use of costly CCD cameras. The new CMOS cameras from IDS, however, are suitable for applications previously restricted to CCD technology. The IDS CMOS cameras equal and, in some cases, even surpass state-of-the-art CCD cameras in color fidelity and light sensitivity. The monochrome version also allows image capture under near-infrared (NIR) illumination conditions.

The sensor has been incorporated in uEye cameras with USB or GigE interfaces. The UI-1240 USB models are offered in the compact SE design, the angled ME design and the splash-water resistant RE design. With a readout speed of 25 fps, the USB models provide smooth live video at full resolution. The SE and RE versions of the UI-5240 GigE series achieve even higher speeds of up to 50 fps, while the high-performance HE model delivers 60 fps. Monochrome and color versions are available at the same price level and are suitable also for replacing previous CMOS and CCD models with 1.3 Megapixel sensor.

The e2v EV76C560 sensor provides many additional features, including digital scaling functions that allow an almost stepless reduction of the image format with full field of view. The high-precision timing generator supports significantly shorter exposure times (up to 9µs) than possible with previous CMOS sensors.

The new models are supported by uEye software package version 3.70 and higher.