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FSM-IMX421 with Xilinx platform

3MP Sony Pregius Gen3 Imager Embedded Kit for Xilinx

Features

  • Imager Series: Sony IMX421
  • 3 MP: 1944 x 1472 at up to 409 f/sec
  • Global Shutter
  • 2/3″ Image Sensor Optical Format
  • Monochrome or RGB
  • Pixel Size: 4.5μm x 4.5μm
  • Excellent Photonic Characteristics
  • C-Mount compatible: add a Camera Lens or a Zoomable or Fixed Microscope/Macroscope
  • Interface to Xilinx (processor boards are not included)
  • Supported by Vivado 2017.4

Typical Applications:

  • High Speed Imaging
  • Materials Sciences and Physical Sciences
  • Inspection, Metrology and Quality Control
  • Particle Tracking

Product Documents

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This kit offers the IMX421, a 3Mpix Sony Pregius Gen3 CMOS Sensor in a platform that interfaces with Xilinx processor boards.

The IMX421 image sensors operate in Global Shutter mode, which means that all pixels begin and end exposure simultaneously. This is particularly useful in imaging conditions in which the field of view changes rapidly, either due to fast motion or due to rapid changes in light intensity. These imagers combine high sensitivity, low read noise, Global Shutter and a high speed SLVS-EC data interface (see below).  For these reasons, the IMX421 is a great choice for fast frame imaging applications.

SLVS-EC (Scalable Low Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock) is a Sony-developed interface, now standardized by the JIIA, which supports up to 8 lanes with up to 5Gbps per lane. This enables faster data transfer from the imager to the downstream electronics, typically an FPGA such as those offered by Xilinx (see list below). An off-the-shelf SLVS-EC IP core is available for users to drag-and-drop into their own purpose-built Xilinx designs.

The product is intended for use as a Development Kit, comprising of a Sensor Module & Flex Cables, an Adapter, Software and Sources.  Xilinx boards are not included and may be purchased through Xilinx’s channels.

The following Xilinx FPGAs are supported:

  • Artix-7™ (EK-A7-AC701-G)
  • Kintex-7™ (EK-K7-KC705-G)
  • Zynq-7000™ (EK-Z7-ZC706-G)
  • Kintex UltraScale™ (EK-U1-KCU105-G)
  • Kintex UltraScale+™ (EK-U1-KCU116-G)
  • Zynq UltraScale+™ (EK-U1-ZCU102-G)

FRAMOS offers this modular approach as a way for embedded system developers to greatly simplify the process of integrating high performance image sensors into embedded vision products. It facilitates the connection of the latest image sensor technology to open processing platforms, such as those offered by Xilinx. The kits may be used as-is for imaging projects, or for the initial steps in the development of broader-scope embedded computation platforms with advanced imaging capabilities. In the context of broader-scope development, electrical design references and Source IP Core (purchased separately) provide guidance and enables customization. Developers can rely on FRAMOS for technical support and mitigate the risk to their development efforts by leveraging a robust product, a proven integration process and a responsive supply chain for sensors, modules, and accessories.

Part Number FSM-IMX421M/XX1_Devkit FSM-IMX421C/XX1_Devkit
Sony CMOS Sensor Technology Pregius Gen3
Image Sensor series Sony IMX421 Monochrome Sony IMX421 Color
Spectral Options Monochrome RGB Color
#Mpix 2.8
H X V 1944 x 1472
Max f/sec 409
Imager Diagonal (mm) 11
Pixel Size (μm) 4.5
Type of Shutter (Global (GS)/Rolling (RS)) GS
Peak Quantum Efficiency (*) 77% (@530nm)  See RGB Graph 
Read Noise (*)  6e- 
Full Well Capacity (*) 25.6Ke- 
Dark Current @ Room Temperature (*) 2e-/p/sec 
Bit depth 12
Optical format (for lens selection) 2/3"
(*) these are for reference only, and are not specifications provided by the manufacturer. Please contact us to discuss the photonics requirements of your application.

  • Use your mouse to read QE data at wavelengths of interest.
  • Right-click and drag to zoom-in along the X-axis to expand the view for a desired range of wavelength.
  • To pan left or right within a zoomed-in view, hold down the Shift key and use your mouse.
  • To revert from a zoomed-in view to a normal view, click on the “Reset zoom” button that is displayed at the top-RHS of the graph.

A glass faceplate is installed on the Sony image sensor. The transmittance of the clear glass window is not specified by Sony, but it can be assumed to falls sharply below ~400nm. The QE values shown below 400nm are not meant to indicate that these monochrome cameras have spectral responsivity outside the transmittance range of the glass window.

