FLIR A6600 User manual
A6600/A6650
User’s Manual
This document is controlled to FLIR Technology Level 2. The information contained in this document
pertains to a dual use product controlled for export by the Export Administration Regulations
(EAR). Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited. US Department of Commerce authorization is not
required prior to export or transfer to foreign persons or parties unless otherwise prohibited.
Document Number: 29360-000
Version: 1
Issue Date: March 11, 2015
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 3
Table of Contents
1REVISION HISTORY ......................................................................................................................................5
2INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Camera System Components..........................................................................................6
2.2 System Overview.............................................................................................................6
2.3 Key features of the A6600/A6650 cameras .....................................................................7
3WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........................................................................................................................9
4INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Basic Connections.........................................................................................................10
4.1.1 Power .........................................................................................................................................11
4.1.2 Analog Video..............................................................................................................................11
4.1.3 GigE Digital Video ......................................................................................................................11
5CAMERA CONTROLLER.............................................................................................................................12
5.1 Menu Bar.......................................................................................................................12
5.1.1 Tools Menu................................................................................................................................. 12
Advanced Time Controls ....................................................................................................................................13
5.1.2 Help Menu .................................................................................................................................. 13
5.1.3 Status Page................................................................................................................................14
5.1.4 Setup Page................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1.4.1 Setup Tab...................................................................................................................................14
5.1.4.2 Sync Tab [A6650 only] ...............................................................................................................16
5.1.4.2.1 Sync Mode.......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.4.2.2 Sync Source........................................................................................................................................ 18
5.1.4.2.3 Sync Options....................................................................................................................................... 19
5.1.4.2.4 Sync Out............................................................................................................................................. 20
5.1.5 Correction Page..........................................................................................................................20
NUC Information.................................................................................................................................................22
Manage NUCs....................................................................................................................................................22
Load NUC Options..............................................................................................................................................22
Performing a NUC ..............................................................................................................................................23
What is a Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC)? .....................................................................................................25
5.1.5.1.1 One-Point Correction Process............................................................................................................. 26
5.1.5.1.2 Two-Point Correction Process............................................................................................................. 26
5.1.5.1.3 Offset Update...................................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.5.1.4 Bad Pixel Correction ........................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.6 Video Page................................................................................................................................. 29
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 4
6INTERFACES................................................................................................................................................32
6.1 Mechanical (dimensions in inches)................................................................................32
6.1.1 Status Lights...............................................................................................................................34
6.1.2 Power Interface .......................................................................................................................... 34
6.1.3 Other Interfaces..........................................................................................................................35
6.1.3.1 Gigabit Ethernet..........................................................................................................................35
6.1.3.2 Sync In........................................................................................................................................35
6.1.3.3 Video ..........................................................................................................................................35
6.1.3.4 AUX Connector [A6650 only] .....................................................................................................35
7SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................37
7.1 Interface........................................................................................................................37
7.2 Windowing Capacity......................................................................................................37
7.3 Acquisition Modes and Features....................................................................................37
7.4 Analog Video.................................................................................................................38
7.5 Performance Characteristics .........................................................................................38
7.6 Non Uniformity Correction .............................................................................................39
7.7 Detector/FPA.................................................................................................................39
7.8 General Characteristics.................................................................................................40
8MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................41
8.1 Camera and Lens Cleaning...........................................................................................41
8.1.1 Camera Body, Cables and Accessories.....................................................................................41
8.1.2 Lenses........................................................................................................................................41
9INFRARED PRIMER.....................................................................................................................................43
9.1 History of Infrared..........................................................................................................43
9.2 Theory of Thermography...............................................................................................46
9.2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................46
9.2.2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum..................................................................................................46
9.2.3 Blackbody Radiation................................................................................................................... 46
Planck’s Law.......................................................................................................................................................47
Wien’s Displacement Law...................................................................................................................................48
Stefan-Boltzmann's Law.....................................................................................................................................49
Non-Blackbody Emitters.....................................................................................................................................50
9.2.4 Infrared Semi-Transparent Materials..........................................................................................52
9.3 The Measurement Formula ...........................................................................................53
9.4 Emissivity tables............................................................................................................56
1 – Revision History
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 5
1 Revision History
Version
Date
Initials
Changes
1 03/10/2015 RM Initial Release
2 – Introduction
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 6
2 Introduction
2.1 Camera System Components
The A6600 infrared camera and its accessories are delivered in a box which typically contains the
items below. There may also be additional items that you have ordered such as lenses, software,
CDs, etc.
