Datasheet

Model AX200
1-Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor:

1024 x 1024 pixels at 6,400fps (Mini AX200)

Maximum Frame Rate:

216,000fps (Mini AX200 type 200K)
540,000fps (Mini AX200 type 540K)
900,000fps (Mini AX200 type 900k)

Class Leading Light Sensitivity:

ISO 40,000 monochrome
ISO 16,000 color

Global Electronic Shutter:

1ms to 1μs independent of frame rate
(Mini AX200 model 900K only: 260ns shutter
Compact high-speed cameras available subject to export control)

with high light sensitivity Dynamic Range (ADC):

12-bit monochrome, 36-bit color

The FASTCAM Mini AX is Photron’s highest performance model within the FASTCAM Mini series of Compact and Lightweight:
high-speed cameras. The Mini AX delivers exceptional light sensitivity, excellent image quality and flexible 120mm (H) x 120mm (W) x 94mm (D)
region of interest (ROI) features for customers who do not require the ultimate frame rate performance of 4.72” (H) x 4.72” (W) x 3.70” (D)
Weight: 1.5Kg (3.30 lbs.)
the FASTCAM SA-X2 and SA-Z, but would benefit from the same high-end camera image sensor features.
Internal Recording Memory:
Three performance level models - Mini AX50, AX100 and AX200 - deliver 1-megapixel image resolution 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB
(1024 x 1024 pixels) at frame rates up to 2,000fps, 4,000fps and 6,400fps respectively. All three Mini AX
models offer a minimum exposure duration of 1µs as standard with recording memory options up to 32GB Fast Gigabit Ethernet Interface: Provides
providing extended recording times and triggering flexibility. high-speed image download to standard
notebook/PC

Subject to export approval the Mini AX100 can be offered with maximum frame rates up to 540,000fps
and the Mini AX200 with maximum frame rates up to 900,000fps with a minimum exposure time of 260
nanoseconds.

Standard operational features of the FASTCAM Mini AX include a mechanical shutter to allow remote Flexible Frame Synchronization:
system calibration, Gigabit Ethernet Interface for reliable system control with high-speed data transfer to Frame rate may be synchronized to
external unstable frequencies
PC, and the ability to remotely switch off cooling fans to eliminate vibration when recording at high
magnifications. High-G Rated:
Suitable for application in high-G environments;
With the combination of high frame rates, high image quality and exceptional light sensitivity contained operation tested to 100G, 10ms, 6-axes
within a 120mm x 120mm x 94mm rugged camera body weighing just 1.5kg, the FASTCAM Mini AX is
ideally suited for use in a wide range of demanding scientific and industrial applications. Fan Stop Function:
Remotely switch off cooling fans to
eliminate vibration
 Image Sensor Technical Data

Sensor Type Proprietary Design Advanced CMOS

Light Sensitivity:
Maximum Resolution (pixels) 1024 x 1024 pixels
FASTCAM MINI AX Sensor Size / Diagonal 20.48 x 20.48mm / 28.96mm
Pixel Size (microns) 20µm x 20µm
Monochrome models ISO 40,000
Quantum Efficiency 46% at 630nm
Color models ISO 16,000
Fill Factor 58%
Color Matrix Bayer CFA (single sensor)
Monochrome sensors used in the FASTCAM Mini AX ISO 40,000 monochrome
cameras are supplied without an IR absorbing filter, ISO 16,000 color
extending the camera spectral response beyod Light Sensitivity
(monochrome sensor equivalent ISO 100,000
900nm. When the sensitivity of the FASTCAM Mini AX including near IR response)
camera is measured to tungsten light including near
IR response an equivalent value of ISO 100,000 is Global Electronic Shutter 1ms to 1µs independent of
obtained. Shutter frame rate (Mini AX200 model 900K only: 260ns shutter
available subject to export control)
Image Sensor:
The FASTCAM Mini AX system uses an advanced
CMOS image sensor optimized for light sensitivity and
high image quality that is unique to Photron.

A 20-micron pixel pitch gives a sensor size at full image

resolution of 20.48 x 20.48mm (diagonal 28.96mm).

