Teledyne FLIR A68 Series User manual

FLIR A68/A38 Series
IR Camera User’s Manual
May 18, 2022
www.teledyneflir.com
Teledyne DALSA, a business unit of Teledyne Digital Imaging Inc.
Teledyne FLIR, a business unit of Teledyne Digital Imaging Inc.

Important note
Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all instructions, warnings, cautions, and legal disclaimers.
Důležitá poznámka
Před použitím zařízení si přečtěte veškeré pokyny, upozornění, varování a vyvázání se ze záruky, ujistěte se, že jim rozumíte, a
řiďte se jimi.
Vigtig meddelelse
Før du betjener enheden, skal du du læse, forstå og følge alle anvisninger, advarsler, sikkerhedsforanstaltninger og
ansvarsfraskrivelser.
Wichtiger Hinweis
Bevor Sie das Gerät in Betrieb nehmen, lesen, verstehen und befolgen Sie unbedingt alle Anweisungen, Warnungen,
Vorsichtshinweise und Haftungsausschlüsse
Σημαντική σημείωση
Πριν από τη λειτουργία της συσκευής, πρέπει να διαβάσετε, να κατανοήσετε και να ακολουθήσετε όλες τις οδηγίες,
προειδοποιήσεις, προφυλάξεις και νομικές αποποιήσεις.
Nota importante
Antes de usar el dispositivo, debe leer, comprender y seguir toda la información sobre instrucciones, advertencias,
precauciones y renuncias de responsabilidad.
Tärkeä huomautus
Ennen laitteen käyttämistä on luettava ja ymmärrettävä kaikki ohjeet, vakavat varoitukset, varoitukset ja lakitiedotteet sekä
noudatettava niitä.
Remarque importante
Avant d'utiliser l'appareil, vous devez lire, comprendre et suivre l'ensemble des instructions, avertissements, mises en garde et
clauses légales de non-responsabilité.
Fontos megjegyzés
Az eszköz használata előtt figyelmesen olvassa el és tartsa be az összes utasítást, figyelmeztetést, óvintézkedést és jogi
nyilatkozatot.
Nota importante
Prima di utilizzare il dispositivo, è importante leggere, capire e seguire tutte le istruzioni, avvertenze, precauzioni ed esclusioni
di responsabilità legali.
重要な注意 デバイスをご使用になる前に、あらゆる指示、警告、注意事項、および免責条項をお読み頂き、その内容を理解して従ってくだ さい。
중요한 참고 사항
장치를 작동하기 전에 반드시 다음의 사용 설명서와 경고, 주의사항, 법적 책임제한을 읽고 이해하며 따라야 합니다.
Viktig
Før du bruker enheten, må du lese, forstå og følge instruksjoner, advarsler og informasjon om ansvarsfraskrivelse.
Belangrijke opmerking
Zorg ervoor dat u, voordat u het apparaat gaat gebruiken, alle instructies, waarschuwingen en juridische informatie hebt
doorgelezen en begrepen, en dat u deze opvolgt en in acht neemt.
Ważna uwaga
Przed rozpoczęciem korzystania z urządzenia należy koniecznie zapoznać się z wszystkimi instrukcjami, ostrzeżeniami,
przestrogami i uwagami prawnymi. Należy zawsze postępować zgodnie z zaleceniami tam zawartymi.
Nota importante
Antes de utilizar o dispositivo, deverá proceder à leitura e compreensão de todos os avisos, precauções, instruções e isenções
de responsabilidade legal e assegurar-se do seu cumprimento.
Важное примечание
До того, как пользоваться устройством, вам необходимо прочитать ипонять все предупреждения, предостережения и
юридические ограничения ответственности иследовать им.
Viktig information
Innan du använder enheten måste du läsa, förstå och följa alla anvisningar, varningar, försiktighetsåtgärder och
ansvarsfriskrivningar.
Önemli not
Cihazı çalıştırmadan öncetüm talimatları, uyarıları, ikazları veyasal açıklamaları okumalı, anlamalı vebunlara uymalısınız.
重要注意事项
在操作设备之前，您必须阅读、理解并遵循所有说明、警告、注意事项和法律免责声明。
重要注意事項
操作裝置之前，您務必閱讀、了解並遵循所有說明、警告、注意事項與法律免責聲明

Copyright
© 2022 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software
including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into
any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic,
magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR
Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without
prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade
names or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are
the property of their respective owners.
Legal disclaimer
For warranty terms, refer to https://www.flir.com/warranty.
Quality assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and
manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore we
reserve the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without
prior notice.