Description FLIR Part Number
A66xx Camera 29360-2xx
Power supply, 24V, 4A 24123-000
AC line cord 24124-000
Gigabit Ethernet Cat-6 cable, 2m length 23700-000
Bayonet mount plug 23901-000
BNC cable 26393-000
CameraTools Cd N/A
AUX connector breakout cable [A6650 only] 29402-500
Laboratory calibration plate 261-0005-00
Water-resistant transit case 24043-000
Documentation CD N/A
2.2 System Overview
The A6600 infrared camera system has been developed by FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions (ATS)
to meet the needs of the Automation user. The camera makes use of FLIR’s advanced ISC0403 4-
channel readout integrated circuit (ROIC), mated to an Indium Antimonide (InSb) detector to cover the
midwave infrared band. The A6600 camera utilizes a large format, 640 x 512 array with 15μm pixel
pitch.
The A6600 is a stand-alone imaging camera that interfaces to host PC using Gigabit Ethernet. An
SDK is available, which makes it possible for the system designer to write their own camera controller
and acquire image data with their own custom application.
2 – Introduction
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 7
2.3 Key features of the A6600/A6650 cameras
Fully GEV/GenICam compliant
The image stream protocol is GigE Vision 2.0 compliant and the camera is fully controllable
by GenICam.
Improved Linearity to Zero Well-Fill
Typical direct injection ROIC designs exhibit a non-linear response when the signal drops
below 10% of well-fill. The ISC0403 ROIC provides a linear response even at very low signal
levels. This results in an increased linear dynamic range, much better NUC performance at
low signal levels and makes it easier to perform a user calibration of the camera.
14-Bit Digital Image Data
The A6600 camera system is built around high performance 14-bit A/D converters, preserving
the full dynamic range of the FPA.
Windowing Capability
Higher frame rates are available by windowing down at the Focal Plane Array (FPA) level.
The A6600 has three available window sizes with a max frame rate of 480Hz. The A6650 has
flexible window sizes with frame rates up to 4kHz.
Presets
Up to four presets and their associated parameters such as integration time, frame rate, and
window size, are available for instant selection with a single command.
Superframing [A6650 only]
Up to four presets can be cycled continuously. This can be used in conjunction with the
Dynamic Range Extension (DRX) algorithm to provide a single movie with increased dynamic
range.
Independently Adjustable Frame Rates
Frame rate is user selectable from 0.0015 Hz up to the maximum allowed for the selected
window size.
External Sync
The A6600 camera provides a SYNC input that can be used to control the camera frame rate
using an external LVCMOS input (can handle 5.5V Max).
External Trigger [A6650 only]
An external trigger input can be used to signal ResearchIR to start recording or to precisely
start the image stream relative to an external event.
Multiple Video Outputs
The A6600 camera features multiple independent and simultaneous video:
▫Digital – Gigabit Ethernet
▫Analog – Composite video (NTSC or PAL)
Analog Video Color Palettes
The A6600 camera supports a selection of standard and user-defined color palettes for the
analog video output.
2 – Introduction
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 8
Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)
DDE is an analog video AGC mode that provides a significant improvement to scene detail
and contrast.
On-Camera NUCs with Auto Update
NUCs can be stored in camera memory and can be applied independently to the digital and
analog video outputs. The camera can be configured to automatically update the NUC using
the internal flag based on a change of an internal temperature sensor and/or a timer.
Standard Lens Interface
The A6600 camera uses the same bayonet-mount as other SCx000 series cameras. However,
even though the mount is the same, due to differences in the opto-mechanical layout, lenses
for the SC6000/4000 are not an optimal solution for the A6600. The SC6000 lenses will
provide fairly good imagery but some vignetting in the corners may be visible. For best
performance the user should use lenses designed for the A6600. Lenses for the SC8000 will
not work on the A6600.
