Thermal Infrared Camera - Photon - FAQs

1. What is needed in order to create my own application to control and/or acquire digital data using Photon?

The SDK enables camera control using one of several programming languages, including VB6, VB.net, C#, and C++ (MFC). Code examples are included to help illustrate how some of the camera control functions can be used.

The Photon OEM GUI (refer to http://www.corebyindigo.com/service/softwareupdates.cfm) is an example of an application created using the Photon SDK.

2. What are the lens options and the minimum focus lengths for the Photon? What is the range of focus? Is it possible to adjust the focus of Photon lenses manually?

Focal Length	6.3mm	14.25mm	19mm	35mm	50mm
f/number	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.4	1.7
Field of View¹
320x240	-	46° x 36°	36° x 27°	20° x 15°	14° x 11°
160x120	52° x 40°	-	18° x 14°	-	-
640x480	-	-	-	26° x 20°	18° x 14°
IFoV² (milliradians)
320, 160	6.032	2.667	2.000	1.086	0.760
640	-	-	-	0.714	0.500
Minimum Focus Distance	~5 inches	~5 inches	~12 inches	~27 inches	~72 inches
Hyperfocal Distance³	0.25m	5 meters	7.5 meters	26 meters	35 meters
Hyperfocal Depth of Field⁴	-	2.5 meters	3.8 meters	13 meters	18 meters
Weight (Lens & Lens Mount only)	55g	56g	33g	88.5g	128g
Length (Lens only)	0.377"	1.209"	0.769"	1.709"	2.632"
Diameter (maximum)	1.250"	1.654"	1.024"	1.654"	1.772"
Coating Type	High Efficiency	High Durability		Hard Carbon⁵
Nominal Wavelength	8.0 to 14.0 microns

1 Field of View describes the angular measure of a scene imaged with the given pixel array, expressed as degrees in horizontal by vertical directions.
2 Instantaneous Field of View is the angular measure of a single pixel. Small angles are usually measured in milliradians. The IFoV is the pixel size (in microns) divided by the lens focal length
3 Hyperfocal distance is the distance beyond which all objects are acceptably sharp, for a lens focused at infinity.
4 Hyperfocal depth of field is the zone of acceptable sharpness. Increasing the depth of field increases the sharpness of an image. Smaller apertures (higher f/numbers) increase the depth of field.
5 Coating Type for 35mm and 50mm configurations of Photon 640 will be High Durability, not Hard Carbon.

3. Can two cameras be set up as master and slave for synchronization purposes?

Photon was designed to accept a 3-Volt signal and send a 3-Volt signal, so one Photon can drive one or more Photons in slave mode. There are serial commands to designate a Photon as the master or slave camera.

Photon provides the capability to synchronize the frame start sequence using an external input. The camera completes the frame sequence using internal timing and then waits for the synchronization pulse before starting the next frame. If the sync pulse rate exceeds the maximum FPA frame rate (nominally 30Hz), sync pulses will be ignored and there will be frames dropped from the stream. (Note: this will result in lost data). While operating in slave mode, the analog video output signal is dependent upon the input frame sync rate for compliance with video standards.

Slave mode in slow video mode cameras continues to require an external sync pulse at the nominal 30Hz/ 25Hz frame rate. Digital output frame rate and analog video update rate are both at one fourth the input external frame sync rate independent of video modes (NTSC/PAL).

4. Is there Linux support for Photon?

The Photon embedded SDK contains ‘C’ source code to compile in other operating systems such as Linux. There is a basic example in the SDK that would work in the Linux environment. The example contains the commands needed for a customer to write their own Photon control application. The Photon SDK part number is 110-0102-46.

5. What is the function of the 30-pin connector and the optional 15-pin connector on the Photon? What is the function of the 30-pin connector and the optional 26-pin connector on the Photon 640?

The 30-pin SAMTEC connector is the primary electrical interface to all Photon camera versions. This connector passes input power, output video, RS-232 commands, and serial digital data. The optional 15-pin D-Sub connector used on the Photon 320, 160, 120, and 80 cameras passes these same signals and voltages (power, video, RS-232, serial LVDS). The 30-pin connector provisions for external sync as well as a few spare leads that are reserved for factory and OEM customer use.

