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A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual This document contains no export-controlled information. Document Number: 4217984 Version: C Issue Date: 09/22/2020...
Table of Contents REVISION HISTORY ............................6 INTRODUCTION ............................. 7 Camera System Components ..................7 Camera Models ....................... 7 System Overview......................9 Key features of the A6000 and A8500 Series cameras ..........10 WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS ........................12 INSTALLATION ............................13 Basic Connections ......................
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Warm Filter (A670x and A675x Only)..................72 6.4.3 Warm Filter Holder (A626x Only) ....................72 6.4.4 FLIR FPO Lens interface [A670x and A675x only] ..............73 6.4.5 FPO-M Motorized Lens Interface [A678x and A858x only] ............73 Other Interfaces ......................74 6.5.1...
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Interfaces ........................77 7.1.1 A858x ............................77 7.1.2 A6000 Series ..........................77 Windowing Capacity ...................... 78 7.2.1 A858x ............................78 7.2.2 A6000 Series ..........................78 Acquisition Modes and Features ..................79 7.3.1 A858x ............................79 7.3.2 A6000 Series ..........................79 HD-SDI Video ........................
The Cooled A-Series 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 Cooled A-Series Infrared Camera See table below 4212680...
2 – Introduction 2.3 System Overview The A6000 and A8500 infrared camera systems have been developed by FLIR to meet the needs of the commercial R&D user. The A6000-series can have an InGaAs detector to cover the SWIR band, an InSb detector to cover the MWIR band, or a T2SLS detector to cover the LWIR band.
Typical direct injection ROIC designs exhibit a non-linear response when the signal drops below 10% of well-fill. FLIR ROICs 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.
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Standard Lens Interface The A626x-series camera uses a C-mount lens interface. The A678x and A858x camera series use the FLIR FPO-M (4-tab bayonet, motorized). The A670x and A675x cameras use the FLIR FPO 4-tab bayonet. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
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.
4 – Installation 4 Installation 4.1 Basic Connections All connections to the A858x are located on the Back Panel. Item Name Description 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)
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4 – Installation All connections to the A6000-series are located on the Back Panel. A67xx A6705 Item Name Description 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 (<30.5C for A6260) Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) GigE Vision connection for digital IR image data...
Depending on the NIC hardware in the PC, the attainable frame rates will be between 40-60 Hz for the A858x and 125Hz for the A6000 Series (A670x – 60 Hz) at full resolution. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 5 Camera Controller The camera controller in FLIR Research Studio software has a top ribbon composed of a “hamburger button” and five control group tabs: When the camera is in Superframing (Not available in A670x cameras) mode, the total range of integration times are shown: A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 5.1 “Hamburger Button” Menu The hamburger button is in the upper left corner of the Camera Controller window. It brings up a list of seven control options. Saves the camera state. This state will be reloaded at Save State (Name) power up.
5 –Camera Controller NOTE: Camera states contain information about all configurable camera parameters. They do not contain the NUC data, but they do 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 –Camera Controller 5.2 Edit Filter Names (A678x and A858x only) This dialog is accessed using the Edit Filter Names menu option under the “hamburger button”. This allows the user to manually edit the names of the filters associated with each Filter ID. The user can click “Reset to Default”...
5 –Camera Controller 5.4 Setup The Setup page allows the user to set up the camera for the desired operation. There are five sub- menus, including General Setup, Sync Settings, Video Output Settings, Filter Wheel Settings (A858x and A678x only) and Flag settings. 5.4.1 General Setup The settings under the General Setup menu include loading factory calibrations, changing integration time, selecting superframing (Not available in A670x), frame rate, FPA gain, and motorized lens...
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.1 Sequencing Mode (Limited functionality in A670x) The camera is typically operated in Single Preset mode. This means that a single preset group of camera settings is used for every frame of image data. The other option is Superframing. Superframing is not available in the A670x cameras.
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5 –Camera Controller Presets are selected to be included in superframing by clicking on the preset numbers to make them change to a blue circled state. The figure below shows the camera set up with all four presets active. The Video Preset is the preset used to stream HD-SDI video out of the camera. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.2 Loading Factory Calibrations: Each preset has a pulldown menu that shows the factory calibrations that are present in the camera. If the camera does not have any factory calibrations, then the only option will be No Factory Calibration.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.3 Changing Integration Time If No Factory Calibration is selected, the preset will display the integration time setting, which in this example is set to 1.6064 milliseconds. The units of integration time are always milliseconds: The user can now change the integration time. Note that this may degrade the image quality if the NUC that is loaded was done for a different integration time setting.
