FLIR A6700sc, A6750sc, A6650, A6600 User Manual
A6700sc/A6750sc
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: 29249-000
Version: 5
Issue Date: February 2, 2015
FLIR Systems, Inc.
9 Townsend West,
Nashua, NH 03063
Support: 1-800-GO-INFR A (800-464-6372)
http://flir.custhelp.com
A6700sc/A6750sc User’s Manual
Service: 1-866-FLIR-911
www.flir.com
©2015 FLIR Systems, Inc.
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Table of Contents
1 REVISION HISTORY ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Camera System Components .......................................................................................... 7
2.2 System Overview............................................................................................................. 7
2.3 Key features of the A6700sc/A6750sc cameras .............................................................. 8
3 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 10
4 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................ 11
4.1 Basic Connections ......................................................................................................... 11
4.1.1 Power ......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1.2 Analog Video .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.1.3 GigE Digital Vi deo ...................................................................................................................... 12
5 CAMERA CONTROLLER ............................................................................................................................. 13
5.1 ResearchIR Mini Controller ............................................................................................ 13
5.1.1 Single Preset Mode .................................................................................................................... 13
5.1.2 Superframing Mode [A675xsc only] ........................................................................................... 13
5.2 Menu Bar ....................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1 Tools Menu ................................................................................................................................. 14
Advanced Time Controls .................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.2 Help Menu .................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2.3 Status Page ................................................................................................................................ 15
5.2.4 Setup Page ................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2.4.1 Setup Tab ................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.4.2 Sync Tab [A6750sc only] ............................................................................................................ 17
5.2.4.2.1 Sync Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2.4.2.2 Sync Source ........................................................................................................................................ 20
5.2.4.2.3 Sync Options ....................................................................................................................................... 21
5.2.4.2.4 Sync Out ............................................................................................................................................. 22
5.2.5 Correction Page .......................................................................................................................... 22
NUC Information ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Manage NUCs .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Load NUC Options .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Performing a NUC .............................................................................................................................................. 25
What is a Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC)? ..................................................................................................... 27
5.2.5.1.1 One-Point Correction Process............................................................................................................. 28
5.2.5.1.2 Two-Point Correction Process............................................................................................................. 28
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5.2.5.1.3 Offset Update ...................................................................................................................................... 29
5.2.5.1.4 Bad Pixel Correction ........................................................................................................................... 29
5.2.6 Video Page ................................................................................................................................. 31
6 INTERFACES ................................................................................................................................................ 34
6.1 Mechanical (dimensions in inches) ................................................................................ 34
6.1.1 Status Lights ............................................................................................................................... 36
6.1.2 Power Interface .......................................................................................................................... 36
6.1.3 Other Interfaces .......................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.3.1 Gigabit Ethernet .......................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.3.2 Sync In ........................................................................................................................................ 37
6.1.3.3 Video .......................................................................................................................................... 37
6.1.3.4 AUX Connector [A6750sc only] .................................................................................................. 37
7 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 39
7.1 Interface ........................................................................................................................ 39
7.2 Windowing Capacity ...................................................................................................... 39
7.3 Acquisition Modes and Features .................................................................................... 39
7.4 Analog Video ................................................................................................................. 40
7.5 Performance Characteristics ......................................................................................... 40
7.6 Non Uniformity Correction ............................................................................................. 41
7.7 Detector/FPA ................................................................................................................. 41
7.8 General Characteristics ................................................................................................. 42
8 MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................................ 43
8.1 Camera and Lens Cleaning ........................................................................................... 43
8.1.1 Camera Body, Cables and Accessories ..................................................................................... 43
8.1.2 Lenses ........................................................................................................................................ 43
9 INFRARED PRIMER ..................................................................................................................................... 45
9.1 History of Infrared .......................................................................................................... 45
9.2 Theory of Thermography ............................................................................................... 48
9.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 48
9.2.2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum .................................................................................................. 48
9.2.3 Blackbody Radiation ................................................................................................................... 48
Planck’s Law ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
Wien’s Displacement Law ................................................................................................................................... 50
Stefan-Boltzmann's Law ..................................................................................................................................... 51
Non-Blackbody Emitters ..................................................................................................................................... 52
9.2.4 Infrared Semi-Transparent Materials .......................................................................................... 54
9.3 The Measurement Formula ........................................................................................... 55
9.4 Emissivity tables ............................................................................................................ 58
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A6700sc/A6750sc User’s Manual
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1 Revision History
Version
Date
Initials
Changes
2
08/27/13
RM
Added 2D drawings, corrections
1 08/26/13 RM Initial Release
3 11/21/13 RM Corrections to specifications section
4 11/05/14 RM Removed ITAR control statement.
5 02/02/15 RM Added A6750sc GigE
1 – Revision History
A6700sc/A6750sc User’s Manual
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2 – Introduction
2 Introduction
2.1 Camera System Components
The A6700sc 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
A67xxsc Camera 29350-2xx
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
ResearchIR Max download/activation card T199013
AUX connector breakout cable [A6750sc only] 29402-500
Laboratory calibration plate 261-0005-00
Water-resistant transit case 24043-000
Documentation CD 24048-050
2.2 System Overview
The A6700sc infrared camera system has been developed by FLIR Advanced Thermal Solutions
(ATS) to meet the needs of the commercial R&D 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 A6700sc camera utilizes a large format, 640 x 512 array
with 15μm pixel pitch.
The A6700sc is a stand-alone imaging camera that interfaces to host PC using Gigabit Ethernet. An
SDK is available, which makes it possible for t he system designer to write their own camera cont roller
and acquire image data with their own custom application.
