9 March 2009

Prosilica further expands its wide range of industry-leading GigE Vision camera with the release of the GC780 wide VGA ½” CCD camera. The GC780 is an ultra-compact, economically priced, machine vision camera with Gigabit Ethernet interface (GigE Vision™). The GC780 incorporates the Sony ICX415 CCD sensor and runs 64 frames per second at 782x582 resolution over the GigE Vision-compliant Gigabit Ethernet interface.

The GC780 works with standard gigabit Ethernet hardware and cables and can have cable lengths up to 100 meters (330 ft) long using conventional Cat5e network cabling. Applications for the GC780 include high-speed inspection, machine vision, optical character recognition, traffic imaging, robotics, and OEM applications.  

The extensive feature set of the GC780 includes pixel binning, area of interest readout, external trigger and sync I/O, auto-iris control, RS-232 peripheral port, exposure, gain and offset controls, non-volatile configuration memory, event recorder capability, pre-trigger recording, programmable strobe functions, multicasting, configurable IP addresses, autoexposure and autowhite balance controls. With both monochrome and color models, the GC780 is available as C-mount or CS-mount with adjustable back focus. One of the most significant features is its GigE Vision interface that provides networkable, multi-camera, reliable data transport at high data rates over exceptionally long cables.

GigE Vision is a camera interface standard for Gigabit Ethernet-based cameras. Gigabit Ethernet is a mature technology that allows for reliable, high-speed, data transmission over long cables and also provides for networking multiple cameras into high-performance multi-view imaging applications at lower cost and effort that with other camera interface technologies. Prosilica’s GigE Vision engine, believed to be the fastest in the industry, is capable of sustaining 124 Megabytes per second without packet loss. Latency is lower than firewire cameras by a factor of 10, making Prosilica’s GigE Vision cameras suitable for even the most demanding applications.

Prosilica also provides a software development kit that includes the complete source code of Prosilica’s Sample Viewer application. Prosilica’s SDK, available for XP, 2000, Vista, Linux, and QNX operating systems, praised by customers for its simplicity, ease-of-use, and utility, is available free of charge. Prosilica’s GigE Vision cameras are also well supported by industry-leading machine vision software from National Instruments, Matrox, MVTec, Stemmer, Norpix, and others.

For a FREE trial and quotation of the wide VGA GC780/C industrial CCD camera, click here to contact us by email, alternatively call the Machine Vision Team on  01582 764334.

Why Buy Prosilica Cameras:

• Prosilica makes the smallest, lightest, highest performance GigE Vision cameras in the world!
• Which each camera Prosilica provided a FREE OF CHARGE Software development kit for control and image capture.
• Third Party Support. Both National Instruments and Matrox Imaging used Prosilica's GigE cameras to develop their GigE Vision drivers. Prosilica's cameras are thus highly compatible with Matrox, National Instruments and many other software vendors.
• Native Prosilica support for Windows XP, Windows 2000, Linux, QNX and Mac OSX. Prosilica has the widest operating system support in the industry.
• The Free Sample viewer provided allows you to quickly get the camera up and running and shows all the camera controls and features. The source code for the Sample Viewer is included in the SDK to help you integrate the camera into your own application.
• Prosilica has one of the largest selections of high-performance digital cameras for machine vision. Ranging from VGA resolution (640x480) to 16- megapixel (4872x3248) Prosilica cameras provides independent x, y binning to dramatically increase sensitivity and speed;square binning modes 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 7x7, 8x8, and also rectangular binning modes up to full vertical resolution.
• Prosilica provides DSP subregion controls so that specific portions of the image can be defined in order to control the autoexposure and autowhitebalance features (and ignore the other parts of the image). Prosilica Cameras have a feature called StreamHold. This feature allows the camera to retain images in the camera memory indefinitely until they are requested by the host computer.
• Prosilica can provide extra features within the same price range as other manufacturers.

01 May 2009  

Lambda Photometrics is proud to present a FREE seminar to demonstrate the benefits of machine vision technology for industry and explore the features of Scorpion Vision Software.

Date: 20th May 2009

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Time: 11am – 4pm

The seminar will also contain a technical workshop to discuss applications and learn more about Scorpion Vision Software. We will show how machine vision technology can be employed to improve current production processes and is open to anyone looking to gain an understanding of the basic concepts or obtain more in depth knowledge. Vision system designers and engineers looking to use machine vision systems to solve problems are also welcome.

Scorpion Vision Software provides powerful image processing for 2D and 3D applications without the need for programming skills. Scorpion Vision Software is currently used in a vast variety of industries; automotive, robotics, wood, furniture manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, packaging, energy, photovoltaic and more. It solves tasks within robot vision, label and surface inspection, assembly verification, quality control, colour identification and high precision gauging.