4•Contents
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Contents
FIGURES........................................................................................................8
TABLES........................................................................................................10
NOTICE TO USER .........................................................................................11
Disposal of electronic waste................................................................... 11
Training .............................................................................................. 11
Documentation updates ........................................................................ 11
Note about authoritative versions........................................................... 11
CUSTOMER HELP .........................................................................................12
General............................................................................................... 12
Submitting a question........................................................................... 12
Downloads .......................................................................................... 12
FLIR A68/A38 SERIES OVERVIEW...............................................................13
DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 13
Key Features ....................................................................................... 13
Teledyne DALSA Development Software.................................................. 14
MODEL PART NUMBERS ................................................................................... 14
FLIR A68 Part Numbers......................................................................... 14
FLIR A38 Part Numbers......................................................................... 14
EXPORT CONTROLS ........................................................................................ 15
FLIR A68/A38 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 16
A68/A38 SERIES EMI, SHOCK AND VIBRATION CERTIFICATIONS................................. 17
GIGEVISION INTERFACE ................................................................................. 18
GigE Vision Sapera Application Description .............................................. 18
GIGENETWORK ADAPTER OVERVIEW .................................................................. 19
PAUSE Frame Support .......................................................................... 19
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIR A68/A38 SERIES............................................ 19
Host PC System ................................................................................... 19
Software Requirements......................................................................... 20
Ethernet Switch Requirements for FLIR A68/A38 Series ............................ 21
Ethernet to Fiber-Optic Interface Requirements........................................ 22
INTRODUCTION TO MICROBOLOMETERS.....................................................23
Emissivity............................................................................................ 24
QUICK START GUIDE ...................................................................................26
CONNECTING THE FLIR A68/A38 SERIES GIGEVISION CAMERA ................................. 26
FLIR A68/A38 Series Power Specifications ............................................... 26
Steps for Camera Startup...................................................................... 26
FLIR A68/A38 Series Connectors ............................................................ 27
Preventing Operational Faults due to ESD................................................ 27
A68/A38 IP Configuration Sequence ....................................................... 28
CAMERA CONNECTION SETUP ............................................................................ 29
Displaying Images................................................................................ 30
CONTROLLING A68/A38 USING THE SAPERA LT API ............................................... 33
FEATURES AND CONFIGURATION OPTIONS ................................................35
HEAT SINKS ................................................................................................ 36

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Contents •5
ADJUSTING THE LENS FOCUS ............................................................................ 36
LED INDICATORS.......................................................................................... 37
FLIR A68/A38 Series LED States ............................................................ 37
FIXED PATTERN NOISE CORRECTION ................................................................... 38
Target Mode ........................................................................................ 38
Saving Fixed Pattern Noise Calibration .................................................... 39
Performing Manual FPN Correction with Internal Shutter ........................... 39
Performing Manual FPN Correction with External Shutter........................... 40
FPN Correction Using Triggered Acquisition.............................................. 42
Automatic FPN Calibration ..................................................................... 42
Performing Calibration of the Supplemental FPN Correction Table............... 43
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 43
RADIOMETRY ............................................................................................... 44
Converting Pixel Values to Temperatures................................................. 44
Mounting and Thermal Considerations..................................................... 46
Using Enclosures .................................................................................. 49
Radiometric Calibration ......................................................................... 50
OVERLAYS .................................................................................................. 57
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 58
FALSE COLOR MAPPING................................................................................... 59
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 59
METADATA.................................................................................................. 60
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 62
PIXEL POLARITY............................................................................................ 63
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 63
DEFECTIVE PIXEL CORRECTION.......................................................................... 64
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 65
MEDIAN FILTER ............................................................................................ 66
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 66
CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT................................................................................ 67
Contrast Mode ..................................................................................... 67
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 76
CAMERA SYNCHRONIZATION ............................................................................. 77
Slave Configuration with External Input Frame Trigger.............................. 78
Slave Configuration with PTP Trigger ...................................................... 78
Master Configuration with Output Pulses ................................................. 79
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 79
EXTERNAL TRIGGER ....................................................................................... 80
SENSOR READOUT ALIGNMENT MODE .................................................................. 82
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 84
PRECISION TIME PROTOCOL ............................................................................. 85
PTP Synchronization ............................................................................. 85
Hardware Considerations....................................................................... 85
PTP Configuration Features.................................................................... 86
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 86
INTERNAL TEST PATTERN GENERATOR.................................................................. 87
A68/A38 Test Patterns .......................................................................... 87
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 88
TEMPERATURE SENSORS.................................................................................. 89
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 89
ERROR LOG FILE........................................................................................... 90
Related GigE Vision Features ................................................................. 90
OPERATIONAL REFERENCE..........................................................................91
USING A FLIR A68/A38 SERIES CAMERA WITH SAPERA API...................................... 91
Network and Computer Overview ........................................................... 91
Installing Sapera LT.............................................................................. 92

