e2v launches, the first ever true 4K colour line scan inspection cameras

e2v today announced the launch of the new EliiXA range, their new industrial inspection cameras. The new EliiXA multilinear camera is a true 4K pixel  (4096 pixels) camera, combining advanced features like row spacing of only 2 pixels (centre to centre), a line rate of 18 KHz enhanced blue response and three lines (RGB) or four lines (RGB plus a fourth line either monochrome or NIR).

The EliiXA camera completes e2v’s offer on AViiVA line scan CCD cameras and will be demonstrated at the VISION 2007 exhibition in Stuttgart from 6th to 8th November at e2v’ stand number 4.C.60 (hall 4).

The EliiXA camera provides a significant advantage when compared to all the colour cameras currently available in the market. The arrangement of one 4K pixel line per colour with smart management of space correction, yields a true resolution of 4K and a high Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), higher than single or dual line cameras utilising interpolation techniques. When compared to trilinear cameras the ELiiXA is the only camera with a high speed of 18000 lines per second coupled with a minimal row spacing of 10 microns. This allows it to be more flexibly positioned in the system at angles that can be slightly away from 90° to the object. Blue response is also boosted, due to e2v’s image sensor back-thinning process technology, providing the user with a wider choice of lighting options.

ELiiXA trilinear version (RGB) is already a solid alternative to expensive prism-based cameras and their costly specific optics. While in quadrilinear versions (RGB plus a fourth line, either monochrome or NIR) ELIiXA allows an all-in-one approach, with a single EliiXA camera capable of replacing a two camera system made of a conventional colour camera and a monochrome or near infra-red (NIR) camera.

“The camera has been designed to increase system efficiency and save cost at vision system level “explains Christophe Robinet, Strategic Marketing Manager for Industrial Imaging Products, “The EliiXA camera offers easy calibration (test pattern, flat field correction, white balance, excellent mechanical alignment), versatile implementation (trigger modes, output modes, bi-directional scanning, spatial correction), optimal mechanical design (70 mm width) using e2v’s unique imaging technology, especially at sensor level, the EliiXA camera breaks new ground in multi-wavelength detection systems, including NIR, with functionality that enables our customers to get the best out of a great product.”

The EliiXA camera is ideally suited to web inspection (such as printing or currency), surface inspection (printed circuit board, wood, tiles), scanning (high-end document processing, film scanning, postal sorting etc.) and any inspection within food, pharmaceutical, medical and packaging systems. The embedded NIR channel is of special interest for the food sorting and the film/document scanning segments.

The ELIIXA cameras will be available in three versions; one trilinear version (RGB), two quadrilinear versions RGB-monochrome and RGB-NIR. Each version will be available in full pixel rate (320 MHz) and in half pixel rate (160 MHz).

Initial prototype units will be available end 2007, with first production units scheduled by March 2008.

-end-

e2v Press contact:
Sylvie Mattei, Communications Manager
Phone: +33 4 76 58 30 25
Email: sylvie.mattei@e2v.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

About e2v technologies plc

e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

•  Electronic tubes
• Sensors and Semiconductors

These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.

For the year ended 31 March 2007, e2v achieved sales of £174m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group”s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.

e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:

•    Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
•    Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar & electronic warfare and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
•    Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.

e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, and one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany and France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.

Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com