The user can also type in a custom frame rate. 5.4.1.5 Changing FPA Gain Some cameras have the option to change the FPA gain. This is preconfigured at the factory. For most applications we recommend not changing this setting without consultation with FLIR applications engineering. 5.4.1.6 Reduce Noise There is a Reduce Noise switch which improves image quality, but it will sometimes affect the frame rate.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.7 High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) HSM is available in some cameras and is a FLIR-patented algorithm first introduced in the GasFindIR cameras that allows the user to see small temperature changes in the scene 5.4.1.8 Lens Control (A678x and A858x only) The next menu in the Setup tab is for lens control.
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5 –Camera Controller There is an Auto Focus ROI setting menu that enables the user to control the region of the image that is used for auto focus. The options include size, position and whether the ROI is shown in the SDI video output.
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5 –Camera Controller Here are the options for displaying the ROI in the Video output: Here is the GUI view for the scenario where the on/off switch on the lens is turned to off or manual focus mode – all the controls are grayed out. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.9 FPA Window Settings The FPA Window Setting menu allows the user to control the size of the FPA Window, as well as flip the image at the FPA level around both the horizontal and vertical axes. Common sizes can be chosen from the dropdown list or the user can enter the desired width and height directly.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.1.10 Invert and Revert The user can flip the video vertically (invert) or horizontally (revert) using these controls highlighted in the red box: When both controls are highlighted in blue, then the image is inverted and reverted, and the airplane image on the left side of the menu changes its orientation to indicate that: Note: Using the invert and revert buttons change the way the image data is read out of the focal plane array, and the non-uniformity correction will be compromised.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.2.1 Sync Source The Source options page allows the user to select the source for Syncs and Triggers. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
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5 –Camera Controller The pulldown menus show the following options: Sync Source can be Internal, External or Video. Sync Sources The frame sync is generated internally to run at the frequency Internal set by the user The frame sync is generated externally through the Sync In External connect on the camera rear chassis.
5 –Camera Controller The Frame Sync Starts pulldown shows the following options: Integration or Readout: 5.4.2.2 Frame Sync Starts The camera 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.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.2.3 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 sync should be set to comply with ITR frame rate limits.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.2.5 Trigger Mode When the camera is placed in a triggered mode, the image stream will stop until the trigger is received. Trigger Modes In free run the camera cycles through frames/sequences Free Run (No Trigger) continuously. Upon receiving a trigger (external or software) the camera will Trigger then free run start to generate sequences continuously.
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5 –Camera Controller The Trigger Time can be set to activate on a very specific time as measured by the real time clock in the camera. Trigger Sources The trigger is generated internally to run at the frequency set by Internal the user (Hz).
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.2.6 Sync Options The Sync Options page allows the user to set delays, sync out reference, and polarities for the Sync and Trigger In. The delays can be set individually for each preset. Sync In Allows for the user to set a delay (µsec) for the external sync. See Delay timing diagrams below.
5 –Camera Controller 5.4.2.7 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). A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 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.
5 –Camera Controller The filter names that are displayed in the GUI can be edited by the user using a menu accessed by the “hamburger” button: 5.4.4 Flag Settings The flag is at the ambient temperature inside the camera. It can be commanded to move into the field of view, and then be stowed.
5 –Camera Controller 5.5 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.
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5 –Camera Controller NUC Controls NUC Info. Displays camera parameters and statistics related to the selected NUC Perform NUC. Starts the NUC Wizard. Updates the current NUC to flash memory Load a NUC from flash to RAM memory. Unload NUC from RAM memory. No on-camera NUC will be applied to the data.
5 –Camera Controller 5.5.1 NUC Information button brings up a list of camera parameters that are saved as part of the NUC as well as bad pixel statistics. Note that there is a scroll bar that can be used to see the whole list. The Save button allows the user to dump this list to a text file: 5.5.2 Manage NUCs This dialog box allows the user to manage NUCs stored in non-volatile flash memory.
Unless a new state is saved, these override settings will not be remembered after a power cycle. FLIR recommends that the user make use of the Load Table and the Following Settings option when operating the camera with user-created NUC tables, particularly when the window size has been modified from its full frame configuration.
5 –Camera Controller 5.5.4 Performing a NUC To build a NUC table using the camera electronics, select the Perform Correction icon to start the NUC Wizard for the desired preset. NOTE: Due to differences in camera electronics and FPA timings it is important to perform the NUC with the camera operating modes configured as it will be used when imaging.
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5 –Camera Controller After selecting the Perform Correction a second window comes up to allow the user to select correction parameters. The user can choose between a Two-Point and an Offset Update. The Offset Update can be done with either the internal flag or an external blackbody. We recommend using an external blackbody for the Offset Update whenever possible to get the best uniformity because the correction will include any non-uniformities in the lens.