6•Contents
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Camera Firmware Updates .................................................................... 92
Firmware via Linux or Third-Party Tools .................................................. 92
GigE Server Verification ........................................................................ 93
GigE Server Status ............................................................................... 93
Optimizing the Network Adapter used with A68/A38 ................................. 94
Quick Test with CamExpert (Windows).................................................... 94
About the Device User ID ...................................................................... 95
USING CAMEXPERT WITH A68/A38 CAMERAS........................................................ 96
CamExpert Panes ................................................................................. 96
CAMERA INFORMATION CATEGORY ...................................................................... 99
Camera Information Feature Descriptions.............................................. 100
Power-up Configuration Dialog............................................................. 102
IMAGE FORMAT CONTROLS CATEGORY ............................................................... 103
Image Format Controls Feature Descriptions.......................................... 103
FPN CORRECTION CATEGORY.......................................................................... 105
FPN Correction Feature Descriptions ..................................................... 106
CONTRAST /BRIGHTNESS /RADIOMETRY CATEGORY .............................................. 109
Contrast / Brightness / Radiometry Feature Descriptions......................... 109
IMAGE PROCESSING CATEGORY ....................................................................... 112
Image Processing Feature Descriptions ................................................. 112
OVERLAY CONTROL CATEGORY ........................................................................ 115
Overlay Feature Descriptions ............................................................... 115
ACQUISITION CONTROL CATEGORY ................................................................... 117
Acquisition Control Feature Descriptions................................................ 117
Features that Cannot be Changed During a Transfer ............................... 119
TRIGGER CONTROL FEATURES CATEGORY ............................................................ 120
Trigger Controls Feature Descriptions ................................................... 120
Examples using Timestamp Modulo Event for Acquisitions ....................... 122
I/O CONTROLS CATEGORY ............................................................................. 126
I/O Controls Feature Descriptions......................................................... 126
EVENT CONTROL CATEGORY ........................................................................... 128
Event Control Feature Descriptions ....................................................... 128
Overview of Precision Time Protocol Mode (IEEE 1588) ........................... 134
USER SET CONTROL CATEGORY ....................................................................... 136
User Set Control Feature Descriptions................................................... 136
METADATA CONTROLS CATEGORY ..................................................................... 137
Metadata Controls Feature Descriptions ................................................ 137
GIGEVISION TRANSPORT LAYER CATEGORY ........................................................ 138
GIGEVISION HOST CONTROL CATEGORY............................................................ 141
FILE ACCESS CONTROL CATEGORY.................................................................... 141
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................144
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................... 144
FLIR A68/A38 Series with M25 Lens Mount ............................................ 144
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON A68/A38 IDENTIFICATION AND MECHANICAL .......................... 145
CONNECTORS ............................................................................................ 145
10-pin I/O Connector Details ............................................................... 145
Input Signal Electrical Specifications ..................................................... 146
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support ...................................................... 149
Output Signals Electrical Specifications ................................................. 149
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE INFORMATION .............................................................. 153
I/O Mating Connector Sources ............................................................. 153
RUGGEDIZED RJ45 ETHERNET CABLES .............................................................. 154
SENSOR HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................... 155
Cleaning the Sensor Window ............................................................... 155
Electrostatic Discharge and the Sensor ................................................. 155

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Contents •7
DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY..............................................................156
FCC Statement of Conformance ........................................................... 156
EU and UKCA Declaration of Conformity ................................................ 156
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................157
OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 157
QUICK RECOVERY GUIDE ............................................................................... 157
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING FOR FLIR A68/A38 SERIES ....................................... 159
Error Log File..................................................................................... 159
Power Failure During a Firmware Update–Now What? ............................. 159
Power supply problems:...................................................................... 159
Camera is functional, but image has no contents.................................... 159
FLIR A68/A38 SERIES TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................ 159
GigE Server Status ............................................................................. 159
Problem Type Summary ...................................................................... 161
Acquisition Error without Timeout Messages .......................................... 163
Cabling and Communication Problems: ................................................. 164
Verifying Network Parameters.............................................................. 165
INTERNAL SHUTTER PROBLEMS ........................................................................ 166