3 – Warnings and Cautions
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 9
3 Warnings and Cautions
For best results and user safety, the following warnings and precautions should be followed when
handling and operating the camera.
Warnings and Cautions:
Do not open the camera body for any reason. Disassembly of the camera (including
removal of the cover) can cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
Great care should be exercised with your camera optics. Refer to Chapter 7 for lens
cleaning.
Operating the camera outside of the specified input voltage range or the specified
operating temperature range can cause permanent damage.
The camera is not completely sealed. Avoid exposure to dust and moisture and replace
the lens cap when not in use.
Do not image extremely high intensity radiation sources, such as the sun, lasers, arc
welders, etc.
The camera is a precision optical instrument and should not be exposed to excessive
shock and/or vibration. Refer to the Chapter 6 for detailed environmental requirements.
The camera contains static-sensitive electronics and should be handled appropriately.
4 – Installation
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 10
4 Installation
4.1 Basic Connections
All connections to the A6600/A6650 are located on the Back Panel.
Item Name Description
1 Power Switch LED will light when power is ON
2 Ready Light LED will turn on when camera is booted
3 Cold LED LED will light when FPA temp is <80K
4 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) Connect to a PC for digital IR image data
5 AUX Connector A675xsc only. (See Section 6.1.3.4 for details)
6 DC Power Input 24VDC
7 Sync Input External Frame Sync
8 Video Out NTSC or PAL, selectable in camera controller
4 – Installation
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 11
4.1.1 Power
Plug in the AC power supply to a standard 120V outlet. Connect the DC power cable between the
power supply and the power connector located on the rear panel of the A6600 camera. Turn on the
imaging head by pressing the power button on the rear panel. The green power LED will illuminate to
indicate that the unit is ON.
4.1.2 Analog Video
The camera will automatically boot up into the last saved state. The boot process takes about 30
seconds. To see the Composite video on a monitor, connect the provided BNC cable from the VIDEO
port to your monitor. If you are powering up the camera for the first time, the camera should produce
a 640x480 image with Non-Unifority Correction (NUC), bad pixel replacement enabled.
4.1.3 GigE Digital Video
If you have a PC data system running ResearchIR (or your own custom application based on the BHP
SDK or Genicam) you can view the 14-bit digital video over Gigabit Ethernet.
The A6600 has a Gigabit Ethernet interface that is GigE Vision (GEV) and GenICam compliant Use a
regular CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet patch cable. If a crossover cable is used, the camera interface will
automatically detect and configure itself to work with this kind of cable.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 12
5 Camera Controller
5.1 Menu Bar
The menu bar is the same for both Basic and Advanced User Modes.
Save State (name) Saves the camera state to the current (name). This
state will be reloaded at power up. Stored in flash
memory.
Save State As Saves the current camera state to a name chosen
by the user. State names other than (name) my be
loaded manually. Stored in flash memory
Load State Load a state from flash memory.
Manage States Rename or delete states from camera memory.
Load Factory
Defaults
Loads factory defaults for all camera Settings and
NUCs. The factory defaults cannot be modified by
the user.
NOTE: Camera states contain information about all configurable camera parameters. They do not
contain the NUC data, but contain the filenames of the currently loaded NUCs. These NUCs will be
reloaded with the state, however, if the NUCs are changed, deleted, or renamed, the state may not be
able to load the NUCs.
5.1.1 Tools Menu
Set Camera Time to
PC Time Sets the camera RTC clock to the time
from the PC clock.
Advanced… Allows user to manually set the IRIG and
RTC clocks in the camera. See Section
4.2.2.1
NOTE: The A6600 has two internal clocks: a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a timestamp clock. The RTC is a low
resolution clock used to keep system time. The RTC has a battery backup and will retain time while the camera is
off. The timestamp clock is a high resolution clock (1us). This clock does not have a battery backup but at power
up the timestamp clock is initialized to the current RTC time and will free-wheel until the camera is power cycled.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 13
Advanced Time Controls
This dialog is accessed using the Tools>>Set Time>>Advanced menu options. This allows the user
to directly set the cameras system time. The Get button will pull time from the PC clock. The Set
button will set the camera RTC clock using the manually entered time.
