CORE BY INDIGO

Photon
OEM Thermal Imaging Camera Core
 PHOTON

2.1 inch
51.4mm

The Industry Standard Thermal Imaging Camera Core:

For Applications Where Reliability and Performance Are Priorities

The Photon OEM Camera Core is a compact, all-in-one thermal imager with outstanding
2.0 inch
sensitivity and image quality. The on-focal-plane circuitry, combined with FLIR’s advanced 49.8mm

signal processing electronics, enables the camera to maintain excellent dynamic range
and image uniformity over a wide temperature range.

Integrators have embedded tens of thousands of Photon cores in a myriad of

applications including automotive night vision systems, firefighting equipment, unmanned
vehicle payloads, weapon sights, low-power security & surveillance products, and more. 1.8 inch
45.0mm

The Photon OEM Camera Core is designed to be a high-volume thermal imaging

component that customers can integrate into products or systems of their own
design. Most OEM customers connect directly to the Photon’s 30-pin connector
for power (in), video (out), and other functions.

The Photon’s 30-pin connector also facilitates the interface to camera control
devices, and provides access to the digital data output. OEM customers typically
order the Photon core in this configuration.

Photon rear view of 30-pin connector.

While FLIR normally sells its factory-calibrated and tested Photon cameras with an
associated lens, a lens-less camera core configuration is also available. An optional
software program called Alternate Lens Cal is available to enable customers to
perform a supplementary gain calibration.

Photon Lens-Less Camera Core Configuration

Shown with Optional Aperture Plate Installed

Part Number No Lens 14.25mm 19mm 35mm 50mm

NTSC 30Hz 500-0305-01-00 412-0035-14-07 412-0035-09-07 412-0035-17-07 412-0035-18-07

NTSC 8Hz 500-0305-01-00S 412-0035-14-07S 412-0035-09-07S 412-0035-17-07S 412-0035-18-07S

PAL 25Hz 500-0305-02-00 412-0035-56-07 412-0035-52-07 412-0035-57-07 412-0035-58-07

PAL 9Hz 500-0305-02-00S 412-0035-56-07S 412-0035-52-07S 412-0035-57-07S 412-0035-58-07S


Photon Benefits
• Widest Operating Temperature and Highest Shock Rating of Any Thermal Camera

• 2X Digital Zoom Enables Close-Up Imaging and Electronic Pan/Tilt in Zoom Mode

• 2-second Turn-On Time for “On-Demand” Applications

• Fully Integrated Design Supports OEM and Commercial Customers & Applications

• Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE) Sharpening Filter Brings Out Detail in Image Data

Images from Photons Images from Photons in

mounted in Ground Vehicles Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Suspected Improvised Vehicles and people

Explosive Device (IED) is detected in the vicinity of
located under a tanker warehouses from 500’
truck. altitude.

Photon’s E-Zoom feature A small vehicle tracked

gets a closer look at from 750’.
suspected IED while staying
at a safe distance.

Photon-equipped UGV Surveillance of a tree-line

tracks intruder while on from 1,000’.
night perimeter patrol.

Specifications subject to change without notice.


 PHOTON

Photon OEM ACCESSORY Kit

For evaluation purposes, FLIR offers an optional OEM

Accessory Kit that enables customers to operate a Photon
until they develop their own interface. The Kit contains
a power supply, breakout box (called an I/O Module),
an interface cable, and a small adapter circuit (called a
Wearsaver) that attaches between the camera connector
and interface cable.

The Accessory Kit also includes a rear cover that

encloses the Wearsaver adapter and provides for secure Photon OEM Accessory Kit

connection to the interface cable. The end-user only needs

to provide a video cable and monitor, and an RS-232 cable
if remote control of the Photon is desired.

A camera control software program (GUI) is available for

download at:

www.corebyindigo.com/service/softwareupdates/

Photon rear view showing

15-pin connector

Photon OEM ACCESSORy Kit Contents

The Photon OEM Accessory Kit part number is 421-0021-00. These items may also be ordered individually.

