Global-Shutter UV Industrial Camera Designed for High-Speed Industrial Inspection

In the industrial equipment field, the demand for camerabased inspection is extensive and diverse, and expectations for image sensor performance continue to rise each year. Against this backdrop, cameras capable of capturing ultraviolet (UV) images are being applied in an increasing range of scenarios. When UV illumination is paired with a dedicated UV lens, cameras equipped with UV image sensors can deliver special visual information that conventional visible-light cameras cannot obtain.

Compared with visible light, UV light has a shorter wavelength, making it suitable for detecting subtle scratches and defects that are difficult to identify under visible illumination. Additionally, objects such as transparent plastics or plastic bottles—which appear identical under visible light—actually have different absorption rates in the UV spectrum. As a result, UV cameras can clearly distinguish between such materials, making them useful for material sorting.

The figure below illustrates the wavelength range of ultraviolet light. UV wavelengths are shorter than visible light (400 nm–780 nm), spanning from 10 nm to 400 nm. The Mindvision MV-GEC405U industrial camera can sense UV wavelengths in the 200 nm–400 nm band, making it suitable for a variety of industrial inspection applications.

Global-Shutter Design for High-Speed, Clear, and Distortion-Free Imaging

The Mindvision MV-GEC405U industrial camera offers 4-megapixel resolution and a 27 fps global-shutter frame rate. Even during high-speed data transmission, it delivers not only clear images but also distortion-free capture.

It supports 12-bit lossless output, providing 4,096 grayscale levels—capable of distinguishing extremely subtle brightness variations in fluorescence signals and offering richer raw data for inspection algorithms.

Application: Fine Scratch and Defect Detection

UV image sensors are widely used for defect inspection in various manufacturing processes. Short-wavelength UV light scatters when it hits microscopic surface irregularities, making it ideal for detecting subtle defects on highly precise structures such as semiconductor patterns. UV sensors can also reveal scratches on metal components that cannot be easily observed with the naked eye, making them suitable for visual inspection of products and parts.
With high resolution, high sensitivity, and low noise characteristics, the MV-GEC405U enables high-precision inspection.

Application: Material Sorting

UV image sensors have strong potential in recycling operations. Visible-light cameras struggle to differentiate transparent plastics, glass, and other similar materials, but because these materials absorb UV light at different rates, UV cameras can classify them accurately. The global-shutter design ensures precise capture of fast-moving objects, meeting the requirements of high-speed material sorting machines.

Application: Discharge Detection

UV image sensors are also important for detecting electrical discharge in high-voltage power lines. As power infrastructure ages, not only does discharge occur, but degraded areas also emit ultraviolet light. By observing power equipment with a UV camera, maintenance teams can easily identify deteriorated sections, supporting automation and reducing manual inspection workloads.

Such outdoor inspection tasks require high-resolution UV image sensors. A resolution of 40 megapixels is considered high within the UV imaging industry, making it well suited for widespread adoption in this field.

For project inquiries, please contact: chenguo@mindvision.com.cn