Product Description:

B & R Automation’s VS Smart Sensors series includes the VSS112Q21.022P-000 smart sensor, a compact camera-based unit intended to add integrated machine vision to conveyor stations, pick-and-place heads, and other automated cells. Classified in the Smart Sensor product group, it provides one active vision function so that a PLC can verify presence, orientation, or code information without an external PC. Its embedded design and S-mount optics minimize wiring and simplify retrofits in confined cabinets.

The processing board is driven by a Cortex A9 i.MX6 dual core CPU running at 800 MHz, and the two cores handle image capture and communication in parallel. An on-chip 512 kB L2 cache reduces memory latency, while 1 GB of DDR RAM stores the current frame sequence for preprocessing, which is delivered in the standard performance class. This architecture allows the sensor to execute edge detection or pattern matching internally, forwarding only results to the controller. Because the variant is not supplied with a UV LED or a Type 1 LED lens, thermal load and startup current remain within the limits of the integrated supply stage. The PCB carries a 4.6 mm fixed-focus lens that is matched to its internal geometry through an LED lens type 2 assembly.

The optical path covers a 37° horizontal angle and resolves scenes at 1.3 MP, transmitting up to 90 fps when the active vision task demands short cycle times. Illumination is provided by 16 LEDs (4 segments with 4 multicolored LEDs each) that can emit red, green, blue, or lime light to enhance contrast on diverse surfaces, and line-scan mode is not available. A glass front window with a polarizing filter suppresses glare, while the S-mount supports alternate 1/1.8-inch lenses. The housing also integrates preprocessing hardware, so no external vision computer is needed.