Specifications

SECTION 1: OPERATION
1.1 OUTLINE
The TMC-73M (NTSC model) / TMC-63M (PAL
model) is a super-miniature color video camera which
uses a 1/3" 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-
73M offers superb color reproduction.
The TMC-73M series cameras feature separate out-
puts for Y/C output and standard VBS output.
All models have external access switches to select the
white balance for outdoor(5600°K) and indoor
(3200°K). The TMC-73M series uses complementary
stripe color filters of Cy, Gr, Ye to generate all color
variations. The complementary color system has the
advantage of better sensitivity than the primary color
system of R, G, B.
All models use CS-mount lenses and C-mount lenses
with a adapter.
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
electronic charges generated beneath the photosen-
sors 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, the PULNiX
TMC-73M/TMC-63M cameras all have blemish-free
CCDs to avoid this problem.
Consult the specifications in "Comprehensive
Specifications" for details on the blemishes of the
TMC-73M/TMC-63M.
At room temperature At high temperature
Level of dark current
Patterned noise on the picture at
high temperatures
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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