8•Contents
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Figures
Figure 1: GigE Application Architecture .................................................................. 18
Figure 2: FLIR A68/A38 Series–Rear View ............................................................. 27
Figure 3: Lens Lockdown Screws........................................................................... 36
Figure 4: FLIR A68/A38 Series LED Startup Sequence.............................................. 37
Figure 5: FPN Compensation Mode ........................................................................ 39
Figure 6: Performing FPN Correction...................................................................... 40
Figure 7: Faulty FPN Calibration ............................................................................ 41
Figure 8: Color Map Overlay ................................................................................. 46
Figure 9: Mechanical camera interface (left) used for thermal coupling during mounting
on heatsink (right) .............................................................................................. 46
Figure 10: Camera Mounted on Tripod ................................................................... 47
Figure 11: Camera Schematic Showing Flux Contribution: Red = internal housing
contribution, Green = useful IR flux part coming from the scene through the lens ....... 47
Figure 12: Influence of Airflow on Temperature Accuracy ......................................... 48
Figure 13: Camera in Enclosure Configuration (with and w/o window) ....................... 49
Figure 14: Temperature Accuracy Improvement Using an Enclosure .......................... 49
Figure 15: Gain feature for external optic adjustment. ............................................. 53
Figure 16: Radiometric Offset Correction Feature .................................................... 55
Figure 17: Temperature Accuracy (25°C & 40°C target objects) Using 35°C External
Reference (IEC80601-2-59 requirements) .............................................................. 55
Figure 18: Overlay feature setup for external reference ........................................... 56
Figure 19: Radiometry features setup for external reference..................................... 56
Figure 20: Overlays ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 21: Fire Color Map ..................................................................................... 59
Figure 22: Fire Color Map Range Overlay................................................................ 59
Figure 23: Pixel Polarity ....................................................................................... 63
Figure 24: Defective Pixel Map .............................................................................. 64
Figure 25: File Access Control ............................................................................... 65
Figure 26: Median Filter ....................................................................................... 66
Figure 27: Contrast Enhancement Mapping 16-Bit to 8-bit........................................ 67
Figure 28: Dynamic Adaptive Image Enhancement .................................................. 68
Figure 29: Contrast Enhancement Maximum Gain ................................................... 70
Figure 30: Fixed Adaptive Image Enhancement....................................................... 72
Figure 31: Fixed Adaptive Brightness Setting .......................................................... 73
Figure 32: Fixed Adaptive Brightness Setting Example ............................................. 73
Figure 33: External Trigger Wave Diagram: Free-Running ........................................ 83
Figure 34: External Trigger Wave Diagram: Frame-On-Demand ................................ 84
Figure 35: Horizontal Ramp Test Pattern ................................................................ 87
Figure 36: Vertical Ramp Test Pattern.................................................................... 87
Figure 37: Diagonal Ramp Test Pattern .................................................................. 87
Figure 38: File Access Control Dialog ..................................................................... 88
Figure 39: File Access Control Dialog ..................................................................... 90
Figure 40: GigE Server Tray Icon .......................................................................... 93
Figure 41: GigE Pop-up Menu ............................................................................... 93
Figure 42: GigE Vision Device Status ..................................................................... 94
Figure 43: Sapera CamExpert ............................................................................... 95
Figure 44: Sapera CamExpert GUI Layout .............................................................. 97
Figure 45: CamExpert Camera Information Category ............................................... 99
Figure 46: Power-up Configuration Dialog .............................................................102
Figure 47: CamExpert Image Format Controls .......................................................103
Figure 48: CamExpert FPN Correction Category .....................................................105

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Contents •9
Figure 49: CamExpert Contrast / Brightness/ Radiometry Category ..........................109
Figure 50: CamExpert Image Processing Category..................................................112
Figure 51: CamExpert Overlay Category ...............................................................115
Figure 52: CamExpert Acquisition Control..............................................................117
Figure 53: CamExpert Trigger Control Features Category ........................................120
Figure 54: CamExpert I/O Controls Category .........................................................126
Figure 55: CamExpert Event Control Category .......................................................128
Figure 56: CamExpert User Set Control Category ...................................................136
Figure 57: CamExpert Metadata Controls ..............................................................137
Figure 58: CamExpert GigE Vision Transport Layer Category ...................................138
Figure 59: CamExpert File Access Control Category ................................................141
Figure 60: CamExpert File Access Control Category ................................................143
Figure 61: FLIR A68/A38 Series with M25 Lens Mount (mm units) ............................144
Figure 62: Ruggedized RJ45 Ethernet cable with Thumbscrews ................................154
Figure 63: Random Bad Data or Noise Example .....................................................163

