PhotonCore OEM Module

The Photon OEM Camera Core is a compact, all-in-one thermal imager with outstanding sensitivity and image quality. Integrators have embedded tens of thousands of Photon cores in a variety of applications.

*Not Available for resale through moviMED.

EXCEPTIONAL IMAGERY
Based on FLIR’s well-developed vanadium oxide (VOx) microbolometer technology, the Photon's 320x256 FPA furnishes outstanding image quality and sensitivity. Photon delivers an exceptional NEdT of <85mK with f/1.6 optics. When normalized to f/1 optical systems, this is equivalent to <35mK.

Photon cores with various lens configurations (L to R) 14.25, 19, 35, 50mm

COMPACT & LIGHT
Photon is a very compact package, with the camera body (core) approximating just 7.5 cubic inches. The core weight is 3.5 ounces (97 grams), not including rear cover or lens. Power dissipation is 1.6 Watts steady-state.

ENVIRONMENTALLY RUGGED
Photon surpasses the requirements of the most demanding ambient environmental requirements with an operating temperature range of -40 to +80° C and a shock rating of 70g shock pulse with a 11ms half-sine profile.

ADVANCED VIDEO PROCESSING
Photon supplies NTSC analog video at 30 fps as a standard. PAL video (25 fps) is available as an option. A choice of 8- or 14-bit digital video is output simultaneously with the analog format. The digital data protocol is serial LVDS. Video processing features include multiple automatic, dynamic image optimization algorithms, as well as polarity control (white-hot/black hot), image-orientation control (invert / revert), and freeze-frame capability. Color look-up tables are also supported in Photon.

DIGITAL ZOOM
A 2X digital zoom feature is available, whereby the center 160x120 of the image is upsampled to the full 320x240 array resolution. This enables close-up imaging at safe standoff distances, with the resulting image quality superior to that of the predecessor Micron camera due to the improved IFOV (smaller pixels).

TEC FREE
Photon employs a novel combination of on-FPA circuitry and non-uniformity compensation (NUC) processing to eliminate the thermo-electric cooler (TEC). FLIR’s patented (US 7576999, 6028309, 6812465) approach to TEC-less operation enables the camera to operate over a wide temperature range while maintaining excellent dynamic range and image uniformity. Two significant benefits are realized from TEC-less operation: Reduced power consumption and an “instant-on” capability.


PhotonCore Optics Details
What are the lens options and the minimum focus lengths for the Photon? What is the range of focus? Is it possible to adjust the focus of Photon lenses manually?
The table below details various lens parameters. Photon camera/lens calibrations are performed with lenses focused closer to the hyperfocal distance than infinity, such that infinity is in good focus but the best near field performance is also achieved.

Although Photon lenses are capable of focusing to shorter object distances, it is important to note that they are not designed, calibrated, or specified for this purpose. Using a Photon that has been calibrated as described above (in the range of the hyperfocal distance to infinity) for very close focus applications requires changing the focus, which may result in possible image anomalies, non-uniformities, and/or degraded performance. Customers should be aware of these limitations and evaluate the images for issues.

We describe the range of focus to mean the hyperfocal range, that is, the range between infinity and some point less than infinity through which the lens remains in focus. All Photons with lenses are factory-calibrated with the lens locked at infinity focus.

All of the Photon lenses shown in the table above use a screw-thread mount. The lens focus is locked by a small setscrew.

To adjust the lens focus to something other than infinity focus, or to achieve the shortest possible focus, requires that the setscrew be loosened. It may not be possible to lock the focus at a close focus point since in some cases the lens in almost out of its holder. FLIR does not offer spacers for macro focus.

Technical Specifications:

System Type Uncooled LWIR Thermal Imager
Sensor Type 324x256 VOx Microbolometer
Pixel Size 38 μm
Spectral Band 7.5 – 13.5 μm
Performance < 85mK NEdT at f/1.6

Outputs
Analog Video NTSC @ 30 Hz
PAL @ 25 Hz (optional)
9 Hz option for export (factory set)
Digital Video 8- or 14-bit serial LVDS

Operation
Image Control Invert, revert, 2x digital zoom, digital detail enhancement (DDE)
Camera Control Autonomous, or manual via GUI or RS-232 serial command
Signal Interface 30-pin SAMTEC connector for power, video, communication, digital
data, external sync, direct access to e-zoom & polarity

Power
Input Voltage Range 5 – 24 VDC
Power Dissipation 1.6W steady-state
Time to Image ~2 seconds

Environmental
Operating Temp Range -40 – +80 °C external temp
Storage Temp Range -50 – +85 °C external temp
Scene Temp Range To 150 °C standard
Shock 70 g shock pulse, 11ms half-sine profile
Vibration 4.3 g ms random vibration for 8 hours (three axes)
Humidity Non-condensing, 5% – 95%

Physical Attributes
Size 51.4 x 49.8 x 34.0 mm (less lens)
Weight 97g (core only, no lens or cover)
Mounting Interface 7 heatsink attach points, M3

PhotonCore Accessories

OEM Photon Accessory Kit
First-time Photon customers typically order a Photon OEM accessory kit. The accessory kit provides a way to operate the camera until a more direct interface to the 30-pin SAMTEC connector on the back of the core is developed by the end-user. The interface documentation to enable such connections is provided.


421-0021-00 is the part number for a "Photon OEM Accessory Kit" that consists of the following (shown in photo below - click on photo for larger image):

333-0005-00 I/O Module
206-0001-20 AC/DC Power Supply
208-0004-02 Line Cord
308-0076-00 Interface Cable
250-0194-00 Wearsaver Connector
261-1273-00 Wearsaver Cover

OEM customers must furnish their own video cable and own RS-232 cable.