JAI announced that its high-speed 5-megapixel industrial camera - the Spark Series SP-5000 - is now available in models with USB3 Vision or GigE Vision interfaces. This is in addition to the original Power-over-Mini-Camera-Link models introduced late last year and the CoaXPress models introduced last month. The new models enable users to leverage two of the industry's most popular "grabber-less" technologies for direct connection to PCs or other image processing hardware.

For USB3 Vision users, the SP-5000M-USB (monochrome) and SP-5000C-USB (color) use a high-speed USB 3.0 interface to provide 5-megapixel images at up to 62 frames per second for 8-bit monochrome or raw Bayer configurations. The GigE Vision models - SP-5000M-GE2 and SP-5000C-GE2 - feature two standard RJ45 ports and utilize GigE Vision's Link Aggregate Group (LAG) method to deliver image information at up to two gigabits per second. These cameras output the full 5-megapixel resolution at up to 44 frames per second.

All four of the new cameras derive their high performance from a unique 2560 x 2048 pixel CMOS imager available exclusively from JAI. In addition to 8-bit output at 62 or 44 fps, respectively, the cameras provide 10-bit output at up to 50 fps (USB3) or 29 fps (GigE). The GigE Vision color model also features a built-in, user-selectable color interpolation function that can provide 24-bit RGB output, as well as YUV 411, YUV 422, or YUV 444 color formats. Frame rates for these modes range from 29 fps to 14.6 fps.

Like the original SP-5000-PMCL cameras, the new models feature a mixture of on-chip and in-camera capabilities enabling them to deliver image quality well beyond what is typical for high-speed CMOS cameras.

For example, the SP-5000 features a combination of analog and digital gain controls to reduce the amount of quantized noise in low-light images compared to conventional CMOS cameras with digital gain functions alone. On the color models (SP-5000C-USB and SP-5000C-GE2), an on-chip 4-channel analog gain control is provided for better white balancing and color shading correction with reduced noise.

In-camera pattern correction algorithms provide lower noise and better low-light performance than is typically found in CMOS cameras. Also included is JAI's Auto Level Control (ALC) that combines auto gain, auto shutter, and auto iris capabilities in an integrated function to let users optimize their auto exposure control for lowest noise, fastest shutter, or other priorities.

The cameras are equipped with an auxiliary lens control circuit that supports P-iris control, as well as programmable 3-axis control of motorized zoom lenses or other analog accessories.

The combination of speed and resolution makes the SP-5000 cameras ideal for high-speed production line inspection, as well as process monitoring and event capture. Single and multi-ROI capabilities, available for both monochrome and color models, provide added flexibility for utilizing both the high frame rate and pixel resolution of the cameras. On monochrome models, 2X binning is supported in horizontal, vertical, or both directions.

Outdoor applications benefit from the cameras' built-in high dynamic range mode (monochrome models), the previously described ALC capability, and an extended temperature rating, which enables the cameras to operate in conditions ranging from -45°C to +70°C.

 The SP-5000 cameras accept standard C-mount lenses. Overall dimensions are 62 x 62 x 55.5 mm (HxWxL).