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);
Sensor type/manufacturer, speed, and resolution;
Any special options specific to certain sensors;
FireWire, USB2.0 or USB3.0, GigE, or 10 GigE interfaces;
Standard or right-angle enclosures or enclosures with hardware trigger and GPIO capability or no enclosure at all (board level);
Autofocus control capability with or without included autofocus lens
Our product numbers are a simple combination of these options as follows:
Examples: PL-B741EF-R, PL-B955HU-BL, PL-D7512MU-T, PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6, PL-X9512CG-BL
PL-: Each model starts with "PL-" to identify it as a Pixelink product.
B, D, or X: We then add a series identifier which characterises the camera electronics and feature set. We currently have four series identifiers: B, D, and X. The B series cameras provide a FireWire, USB2.0, and GigE interface. The D series cameras provide a USB 3.0 interface and the X series cameras provide a 10 GigE interface.
The next three/four digits identify the application area, sensor type/manufacturer, and features (e.g. 7512)
For PL-B, PL-D, and PL-X series cameras, the first digit identifies the application area.
For PL-B cameras, 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.
For PL-D cameras, the main families of cameras are
The 600 family represents CMOS microscopy cameras; and
The 700 family represents CMOS industrial cameras;
For PL-X cameras, the main families of cameras are
The 900 family represents CMOS industrial cameras;
For PL-D and PL-X industrial cameras, the second digit identifies the sensor type/manufacturer. For all other cameras, please refer to their datasheets.
2 is ON Semiconductor
3 is CMOSIS
5 and 6 is Sony sensors with normal speed
7 is Aptina
9 is Sony sensors with slow speed
For PL-D and PL-X cameras, last digits identify sensor resolution in megapixels (MP)
So, for example, a PL-D7512 is:
PL-D7512 : A USB3
PL-D7512 : CMOS industrial camera
PL-D7512 : With a "normal speed" Sony sensor,
PL-D7512 : And 12 MP resolution.
C or M: Most cameras use C or M to indicate colour or monochrome sensors. For PL-B 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. With PL-D cameras you may instead see NIR added, for example: PL-D734MU-NIR.
F, U, G or nothing: On the PL-B, the interface type is represented with an F for FireWire, U for USB2.0, or G for Gigabit Ethernet. On the PL-D, the interface type is represented with an U for USB3.0 and on the PL-X, the interface type is represented with a G for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. GigE or 10 GigE is available on industrial cameras only.
- : A hyphen to separate the camera type from the physical configuration codes.
CS, S or nothing: CS is used to indicate a CS mount and S is used to indicate an S mount. Otherwise, a standard C mount is used. CS mounts are stamped with the letters "CS" to distinguish them from regular C mounts.
R, T, or BL or nothing: For industrial cameras only, the physical configuration of the camera with a code of:
R for right-angle which is useful in places where space is limited.
T for enclosed cameras with hardware Trigger and GPIO capability.
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 an R, T, or BL code indicates the standard configuration.
AF, AF + number, or nothing: For industrial cameras only, the physical configuration of the camera with a code of:
AF for enclosed cameras with autofocus control capability
AF + number for enclosed cameras with autofocus control capability and included an autofocus lens. The number indicates the focal length of the lens.
The lack of an AF or AF + number code indicates the standard configuration.
For example, a PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 is:
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : A USB3
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : CMOS industrial camera
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : With an Aptina sensor
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : of 5 MP resolution
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : colour.
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : Has the USB3.0 interface type.
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : Has the S mount.
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : Has the board-level configuration
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : with autofocus control capability
PL-D775CU-S-BL-AF9.6 : and included 9.6 mm autofocus lens.