A description of the pin assignments for the 30-pin SAMTEC connector as well as the optional 15-pin D-Sub connector used on the Photon 320, 160, 120, and 80 cameras can be found at this link.

The 15-pin D-Sub connector (Photon 320) and the 26-pin D-Sub connector (Photon 640) configuration is required for compatibility with the respective Ethernet Module accessory.

6. Is there a recommended connector or cable harness that can be used to interface to the SAMTEC 30-pin connector?

SAMTEC now makes an SFSD Series mating connector that enables discrete wires to be brought out from the Photon 30-pin interface connector. An example part number of a mating connector fully populated with wires is SFSD-15-28-S-10.00-S. However, a cable harness can be made using only the wires needed. Power and video leads would likely be the minimum, then RS-232, then digital video.

The 10.00 designates 10" leads. The leads could be made any (practical) length desired since these cables are custom-built.

A friction lock option is available. See the –SL and –DL options on the product print, http://www.samtec.com/ftppub/cpdf/SFSD-XX-XX-X-XX.XX-XX-XXX-MKT.pdf

Also refer to:
www.samtec.com/technical_specifications/overview.aspx?series=SFSD

For more information, or to request pricing for a cable harness, contact:
SAMTEC USA
520 Park East Blvd.
New Albany, IN 47150-7251
800-726-8329

7. What is the voltage on the serial port? Do I need to access the serial port for normal operation? I am trying to connect to the camera via HyperTerminal and I can’t seem to get any control or response. I’ve tried a Null modem cable and a straight-thru cable and can’t seem to connect.

The serial port is only required to operate the camera in a non-autonomous mode. The camera is capable of being controlled remotely through an asynchronous serial interface consisting of the signals named RX, TX, and GND using 3.3 volt signal levels.

Note: The camera is compatible with most all RS-232 drivers/receivers but does not implement signaling levels (voltages) compliant with the RS-232 industry standard. However, it has been found fully functional in almost all implementations to date. There is no need for a NULL modem or to change the polarity when connecting Photon to a PC.

The Photon camera can understand camera commands set by the Photon Graphical User Interface (GUI) over an RS-232 link. The GUI can be downloaded here.

If you experience problems trying to communicate with a Photon over a serial port, we recommend trying this sequence of steps:
1. Close the GUI if it is open.
2. Remove power from the camera.
3. Check all cable connections to ensure they are secure, including the RS-232 connection from the PC to the I/O module.
4. Turn on or reapply power to the camera.
5. Start (or restart) the Photon camera control GUI.
6. The GUI should open in a single window and function normally. If a ‘Select Communication Parameters’ window appears, it usually means there is a configuration error, such as no cable from the PC to the I/O module (or unplugged at one end), or the wrong serial (COM) port is selected. You can try another COM port from the drop-down list.
7. If step 6. does not work, and the PC has more than one serial port, try a different port. You will need to select the matching COM port from the drop-down list in the Select Communication Parameters window.

If the above steps do not produce a successful result, then try another PC before contacting our Client Services group for help. The most common diagnosis we have seen is an anomaly with the serial port of the PC being used.

8. What is needed to use Photon cameras? What type of connector is used for the power? What is the polarity of this connector?

This depends on the use, and whether or not camera control is desired. At a minimum, a cable is needed from the camera that provides power in to the camera and video out from the camera. We offer such a cable, called a “power/video cable”, as an optional accessory. Power/video cables require that the Photon be configured with a wearsaver connector and wearsaver rear cover, both of which are technically accessory items. An image of a Photon with the wearsaver and its cover can be seen on the Photon 320 page by clicking on the ‘Wearsaver rear cover’ view. The maximum length of the available Photon interface cables is 10 feet. If camera control is desired or required, then an “interface cable” is needed that goes from the camera into a break-out-box (called an I/O module). The I/O module accessory includes a standard DB-9 connector to allow a PC to communicate with a Photon via RS-232 protocol. Customers must arrange to get power to the input power jack of the power/video cable or the I/O module, or otherwise get power directly to the camera. The input power jack for both the I/O module and power/video cable mates to the Switchcraft S760 Miniature Power Plug. Pin definitions for the power interface connector on the power/video cable:

Pin #	Signal Name	Signal Definition
Pin	PWR	input power
Sleeve	PWR_RTN	input power return

FLIR offers an AC/DC power supply as a Photon accessory, as well as a rechargeable battery that will run a camera for 5-6 hours. Typically customers take the video out signal to a monitor or display of some sort.