Figure 4-1 Advanced Time Controls
5.1.2 Help Menu
The “About” menu item shows a dialog indicating the current controller version number. If the
controller is connected to a camera a list will be displayed that shows all versions of software and
firmware in the camera. The “Save” button allows the user to create a text file with this version
information.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 14
5.1.3 Status Page
The Status Page gives general information about the camera state including camera type, camera
time, integration time, frame size, and frame rate.
5.1.4 Setup Page
The Setup page allows the user to set integration time, frame rate, frame size, and Sync source.
5.1.4.1 Setup Tab
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 15
Item Name Description
1 Integration Time No factory calibration: Enter desired integration
time in milliseconds.
With factory calibration: The box will have a
dropdown list with the available ranges. To
manually enter integration time scroll to bottom of
list and select “no factory calibration”.
2 Frame Rate Enter the desired frame rate in Hz.
3 Superframing [A6650 only]. When this is enabled the user can
then select the presets to include and set the burst
rate.
4 Max Frame Rate This indicates the max possible frame rate based
on the current window size and integration time.
Checking the box will automatically keep the
camera at max frame rate as these parameters
change.
5 Image size A6600: This control will be simply a dropdown list
with the three window size options available (Full,
½, ¼).
A6650: There are buttons to select Full, ½, ¼
windows as well as boxes to enter other sizes.
Click “OK” to set a size. The box will turn red if the
size is not valid.
6 Image Flipping The icons control horizontal and vertical
image flipping. With these controls, the flipping is
done in the camera so both the digital and analog
video are affected.
7 Sync Source Select internal, external, or video.
Internal: The frame sync is generated internally to
run at the frequency set by the user
External: The frame sync is generated externally
through the Sync In connect on the camera rear
chassis.
Video: The FPA frame sync is generated from the
internal video encoder , locking the digital and
analog clocks together
8 High Sensitivity Mode
(HSM) HSM is a FLIR-patented algorithm first introduced
in the Gas FindIR cameras that allows the user to
see small temperature changes in the scene.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 16
5.1.4.2Sync Tab [A6650 only]
The sync tab allows the user to control function for Syncs, and triggers. All of these sync features
apply only to the A6650.
5.1.4.2.1 Sync Mode
5.1.4.2.1.1 Frame Sync Starts
The A6650 makes use of frame syncs and triggers to control the generation of image data. Frame
syncs control the start of individual frames whereas triggers start sequences of frames.
The generation of a frame consists of two phases: integration and data readout. Depending on the
timing between these two events, you can have two basic integration modes: Integrate Then Read
(ITR), and Integrate While Read (IWR). In ITR, integration and data readout occur sequentially. The
complete frame time is the combined total of the integration time plus readout time. In IWR, the
integration phase of the current frame occurs during the readout phase of the previous frame. In
other words, ITR and IWR terms refer to whether or not the camera will overlap the data readout and
integration periods. In ITR, the data is not overlapped which means lower frame rates but provides a
less noisy image. IWR can achieve much faster frame rates with a slight increase in noise. The
A6650 does not require the user to explicitly choose whether to operate in ITR or IWR modes. The
camera will automatically select the integration mode based on the integration time, frame rate, and
frame sync mode.
The A6650 supports two Frame Sync Modes: Frame Sync Starts Integration (FSSI), and Frame Sync
Starts Readout (FSSR). FSSI and FSSR determine which phase of the frame generation process
(integration or data readout) is synchronized to the frame sync. FSSI starts the integration period
when a frame sync occurs (i.e. “take a picture now”). The camera automatically calculates when to
start data readout. FSSR starts the data readout (for the previous frame) when a frame sync occurs
(i.e. “give me data now”). The camera automatically calculates when to start integration for the
current frame. In FSSI mode, the camera could be in either ITR or IWR mode. In FSSR mode, the
camera is always in IWR mode.