Who should attend:

• Production engineers and managers looking to improve product quality and reduce manufacturing costs
• Anyone interested in knowing more about Scorpion vision software or 3D image processing
• Scorpion users looking to solve existing problems

Morning Agenda:

• Commercial applications
• Introduction to Machine Vision and Scorpion Software

Afternoon Agenda:

• Scorpion 3D applications
• Technical workshop

Book Today

The seminar and workshop are FREE and a buffet lunch will be provided. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

To register, please send an email to  with "Scorpion Vision Sofware Seminar" in the subject line.

Clive Phillips Product Specialist t: 01582 764334

12 May 2008

We are proud to announce the launch of a new 8-channel digital delay/pulse generator, the DG645 from Stanford Research Systems, now available in the UK from Lambda Photometrics.

The DG645 digital delay/pulse generator is an improved version of its predecessor, the DG535 with <25ps rms jitter, up to 10MHz repetition rate, higher accuracy and with more channels.  

The front panel has five outputs, T0 and four independent pulses (AB, CD, EF, GH). The programmed delays can be set between 0 and 2000 seconds, with 5ps resolution, to control the timing of the leading and trailing edges of the four output pulses. There are three optional delay output configurations to choose from, and each configuration has eight delay channels with 5V, 30V or combinatorial outputs.

The DG645 can be triggered internally or externally. The internal rate generator can be set from 100µHz to 10MHz with 1µHz resolution. An external trigger input can trigger a timing cycle, a burst of cycles or a single shot. A trigger inhibit input is included as standard which can disable the trigger or any of the pulse outputs during a timing cycle.

Ovenized crystal and Rubidium timebases are available as an option if higher stability is required. GPIB, RS232 and Ethernet interfaces are included as standard, allowing remote control for all instrument functions.

Click here to request a quotation for the DG645

05 February 2008  

Available in the UK from Lambda Photometrics Ltd; the Stanford Research PRS10 is a 10MHz Rubidium (Rb) disciplined frequency source with ultra-low phase noise, excellent stability and low aging rate. It is an ideal component for use in any OEM or end-use application requiring a stable precision low noise frequency standard.

Key Features:

• 10MHz output
• Very low phase noise (<-130dBc/Hz at 10Hz)
• Time tags or phase-locks to a 1pps input
• 72 hour Stratum 1 level holdover
• RS-232 interface for diagnostics, control and calibration
• Optional break-out connector board
• 20 year Rb lamp life
• Compact package (50x75x100mm)HWD  

Stanford’s unique approach uses the 3rd overtone of a stress-compensated (SC-cut) crystal oscillator to produce an ultra-stable 10MHz output with very low phase noise (<-130dBc/Hz at 10Hz offset). The Rb lamp physics package provides a well defined gas transition reference frequency that is used to discipline the crystal oscillator.

The PRS10 has a very low aging rate (<5 x 10-11/month). Additionally, the system can be phase-locked to an external source such as a 1pps GPS timing receiver, which eliminates the problem of long term aging and frequency offsets.

A 10MHz microcontroller controls all aspects of operation and provides diagnostics, measurement and closed case calibration through a RS-232 interface. The optional break-out connector board gives easy access for DC power, input/output BNC and RS-232 communication connectors.

The PRS10 is part of our range of frequency standards and oscillators, including the FS725 Benchtop Rubidium Frequency Standard, FS710 Distribution Amplifier, SC-10 Ovenised Crystal Oscillator, FS-700 LORAN-C Frequency Standard, SR620/625 Time Interval & Frequency Counters, CG635 Clock Generator and DS series Function Generators.

Click here to request more information

04 March 2008  

We are proud to annouce the launch of the LDC501 Laser Diode Controller, the SR470/474 Optical Shutter Systems, the PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller and PS300 20kV power supply from Stanford Research Systems.

LDC501 Laser Diode Controller

The LDC501 Laser Diode Controller is a highly stable, low-noise current source, with an integrated temperature controller — all at a very affordable price.

The LDC501 is the ideal instrument for controlling the current and temperature of your laser diodes. It has the performance and features you expect from instruments costing twice as much.

With a low-noise current source that delivers up to 500 mA, a 36 W high-precision temperature controller, and standard computer interfaces including Ethernet, the LDC501 is the right choice for your laser diode testing and control.  

LDC501 Laser Diode Controller product page 

SR470/SR474 Optical Shutter System

SRS have introduced two new optical shutter systems — the SR470 Laser Shutter Controller and SR474 Four-Channel Laser Shutter Driver. These shutter systems are designed specifically to minimize vibration on your optical table.