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5 –Camera Controller Correction (NUC) Types Sets both the gain and offset terms. Uses two NUC Two Point sources. Computes a bad pixel correction. Retains the current NUC gain terms and updates the offset Offset Update terms. Uses a single NUC source. Retains the current bad pixel (BP) correction.
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5 –Camera Controller The next window allows the user to name the NUC. Simply type in the name for the table in the text box or select a previously saved file to replace it. Select Next>> to continue. The next screens will collect data from the NUC sources. If using the internal flag, you will only see a few status messages.
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5 –Camera Controller The last screen gives a report of the bad pixels found. The dialog shows how many pixels failed in each category. If the result is satisfactory, click Accept to save the NUC. The NUC table will be stored to flash memory and loaded into RAM memory for that preset.
5 –Camera Controller NOTE: It is possible for a bad pixel to fail more than one category, so the total bad pixels may be less than the sum of each category. “Factory” bad pixels are those that were determined to be bad during camera production testing.
5 –Camera Controller 5.5.5.1.1 Two-Point Correction Process The Two-Point Correction Process builds a NUC table that contains an individually computed gain and offset coefficient for each pixel as seen in Figure 4-14. Two uniform sources are required for this correction. One source at the low end and a second source at the upper end of the usable detector input range.
5 –Camera Controller 5.5.5.1.3 Bad Pixel Correction Within the NUC table there is an indication if a particular pixel has been determined to be bad, as seen in Figure 4-15. There are two methods the camera uses to determine bad pixels. Uncorrected Data Bad Pixel Replacement...
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5 –Camera Controller The 2-point gradient algorithm is the default bad pixel correction method. With this algorithm, the two pairs of pixels above and below and to the left and right of the bad pixel are evaluated. The algorithm compares the differences between the pixels and chooses the pair with smallest gradient (difference). It then averages the two adjacent pixels and uses that value for the replacement value.
5 –Camera Controller 5.6 Video Page (Not available in A6705) The camera has a 14-bit digital video output. However, the SDI output is only 8-bit. An Automatic Gain Control (AGC) algorithm is used to map the 14-bit digital to the 8-bit analog data. The Video Tab provides controls related to optimizing the Analog video output.
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5 –Camera Controller The formats for the video output are as follows: 480i, 576i, 720@50Hz, 720p@59.9Hz, 1080p@25Hz, and 1080p@29.9Hz: Analog Video Setup Options Format HDMI/SDI: 1080p @ 29.9/25Hz, 720p @ 59.9/50Hz, NTSC, PAL Overlay Enables the video overlay. Filter Rate Rate at which AGC is computed (1 to 20 Hz).
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5 –Camera Controller Analog Video Setup Options Note: Bounds is only visible when AGC Mode>>Manual Linear is selected Only visible when AGC is set to DDE. Selects the amount of enhancement DDE Sharpness processing. Palette Allows user to select the color scheme to use on the analog video channel. These are the different AGC Modes that are available in the Cooled A-Series Cameras: A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
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5 –Camera Controller The Manual Linear algorithm evenly distributes the grayscale values over the digital values. This works fairly well if the image dynamic range is fairly evenly distributed but in general does not produce high contrast imagery, but it also does not saturate or clip the hot and cold regions either. The Plateau Equalization algorithm (also called PE) is a nonlinear AGC algorithm that uses the image histogram to optimally map the 256 gray scales.
5 –Camera Controller One final note about the PE algorithm: it is very aggressive. It can pull detail out of very low contrast imagery. It can also greatly enhance some very low-level NUC and FPA artifacts and noise if the contrast is low enough.
5 –Camera Controller Plateau GUI: Plateau P GUI: Palette Scalar GUI: Overlay Uncorrected Data Pallete Video Overlay Analog Video Scalar Encoder Corrected Data GUI: NUC’d Linear GUI: Format Scalar GUI: Bounds GUI: Position GUI: Brightness GUI: AGC Mode GUI: Contrast Figure 4-1: Analog Video Flow 5.7 Advanced The Advanced menu contains four submenus.
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5 –Camera Controller If a preset does not have a factory calibration loaded, then it is possible to edit these values, as shown below: The digital gain and offset stages are digital features of the camera that allow the corrected digital output of the camera to be mapped to different output ranges.
5.7.2 Analog Settings These controls are set at the factory for the focal plane array in the camera. The controls are intended only for the power user who should consult with FLIR application support before changing these values. A6000 and A8500 Series User’s Manual...
5 –Camera Controller 5.7.3 Saturation Settings These settings control the flag for saturated pixels. If the criteria for saturation is met, then a flag in the metadata switches to T from F. The Count Threshold value is the count value above which a pixel is considered to be saturated.