Lenses designed for both FX (35mm full frame) and

also DX (APS-C digital SLR) formats are fully
compatible with the FASTCAM Mini AX at full image
resolution.
 Camera Performance Specifications

Camera Performance Specifications

Model Mini AX200
6,400fps
Full Frame Performance
1024 x 1024 pixels
Type 200K: 216,000fps (128 x 16 pixels)
Maximum Frame Rate Type 540K: 540,000fps* (128 x 16 pixels)
Type 900K: 900,000fps* (128 x 16 pixels)
Minimum Exposure Time Global electronic shutter to 1.05µs selectable independent or frame rate (260ns option available with Mini AX200 type 900K only) *
Inter Frame Time (for PIV) 1.71µs
Ruggedized Mechanical
Standard feature
Calibration Shutter
Dynamic Range (ADC) 12-bit monochrome 36-bit color
8GB: 5,457 frames at full resolution
Memory Capacity Options 16GB: 10,918 frames at full resolution
32GB: 21,841 frames at full resolution
Memory Partitions Up to 64 memory segments
Region of Interest Selectable in steps of 128 pixels (horizontal) x 16 pixels (vertical)
Trigger Inputs Selectable +/- TTL 5V and switch closure
Trigger Delay Programmable on selected input / output triggers: 100ns resolution
Input: Trigger (TTL/Switch), sync, ready, event, IRIG
Input / Output
Output: trigger, sync, ready, rec, exposure
Trigger Modes Start, end, center, manual, random, random reset, image trigger, time lapse
Time Code Input IRIG-B
External Sync +/- TTL 5Vp-p Variable frequency sync
Camera Control Interface High-speed Gigabit Ethernet
Image Data Display Frame rate, shutter speed, trigger mode, date/time, status, real time / IRIG time, frame count, resolution
BMP, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, RAW, RAWW, MRAW, AVI, WMV, FTIF, MOV - Images can be saved with or without image data and in
Saved Image Formats
8-bit, 16-bit or 36-bit depth of sensor where supported
Supported OS Microsoft Windows operating system including: 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32/64-bit)
* Frame rates above 225,000fps and exposure times below 1µs may be subject to export control regulations in some areas

Mechanical and Environmental Specifications

Mechanical
High-Speed Gigabit Ethernet Interface:
TheMount
FASTCAM Mini AX camera systemF-mount (G-type lens
is equipped compatible)
with and C-mount
a high-speed Gigabitprovided
Ethernet- Interface to
Lens
Optional lens mounts available include
provide reliable network communication and fast download of image data. M42 adapter
Camera Mountings 4 x 1/4 - 20 UNC (base and top), 4 x M5 (base)
Dedicated
External I/O:
Dimensions
A dedicated
Camera Body BNC connection for a contact
120mm closure hardware
(H) x 120mm trigger(D)input is provided. In addition, two
(W) x 94mm
programmable
(excluding inputs and two programmable
protrusions) output
4.72" (H) x 4.72" (W)channels
x 3.70" (D)provide direct connection for common
tasks such as synchronization of multiple cameras and operation in conjunction with Data Acquisition
Weight
(DAQ)Body
Camera hardware. 1.5kg (3.30lbs)
Environmental
High-G Mechanical Calibration Shutter:
Operating Temperature 0 to 40C, 32˚ to 104˚F
The ruggedized mechanical shutter fitted as standard to the FASTCAM Mini AX camera allows sensor
black Temperature
Storage -20 out
balance calibration to be carried to 60C, -4˚ to 140˚F
remotely from the system control software.
Humidity 85% or less (non-condensing)
Nikon G-Type Compatible Lens Fitting:
Cooling Internal fan cooling (fan-off mode supported)
The FASTCAM Mini AX camera is equipped with an objective lens mount compatible with readily
Operational Shock 100G, 10ms, 6-axes
available Nikon G-type lenses. Controls provided within the lens mount allow the control of lens
Power
aperture on lenses without external iris control.
AC Power (with supplied adapter) 100 to 240V, 50 to 60Hz
DC Power 22 to 32V, 55VA
 Operation Features

Camera Operation Features

Frame Synchronization Accurate frame synchronization with other cameras and with external and unstable frequencies.
Dual Slope Shutter
Selectable in 20 steps (0 to 95% in 5% increments) to prevent pixel overexposure without post processing.
(Extended Dynamic Range)
Up to 64 memory segments allow multiple events to be stored in camera memory before downloading, with automatic progression to the next
Memory Partitions
available partition.
Low Light Mode Operation at minimum frame rate with separately adjustable shutter time to allow easy camera set-up and focus in ambient lighting.
IRIG Phase Lock Enables multiple cameras to be synchronized together with other instrumentation equipment or to a master external time source.
Internal Time Delay Generator Allows programmable delays to be set on input and output triggers; 100ns resolution.
Event Markers Up to ten user-entered event markers to define specific events within the recorded image sequence .
FASTCAM Mini AX supports Partition Recording Mode, allowing image data captured in one memory partition to be downloaded while at the
Download While Recording
same time recording into another partition.
The system can be set to automatically download image data to the control PC and, when download is complete to re-arm in readiness for the
Automatic Download
next trigger with automatically incremented file names.