10 •Contents
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Tables
Table 1: Teledyne DALSA Development Software .............................................................. 14
Table 2: FLIR A68/A38 Series Specifications ..................................................................... 16
Table 3: FLIR A68/A38 Series EMI, Shock and Vibration Certifications.................................. 17
Table 4: Emissivity Values for Common Materials .............................................................. 25
Table 5: FLIR A68/A38 Series Power Specifications............................................................ 26
Table 6: Bit Range for 16-Bit Image Display ..................................................................... 31
Table 7: Image Display Using Different 8-Bit Ranges ......................................................... 31
Table 8: FLIR A68/A38 Series LED States ......................................................................... 37
Table 9: Image Enhancement Dynamic Adaptive Contrast Examples .................................... 69
Table 10: Maximum Gain Off Example ............................................................................. 71
Table 11: Maximum Gain Setting Examples ...................................................................... 71
Table 12: Maximum Gain Setting 0.5 Example .................................................................. 72
Table 13: Sample 16-Bit Image ...................................................................................... 74
Table 14: Static Contrast Mode Example .......................................................................... 75
Table 15: GigE Server Tray Icon States............................................................................ 93
Table 16: CamExpert Display Pane Control Buttons ........................................................... 96
Table 17: Camera Information Feature Descriptions .........................................................100
Table 18: Image Format Controls Feature Descriptions .....................................................103
Table 19: Image Processing Feature Descriptions .............................................................106
Table 20: Contrast / Brightness /Radiometry Feature Descriptions......................................109
Table 21: Image Processing Feature Descriptions .............................................................112
Table 22: Overlay Feature Descriptions ...........................................................................115
Table 23: Acquisition Control Feature Descriptions ...........................................................117
Table 24: Trigger Control Controls Feature Descriptions ....................................................120
Table 25: I/O Controls Feature Descriptions ....................................................................126
Table 26: Event Control Feature Descriptions...................................................................128
Table 27: User Set Control Feature Descriptions...............................................................136
Table 28: Metadata Controls Feature Descriptions ............................................................137
Table 29: GigE Vision Transport Layer Feature Descriptions ...............................................139
Table 30: File Access Control Feature Descriptions ...........................................................142
Table 31: Samtec 10-Pin Connector Pin Assignment .........................................................145
Table 32: GigE Server Tray Icon States...........................................................................159

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Notice to User •11
Notice to User
Disposal of electronic waste
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) contains materials, components and
substances that may be hazardous and present a risk to human health and the
environment when waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is not handled
correctly.
For this purpose all local authorities have established collection schemes under which
residents can dispose waste electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre or
other collection points, or WEEE will be collected directly from households. More
detailed information is available from the technical administration of the relevant local
authority.
Training
For training resources and courses, go to http://www.flir.com/support-center/training.
Documentation updates
Our manuals are updated several times per year, and we also issue product-critical
notifications of changes on a regular basis.
To access the latest manuals, translations of manuals, and notifications, go to the
Download tab at:
http://support.flir.com
In the download area you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other
products, as well as manuals for our historical and obsolete products.
Note about authoritative versions
The authoritative version of this publication is English. In the event of divergences due
to translation errors, the English text has precedence. Any late changes are first
implemented in English.

12 •Customer Help
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Customer Help
General
Do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support Center if you experience problems or
have any questions.
For customer help, go to http://support.flir.com
Submitting a question
To submit a question to the customer help team, you must be a registered user. It only
takes a few minutes to register online. If you only want to search the knowledgebase
for existing questions and answers, you do not need to be a registered user.
When you want to submit a question, make sure that you have the following
information to hand:
•The camera model.
•The camera serial number.
•The communication protocol, or method, between the camera and your device
(e.g., SD card reader, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, or FireWire).
•Device type (PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad/Android device, etc.).
•Version of any programs from FLIR Systems.
•Full name, publication number, and revision number of the manual.
Downloads
On the customer help site you can also download the following, when applicable for the
product:
•Firmware updates for your infrared camera.
•Program updates for your PC/Mac software.
•Freeware and evaluation versions of PC/Mac software.
•User documentation for current, obsolete, and historical products.
•Mechanical drawings (in *.dxf and *.pdf format).
•CAD data models (in *.stp format).
•Application examples.
•Technical datasheets.

