Line Scan Cameras by Eureca

Eureca develops and manufactures its own line scan camera boards. The modules combine industrial-grade performance with easy integration, making them ideal for compact optoelectronic measurement systems—from spectroscopy to inline quality control. Several versions with USB connection are available, as well as a variant with UART connection.

A high line rate, a wide exposure time range, flexible trigger options (depending on the variant), and an attractive price point make the e9u-LSMD series interesting for:

• Spectroscopy/spectrometry (UV–VIS–NIR, emission and transmission measurements)
• Inline and process control (edge detection, web running, position control)
• Geometry and profile measurement (diameter, gap widths, height differences)
• Quality inspection & sorting (surface inspection, print image inspection, film thickness)
• Document and barcode scanning, line scanning of objects
• Research, teaching & maker projects, e. g., DIY spectrometers, experiments, prototypes

Technology at a glance

All Eureca line scan cameras in the e9u-LSMD series are currently based on:

• 3648 pixels with 8 µm × 200 µm, ideal for spectral and geometric applications;
• High sensitivity in the visible spectral range;
• USB or UART interface (depending on version);
• Compact form factor for installation in your own devices;
• Easy control thanks to software examples, EasyAccess DLL (USB), and documentation.

When choosing between USB and UART, the following simplified rule applies: USB is recommended if a fast connection to a PC or industrial PC is required, high data throughput is needed, convenient software integration is desired, and development should remain as flexible as possible. UART is the right option if the application is implemented directly as embedded, only limited resources are available, data is to be processed in real time on the microcontroller, and a particularly compact, integrated system is a priority.

All camera models are available with optional variants featuring a removable cover glass, quartz glass, or UV coating to reduce reflections or spectrally extend the sensitivity of the sensor.

We present some applications of our line scan camera boards in more detail on a separate page. Although these are currently mainly spectrometer applications, they also provide valuable tips and information on operating the camera boards for other applications. Take a look!

A page with answers to possible questions (for example, »How does … the operation of multiple line scan cameras on a control computer actually work?«) is currently under construction.

USB line scan cameras

This variant is ideal wherever evaluation takes place directly on a PC, industrial PC, or single-board computer: The line scan camera is easily connected to a PC, Raspberry Pi, etc. via USB 2.0, and a free EasyAccess DLL as well as sample codes for Python and C/C++, among others, make it easy to get started. With just a few commands, the camera can be initialized, lines read out, visualized, and saved, allowing functional measurement setups to be realized in no time. Depending on the version, higher data rates and additional convenience functions such as an external trigger (e. g., in the PRO version) are also available.

Typical scenarios

• Laboratory spectrometers
• Test benches & research experiments
• Development environments
• University practicals and demonstrators

e9u-LSMD-TCD1304-STD – Standard version (USB)

The STD version is the universal entry point into our line scan camera series: With 12-bit digitization, a typical line rate of up to 133 fps, and a balanced price-performance ratio, it is ideal for standard spectrometers, general inline measurement tasks, and use in universities, laboratories, and by makers with professional requirements. It is the right choice if you need a robust and flexible line scan camera without any special requirements for complex trigger or timing functions.

e9u-LSMD-TCD1304-PRO – Professional version (USB)

The PRO version is the right choice for demanding applications with high requirements for synchronisation, dynamics and data accuracy. With up to approx. 266 fps, 16-bit digitisation, external trigger input with very low latency, extended timing options and a sophisticated buffer concept, it offers maximum control over the readout behaviour. Optionally available variants without cover glass, with quartz glass, or with UV coating make it even more interesting for special spectral requirements. The PRO version is ideal for highly dynamic spectroscopy, trigger-synchronous test benches, machine integration, and OEM systems, as well as research setups with tight timing windows—in short, wherever precise timing, perfect synchronism, and maximum flexibility in readout are crucial.

e9u-LSMD-TCD1304-EDU – EDU line scan camera board (USB)

The EDU version was developed specifically for research and teaching, STEM projects, and the maker community. Thanks to its cost-optimized architecture with a microcontroller instead of an FPGA, it offers full functionality for typical educational and laboratory applications with reduced complexity and attractive costs. The maximum line rate is slightly lower than the STD version, but is perfectly adequate for teaching laboratories in spectroscopy and for basic experiments, for school and university projects, and for demonstrators in classrooms and workshops. The aim of the EDU version is to provide an accessible, affordable line scan tool that can be used to teach real-world measurement tasks in a practical way – without losing relevance for professional applications.

UART line scan cameras

The UART variant e9u-LSMD-TCD1304-UART is aimed at embedded developers and device manufacturers who want to integrate line scan functionality directly into their own hardware, as well as prototypes in the IoT sector, portable measuring devices, and low-power data acquisition. With a UART interface, optional 8- or 12-bit output, optional external trigger, and a compact board that is directly microcontroller-compatible, it offers a lean, robust solution for systems that deliberately avoid USB—for example, for EMC reasons, due to system architecture, or for demanding real-time requirements.

Advantages

• Easy integration with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, etc.
• Serial interface instead of complex USB implementation
• Ideal for compact OEM devices, mobile measurement systems, low-power applications
• Direct connection of sensors and proprietary logic/control

Publicly funded development – Future-proof technology

The Eureca line scan camera series has been advanced through publicly funded research and development projects, including funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR, formerly BMBF), such as for the Optocubes research project (open source system kit for agile prototyping of laser-based sensors) and supplementary funding instruments such as ZIM. This funding underscores:

• the long-term focus on technology,
• openness to collaborative projects with universities and industry,
• the quality and sustainability of the platform.

Starter set

A starter set based on a Raspberry single-board computer is also available. Only one of the camera modules, a monitor with HDMI connection, mouse and keyboard are required for commissioning. The set consists of:

• Raspberry Pi 3B+ or newer with attached heat sink
• Aluminum housing or rib housing
• Plug-in power supply 220V AC Euro plug
• Supplied microSD card with pre-installed operating system and GUI interface (GUI: Grafical User Interface) for the separately selected camera module

Adapter for our Line Scan Cameras: e9u-LSMD-TCD1304-Adapter

We offer a special adapter board to operate a sensor separately from the line scan camera board. This allows the sensor to be mounted in places where there is little installation space. This adapter board is also suitable for providing the sensor with additional cooling to reduce dark noise.

With this solution, the connection between the camera and sensor is made via a 20 cm long ribbon cable, which can be easily disconnected using clamping plugs and reconnected after installation. The effective distance between the sensor and camera that can be bridged in this way is approx. 15 cm, as the cable should not be under mechanical tension during operation.

In principle, longer ribbon cables can also be used if required. However, the longer the cable, the greater the risk of external interference, which can either impair the signal quality or even make it completely impossible to operate the sensor.

Please note that the ribbon cable has no electrical shielding to reduce such external interference. In environments with very strong sources of electromagnetic interference, this can lead to problems even with a cable length of 20 cm, so that completely different solutions—such as connection via BNC cable or the use of additional drivers—must be used.