The glass faceplate may cause thin-film interference fringe patterns in coherent-light imaging applications, such as laser beam profiling or interferometry.

  • Use your mouse to read QE data at wavelengths of interest.
  • Right-click and drag to zoom-in along the X-axis to expand the view for a desired range of wavelength.
  • To pan left or right within a zoomed-in view, hold down the Shift key and use your mouse.
  • To revert from a zoomed-in view to a normal view, click on the “Reset zoom” button that is displayed at the top-RHS of the graph.

An NIR-blocking filter should be installed in the imaging path, when using RGB color camera models. The need for an NIR-blocking filter in color cameras is explained in our Knowledge Base article titled Quantum Efficiency and Spectral Responsivity.

All QE values on this website are the best estimates available from various sources, and not necessarily from the manufacturer of the specific image sensor or from the manufacturer of the cameras in our Product Showcase. They represent the best estimates for the imagers by themselves, with the caveat that glass and other optics in the imaging path can significantly impact the spectral sensitivity of an imaging system.

As described on our Knowledge Base article on this subject, these values exist in a range. Therefore no absolute precision is implied, even when QE values are shown to two decimal places! These values and graphs are intended to be used for reference can be use for making useful comparisons between cameras. They are not intended to be a specification or a performance guarantee.

Kit Description 2/3" #H pixels #V pixels Pixel size (μm) H size (mm) V size (mm) Diagonal (mm)
3 MP Sony Pregius Gen3 IMX421 RGB Color Imager Embedded Kit for Xilinx 2.8MP@409f/sec 1944 1472 4.5 8.75 6.62 10.97
In applications that require the best achievable optical resolution, it is desirable to use a lens with an optical resolution ≥ 111 lp/mm for an image sensor with a pixel size of 4.5μm. This will ensure that the optical resolution of the camera & lens combination is Nyquist-limited by the pixel-size of the camera, and not by the quality of the lens.

The 1-1955x and 1-2483x series of lenses (highlighted in gold and pink respectively on the table below) have a high optical resolution of 200 and 160 lp/mm (center), which exceeds the 111 lp/mm Nyquist limit of 4.5μm pixels of this camera. These lenses exceed the Nyquist limit at the edge of the lens as well and therefore are highly recommended for use with this camera in applications which require uncompromising optical resolution. The 1-2483x series are also an excellent choice. Although the 1-2442x series have slightly lower resolution than that of the 1-1955x series, their resolution is above the Nyquist limit at the center and the edge. The limiting resolution for the camera and lens system (shown in the table below as the minimum resolvable feature) for a combination of this camera and a 1-1955x or 1-2442x lens would not be set by the lens, but the camera (which is the preferred case).

Also shown on the table below are the DO-xx95 series of f/0.95 “fast” lenses (highlighted in light-blue). These lenses are optimized for light-collection, although their optical resolution is considerably lower than that of the 1-1955x & 1-2442x series of lenses, and below 111 lp/mm Nyquist limit of this camera. The NMV series are good, cost-effective lenses with modest resolution that is below the Nyquist limit. That said, they are suitable for general purpose cost-effective imaging applications with this camera. Please check out our Knowledge Base Article for more details.

Highlighted row colors identify specific type of lenses: Gold = Highest Resolution lenses; Light-pink = High Resolution lenses; Light-blue = Fast lenses; Yellow = Zoom lens; Light-green: Ruggedized lenses.

Notes:
The working distance (WD) is defined as the distance from the object plane to the front of the lens.
The above are theoretical estimates provided for reference, and are not a guarantee of performance. Actual FOVs and optical resolution are best determined by experiment.
The FOVs and smallest resolvable feature sizes are estimated with the object plane placed at the minimum WD of the lens. A similar calculation may be performed for longer WDs. Please contact us for assistance: our specialists can help you identify a lens that meets your FOV requirements at a Working Distance that is convenient for your workflow.
Increasing the WD will result in larger FOVs, and lower optical resolution (an increase in the smallest resolvable feature size).
(*) The system meets Nyquist criteria if the optical resolution at the center of the lens (in lp/mm) is ≥ the pixel-size limited resolution (see above).
(**) The minimum resolvable feature size is estimated based on whether the lens meets the Nyquist criterion. If the Nyquist limit is met, then the resolution of the system is the estimated to be the distance on the sample plane that corresponds to two pixels in the image plane. If not, it is estimated based on the limiting resolution of the lens.

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Cage Code: 9LW84UEI: P95ZTNC5JR98