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview •13
FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview
Description
The FLIR A68/A38 series cameras are small form factor long wave infrared cameras.
The FLIR A68/A38 Series cameras are based on Teledyne DALSA detector technology.
The camera is available in two resolutions, VGA (640x480) and QVGA (320x240).
The FLIR A68/A38 series cameras features an internal mechanical shutter; this allows
the camera to recalibrate itself upon demand during operation. This ensures uniform
image output regardless of the camera’s thermal environment. Note that factory
calibration of the A68/A38 cameras allows them to operate for a long period of time
before shutter may need to be activated.
This manual describes features available for the FLIR A68/A38 series firmware release
2.51.
Key Features
•640x480 VGA or 320x240 QVGA resolutions
•17 μm square pixels
•29mm x 36mm x 59mm
•Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interconnection to a computer via standard 1000BASE-T
compliant cables
•Visual camera multicolor status LED on back plate
•General purpose opto-coupled input allows frame acquisition using an external
trigger
•General purpose opto-coupled output (user, count, alarm or timer driven
triggering)
•Counter function available based on general purpose opto-coupled input
•Defective pixel replacement
•Adaptive contrast enhancement
•Digital zoom (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x or 16x)
•Supports image timestamp based on 1EEE1588-2008 Precision Time Protocol for
synchronization between multiple cameras
•Built-in pseudo-color for enhanced visualization
•Image metadata supported
•Application development with the freely available Sapera™ LT software libraries
•Internal mechanical shutter for remote recalibration
•Made in Canada
Camera features can be controlled using a GigE Vision compliant software API, such as
Teledyne DALSA’s Sapera LT SDK. Within the Sapera LT SDK, we currently offer a
generic GigE Vision driver that supports all Teledyne DALSA GigE Vision cameras,
including all future A68/A38 GigE Vision cameras.

14 •FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
The Sapera LT initial version that supports this driver is Sapera LT v7.30. We
strongly recommend using v8.41 or greater for an improved user experience. Sapera
LT is available for download from the Teledyne DALSA website:
http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging/support/downloads/sdks/
Teledyne DALSA Development Software
Table 1: Teledyne DALSA Development Software
Teledyne DALSA Software Platform for Microsoft Windows
Sapera LT version 8.41 or greater (for Windows)
includes Sapera Network Imaging Package and GigE
Vision Imaging Driver, Sapera Runtime and
CamExpert.
Provides everything you will need to develop
imaging applications
Sapera documentation in compiled HTML help, and
Adobe Acrobat® (PDF)
Available for download:
https://www.teledynedalsa.com/en/support/options/
Sapera Processing Imaging Development Library
(available for Windows or Linux - sold separately):
Contact Teledyne DALSA Sales
Teledyne DALSA Software Platform for Linux
GigE Vision Framework (for both X86 or Arm type
processor)
Contact Teledyne DALSA Sales
Model Part Numbers
The following tables lists the available part numbers, where:
•EFL = Effective Focal Length
•HFOV = Horizontal Field of View
•VFOV = Vertical Field of View
FLIR A68 Part Numbers
Part #
Lens
Mount
EFL
(mm)
Aperture
(1/f)
HFOV
(degrees)
VFOV
(degrees)
Minimum
working
distance
(approx. 1)
Lens
Weight
(grams)
Total
Weight
(grams)
Length
with
lens
11302-
0102
M25
14.2
1.2
42.1
31.9
1.3 m
25
92.1
69 mm
11302-
0101
M25
25
1.2
24.2
18.4
2 m
4
71.2
80 mm
1. Smaller working distances are possible but optical performance may be affected.
FLIR A38 Part Numbers
Part #
Lens
Mount
EFL
(mm)
Aperture
(1/f)
HFOV
(degrees)
VFOV
(degrees)
Minimum
working
distance
(approx. 1)
Lens
Weight
(grams)
Total
Weight
(grams)
Length
with
lens
11301-
0102
M25
8.1
1.1
40.1
29.5
1.5 m
27
94.2
70
11301-
0101
M25
13
1.0
24.1
18.1
0.4m
23
90.2
69
1. Smaller working distances are possible but optical performance may be affected.
For ordering information, contact your Teledyne FLIR sales representative.

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview •15
Export Controls
The FLIR A68/A38 series cameras are currently classified as a "Dual Use" item under
Group 1 (1-6.A.3.B.4.B) of the Canada Export Control List and Category 6 (6.A.3.B.4)
under the Wassennaar Arrangement on Export Control for Conventional Arms and
Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.