9. Can I just hook a Photon up to power and a monitor?

Yes. Many customers use Photon cameras in a stand-alone fashion, and typically use all or part of our accessory kit items, and/or optional accessories, for connectivity with the camera. FLIR’s standard and optional Photon accessories include cables that enable connection to the camera in a straightforward, user-friendly fashion. Our high-volume integrators are more likely to build a custom wiring harness that directly interfaces to the Photon OEM connector to achieve a specific functionality. Answers to other FAQs on this page describe the connector pin functions and vendor information needed to build custom cabling.

10. What is the I/O module and how does it differ from going directly into a monitor or PC?

I/O = Input/Output. The I/O module is essentially a break-out box, in the form of a molded plastic accessory. There are connectors on four sides of the accessory:
1) Interface connector to the camera;
2) Power-in & Video-out connectors;
3) RS-232 connector;
4) Serial LVDS digital data connector.

The minimum interface to a Photon is power going into the camera, and NTSC (or PAL) video coming out of the camera. There is an optional accessory called a ‘Power/Video’ cable that is sort of a hybrid of the Interface Cable and the I/O Module, except the only connectors at the I/O end are for power (in) and video (out). The power input jack is intended for a power supply such as the one offered by FLIR as part of the Photon Accessory Kit (Universal Power Supply with 6-foot cord). The input power jack mates to the Switchcraft S760 Miniature Power Plug. Pin definitions for the power interface connector on the power/video cable:

Pin #	Signal Name	Signal Definition
Pin	PWR	input power
Sleeve	PWR_RTN	input power return

Both the I/O Module and Power/Video cable are designed for use with Photon 320 cameras that have the wearsaver connector and wearsaver cover accessories installed, or Photon 640 cameras with the EMI cover accessory.

11. What methods are available to acquire digital data using Photon?

Currently there are three possible ways to acquire digital data:

1) Photon outputs digital data in a serial low-voltage differential signal (LVDS) format. This data is available at the 30-pin connector on the camera core. In addition, serial LVDS is available at the 15-pin wearsaver connector of the Photon 320 camera (26-pin connector for the Photon 640 camera) as well as the digital data port on the I/O module. The wearsaver connector and I/O module are accessory kit items. The Photon User's Guide provides the necessary pinouts and timing diagrams for interfacing directly to the Photon camera core electrical functions, including digital data.

2) FLIR / Indigo’s Ethernet Module for Photon provides camera control functions, and converts serial LVDS into real-time streaming uncompressed video data. The Module interfaces into a standard RJ-45 Ethernet network and runs at standard 100 megabit or full gigabit Ethernet speed. The Module includes the Ethernet interface adapter, camera cabling, and power supply. The Module allows capture of both 8-bit digital data and the full 14-bit digital data. Analog video is also output via separate BNC connector. The Photon control software (GUI) provides Ethernet Module support to allow camera control and video display in a host computer window. The Photon SDK, a separate optional accessory, also provides this functionality. The Photon 320 Ethernet Module part number is 421-0025-00. The Photon 320 Ethernet Module part number is 421-0031-00. Ethernet Modules require the camera to have either the 15-pin wearsaver connector installed on a Photon 320 camera, or the 26-pin connector (part of the EMI rear cover assembly) installed on a Photon 640 camera.