They are built around a unique shutter head, supported by one of two available controller models. The SR470 provides timing signals to a single shutter head, while the multi-channel SR474 drives up to four shutter heads, and is controlled by external timing signals.  

• Ultra-low vibration shutter head
• True mechanical laser beam blocking
• >10 M cycle lifetime
• Microprocessor controlled timing
• DC to 125 Hz (any duty cycle)
• Easy to align 3 mm aperture
• GPIB, RS-232, Ethernet interfaces

SR470/SR474 Optical Shutter System product page

PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller

Introducing the PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller from SRS — the ideal instrument for measuring temperature, controlling heaters, and logging temperature data.

The PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller is a modular system that can be configured to suit a wide range of applications. The system consists of the PTC10 Controller and up to four I/O cards — two types of input cards for RTDs and thermocouples, and two types of output cards for controlling heaters. The I/O cards are ordered separately, and you can mix and match them in any way you wish.    

• Up to 16 input channels
• Up to 4 PID feedback control channels
• 50 Hz PID sampling
• 1 mK resolution
• Data logging on removeable flash media
• USB, Ethernet, RS232 interfaces (std.)
• GPIB interface (opt.)

PTC10 Programmable Temperature Controller product page

PS300 Series High Voltage Power Supplies

The PS300 Series High Voltage Power Supplies — rugged, compact, reliable instruments for just about any high voltage application.

With up to 20 kV output capability, a GPIB computer interface, and 0.001 % voltage regulation, these high voltage power supplies have become the industry standard.

There are several models to choose from, with outputs ranging from 1.25 kV to 20 kV.

•  +20 kV, -20 kV, +10 kV, -10 kV, ±5 kV, ±2.5 kV, ±1.25 kV supplies
• 1 volt resolution
• 0.001 % regulation
• 0.05 % accuracy
• Programmable limits and trips
• 0.0015 % ripple
• GPIB interface
• RS-232 interface (10 kV & 20 kV models)

PS300 Series High Voltage Power Supplies product page

03 October 2008  

The SR1 Dual-Domain Audio Analyzer is a stand-alone instrument that delivers cutting edge performance in a wide variety of audio measurements.

SR1 uses an integrated computer running the Windows XP embedded operating system, so operation will be immediately familiar and intuitive.

Depending on the application, SR1 can be operated with an external mouse and keyboard, or by using the front-panel knob, keypad and touchpad.  

At the heart of SR1 is a uniquely flexible analog signal generator. All of the standard audio waveforms are available including sine, synchronous burst sine, noise (white, pink, and filtered), standard intermodulation test signals (SMPTE, CCIF, DIM), square waves, arbitrary waveforms (ASCII and .WAV), ramps and multitone waveforms. Many of these signals can be combined in the generator allowing you to create an unlimited number of test waveforms. 

• = -108 dB THD+N (analog system at 1 kHz, 20 kHz BW)
• 200 kHz (signal generation & measurements including FFTs)
• = -114 dBu analog analyzer noise ( 20 kHz BW)
• ± 0.008 dB flatness (analog system, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
• Low Crosstalk (= -140 dB analog inputs)
• = 800 ps jitter (700 Hz to 100 kHz)
• Dual-Channel FFTs  

The same flexibility and performance is found in SR1’s digital audio signal generator. Almost all the same waveforms found in the analog generator are available in the digital generator with the addition of several special digital test waveforms including digital constant, walking bits, and a staircase waveform (for D/A testing).

SR1 provides a complete set of measurements for digital interface testing. Carrier level and sampling frequency are measured directly. Status bits are fully decoded in both professional and consumer formats, and user bits are displayed as well.

SR1’s Jitter Analyzer measures jitter in both the time and frequency domain, including continuously variable bandwidth limiting and weighting in both domains. For frequency domain measurements, live zoomable and heterodyned spectral displays of jitter are available. With a residual jitter of only 800 ps, the performance of SR1’s jitter analyzer is unbeatable.

For more information or to request a quotation, please contact us

Alternatively, please visit our SR1 Audio Analyser microsite  SR1 Audio Analyser microsite  

07 Jun 2006  

A new range of instrumentation is now available from Greenlee, a Textron company. The economically priced XLfiberTOOLS are designed to enable technicians to perform installation and maintenance measurements on fibre optic cabling networks. The instrument range comprises a power meter and two dual-wavelength sources and a visual fault finder. All of the products are rugged and splash-proof and easy to operate and intended for use in all environments. The instruments have only three buttons to control all functions, the visual fault finder has just a power on/off switch and a modulation on/off switch. All of the products feature an important Greenlee characteristic, excellent value for money.

