Each model of camera is based on a sensor and electronics package and has a number of configuration options that include:
Target market and application;
Type of sensor (CMOS or CCD);
Resolution, pixel size, sensor size and speed;
FireWire, GigE or USB2.0 interfaces;
Standard or right-angle enclosures or no enclosure at all (board level); and
Any special options specific to certain sensors.
Our product numbers are a simple combination of these options as follows:
Examples: PL-B741EF-R, PL-B955HU-BL
PL-: Each model starts with "PL-" to identify it as a PixeLINK product.
A, B or S: We then add a series identifier which characterizes the cameras electronics and feature set. We currently have three series identifiers: A, B and S. The A series is the initial design of our FireWire cameras. The B series expands on the A series with a modular architecture and the addition of a USB2.0 interface. The B series will replace the A series by the end of 2007. The S series is a low-cost microscopy camera with reduced functionality.
600, 700, 800 or 900: The next three numbers identify the application area, sensor type and features. The main families of cameras are:
The 600 family represents CMOS microscopy cameras;
The 700 family represents CMOS industrial cameras;
The 800 family represents CCD microscopy cameras; and
The 900 family represents CCD industrial cameras.
C or M: Microscopy cameras use C or M to indicate color or monochrome sensors. For industrial cameras, this is part of the sensor type and feature code.
E: Some sensors have variants with extended IR sensitivity. If this option is included, the E is added following the family number.
H: Some sensors have variants with higher speed pixel clocks but otherwise similar features. The H indicates the high speed model.
F, G, U or nothing: On the PL-B and PL-S series, the interface type is represented with an F for FireWire, G for Gigabit Ethernet or U for USB. The PL-A series is FireWire only and requires no code. GigE is available on industrial cameras only.
-: A hyphen to separate the camera type from the physical configuration codes.
CS or nothing: CS is used to indicate a CS mount otherwise, a standard C mount is used. CS mounts are stamped with the letters "CS" to distinguish them from regular C mounts.
R or BL or nothing: For industrial cameras only, the physical configuration of the camera follows the product number with a code of:
R for right-angle which is useful in places where space is limited.
BL for board level electronics. Board level cameras are intended for qualified OEMs who enclose the cameras in their own equipment. They require special handling to protect them from static electricity.
The lack of a R or BL code indicates the standard configuration.