High-Speed, Low-Light Industrial Camera Module FSM:GO IMX900: The Go-To Vision Solution for Applications with Challenging Light Conditions
Vision automation can make production plants more efficient and reduce costs. Selecting the right sensor for this is a matter of experience and application. A suitable sensor is particularly necessary in low-light application scenarios or scenarios in which light exposure causes rapid changes. The new sensor from the Sony Pregius S series is just such a suitable sensor.
Key Features of the Sony Pregius S IMX900
The Sony Pregius S IMX900 is an image sensor that stands out for its technological sophistication and affordable price. The basic data is quickly told: 3.2-megapixel resolution and global shutter. But there are five things that make it special:
High-Speed Global Shutter
Its global shutter, which can acquire images at up to 125 frames per second (8bit mode) or 117 frames per second (10 Bit) is therefore suitable for capturing fast-moving objects without distortion.
Compact Size with S-Mount
Its size makes it suitable for use with an S-mount (M12), making it interesting for embedded systems with limited space.
Suitable for low-light applications
It’s improved incident light angle dependency reduces potential shading artifacts.
Near-infrared (NIR) for quality control
Its extended visibility in the near-infrared range making it a good choice for quality control, e.g., by detecting water inclusions.
Innovative Memory Design
The arrangement of its memory below the diodes, instead of next to them, so that the diodes can be larger and thus the saturation capacity of the sensor remains similar to previous generation despite the smaller pixel size.
FRAMOS now offers this sensor for its FSM:GO series in the form of the FSM:GO IMX900 vision module. FSM:GO is the first choice for embedded systems that require vision capability enabling you to quickly design, validate, and scale production while minimizing risks risks and costs.
FSM:GO is a series of optical sensor modules (or vision modules) designed as an all-in-one solution for system integrators, camera developers, and embedded system developers who have little or no experience in the field of imaging. FSM:GO is designed to achieve rapidly excellent results in industrial applications – right up to market and series maturity. The FSM:GO series offers a low-threshold solution for customers who require vision capabilities.
FSM:GO IMX900 Camera Module Overview
The FSM:GO IMX900 vision module provides a cost-effective basis for high-speed applications such as conveyor belts by allowing for the use of lower-power near-infrared (NIR) illumination. Thanks to Sony’s IMX900 on our FSM:GO module, applications can now be realized more easily, quickly, and cost-effectively. In the following, two application scenarios are outlined, and an example of a possible setup is shown.
Application Scenarios for Sony Pregius S IMX900 on FSM:GO Camera Module
Optimized quality control under low-light conditions
The food industry increasingly relies on intelligent image processing to optimize automated processes such as quality control and production monitoring. If, for example, food is conveyed via a feeder or conveyor belt and it is necessary to check whether there are any unwanted pressure marks on the product, a near-infrared sensor can help: This sensor cannot “see” deep into the product, as near-infrared is only suitable for certain permeable materials to examine areas close to the product surface. However, illumination focused on specific near-infrared wavelengths can increase the contrast of things that might otherwise remain hidden from the human eye. The FSM:GO IMX900 camera module’s excellent NIR sensitivity can help inspect these areas, detect flaws or product defects, and automatically rule them out. This is done in a fraction of a second and enables a high throughput thanks to high-frequency inspection capability. This is particularly interesting in environments with limited control of lighting, such as underneath a weed removal robot. In addition to the FSM:GO-IMX900 module, all that is needed is real-time capable software and suitable actuators to sort out the unwanted pieces.
The use of this technology is also particularly advantageous in another scenario.
2. High-speed barcode recognition in logistics
In automated logistics centers, where packages are often moved at high speed, conventional barcode scanners are often overwhelmed. The FSM:GO IMX900 vision module makes it possible to capture barcodes error-free, even when they are moving very fast. Even if there are light fluctuations, for example, from adjacent signal lights, each image is still reliably captured with even exposure. The high data throughput is made possible by the MIPI-CSI-2 interface. This means that the sorting and conveying processes can be accelerated and carried out with greater precision. This ensures readability even at high speeds. This helps to alleviate production bottlenecks or, in the best case, to prevent them completely. The structure is similar in principle to the first application sketch. The FSM:GO-IMX900 module, real-time software for reading the barcodes and corresponding actuators that guide the conveyed material according to the processed data are required.
The Sony IMX900 combines technological excellence and flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation applications. By utilizing modern standards such as MIPI-CSI-2, as well as low-threshold entry thanks to the FSM:GO base, embedded systems can be implemented quickly, conveniently and cost-effectively.