Software Binning Virtual pixel binning (2x2, 4x4 etc.) allows increased light sensitivity with reduced image resolution without changing camera field of view.

Operation Software Features

2D image calibration allows the measurement of distance and angle from the image. A calibration grid overlay can be superimposed on the
Image Calibration
image.

Image Overlay A stored reference image may be overlaid on the live image to allow accurate camera positioning to achieve the same view as a previous test.

Multiple image sequences can be loaded and simultaneously replayed. Timing of image sequences can be adjusted to create a common time
Import of Multiple Image Sequences
reference. Time based synchronization allows images captured at different frame rates to be synchronized.
Making use of the full sensor dynamic range, HDR mode allows enhanced detail in both light and dark areas of an image to be displayed
High Dynamic Range Mode
simultaneously.
In order to highlight subtle changes in an image, Motion Detector allows a reference image to be subtracted from a recorded sequence. Details
Motion Detector
including propagation of shock waves and surface changes during impact can be visualized using the feature.
A line profile representing grey levels along a line drawn across any region of the image is displayed. In live mode the Line Profile can be used to
Line Profile
ensure optimum image focus is achieved.
A histogram displaying grey levels within a user-defined image area is displayed. In live mode the Histogram can be used to ensure that
Histogram
optimum exposure levels are set for the scene being recorded.

Photron FASTCAM Viewer:

Photron FASTCAM Viewer software (PFV) has been designed to provide an intuitive and feature
rich user interface for the control of Photron high-speed cameras, data saving, image replay and
simple motion analysis. Advanced operation menus provide access to features for advanced
camera operation and image enhancement. Tools are provided to allow image calibration and
easy measurement of angles and distances from image data. Also included are a C++ SDK and
wrappers for LabView and MATLAB ®.

An optional software plug-in module provides synchronisation between Photron high- speed
cameras and data acquired through National Instruments data acquisition systems. Synchronised
data captured by the DAQ system provides waveform information which can be viewed alongside
high-speed camera images.

Photron FASTCAM Analysis:

PFV software allows image sequences to be exported directly to optional Photron FASTCAM
Analysis (PFA) Motion Analysis software. This entry level Motion Analysis software with an
on screen ‘step by step guide’ function launches automatically from Photron FASTCAM Viewer
software, and provides automated tracking of up to 5 points using feature or correlation tracking
algorithms for the automated analysis of motion within an image sequence.
 Frame Rate / Image Resolution

Variable Region of Interest: Mini AX200

Region of Interest (ROI) or sub-windowing allows a
Resolution Frame Rate 8GB 16GB 32GB
user-specified portion of the sensor to be defined to (h x v pixels) Max fps Frames Time (sec)** Frames Time (sec)** Frames Time (sec)**
capture images. By using a reduced portion of the image 1024 x 1024 6,400 5,457 0.85 10,918 1.71 21,841 3.41
area, the frame rate at which images are recorded can be 1024 x 896 7,200 6,236 0.87 12,478 1.73 24,961 3.47
increased. FASTCAM Mini AX allows the ROI to be set in 896 x 896 8,100 7,127 0.88 14,261 1.76 28,527 3.52
increments of 128 pixels horizontal and 16 pixels vertical. 768 x 768 10,800 9,701 0.90 19,410 1.80 38,829 3.60
512 x 512 22,500 21,829 0.97 43,674 1.94 87,365 3.88
Square Image Sensor Format: 512 x 256 43,200 43,658 1.01 87,349 2.02 174,730 4.04
Unlike broadcast and media applications where image 256 x 256 67,500 87,317 1.29 174,698 2.59 349,461 5.18
256 x 128 120,000 174,634 1.46 349,397 2.91 698,922 5.82
formats such as 16:9 have now become standard, in
128 x 128 162,000 349,269 2.16 698,794 4.31 1,397,845 8.63
scientific and industrial imaging applications an image 128 x 64 259,200 698,538 2.69 1,397,589 5.39 2,795,690 10.79
sensor with a 1:1 image format is generally accepted to 128 x 32 360,000 1,397,077 3.88 2,795,178 7.76 5,591,381 15.53
be advantageous. To capture the maximum useful image 128 x 16 540,000 2,794,154 5.17 5,590,357 10.35 11,182,762 20.71
data in applications including microscopy, detonics, 128 x 16 900,000
combustion imaging and many others, a 1:1 sensor format
* Specifications subject to change without notice.
provides greater flexibility than ‘letterbox’ image formats.
** Recording time is an estimate and may be different depending on recording conditions and settings.
The FASTCAM Mini AX image sensor allows the user
to choose either square or rectangular image formats in
order to obtain the maximum subject information.