Part Accessory Item Functional Description

250-0194-00 Wearsaver An adapter that converts the 30-pin SAMTEC connector on the
Photon power board to a 15-pin D-Sub connector.

261-1273-00 Wearsaver Cover Rear cover encloses the wearsaver adapter and provides jack posts
for secure interface cable connection.

308-0076-00-02 6’ Interface Cable, Provides electrical interface by means of a 15-pin mating connector
Photon to I/O Module at the camera end, and 18-pin connector at the I/O module end.
Optional accessories include 3’ and 10’ interface cable lengths.

333-0005-00 I/O Module A molded “break-out-box” providing electrical interface to the

camera, connectors for power-in (Switchcraft), video-out (BNC),
com port (RS-232, 9-pin D-Sub), and a 15-pin connector for
serial LVDS digital data. The I/O Module is designed to mate with the
SIPO for conversion of serial LVDS to a parallel digital data signal.

206-0001-20 & AC/DC Power Supply Provides nominal power (9 VDC) to operate the Photon.
208-0004-02 & Line Cord


OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Part Accessory Item Functional Description

110-0102-46 SDK for Windows & Embedded The Photon 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.

110-0102-63 Alternate Lens Cal Software Allows OEM customers that purchase lens-less camera cores to
perform a supplementary gain calibration using their own optics,
while retaining the original factory calibration data should it be
needed again.

261-1357-00 Tripod Adapter Adapter furnishes a ¼” x 20 helicoil insert.

308-0013-00 Interface Cable, SIPO to NI PCI-1422 Either of these cables can be used with a SIPO (333-0008-00) to
308-0016-00-03 Interface Cable, SIPO to Bit Flow transfer digital data to the selected frame grabber. Contact FLIR’s
Road Runner Client Services for camera files.

308-0076-00-01 3’ Interface Cable to I/O Module The standard interface cable provided with the Accessory Kit is 6’.
308-0076-00-03 10’ Interface Cable to I/O Module Two other interface cable lengths are available: 3’ and 10’.

308-0126-00-01 3’ Power/Video Cable Interface cable from Photon camera providing connectors for
308-0126-00-02 6’ Power/Video Cable power in and output video (only) available in 3’, 6’, and 10’ lengths.
308-0126-00-03 10’ Power/Video Cable This cable replaces the standard interface cable and I/O module
when serial control and digital video are not required.

333-0008-00 Serial-In, Parallel-Out Module (SIPO) The SIPO converts serial digital data output into a parallel data
format for use with 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 interfaced to a compatible frame grabber
via a 308-0013 or -0016 digital cable.

421-0008-00 Rechargeable Battery & Cable Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery will power a Photon camera for
Kit consisting of: - 206-0002-10 6+ hours on a full charge. The battery is furnished with charger
Battery Pack 7.2V, Li-Ion; Charger (not shown) and an 8” cable that interfaces to the I/O module. The
- 260-0007-10 Battery Cable nominal voltage output of the battery is 7.2 VDC.

421-0025-00 Ethernet Module This 100/1000 baseT Ethernet Interface module allows for camera
control along with real-time streaming uncompressed video data
from the Photon via standard ethernet hardware. The adapter
auto senses network capability and runs at standard 100-megabit
or full gigabit ethernet speed. The module includes the ethernet
interface adapter and camera cabling. The module allows capture
of both 8-bit data and the full 14-bit bandwidth digital video. Analog
video is also output via a BNC connector.

500-0312-00 EMI Rear Enclosure Assembly With appropriate grounding, cable shielding, and power, this
enclosure mitigates radiated EMI emissions to near CE class A
performance levels (~0dB margin).

Specifications subject to change without notice.


 PHOTON

Camera Configurations

Stand Alone Operation with Accessory Kit

Interface Cable

Photon I/O Module Power Supply Monitor

Accessory Kit and Customer-Furnished PC: Remote Operation

DB-9 Serial Camera Control via RS-232

Interface Cable
I/O Module
Photon Power Supply Monitor
PC

Accessory Kit, SIPO and Customer-Furnished Desktop PC: Digital Data Collection

DB-9 Serial Camera Control via RS-232

I/O Module

Interface Cable
SIPO
Photon Power Supply Monitor
PC
Custom Digital Data Cable
NOTE: An appropriate frame grabber, as well as image acquisition & processing software, must be supplied and supported by the customer.
The frame grabber may be either a Bit Flow Road Runner Model 14 or National Instruments PCI-1422 IMAQ, depending on the digital cable and type of software planned for use by the customer.

Ethernet Module and Customer-Furnished PC: Digital Data Collection

RJ-45 CAT-5 Camera Control & Digital Data

Interface Cable

Photon Ethernet Module Monitor

Power Supply PC
The Ethernet Module enables Photon control and video display/capture on a PC. Due to variability in user platforms and networks, FLIR does not guarantee the accuracy of captured video.

OVERVIEW OF THE PHOTON ELECTRICAL INTERFACE

Photon 15-pin D-Sub Connector Pin Definitions 1 5

15-pin HD D-Sub (M)
Pin # Signal Name Signal Definition 6 10 connector on camera
1 VIDEO_HI Analog Video, positive output
11 15
2 SD_FSYNC+ Digital Port 1 Sync, positive output
3 GND Ground
4 GND Ground
The 15-pin high density D-Sub connector pin definitions are provided
5 GND Ground in the case that the wearsaver adapter is used. The signals on
6 VIDEO_LO Analog Video, negative output this connector include input power, analog video output, serial
7 SD_CLK+ Digital Port 1 Clock, positive output
communication for camera control, and the digital data output.
8 SD_DATA+ Digital Port 1 Output Data, positive output
9 TX Primary Serial Communication transmit
10 PWR_IN Input Voltage
11 SD_CLK- Digital Port 1 Clock, negative output
12 SD_FSYNC- Digital Port 1 Sync, negative output
13 SD_DATA- Digital Port 1 Output Data, negative output
14 RX Primary Serial Communication receive
15 PWR IN Input Voltage


 LENS DATA

Focal Length 14.25mm Lens 19mm Lens 35mm Lens 50mm Lens

f/ number 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.7

Field of View 50° x 38° 36° x 27° 20° x 15° 14° x 11°

IFoV (milliradians) 2.667 2.000 1.086 0.760

Minimum Focus Distance 0.13 meters 0.3 meters 0.7 meters 1.8 meters

Hyperfocal Distance 5 meters 7.5 meters 26 meters 35 meters

Hyperfocal Depth of Field 2.5 meters 3.8 meters 13 meters 18 meters

Weight (as pictured) 179 g 155 g 209 g 251 g

Length (Lens only) 30.7mm 19.5mm 43.4mm 66.9mm

Diameter (maximum) 42.0mm 26.0mm 42.0mm 45.0 mm

Athermal Design Yes – All Lenses

Nominal Wavelength 8.0 to 14.0 microns

* Note: Photon lenses are not designed, calibrated, or specified for close focus use. Questions? Email: [email protected]

Direct Interface to SAMTEC Connector

Pin definitions of the 30-pin board connector for 4 2

30
interface to the SAMTEC TFML-115-02-S-D-P Note that FLIR’s
pinout differs from
connector (J1) are shown below. This is the primary SAMTEC pinout
29 3 1
connector interface to the Photon camera. 30-pin SAMTEC (M) connector on
camera

Power Board to External I/O Connector Pin Definitions

Pin # Signal Name Signal Definition Pin # Signal Name Signal Definition Pin # Signal Name Signal Definition
1,2,5,6 GND Ground 13 LVDS_VID2+ Digital Port 2 Output Data, positive output 22 SD_CLK- Digital Port 1 Clock, negative output
3 3.15V_OUT 3.15V output 14 SD_DATA- Digital Port 1 Output Data, negative output 23 LVDS_VID0- Digital Port 2 Clock, negative output
4 PWR_IN Input voltage 15 LVDS_VID2- Digital Port 2 Output Data, negative output 24 SD_ CLK+ Digital Port 1 Clock, positive output
7 1.5V_OUT 1.5V output 16 SD_ DATA+ Digital Port 1 Output Data, positive output 25 TEMP2 Temp Sensor port 2
8 Not connected 17 LVDS_VID1+ Digital Port 2 Sync, positive output 26 DIS0_EXT Frame Sync input
9 RX2 Spare Serial Communication receive 18 SD_FSYNC- Digital Port 1 Sync, negative output 27 DIS2_EXT Discrete Input Channel 2
10 RX Primary Serial Communication receive 19 LVDS_VID1- Digital Port 2 Sync, negative output 28 VIDEO_LO Analog Video, negative output
11 TX2 Spare Serial Communication transmit 20 SD_ FSYNC+ Digital Port 1 Sync, positive output 29 DIS1_EXT Discrete Input, Channel 1
12 TX Primary Serial Communication transmit 21 LVDS_VID0+ Digital Port 2 Clock, positive output 30 VIDEO_HI Analog Video, positive output

Note: The mating connector is SAMTEC SFML-115-T1-S-D-K

Specifications subject to change without notice.


Specifications

System Overview

System Type Uncooled LWIR Thermal Imager

Sensor Type 324x256 VOx Microbolometer
Pixel Size 38 μm
Spectral Band 7.5 – 13.5 μm
Performance < 85mK NEdT at f/1.6

Outputs

Analog Video NTSC @ 30 Hz

PAL @ 25 Hz (optional)
9 Hz option for export (factory set)
Digital Video 8- or 14-bit serial LVDS

Operation

Image Control Invert, revert, 2x digital zoom, digital detail enhancement (DDE)
Camera Control Autonomous, or manual via GUI or RS-232 serial command
Signal Interface 30-pin SAMTEC connector for power, video, communication, digital
data, external sync, direct access to e-zoom & polarity SANTA BARBARA
CVS World Headquarters
FLIR Systems, Inc.
Power 70 Castilian Dr.
Goleta, CA 93117
Input Voltage Range 5 – 24 VDC USA
Power Dissipation 1.6W steady-state PH: +1 805.964.9797
Time to Image ~2 seconds FX: +1 805.685.2711

EUROPE
Environmental
CVS Eurasian Headquarters
FLIR Systems CVS BV
Operating Temp Range -40 – +80 °C external temp Verlengde Poolseweg 34-46
Storage Temp Range -50 – +85 °C external temp 4818 CL Breda
Scene Temp Range To 150 °C standard Netherlands
Shock 70 g shock pulse, 11ms half-sine profile PH: +31 (0) 76.524.46.86
Vibration 4.3 g ms random vibration for 8 hours (three axes) FX: +31 (0) 76.524.46.66
Humidity Non-condensing, 5% – 95%
PORTLAND
Corporate Headquarters
Physical Attributes
FLIR Systems, Inc.
27700A SW Parkway Ave.
Size 51.4 x 49.8 x 34.0 mm (less lens) Wilsonville, OR 97070
Weight 97g (core only, no lens or cover) USA
Mounting Interface 7 heatsink attach points, M3 PH: +1 877.773.3547
FX: +1 503.498.3904

BOSTON
FLIR Systems Boston, Inc.
25 Esquire Road
North Billerica, MA 01862
USA
PH: +1 877.773.3547
PH: +1 800.GO.INFRA
FX: +1 978.901.8885

www.flir.com
www.corebyindigo.com

Equipment described herein may require US Government authorization for export purposes. Diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. ©2007 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev C 3/07