TACHYON Series High-speed Imaging MWIR Cameras

Detector Type VPD PbSe FPA; Spectral Range 1.0-5.0 µm; Pixel Size 50x50, 130x130 µm; 1,024, 16,384 Pixels; Resolution 32x32, 128x128; Max. Frame Rate 1,00-10,000 fps; Interface USB 2.0, GigE VISION 2.0

New Infrared Technologies’ (NIT) TACHYON Series of high-speed imaging MWIR (midwave infrared) cameras provide frame rates of up to 10,000 fps (frames per second) at the full resolution of up to 128×128 pixels – in uncooled operation.

While the TACHYON 16k CAMERA features 2,000 fps at full resolution, the TACHYON 16K CAMERA PLUS model allows up to 4,000 fps at full resolution as well as software-configurable ROI windowing modes, hardware NUC correction and selectable data transmission modes. Uncooled and affordable, fast and robust, the compact size TACHYON 16K CAMERA models are optimal for volume requirements and targeted for full integration in Industry 4.0 applications.

Both TACHYON 16K CAMERA and CAMERA PLUS models are based on NIT’s TACHYON 16K FPA (Focal Plane Array), sensitive in the 1 µm to 5 µm spectral range. This FPA utilizes VPD PbSe, entirely developed and manufactured by NIT, providing the first quantum infrared technology monolithically compatible with Si-CMOS circuitry. With on-chip A/D readout electronics as well as on-chip dark current cancellation circuit and a digital interface for control and data, the TACHYON 16K FPA features global shutter snapshot readout of 14 Bit raw data and a programmable integration time between 20 µs and 1,000 µs.

NIT’s TACHYON 1024 microCAMERA  is an uncooled MWIR camera with an IP67-rated enclosure for industrial environments. The camera is powered through a USB 2.0 (high speed) interface with industrial M12 USB connector and capable to reach a frame rate of 1,000 fps. Its miniaturized size, based in a SWaP-C concept, ensures perfect integration into the production process.

The TACHYON 1024 microCAMERA is based on NIT’s TACHYON 1024 FPA, an uncooled 32x32 VPD PbSe focal plane array with digital interface and high-speed capabilities up to 10,000 images per second, sensitive in the 1 µm to 5 µm spectral range. With on-chip A/D readout electronics as well as on-chip dark current cancellation circuit and a digital interface for control and data, the TACHYON 1024 FPA features snapshot readout of 10 Bit raw data and a programmable integration time between 100 µs and 1,000 µs.

Based on the TYCHYON 1024 FPA, NIT also provides the TACHYON 1024 microCORE  uncooled MWIR module with USB connection. The module is USB-powered and capable to reach an acquisition frame rate of 1,000 fps. Optimized size and affordable cost ensure perfect integration in the production process, also in cost-sensitive machine vision applications.

For linear array cameras from New Infrared Technologies, please refer to the LUXELL series of linear array MWIR cameras. And for applications requiring single-pixel MWIR detection, have a look at NIT’s LEPTON series of single-pixel VPD PbS MWIR detectors.

Key Features:

• Detector Type: VPD PbSe FPA With Digital Interface
• Uncooled Operation
• Array Format: 128x128 (16,384 Pixels), 32x32 (1,024 Pixels)
• Pixel Size: 50 µm x 50 µm, 130 µm x 130 µm
• ROI Windowing Function (64x64, 32x32, 1x128) for TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models; Window Position & Dimensions SW-configurable (PLUS Model)
• Maximum Frame Rate: 1,000 fps to 10,000 fps
• Spectral Range: MWIR, 1.0 µm to 5.0 µm
• Peak Wavelength of Detection: 3.7 µm
• Integration Time: 10 µs to 1,000 µs, Selectable
• Data Transmission Modes: Raw Data 10 Bit, 14 Bit; NUC Corrected 16 Bit and High-speed RAW/NUC 12 Bit (TACHYON 16K CAMERA PLUS)
• Minimum Temperature of Detection: +100 °C
• Interfaces: USB 2.0 High-speed (480 Mbps); GigE VISION 2.0 With PoE, Multi-purpose DI/DO Connector (Trigger In/out) for TACHYON 16K CAMERA PLUS
• Mechanical Shutter for 1-pt Offset Correction
• Start-up Time: <10 s (TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models)
• Power Supply: PoE, 8 W (TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models), 5 VDC Through USB Connection
• Metal Housing With Rear Connectors and M3 & M4 Tripod Screw Holes (TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models)
• Dimensions TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models: 66 x 62 x 62 mm
• Weight TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models: 400 g
• Optics TACHYON 16K CAMERA Models (Standard Option): f = 35 mm, F# 1.1, FoV 10.5° x 10.5 °, AR Coating, Manual Focus, CS-Mount
• Dimensions TACHYON 1024 microCAMERA: 98.0 x 49.5 x 61.0 mm
• Weight TACHYON 1024 microCAMERA: 250 g
• Optics TACHYON 1024 microCAMERA: f = 24 mm, F#1.2, FoV 10.25° x 10.25° (Standard), f = 48 mm, F#1.6, FoV 5.1° x 5.1° (Additional Lens Option)
• Software Included: NIT Software Suite, SDK Available for Custom Software Programming
• Dimensions TACHYON 1024 microCORE Module: 43 x 36 x 17 mm
• Biasing Voltage TACHYON 1024 microCORE Module: 1.00 V to 2.00 V, Selectable
• Metal Housing (46.5 x 39.5 x 29.5 mm) With CS-mount Optics Interface Available for TACHYON 1024 microCORE Module

Applications: Machine Vision; Additive Manufacturing Monitoring; Industrial Automation; Laser Process Monitoring; Industrial Process Monitoring & Control (welding, Cutting, etc.); Gas Detection; Spectroscopy; Fire Detection; Glass Manufacturing Quality Assurance; Research & Development; OEM Integration