16 •FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
FLIR A68/A38 Series Specifications
The FLIR A68/A38 Series camera has the following specifications:
Table 2: FLIR A68/A38 Series Specifications
Mechanical Interface
Camera with M25 Lens Mount (W x H x L)
29mm x 36mm x 59mm (with lens mount)
Mass (without lens)
67.2 g
Power connector
via Samtec 10-pin connector (or optionally using Power-
over-Ethernet)
Electrical Interface
Input Voltage
12/24V DC (min 9V, max 57V)
Power Consumption, for different power
supply configurations:
Typical
Peak
(usually due to shutter activation)
12 V
2.8 W
4.4 W
24 V
2.8 W
4.4 W
Power over Ethernet (48V)
3.5 W
4.8 W
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature (Ambient)1
-35°C to 60°C1
Operating Relative Humidity
maximum 80% non-condensing
Storage Temperature2
-40°C to +80°C
Storage Relative Humidity
maximum 80% non-condensing
Sensor Information
Spectral Response
8-14μm (LWIR)
Pixel Pitch
17μm
Focal Plane Array
640x480 (VGA) or 320x240 (QVGA)
Camera Information
Boot time
7.5s ± 1s (from power-up to detection by Sapera LT
library running on Windows using Persistent IP address)
Internal mechanical shutter activation time
<100ms to change from open/closed position
NETD3
Scene Range (°C)
<50 mK
-25 to 200
1. Extended or limited operating temperature ranges are available; contact Teledyne FLIR for more
information.
2. To avoid possible damage, when storing cameras, ensure that the sensor is not exposed to air; use a
lens cap or lens to cover the sensor.
3. Camera NETD measures the actual noise in output images, using an f/1.0 lens, with processing, at
30fps.
WARNING: These sensors are sensitive to over-exposure to hot objects; the
sensors are considered “sun-safe” in the sense that pixels will not break if over
exposed for short periods; however, long exposure to hot bodies (like the sun)
will eventually create ghost-like artifacts. These artifacts can be made to
disappear by recalibrating the FPN compensation (see Fixed Pattern Noise
Correction).
WARNING: For cameras not equipped with a lens, do not touch the internal
mechanical shutter; any physical contact to the shutter may render it unusable.

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview •17
A68/A38 Series EMI, Shock and Vibration Certifications
Table 3: FLIR A68/A38 Series EMI, Shock and Vibration Certifications
Test Name / Standard
Limit / Test Level
Measurement of conducted emissions
CISPR 11: 2015 A1: 2016 A2: 2019
Group1, Class A
Measurement of radiated emissions
CISPR 11: 2015 A1: 2016 A2: 2019
Group1, Class A
Measurement of conducted emissions - LAN port
CISPR 32: 2015
Class A
Measurement of conducted emissions
FCC Part 15: 2018, Subpart B
Class A
Measurement of radiated emissions
FCC Part 15: 2018, Subpart B
Class A
Radiated electromagnetic field immunity –radio frequencies
IEC 61000-4-3: 2006 A1: 2007 A2: 2010
Scan 10 V/m 80-1000 MHz
3 V/m 1.4-2.7 GHz
Spot 3 V/m 1.8, 2.6, 3.5 and 5 GHz
Conducted immunity
IEC 61000-4-6: 2013
10 V power
10 V I/O
Electrostatic discharge immunity
IEC 61000-4-2: 2008
±4 kV contact
±8 kV air
Electrostatic fast transient immunity
IEC 61000-4-4: 2012
±2 kV power
±1 kV I/O
Surge immunity
IEC 61000-4-5: 2014 A1: 2017
±1 kV L - L
±2 kV L - Ground
Magnetic field immunity
IEC 61000-4-8: 2009
30 A/m / 50 Hz
Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variation immunity
IEC 61000-4-11: 2004 A1: 2017
0% - 1 cycle
40% - 10 cycles
70% - 25 cycles
0% - 250 cycles
RoHS
Compliancy as per European directive
2011/65/EC
Vibration & Shock
Tests
Test Levels (while operating)
Test Parameters
Random vibrations
Level 1: 2 grms 60 min.
Level 2: 4 grms 45 min.
Level 3: 6 grms 30 min.
Level 4: 7.7 grms 60 min
Level 5: 15 grms 30 min
Level 6: 20 grms 30 min
Frequency range: 20 to 2000 Hz
Directions: X, Y, and Z axis
Shocks
Level 1: 20 g / 11 ms
Level 2: 30 g / 11 ms
Level 3: 40 g / 6 ms
Shape: half-sine
Number: 6 shocks (+) and 6 shocks (-)
Directions: ±X, ±Y, and ±Z axis
Thermal Shock
-35oC - 65 oC (+ 3 oC)
50 cycles
Additional information concerning test conditions and methodologies is available on request.

