Specifications

SECTION 1: OPERATION
1.1 OUTLINE
The TMC-7 (NTSC model) / TMC-6 (PAL model) is a
compact, lightweight color video camera which uses a
high resolution solid state image sensor - the Charge
Coupled Device (CCD). The CCD camera produces
less geometrical distortion and has higher resistance
to vibration and shock when compared with a camera
using a pickup tube. These features make the camera
suitable for both industrial and CCTV surveillance
applications. It is also suitable as an input device in an
image processing system since the TMC-7N offers
superb color reproduction.
The TMC-7 series cameras feature separate outputs
for the RGB signals (when used with CCA-7) and Y/C
output in addition to the standard VBS output.
All models have external access switches to enable or
disable the AGC, and auto-white balance. The
TMC-7 series uses complementary stripe color filters
of Cy, Gr, Ye to generate all color variations. The com-
plementary color system has the advantage of better
sensitivity than the primary color system of R, G, B.
All models use C-mount lenses and have a back focus
adjustment and auto iris output. The remote imager
option is designed with a C-mount to achieve a tiny
remote color camera with changeable lenses. Remote
capability up to 2 meters is available.
1.2 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A CCD
Smear phenomenon
This phenomenon occurs when shooting a very bright
object (such as electronic light, fluorescent lamp, the
sun or a strong reflection.) Due to the interline-transfer
organization of the CCD image sensors (Refer to the
"The Interline-Transfer Organization of the CCD Image
Sensors", Section 3.3), this phenomenon is caused by
the electronic charges generated beneath the photo-
sensors by a light with a long wavelength, such as an
infrared light.
NOTE: PULNiX color cameras contain a filter to mini-
mize smear. Smear should only occur under extremely
bright, and point light source conditions.
Light streak.....Smear
Very bright object
False signal
When vertical stripes or straight lines are shot, they
may look wavy ( Moire effect ).
Blemish-free imagers
CCD photosensor elements generate electronic
charges which ultimately produce horizontal and verti-
cal rows in the CCD image sensor. Thus, any malfunc-
tioning photosensor element could eventually cause a
blemish on the monitor screen. However, all the
PULNiX TMC-7/TMC-6 cameras have blemish-free
CCDs to avoid this problem.
Consult the specifications in "Comprehensive
Specifications" for details on the blemishes of the
TMC-7/TMC-6.
At room temperature At high temperature
Level of dark current
Patterned noise on the picture at
high temperature
Dark current (thermal noise) is inherent in semicon-
ductors. At room temperature, the amount of dark
current in all photosensors is very close. However, as
the temperature rises, the amount of dark current
increases. As a result, the relative difference between
the dark current of each photosensor increases. This dif-
ference also causes the patterned noise on the picture.
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