5.1.4.2.1.1.1 Frame Sync Starts Integration (FSSI)
Upon frame sync, the camera immediately integrates followed by data read out. Based on integration
time, frame size, and frame rate, the camera will automatically choose ITR or IWR mode.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 17
NOTE: When using an externalframe sync and superframing,the externalframe sync should be set
to comply with ITR frame rate limits. If the external sync rate is too fast, the camera will ignore syncs
that come before the camera is ready
Preset 0
Data
Frame Sync
Preset 1
Data Preset 2
Data Preset 3
Data
Frame Sync Frame Sync Frame Sync
Preset 3
Integration
Preset 2
Integration
Preset 1
Integration
Preset 0
Integration
Figure 4-2: Frame Sync Starts Integration, ITR
Frame 1 Data
Frame 1 Integration Frame 2 Integration
Frame Sync
Frame Sync
Frame 2 Data
Frame 3 Integration
Frame Sync
Frame 3 Data
Frame 4 Integration
Frame Sync
Figure 4-3: Frame Sync Starts Integration, IWR
5.1.4.2.1.1.2 Frame Sync Starts Readout (FSSR)
Upon frame sync, the camera immediately transmits the data from the previous frame. The
integration period is then placed to meet ROIC requirements. This mode always operates in IWR
mode. This mode can be used with either internal or external frame sync at full frame rates.
Frame 1 Data
Frame 1 Integration Frame 2 Integration
Frame Sync
Frame Sync
Frame 2 Data
Frame 3 Integration
Frame Sync
Frame 3 Data
Frame 4 Integration
Frame Sync
Figure 4-4: Frame Sync Starts Readout
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 18
5.1.4.2.1.2 Trigger Mode
When the camera is placed in a triggered mode, the image stream will stop until the trigger is
received.
Trigger Modes
Free Run (No Trigger) In free run the camera cycles through frames/sequences
continuously.
Trigger then free run Upon receiving a trigger (external or software) the camera will
start to generate sequences continuously.
5.1.4.2.2 Sync Source
The Source options page allows the user to select the source for Syncs and Triggers.
Sync Sources
Internal The frame sync is generated internally to run at the frequency
set by the user
External The frame sync is generated externally through the Sync In
connect on the camera rear chassis.
Video The frame sync is generated from the internal video encoder,
locking the analog video and FPA clocks together.
Trigger Sources
Internal The trigger is generated internally to run at the frequency set by
the user (Hz).
External The trigger is generated externally through the Trigger In
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 19
connector on the camera rear chassis. (3.3V LVCMOS)
Software The trigger is generated via a software button (Trigger button)
Time Triggered Camera generates an internal trigger when the internal
timestamp clock reaches a specified time.
5.1.4.2.3 Sync Options
The Sync Options page allows the user to set delays and polarities for the Sync and Trigger In.
Sync In
Delay Allows for the user to set a delay (µsec) for the external sync. See
timing diagrams below.
Polarity The sync is edge triggered. Allows for the camera to use the rising or
falling edge.
Trigger In
Delay Allows for the user to set a delay (µsec) for the external trigger. See
timing diagrams below.
Polarity Trigger is edge triggered. Allows for the camera to use the rising or
falling edge.
5 –Camera Controller
A6600/A6650 User’s Manual 20
5.1.4.2.4 Sync Out
The Sync Out options allow the user to set a delay for the sync out pulse as well as the sync delay
reference and polarity. The Sync Out signal always has a jitter of ±1 clock (160nsec).
Sync Out Options
Sync Out Delay Allows for the user to set a delay for the sync out on a preset
basis.
Sync Out Source Allows for the sync out to be referenced to the start of frame or
start of integration.
Sync Out Polarity Allows for the sync out to be active high or low.
5.1.5 Correction Page
The Correction Tab contains all the controls needed to manage the on-camera NUCs. On-camera
NUCs are stored in two types of memory:
RAM memory. This type of memory is used to store NUCs that will be applied to live image data.
There is enough RAM memory for one NUC to be loaded for each Preset. This memory is volatile
and is lost when then camera is turned off. If a NUC was loaded into RAM, the camera will reload that
NUC from flash automatically when the camera is turned on if a Save State was performed.
Flash Memory. This type of memory is used as nonvolatile NUC storage. There is about 2GB of
flash memory available for storing NUCs. This is enough space to store hundreds of full frame NUCs.
This manual suits for next models
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