18 •FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
GigE Vision Interface
FLIR A68/A38 series cameras comply with the GigE Vision and GenICam standard
protocols.
GigE Vision Sapera Application Description
A68/A38 cameras are 100% compliant with the GigE Vision 1.1
specification which defines the communication interface protocol
used by any GigE Vision device. The device description and
capabilities are contained in an XML file. For more information see:
https://www.visiononline.org/vision-standards-details.cfm
A68/A38 cameras implement a superset of the GenICam™
specification which defines device capabilities. This description takes
the form of an XML device description file respecting the syntax
defined by the GenApi module of the GenICam™ specification. For
more information see www.genicam.org.
The Teledyne DALSA GigE Vision Module provides a license free development platform
for Teledyne GigE hardware or Sapera vision applications. Additionally supported are
Sapera GigE Vision applications for third-party hardware with the purchase of a GigE
Vision Module license, or the Sapera processing SDK with a valid license.
The GigE Vision Compliant XML device description file is embedded within A68/A38
firmware allowing GigE Vision Compliant applications access to A68/A38 capabilities
and controls immediately after connection.
User’s Sapera
Application
Sapera LT SDK
GigE Vision
Module
GigE Server Sapera Network
Imaging Driver
CamExpert
Ethernet Network Interface Card
Network
Configuration Tool
Images
Control
GVSP
GigE Vision
Stream
Protocol
GVCP
GigE Vision
Control
Protocol
single GigE Vision
Camera
Sapera LT
smart DHCP
Server (optional)
Sapera Network
Imaging Module
Alternatively via a switch
To multiple GigE
Vision Cameras
Figure 1: GigE Application Architecture

FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview •19
GigE Network Adapter Overview
A68/A38 connects to a computer’s Gigabit Network Adapter. If the computer is already
connected to a network, the computer requires a second network adapter, either
onboard or an additional PCIe NIC adapter.
In general, automatic IP configuration assignment (LLA/DHCP) is sufficient for most
A68/A38 installations. Please refer to the Teledyne DALSA Network Imaging
Package manual for information on the Teledyne DALSA Network Configuration tool
and network optimization for GigE Vision cameras and devices.
PAUSE Frame Support
The A68/A38 supports the Gigabit Ethernet PAUSE Frame feature as per IEEE 802.3x.
PAUSE Frame is the Ethernet flow control mechanism to manage network traffic within
an Ethernet switch when multiple cameras are simultaneously used. This requires that
the flow control option in the NIC property settings and the Ethernet switch settings
must be enabled. Refer to the Teledyne DALSA Network Imaging manual.
Computer Requirements for FLIR A68/A38 Series
The following information is a guide to computer and networking equipment required to
support the FLIR A68/A38 series camera at maximum performance. The A68/A38
camera series complies with the current IPv4 Internet Protocol, therefore current
Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) equipment should provide trouble free performance.
Host PC System
Operating Systems:
•Windows 7, 8.0, 8.1, 10 (either 32-bit or 64-bit for all) are supported.
•Linux supported by Teledyne DALSA GigE-V Framework; for supported kernels
and platforms refer to the GigE-V Framework documentation.
Network Adapters for GigE Camera Version
•GigE network adapter (either add on card or on motherboard). The Intel
PRO/1000 MT adapter is an example of a high-performance NIC. Typically a
system will need an Ethernet GigE adapter to supplement the single NIC on the
motherboard.
•PCI Express adapters will outperform PCI adapters.
Laptop Information for GigE Camera Version
•Older laptop computers with built in GigE network adapters may still not be able
to stream full frame rates from A68/A38. Thorough testing is required with any
laptop computer to determine the maximum frame rate possible (refer to the
Teledyne DALSA Network Imaging Package user's manual).

20 •FLIR A68/A38 Series Overview
FLIR A68/A38 Series IR Camera User's Manual
Software Requirements
Camera features can be controlled using a GigE Vision compliant software API, such as
Teledyne DALSA’s Sapera LT SDK. The Sapera LT software suite includes the
CamExpert tool that allows for quick configuration and evaluation of all Teledyne
DALSA products. As such, it is recommended that users install the latest version of
Sapera LT on the host computer for evaluation and development.
Note: While other software tools and SDKs support acquiring images from
GigE cameras, Teledyne DALSA cannot provide support for their specific
configurations.
The current release version of Sapera LT is available for download here:
http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging/products/software/sapera/lt/download/.
To install the Sapera Network Imaging Package, it is recommended that the installation
be started locally instead of from a network location.
During the installation process, you are prompted to choose the Sapera LT acquisition
components to install. Select the GigE Vision cameras option. This will install the
GigE Vision Network Imaging Package on your system. Other packages may be
installed as required.
When upgrading from a previous version of Sapera LT this dialog is not displayed and
the same directory structure and component configuration are used; however, when
upgrading to Sapera LT 8.60 and higher it is displayed as new installation options are
available.