Grasshopper3 is the first camera to offer 9.1MP CCD on USB 3.0

12th August 2013

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Point Grey have today announced the introduction of the new Grasshopper3 camera featuring the highest resolution, global shutter CCD sensors with a USB 3.0 interface currently available on the market. The new Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-91S6 camera models are based on colour and monochrome versions of Sony ICX814, a 1" CCD featuring 3.69 micron square pixels (Sony's highest resolution CCD to date). The camera outputs 3376 x 2704 images at 9 fps using monochrome, raw or colour interpolated pixel formats.

Improving quantum efficiency, reducing smear, and increasing sensitivity, including into the near infrared, the ICX814 global shutter sensor uses EXview HAD CCD II technology—a further evolved version of the well-known EXview HAD CCD technology. In order to increase the maximum frame rate, the sensor is capable of single tap readout for extended shutter, high gain imaging and multi-tap readout. The GS3-U3-91S6 camera allows users to toggle between single and dual tap sensor readout and address both imaging conditions.

Michael Gibbons, Director of Sales and Marketing, commented: "The GS3-U3-91S6 model is the highest resolution global shutter CCD with a USB 3.0 interface on the market. The camera offers a very compact mechanical design and competitive price point when compared to similar products with GigE or Camera Link interfaces. Excellent quantum efficiency, low temporal dark noise, and high dynamic range make this product suitable for a wide range of applications, including flat panel inspection, 3D measurement, ophthalmology, flow-scanning cytometry, and fluorescence imaging."

Offering optimal performance and reliability, the Grasshopper3 uses a proprietary USB 3.0 link layer and frame buffer-based architecture like all Point Grey USB 3.0 cameras. The Grasshopper3 uses an advanced image processing pipeline to enable colour interpolation, look up table, gamma correction and pixel binning.

The Grasshopper3 GS3-U3-91S6 colour and monochrome models are list priced at USD $3695 and EUR €2845 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its distributor network. Additional Grasshopper3 models featuring a 4.1 megapixel global shutter CMOS device will be released in Q3 2013.