Optotherm, Sewickley, Pa., recently developed the IS640 radiometric infrared camera designed for thermographic applications requiring high sensitivity, resolution, and accuracy. Based on new amorphous silicon microbolometer technology, with 17-μm detector pitch, the IS640 provides unparalleled performance and reliability. High 640×480 detector resolution increases field-of-view. The 60 Hz image capture rate provides blur-free imaging, improving transient thermal analysis and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of Lock-in Thermography tests. A solid anodized aluminum chassis improves thermal uniformity within the camera detector optics and electronics, thus facilitating optimum calibration accuracy over the ambient temperature operating range.
A full suite of lenses was developed for the IS640, enabling both microscopic and macroscopic temperature measurement. Lenses are manufactured from germanium and zinc selenide with anti-reflective coating for maximum transmission in the long wave infrared region. Each lens was designed for maximum sensitivity, long working distance, and with minimum distortion for clear, precise imaging. A new bayonet-style mechanical interface enables quick lens attachment and removal while maximizing thermal uniformity between the lens and camera body to maintain the highest measurement accuracy.
Only one cable is required to connect the IS640 to a computer. Radiometric image data is transferred from the IS640 to computer by way of a PCIe Camera Link video board. Camera Link is a high-speed serial digital bus designed specifically for machine vision cameras and offers the highest stability and throughput of any camera bus. Image data is transferred to computer memory using DMA channels that do not burden the computer’s CPU. This is essential due to the high demands placed on the CPU in processing and analyzing thermal image data.
The camera is powered via Power over Camera Link (PoCL), eliminating the need for additional power supplies and cords. Also, the video board includes a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) providing reliable camera control via serial communication between the IS640 and computer.
