USB 3.0 area scan cameras for industrial machine vision

Where USB 3.0 is the right interface

USB 3.0 fits inspection benches, laboratory setups, microscopy and compact machines where camera and computer are close together. The high data rate allows around 80 frames per second at 5 megapixels and several hundred with small sensors.

For cable runs above 5 m, for more than two or three cameras per computer or in environments with strong interference, GigE is the more robust choice. The USB port usually supplies the camera; models with high current demand need a port with sufficient power or an external supply.

Selection criteria

The filters in this category follow the questions to settle before choosing:

• Resolution: from 0.3 to 25 megapixels in stock
• Sensor size: from 1/2.9 inch to 1.1 inch; it determines the image circle the lens has to cover
• Frame rate: above 800 frames per second at 0.3 megapixels, around 80 at 5 megapixels, around 20 to 30 at 20 megapixels
• Pixel size: from 1.4 µm to 6.9 µm; large pixels for short exposures and low light
• Mono or colour: mono for measurement, code reading and surfaces; colour for colour checks and sorting
• Lens mount: mostly C-mount, plus S-mount (M12) and board level cameras without a mount

Typical applications

USB 3.0 area scan cameras are used, among other things, for:

• Inspection benches and manual workstations with the computer at the workplace
• Microscopy, laboratory and metrology
• Compact special machines and embedded cameras (board level)
• Fast acquisition with high frame rates at small resolutions
• Development and feasibility tests before a system is designed