Description
BASLER A404AM-RT | 4MP Monochrome Camera Link Industrial Camera, New Surplus
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The Basler A404AM-RT is a high-performance 4-megapixel monochrome area scan camera designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-speed industrial inspection, semiconductor assembly, and print/packaging verification. Powered by a high-grade 2352 x 1726 resolution CMOS progressive scan sensor operating with a global electronic shutter, the A404AM-RT captures crisp, distortion-free images of fast-moving objects at frame rates reaching up to 96 frames per second at full resolution. The camera’s high-speed Camera Link interface enables high bandwidth data throughput, while onboard FPGA processing provides hardware-level dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU) and photo response non-uniformity (PRNU) shading correction to eliminate fixed pattern noise before frame transmission.
Integrating the A404AM-RT into an automated machine vision cell requires careful matching of optics, lighting, and frame grabber architecture. Equipped with a robust housing and standard F-mount lens adapter (with optional lens accessories), the unit requires a regulated 12 VDC external power supply and high-quality Camera Link cabling to ensure signal integrity across multi-tap video modes. Given its thermal dissipation requirements at maximum frame rates, maintaining clean cabinet airflow or appropriate heatsink mounting is essential to preserve image dynamic range and protect internal sensor electronics from heat drift over long production runs.
A404AM-RT
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Basler |
| Model Number | A404AM-RT |
| Sensor Type | High-Speed CMOS (Progressive Scan, Global Shutter) |
| Resolution | 2352 x 1726 pixels (4 Megapixel class) |
| Chroma | Monochrome (AM = Monochrome variant) |
| Maximum Frame Rate | Up to 96 fps at full resolution |
| Digital Video Output | Camera Link (Base, Medium, or Full configuration depending on tap setup) |
| Lens Mount | F-mount (Standard for A400 high-resolution models) |
| Power Supply | 12 VDC (±10%), Max ~9.0 W – 11.0 W |
| Operating / Housing Temp. | Up to 50°C (Standard Industrial Limit) |
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Sensor Damage: Warning: The internal CMOS sensor matrix and Camera Link transceiver ICs are highly sensitive to static discharge and airborne contaminants. Always wear a grounded ESD wrist strap and never remove the protective optical dust cover until the lens assembly is finalized in a clean environment.
- Camera Link Cable Length and Tap Misconfiguration: Do not exceed recommended Camera Link cable length limits or force mismatched tap configurations in the frame grabber software. Unshielded cable runs over 5 meters or improper multi-tap channel assignments frequently lead to bit-sync loss and garbled image frames at 96 fps.
- Ignoring Thermal Dissipation Requirements: Running this 4MP unit continuously at maximum throughput without adequate ambient cooling raises sensor housing temperatures. Excessive heat induces thermal noise (dark current spikes) across the pixel matrix, degrading image SNR and causing false defect trips in precise metrology inspections.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency)
- Visual & Mechanical Inspection: Incoming units are audited under optical magnification for housing wear, F-mount adapter alignment, thread condition, and authentic OEM labeling.
- Bench Power Rail & Signal Testing: Technicians verify 12 VDC input power draw, ground plane isolation, and multi-pin I/O connector line continuity under static bench conditions.
- Live Frame Grabber & Sensor Calibration: The camera is connected via Camera Link to a certified test station frame grabber. It undergoes sensor flat-field correction verification, stuck/dead pixel checks, and monochrome linearity testing.
- Full-Frame 96 FPS Burn-In Run: The A404AM-RT undergoes an extended stress test operating at maximum frame rate (96 fps) to confirm frame stability, hardware trigger response, and thermal equilibrium prior to anti-static packaging.
Technical FAQ
What is the difference between the and color (KC/KC-RT) variants in the Basler A400 series?
The AM suffix denotes a monochrome CMOS sensor optimized for maximum quantum efficiency and high-contrast metrology, whereas KC/KC-RT variants feature Bayer pattern color filters for color sorting and print applications. The “-RT” designation indicates RoHS compliance and specific hardware revisions.
What frame grabber interface is required to run the at its full 96 fps speed?
To achieve the maximum 96 fps frame rate at 2352 x 1726 resolution, you must use a Camera Link frame grabber capable of supporting Medium or Full Camera Link configurations (multi-tap 8-bit output).
Can I use C-mount or CS-mount lenses on the camera?
The standard chassis is equipped with an F-mount lens adapter to accommodate the large physical format of the 4MP sensor. C-mount adapters are available, but you must ensure the lens image circle fully covers the sensor area without causing vignetting.
How does hardware triggering function on the Basler ?
External synchronization can be supplied either via the Camera Link control lines (CC1-CC4) or through the dedicated Hirose I/O connector on the camera rear panel, enabling microsecond-accurate exposure sync with strobe illumination or part-in-place sensors.
