Introduction to the illunis EMC Family of Cameras
The illunis EMC (Embedded Modular Camera) family delivers ultra-high-resolution, affordable, lightweight camera solutions for aerial imaging and mapping, drones, embedded systems, and industrial applications.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the EMC family combines high-resolution imaging with compact form factors, versatile lens mounting options, multiple interface configurations, and features designed to support demanding embedded imaging applications.
The EMC product line is available in two major formats: EMC and EMC2.
EMC Family Features
- Sub-sampled image mode for higher-speed ROI video
- Multiple trigger options
- Binning on select sensors
- Robust error detection and information
EMC: Compact, Lightweight Embedded Imaging
The EMC cameras are designed for embedded solutions where size and weight are important considerations. The family is built around both full-frame and smaller sensors and provides flexible connectivity options for integrating high-resolution imaging into compact systems.
EMC cameras can output Camera Link through standard connectors or through a Samtec ribbon cable connected to the EPIX mf2280 M.2 capture card. The same ribbon interface can also be adapted to a customer’s custom FPGA implementation. The ribbon cable carries standard 85 MHz Camera Link signals.
With a Canon EF mount, cable, and capture card, an EMC-103 using the 103-megapixel GPixel sensor can easily weigh less than 500 grams, making the platform well suited to applications where minimizing system weight is critical.
Flexible Camera Link Connectivity
Select EMC cameras also support an additional non-standard Camera Link mode known as Dual Medium. This mode requires an additional HLCD cable and operates similarly to regular Medium mode while providing twice the data rate.
Dual Medium can be used with EPIX’s mf2280d M.2 dual Camera Link frame grabber and custom software. The frame grabber can also support up to two cameras per device when that configuration is desired.
EPIX M.2 frame grabbers can also be installed in appropriate NVMe enclosures supporting Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB 4.0, allowing the camera to connect to a PC through these interfaces.
EMC Camera Models
The EMC family offers a range of sensor resolutions and configurations to address different imaging requirements.
| Camera | Sensor | Megapixels | Shutter | Dynamic Range | Pixel Pitch | Framerate | Lens Mount | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMC-51 | GMAX4651 | 51 MP | Global | ~65.8 dB | 4.6 µm | ~ fps | Standard | ~211 g |
| EMC-65 | GMAX3265 | 65 MP | Global | ~69 dB | 3.2 µm | ~ fps | Standard | ~209 g |
| EMC-103 | GMAX32103 | 103 MP | Global | ~69 dB | 3.2 µm | ~6 fps | Standard | ~210 g |
| EMC-128 | IMX661 | 128 MP | Global | ~75 dB | 3.45 µm | ~4.2 fps | Large | ~334 g |
| EMC-152 | GMAX32152 | 152 MP | Global | ~69 dB | 3.2 µm | ~4 fps | Large | ~270 g |
| EMC-250 | LI8020SA | 250 MP | Rolling | ~63 dB | 1.5 µm | ~2.4 fps | Standard | ~183 g |
| EMC-271 | GMAX15271 | 271 MP | Rolling | ~70–74 dB | 1.5 µm | ~2.4 fps | Standard | ~ g |
EMC2: Large-Format Imaging with 10GigE
For applications requiring large-format sensors, higher full-resolution frame rates, and longer data cable runs, the EMC2 family provides a 10GigE-based camera platform.
EMC2 cameras are designed around large-format sensors and use 10GigE interfaces, allowing for higher frame rates at full resolution as well as significantly longer data cable lengths.
The cameras can connect to standard 10G Ethernet cards as well as compact M.2 module options. All cameras in the EMC2 family also feature kinematic three-point flattening of the focal plane for enhanced precision.
On-the-Fly Image Processing
Need to process image data as it is captured? The EMC2 family offers off-the-shelf compatibility with Gidel’s FantoVision edge computer framegrabber.
FantoVision can process RAW image data into high-quality JPG images while providing features including:
- HDR
- Gamma correction
- Data storage
- AI processing
- Additional image-processing capabilities
EMC2 Camera Models
| Camera | Sensor | Megapixels | Shutter | Dynamic Range | Pixel Pitch | Framerate | Lens Mount | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMC2-103 | GMAX32103 | 103 MP | Global | ~69 dB | 3.2 µm | ~7 fps (12 bit) | Standard + Large | ~440 g |
| EMC2-128 | IMX661 | 128 MP | Global | ~75 dB | 3.45 µm | ~4.2 fps (12 bit) | Large | ~440 g |
| EMC2-152 | GMAX32152 | 152 MP | Global | ~69 dB | 3.2 µm | ~5 fps (12 bit) | Large | ~458 g |
| EMC2-271 | GMAX15271 | 271 MP | Rolling | ~70–74 dB | 1.5 µm | ~2.8 fps (12 bit) | Standard | ~550 g |
Flexible Lens Mount Options
A key advantage of the EMC family is its versatile flat lens mounting flange, which allows the cameras to be adapted to a variety of optical solutions.
The standard lens mount features an approximately 6 mm mounting flange from the optical plane and supports industry-standard mounting options as well as active lens-control options for Canon EF and RF lenses.
The large-format lens mount also features an approximately 6 mm mounting flange from the optical plane and supports industry-standard mounting options, along with ready-to-use mounting solutions for specific families of large-format lenses from Rodagon and Rodenstock.
Standard Lens Mount Options
- M58
- Nikon F-Mount (Passive)
- Nikon Z-Mount (Passive)
- Canon RF Mount (Active)
- Canon EF Mount (Active)
- Custom/OEM
Large-Format Lens Mount Options
- M72
- Nikon F-Mount (Passive)
- Rodagon 60, 80, 105mm F4
- Rodagon 105, 135mm F5.6
- Rodenstock 180mm F5.6
- Custom/OEM
Custom OEM Lens Mount Solutions
When standard lens mounting options aren’t enough, illunis also offers OEM services for custom lens mounts. Custom solutions can be developed for numerous lens brands, including Rodenstock and Schneider.
This flexibility makes the EMC platform suitable for specialized imaging systems where the camera, lens, and mechanical integration need to be designed around a specific application.
Choosing the Right EMC Camera
The EMC and EMC2 families provide a range of configurations for applications where high resolution, compact size, low weight, and integration flexibility are important.
The EMC family is particularly suited to embedded applications where size and weight are driving factors, with Camera Link connectivity and a broad range of sensor resolutions.
The EMC2 family expands the platform with large-format sensors, 10GigE connectivity, higher full-resolution frame rates, longer cable lengths, and enhanced focal-plane precision.
With sensor options extending from 51 megapixels to 271 megapixels, multiple lens mount configurations, and support for custom OEM solutions, the EMC family provides a flexible foundation for demanding aerial imaging, mapping, drone, embedded, and industrial imaging applications.