External Frame Synchronization:

The FASTCAM Mini AX camera can be fully synchronized
with an external event to allow the timing of when each
individual image is captured to be precisely referenced.
The camera can be accurately synchronized to unstable
frequencies allowing complex events such as
combustion in rapidly accelerating or decelerating engines
to be recorded and studied.

Record During Download Operation:

FASTCAM Mini AX recording memory can be divided into
multiple active sections. The user can record an on-going
event in one memory partition while at the same time
downloading a previously recorded image sequence in
order to improve workflow and optimize camera operation.

Photo
Schlieren imaging of fuel injection and engine combustion
20,000fps
 2,000fps 4,000fps
Full Frame Performance
1024 x 1024 pixels 1024 x 1024 pixels
Mechanical
Type& Environmental
170K: 170,000fps (128 x 16 pixels)Specifications
Type 200K: 212,500fps (12
Maximum Frame Rate Type 540K: 540,000fps* (12

Minimum Exposure Time Global electronic shutter to 1.05µs selectable independent or frame rate (26
Inter Frame Time (for PIV) 1.71µs
Ruggedized Mechanical
Compatibility with Specialist Lens Systems: Standard feature
Calibration Shutter
A combination of small physical size, low weight and Dynamic Range (ADC) 12-bit monochrome 36-bit color
high light sensitivity allows the FASTCAM Mini AX
8GB: 5,457 frames at full resolution
to be coupled to a range of optical systems such
Memory Capacity Options 16GB: 10,918 frames at full resolution
as scientific and long distance microscopes, rigid 32GB: 21,841 frames at full resolution
endoscopes or borescopes, and image intensifiers for
Memory Partitions Up to 64 memory segments
applications ranging from imaging flows in
microfluidic devices to combustion diagnostics. Region of Interest Selectable in steps of 128 pixels (horizontal) x 16 pixels (vertical)
Trigger Inputs Selectable +/- TTL 5V and switch closure
PIV and DIC Requirements: Trigger Delay Programmable on selected input / output triggers: 100ns resolution
FASTCAM Mini AX specifications match with the
Input: Trigger (TTL/Switch), sync, ready, event, IRIG
requirements for optical measurement techniques Input / Output
Output: trigger, sync, ready, rec, exposure
such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Digital
Trigger Modes Start, end, center, manual, random, random reset, image trigger, time lapse
Image Correlation (DIC). The FASTCAM Mini AX All measurements are in millimeters (mm)
has many key performance specifications desired for Time Code Input IRIG-B
these measurement systems. External Sync +/- TTL 5Vp-p Variable frequency sync
Camera Control Interface High-speed Gigabit Ethernet
In PIV the detection of low light levels from small
Image Data Display Frame rate, shutter speed, trigger mode, date/time, status, real time / IRIG tim
particles is fundamental. A high sensitivity image
BMP, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, RAW, RAWW, MRAW, AVI, WMV, FTIF, MOV - Im
sensor allows the use of smaller tracer particles and/ Saved Image Formats
8-bit, 16-bit or 36-bit depth of sensor where supported
or lower laser power.
Supported OS Microsoft Windows operating system including: 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32/64-bit)
For DIC applications a highly sensitive camera * Frame rates above 225,000fps and exposure times below 1µs may be subject to export control regulations in some areas
allows the use of smaller objective lens apertures
yielding greater depth of field and enhanced
measurement of out of plane displacements. Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
Mechanical
Small Physical Size: F-mount (G-type lens compatible) and C-mount provided -
Lens Mount
The small physical size and weight of the Mini Optional lens mounts available include M42 adapter
camera range allows the use of conventional Camera Mountings 4 x 1/4 - 20 UNC (base and top), 4 x M5 (base)
opto-mechanical hardware for rigid and stable External Dimensions
mounting of multiple cameras, and for the location Camera Body 120mm (H) x 120mm (W) x 94mm (D)
of cameras in space limited locations. (excluding protrusions) 4.72" (H) x 4.72" (W) x 3.70" (D)
Weight
Specifications subject to change without notice. Camera Body 1.5kg (3.30lbs)
Environmental
Operating Temperature 0 to 40C, 32˚ to 104˚F
Storage Temperature -20 to 60C, -4˚ to 140˚F
Humidity 85% or less (non-condensing)
Cooling Internal fan cooling (fan-off mode supported)
Operational Shock 100G, 10ms, 6-axes
Power
AC Power (with supplied adapter) 100 to 240V, 50 to 60Hz
DC Power 22 to 32V, 55VA

For further information, contact us: www.techimaging.com or 978-740-0063 REV# 19.12.17