Current draw: 1.4 amps nominal steady state, 2.6 amps peak (during cooldown) Power dissipation is <50 Watts steady state at nominal ambient temperature. Mating Connector: Fisher Connectors, S103A052-130+E31 103.1/5.7 +B. (FLIR PN 26399-000). The power cable should be 20AWG (stranded 10/30), 3 conductor, no shield, max diameter of 0.223 inches.
6 – Interfaces 6.3.2 Power Interface [A6705 only] The camera is designed for +24VDC power. An AC/DC power supply is not provided with the camera. The power connector is an industrial standard M8-3 type. The power input pin out is shown in Figure 6-.
On the back side of the lens mount there is a removable screw-on cap (FLIR P/N 4133832). Unscrew the cap and place the warm filter in the holder. Because warm filters can come in different thicknesses, be careful when screwing the cap back on.
6 – Interfaces 6.5 Other Interfaces 6.5.1 Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) is a common interface found in most PC’s. The GigE interface can be used for image acquisition and/or camera control. The GigE interface is GigE Vision/GenICam compliant. 6.5.2 CoaXpress (CXP) [A858x only] CoaXpress is a digital video standard that is becoming popular for machine vision applications because it uses standard RG-59/RG-6 coax cable.
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8-bits. Sets bits in image header. Reflected in the “DigitalIn header field (hex). Updated at ~1Hz rate. Reserved BNC 7 TRIGGER BNC 8 INPUT External trigger. Can be used by FLIR Research Studio to start recording. LOCK-IN If lock-in option is enabled, replaces TRIG IN. (OPTIONAL) [A6260/A6750 only]...
6 – Interfaces 6.5.5 Sync In [All except A6705 and A858x] The Sync In can be selected, by the user, to operate as an external clock. It is a rising edge TTL signal (5.5V max). The minimum width is 160nS. Nominal operating voltage is 0 to 5.5V. The absolute maximum range is -0.5V to 6.5V.
7 – Specifications 7 Specifications 7.1 Interfaces 7.1.1 A858x AC Power 90-230V , 50-60 Hz (using FLIR 4212680 power supply) Control GenICam over Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) Video Out LVCMOS singled ended, BNC, selectable polarity, >160ns Frame Sync In pulse width Digital Video Out 14-bit Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision 2.0)
Resolution 160nS Selectable: • Raw digital video (14-bits) Digital Video Output • Gain and offset (NUC) corrected (14-bits) • NUC with bad pixel replaced (14-bits) 7.3.2 A6000 Series A675x A678x Specifications A670x A626x A675xSLS A678x SLS Frame Rate: 180Hz (GigE...
7 – Specifications Max @ Min Window 26,150Hz 480Hz@¼ 4,130Hz @ 16x4 @ 32x4 Minimum <1Hz Resolution 480nS Pixel Rate (burst) 100 MHz Integration Width: Maximum ~full frame period (1/frame rate) Minimum 480nS Resolution 160nS Selectable: • Raw digital video (14-bits) Digital Video Output: •...
Zoom (HD-SDI video) Automatic, best fit 7.5 Performance Characteristics 7.5.1 A858x Continuous Cool Down: 50 VA Power Consumption FLIR PWR Supply @ 120V Continuous Normal: 41 VA Continuous Cool Down: 24 Watts Power Consumption Camera DC Power @ 24V Continuous Normal: 21.25 Watts...
7 – Specifications NEΔT (≤40mK typical) m: ≤25mK 7.6 Non-Uniformity Correction 7.6.1 A858x and all A6000 models Two Point (offset and gain values) non-volatile NUC Types Two Point w/Bad Pixel Detection/Replacement Update Offset (recalculates offset using current gain) Internal: Ambient flag (for 1-pt and offset update only) NUC Source External: Any user supplied source which covers entire FOV Bad Pixel Replacement...
40g, 11msec ½ sine pulse Vibration 4.3 g RMS random vibration, all three axes Humidity <95% relative humidity, non-condensing Operating No restriction in orientation Orientation 7.8.2 A6000 Series A670x A675x and A675x SLS Specifications A626x A678x and A678x SLS Size (not including lens)
8 – Maintenance 8 Maintenance 8.1 Camera and Lens Cleaning 8.1.1 Camera Body, Cables and Accessories The camera body, cables and accessories may be cleaned by wiping with a soft cloth. To remove stains, wipe with a soft cloth moistened with a mild detergent solution and wrung dry, then wipe with a dry soft cloth.
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8 – Maintenance NEVER touch the face of the optic. Cover the optic and store in a dry - dust free area immediately after cleaning. 1. Blow or brush loose particles from surface. Don’t let them contaminate your work area. Use air from a can or a filtered source.
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