Balluff - BVS CA-SF Technical Documentation
mvBlueFOX3-2004 / [BVS CA-SF2|BVS CA-SF5|BF3-5M]-0004F (0.4 Mpix [728 x 544])

Introduction

The sensor uses a global shutter, i.e. light exposure takes place on all pixels in parallel, although subsequent readout is sequential.

Feature Description
Manufacturer Sony
Sensor name IMX287
Max. frames per second 436.9
Device Structure CMOS image sensor
SNRmax [dB]1/ 43.3
DNR (normal / HDR) [dB]1/ 74.2 / -
Image size 1/2.9
Number of effective pixels 728 (H) x 544 (V)
Unit cell size 6.9µm (H) x 6.9µm (V)
ADC resolution / output 12 bit → 8/10/(12)

1 Measured accord. to EMVA1288 with gray scale version of the camera

Spectral Sensitivity

Figure 1: Spectral sensitivity BVS CA-SF2-0004FG
Figure 2: Spectral sensitivity BVS CA-SF2-0004FC

Timings

Name Value
InternalLineLength 290 (10 bit) / 396 (12 bit)
VerticalBlankLines 42
SensorInClock 74.25 (@50 MHz Pixel clock)
NumberOfLVDS 4

Free running mode

In free running mode, the sensor reaches its maximum frame rate. This is done by overlapping erase, exposure and readout phase. The sensor timing in free running mode is fixed, so there is no control when to start an acquisition. This mode is used with trigger mode Continuous.

To calculate the maximum frames per second (FPSmax) in free running mode you will need following formula:

                 InternalLineLength           ImageHeight + VerticalBlankLines 
FrameTime =  ------------------------------ * ----------------------------------
                    SensorInClock                          1000

If exposure time is lower than frame time:

                 1
FPS_max =  ------------
            FrameTime

If exposure time is greater than frame time:

                 1
FPS_max =  --------------
            ExposureTime

Frame rate calculator

Note
The calculator returns the max. frame rate supported by the sensor. Please keep in mind that it will depend on the interface and the used image format if this frame rate can be transferred.

.
Frame rate calculator
Mode: Overlapping exposure and readout
Product: BVS CA-SF
Output image bit depth:

Pixel clock:74.25 MHz
Image width: pixels
Image height: pixels
Exposure time: us
Device throughput: Device Sensor Throughput
Device Link Throughput
Link speed:
   
Frame rate (max): 1/s
 
  

Note
The exposure time step width is limited to the sensor's row time of 4.86 us and therefore
- auto exposure with very low exposure times will perform with relatively large increments and
- exposure mode = TriggerWidth (if available) will perform with a jitter corresponding to the row time

The following trigger modes are available:

Setting (GenICam) Mode / Setting (obsolete "Device Specific") Description
"TriggerSelector = FrameStart"
"TriggerMode = Off"
Continuous Free running, no external trigger signal needed.
"TriggerSelector = FrameStart"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = Software"
"ExposureMode = Timed"

To trigger one frame execute the TriggerSoftware@i command then.
OnDemand Image acquisition triggered by command (software trigger).
"TriggerSelector = AcquisitionActive"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = <desired Line>"
"TriggerActivation = LevelLow"
"ExposureMode = Timed"
OnLowLevel Start an exposure of a frame as long as the trigger input is below the trigger threshold. (No FrameTrigger!)
"TriggerSelector = AcquisitionActive"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = <desired Line>"
"TriggerActivation = LevelHigh"
"ExposureMode = Timed"
OnHighLevel Start an exposure of a frame as long as the trigger input is above the trigger threshold. (No FrameTrigger!)
"TriggerSelector = FrameStart"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = <desired Line>"
"TriggerActivation = FallingEdge"
"ExposureMode = Timed"
OnFallingEdge Each falling edge of trigger signal acquires one image.
"TriggerSelector = FrameStart"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = <desired Line>"
"TriggerActivation = RisingEdge"
"ExposureMode = Timed"
OnRisingEdge Each rising edge of trigger signal acquires one image.
"TriggerSelector = FrameStart"
"TriggerMode = On"
"TriggerSource = <desired Line>"
"TriggerActivation = AnyEdge"
"ExposureMode = Timed"
OnAnyEdge Start the exposure of a frame when the trigger input level changes from high to low or from low to high.

Device Feature And Property List