The 560XL power meter provides power measurements in dBm’s and loss measurements in dB’s with 0.01dB resolution and 0.25dB accuracy over the range -3dBm to -60dBm. Calibration is at four wavelengths between 850nm and 1550nm with a measurement data storage and recall feature to increase operational efficiency. The instrument has a long battery life with a user selectable auto shut-off period. With a price of only £265, the XL560 represents an outstanding price/performance ratio.

The 570XL dual wavelength LED source has a calibrated output of -13dBm at 850nm and -20dBm at 1300nm with a stability of 0.05dB over a one hour period. The output may be CW or modulated at 1 kHz, 2 kHz or 270 kHz through an FC, SC or ST connector interface. Up to 80 hours of operation can be provided from 2 standard AA size 1.5V batteries with a user selectable auto shut-off. The price - £405.

The 580XL laser source has outputs at 1310nm and 1550nm with minimum output levels of -8dBm and a one hour stability of 0.05dB. It shares many of the features of the LED source and is priced at £580.

The model 170XL visual fault finder is a small lightweight device using a 635nm diode laser with a 1mW output as its visible source. It has the ability to find discontinuities in cables over a 3 km distance with a selectable modulated output to increase viewing contrast. An easy-to-use quick interface fits all 2.5mm connectors and an ergonomic rotary switch allows one-handed operation. Priced at £204, the 170XL is an economic and useful addition to any technician’s armoury.

For more information contact Adrian Harrison on 01582 764334 Fax: 01582 712084 or email

06 Jun 2006  

A family of fibre cable loss sets has been introduced by Tempo, a US manufacturer of fibre optic test instrumentation. The Tempo 525 series is a rugged and dependable line of smart cable acceptance testing instruments designed for telecoms and datacoms high count cabling. The test sets provide the user with the easiest method of field testing of installed fibre optic cable.

The range of features available in the four instrument series include automated, one button, bi-directional testing and optical return loss measurements with models for multi-mode or single-mode operation. Pass/fail thresholds can be set by the user and communication by messaging is possible between units in a test setup. The power meter element of the products has a wide dynamic range and is calibrated at seven widely used wavelengths between 850nm and 1625nm and has a resolution of 0.01dB with an absolute accuracy of 0.25dB. Two course wavelengths are provided on each model, 850nm and 1300nm on the multi-mode version, 1310nm and 1550nm on the single mode instrument. Information is displayed on a large backlit LCD screen with a sealed membrane permitting use in the harshest environments. An internal memory can store up to 1500 measurement records which can be downloaded to a database manager which can organise certification reports for printing. The software to facilitate the handling of test data is supplied with each instrument. An internal NiMH battery is capable of 8 hours of operation when fully charged. The Tempo 525 smart optical test set is delivered in a sturdy, field useable transit case which also contains an AC power adapter/battery charger, fibre cable connector adapters, an RS-232 data transfer cable, connector cleaning swabs and a reel of connector cleaner.

For more information contact Adrian Harrison on 01582 764334 or email

For more information on Fibre Optic products click here

04 Oct 2006  

NorPix launches StreamPix 4, a multi-camera digital video recording software program with the ability to view, control and acquire multiple cameras from a single interface. The user interface of StreamPix 4 provides a complete management console for cameras, simplifying the setup, control and acquisition from any number and type of cameras, both locally and remotely connected.

StreamPix 4 can support an infinite number of cameras. The number of cameras supported is limited by a condition wherein the combined data rate of the cameras exceeds the PCI bus bandwidth or processor capabilities of the computer.

StreamPix supports a wide range of cameras and grabbers, including GigE, camera link, USB2 and IEEE 1394. In addition we provide a wide variety of features such as a VCR like user interface, Bayer conversion, export to various file formats, GPS or time stamping and many more.

For more information, please contact us 

Description: A type of microscopy that uses fluorescence to image biological samples

Recommended Product: Lasos DPSS

A valuable research tool, especially in biomedical applications, is the fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence microscope uses a light source to illuminate the sample. This light causes fluorescence within the specimen - ie it absorbs the light and reemits it at a different wavelength (colour). This effect can either occur naturally, or can be enhanced by adding a fluorescent dye to the sample. By collecting this emitted light, fantastic and often beautiful images can be obtained.

This technique is often combined with Confocal Microscopy. In this technique an aperture is placed in the light path of the microscope. This produces a very narrow depth of field enabling high resolution images to be obtained in the x-y plane of the sample. By altering the height of the samples a series of "slices" can be obtained. Subsequent recombination of the slices produces a 3D image.

Helium Neon, Argon Ion, Argon Krypton and Diode Pumped Solid State lasers are used in this field, some examples of which are given below: