Photon 320 Infrared Camera Core

This Photon 320 infrared camera core is based on a 320×240 commercially-developed, military-qualified (CDMQ) LWIR thermal imaging camera. Photon 320s are widely used in handheld firefighting safety instruments, and are the best-selling IR payload camera for small unmanned vehicles, including the Raven-B. Over 25,000 Photon 320 uncooled cameras have been delivered for use by integrators in a wide variety of applications.

Photon 320 Polarity/LUT

The Photon camera detects and images the temperature in a given scene. Within the camera, these temperatures are mapped (mapping is determined by the AGC algorithm selected) to a range of 0 to 127 values. In a black and white display mode, this range is converted to shades of grey with, for example, 0 being totally black and 127 being totally white. The 0 to 127 range sensed is referenced to a Look-Up Table (LUT) permanently stored in the camera to convert the scene to a video image. Different LUTs are available to change the appearance of the displayed image. The most common selection is either White Hot (hotter objects appear brighter than cooler objects in the video display) or Black Hot (hotter objects appear darker than cooler objects). Since the difference between these two modes simply reverses the choice of darker or lighter for temperature extremes, this is sometime referred to as Polarity. Other color LUTs are available as shown below.

Photon 320 Color Palette/ Polarity/LUT Chart	Photon 320 Example Image (Fusion)
Photon 320 Software: Palette Switching

Superior Image Quality

Superior LWIR image quality is achieved using this 320×240 VOx uncooled microbolometer array that can operate without a TEC over a temperature range of -40 to +80 degrees C. Photon 320s are shock-rated to 70 g's and have been field-proven to withstand much greater impacts. Both analog (NTSC or PAL) and 8- or 14-bit digital video formats are enabled, as well as RS-232 control of camera functions, including 2X digital zoom, image polarity, gain/offset, image colorization, etc.

Photon 320 Lens Options

Along with a lens-lens core version, the Photon 320 has five lens options: 14.25mm, 19mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm. See the Optics Table tab for detailed lens information. A variety of Photon infrared camera accessories are available for the Photon 320 uncooled camera.

Photon 320 Communication & Control

A single interface connector facilitates power in, analog and digital video out, RS-232 communication for command and control of the camera, and external sync. All Photon 320 infrared cameras can operate autonomously: all the user has to do is provide power, get video. The sophisticated on-board signal processing takes care of optimizing the image under any conditions. Download the setup guide below to get a better idea as to how to setup the Photon 320.

Software & Development Many common camera controls are brought out in software program called the Photon GUI (graphical user interface), which is available for download, located under the specs tab. The GUI can be freely downloaded and run without needing a camera to see the various camera commands that are available. We can also provide an extensive command set for customers that want more control of camera features and functions, and a Photon Software Developer's Kit (SDK) is offered for those customers that want to develop their own custom interface to the camera. In fact, the Photon infrared camera GUI is an example of a control program developed with the Photon SDK. For more information please contact an OemCameras.com representative via email, or by calling Toll Free: 1-888-919-2263 / Outside the US: +1-845-343-4077.

Exporting the Tau 320 from the United States

The Tau 320 cameras operate at a 30 Hz (25 Hz PAL) frame rate. For cameras that will be exported or re-exported outside of the United States, we offer a "slow video" option that exempts the camera from export license requirements. The slow video frame rates are 7.5 Hz for NTSC and 8.3 Hz for PAL. Digital video is generated at 8- or 14-bit resolution at the equivalent analog video frame rate of the camera.

Tau 320 Export Video Demo

These and all thermal imaging cameras are export controlled devices and due to U.S. export regulations there are restrictions.

Unless export licensing is applied for and granted 30Hz units can not be exported. After applying for an export license it can take quite a few months to more than a year for the license to be granted if granted at all. If the export license is granted government fees are incurred and need to be paid by the consignee prior to shipping. 7.5Hz versions can be exported without an export license but only to select countries, customers and end users.