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2.3 Key features of the A6700sc/A6750sc 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 A6700sc 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 A6700sc has three available window sizes with a max frame rate of 480Hz. The
A6750sc has flexible window sizes with frame rates up to 4kHz.
2 – Introduction
Presets
Up to four presets and their associated parameters such as integration time, frame rate,
window size and window location, are available for instant selection with a single command.
Superframing [A6750sc 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 select ed
window size.
External Sync
The A6700sc 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 [A6750sc only]
An external trigger input can be used to signal ResearchIR to start rec ording or to precisely
start the image stream relative to an external event.
Multiple Video Outputs
The A6700sc camera features multiple independent and simultaneous video:
▫ Digital – Gigabit Ethernet
▫ Analog – Composite video (NTSC or PAL)
Analog Video Color Palettes
The A6700sc camera supports a selection of standard and user-defined color palettes f or th e
analog video output.
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2 – Introduction
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 A6700sc camera uses th e 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 A6700sc. 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 A6700sc. Lenses for the
SC8000 will not work on the A6700sc.
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3 – Warnings and Cautions
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.
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4 Installation
4.1 Basic Connections
All connections to the A6700sc are located on the Back Panel.
4 – Installation
Item Name Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Power Switch LED will light when power is ON
Ready Light LED will turn on when camera is booted
Cold LED LED will light when FPA temp is <80K
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) Connect to a PC for digital IR image data
AUX Connector A675xsc only. (See Section 6.1.3.4 for details)
DC Power Input 24VDC
Sync Input External Frame Sync
Video Out NTSC or PAL, selectable in camera controller
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4 – Installation
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 A6700sc 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), ba d 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) you can view the 14-bit digital video over Gigabit Ethernet.
The A6700sc 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.
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5 –Camera Controller
5 Camera Controller
5.1 ResearchIR Mini Controller
The Camera Controller (also called the Graphical User Interface or GUI) can be accessed from within
the ResearchIR software. Once you are connected to the camera, a mini controller will be visible in
the left pane. This controller will have basic controls for the most commonly used settings, like
integration time, frame rate, preset selection, and window size. Choosing the Camera>>Control menu
option will display the full camera controller. The rest of this chapter will describe the full camera
controller features in detail.
5.1.1 Single Preset Mode
5.1.2 Superframing Mode [A675xsc only]
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5.2 Menu Bar
The menu bar is the same for both Basic and Advanced User Modes .
Saves the camera state to the current (name). This
Save State (name)
Save State As
Load State Load a state from flash memory.
Manage States Rename or delete states from camera memory.
state will be reloaded at power up. Stored in flash
memory.
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
5 –Camera Controller
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.
5.2.1 Tools Menu
Set Camera Time to
PC Time
NOTE: The A6700sc 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.
Advanced…
Sets the camera RTC clock to the time
from the PC clock.
Allows user to manually set the IRIG and
RTC clocks in the camera. See Section
4.2.2.1
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.
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5 –Camera Controller
Figure 4-1 Advanced Time Controls
5.2.2 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.
5.2.3 Status Page
The Status Page gives general information about the camera state including camera type, camera
time, integration time, frame size, and frame rate.
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5 –Camera Controller
5.2.4 Setup Page
The Setup page allows the user to set integration time, frame rate, frame size, and Sync source.
5.2.4.1 Setup Tab
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
3
Frame Rate Enter the desired frame rate in Hz.
Superframing
[A6750sc 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 A6700sc: This control will be simply a dropdown
A6700sc/A6750sc User’s Manual
list with the three window size options available
(Full, ½, ¼).
16
Item Name Description
A6750sc: 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.
5 –Camera Controller
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 camer a 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.
5.2.4.2 Sync Tab [A6750sc only]
The sync tab allows the user to control function for Syncs, and triggers. All of these sync features
apply only to the A6750sc.
5.2.4.2.1 Sync Mode
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5 –Camera Controller
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
5.2.4.2.1.1 Frame Sync Starts
The A6750sc 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 fra me. 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
A6750sc 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 A6750sc 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.
5.2.4.2.1.1.1 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.
NOTE: When using an external frame sync and superframing, the external frame sy nc should be set
to comply with ITR frame rate limits. If the exte rnal syn c rate is to o fast, the camera w ill ignore syncs
that come before the camera is ready
Figure 4-2: Frame Sync Starts Integration, ITR
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5 –Camera Controller
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
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
5.2.4.2.1.1.2 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.
Figure 4-4: Frame Sync Starts Readout
5.2.4.2.1.2 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)
Trigger then free run
In free run the camera cycles through frames/sequences
continuously.
Upon receiving a trigger (external or software) the camera will
start to generate sequences continuously.
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5 –Camera Controller
5.2.4.2.2 Sync Source
The Source options page allows the user to select the source for Syncs and Triggers.
Sync Sources
Internal
External
The frame sync is generated internally to run at the frequency
set by the user
The frame sync is generated externally through the Sync In
connect on the camera rear chassis.
The frame sync is generated from a external video source
Video
connected to the Gen Lock In connector on the camera rear
chassis.
Trigger Sources
Internal
External
The tri gger is gener ated internally to run at the frequency set by
the user (Hz).
The trigger is generated externally through the Trigger In
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.
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5 –Camera Controller
5.2.4.2.3 Sync Options
The Sync Options page allows the user to set delays and polarities for the Sync and Trigger In.
Sync In
Delay
Polarity
Delay
Polarity
Allows for the user to set a delay (µsec) for the external sync. See
timing diagrams below.
The sync is edge triggered. Allows for the camera to use the rising or
falling edge.
Allows for the user to set a delay (µsec) for the external trigger. See
timing diagrams below.
Trigger is edge triggered. Allows for the camera to use the rising or
falling edge.
Trigger In
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