3) FLIR / Indigo’s optional serial-in, parallel-out (SIPO) module (part number 333-0017-00) converts the serial LVDS into a parallel data format that can be accessed via a frame grabber. The SIPO mates directly to the I/O module’s digital data port, and furnishes a 68-pin connector that can be attached to a frame grabber via a digital interface cable. One frame grabber possibility is the National Instruments IMAQ PCI-1422 board using digital interface cable part number 308-0013-00. Another frame grabber option is the Bit Flow RoadRunner Model 14 board using digital interface cable part number 308-0016-00-03. Both of these frame grab boards require third-party software not offered or supported by FLIR / Indigo. Setup files for the NI IMAQ and Bit Flow Road Runner frame grabbers can be downloaded from the Software Updates page, however, we do not formally support their use, nor do we claim or guarantee that these setup files will be suitable for any particular use or application. It is important to note that FLIR does not market the Photon as a scientific or R&D camera. We intentionally limit the information in this third option to avoid having customers perceive Photon as a science camera, since there is a natural tendency for challenging questions to otherwise result.

12. The Photon 30-pin interface control drawing shows the pin numbers reversed for the interface connector J1 (SAMTEC TFML-115-02-S-D-P), in comparison with SAMTEC’s drawing for TFML-115-02-S-D-P. Which reference is correct?

At the time we designed around this interface connector, SAMTEC was just introducing this part and a pin numbering scheme was not available. Unfortunately, when SAMTEC released their pin numbering scheme, it differed from the one we had established. We elected to follow our own scheme, already released in our documentation. Our ICD correctly calls out pin function and pin location/ID.

Please do not use SAMTEC's drawing as a reference for the 30-pin connector pinout; this will result in a failure of the Photon's power conditioning board.

This answer applies to all Photon versions: 640; 320; 160; 120; and 80.

13. What would be needed to integrate Photon on a vehicle and run it?

Since Photon is not environmentally sealed, the first step would be to build some sort of enclosure for it. The enclosure would need to provision for mounting points. There would need to be a way to get power to the enclosure (and camera), and video from the camera out through the enclosure and back into the vehicle where it would be routed to a display. FLIR does not offer an environmental enclosure for Photon at this time. PathFindIR would be a better option since it is already sealed, and in fact designed for integration into a vehicle. The PathFindIR aftermarket kit that includes a display also furnishes some mounting bracketry.

14. For Photons used on vehicles for driver vision enhancement or situational awareness, how would the operator inside view the scene?

The video from the camera would need to be wired to a monitor or display that is mounted inside the vehicle where the operator can see it. PathFindIR offers an LCD display as an aftermarket option, along with a 20’ interface cable. FLIR does not offer specific aftermarket accessories for vehicle-mounted applications in support of Photon.

15. Is Photon’s 14-bit digital output (serial LVDS) true usable 14-bit data from the array?

The output of Photon is true 14-bit resolution. The user can select between 14-bit “filtered” data and 14-bit “raw” data. The filtered digital data is processed to apply non-uniformity compensation (NUC) terms, noise reduction, digital data enhancement (DDE, a sharpening filter), and bad pixel replacement. The raw digital data also applies NUC terms and noise reduction, but does not implement DDE filtering or bad pixel replacement.

16. Can the camera be completely controlled using a PCI-1422 frame grabber card?

No. Only digital data passes through the SIPO.

17. Can the camera accept an external sync from the PCI-1422 to command the camera to digitize imagery at 30 frames per second?

No. Only digital data passes through the SIPO. External sync is only available via the 30-pin SAMTEC connector, which is the primary electrical interface to the camera.

18. Is there another way for the camera to accept an external sync using the PCI-1422?

A custom cable could be developed by the customer that interfaces from the SAMTEC connector directly to the frame grabber, thus obviating the SIPO limitations. This is necessary because there is no SYNC signal through the 15-pin connector. Such a cable would need to be bifurcated to provide a path for input power to the camera.

19. Can the frame grabber be used to command the camera to perform a NUC ‘on demand’?

No. Only digital data passes through the SIPO.

20. Can the frame grabber be used to turn on and off AGC and adjust contrast and brightness? Can we read out the NUC parameters from the camera?

No. Only digital data passes through the SIPO.

21. Can the camera data be streamed to disk over the PCI-1422 card and displayed real time?

This is up to the type of application that’s grabbing the frames. An application could be written in LabVIEW that would do this.