HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 12MP USB3 Machine Vision Camera with High Frame Rate USB

The HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 is a 12MP USB3 machine vision camera engineered for demanding industrial automation tasks that require high-resolution imaging at a high frame rate. This camera is designed to capture detailed images in real-time, making it an essential component in quality control, inspection, and robotic guidance systems. Its robust design and advanced features ensure reliable performance in challenging manufacturing environments, addressing the need for precise and efficient visual data acquisition in modern industrial processes.

Product Type & Category Positioning

The HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 is classified as a high-resolution area scan camera within the machine vision product category. These cameras are characterized by their ability to capture a complete 2D image at once, as opposed to line scan cameras that capture data line by line. As a USB3 Vision camera, it adheres to the USB3 Vision standard, which, in conjunction with the GenICam protocol, ensures broad compatibility with various machine vision software platforms and simplifies system integration. This positioning highlights its suitability for applications requiring detailed imagery and rapid data transfer, differentiating it from lower-resolution or slower interface cameras. Building on this classification, its USB 3.0 interface offers significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to USB 2.0, making it ideal for high frame rate applications.

Technical Specifications

Sensor Type: CMOS, Global Shutter

Sensor Model: Stacked BSI

Pixel Size: 3.45 μm × 3.45 μm

Sensor Size: 1.1"

Resolution: 4096 × 3000

Max. Frame Rate: 30.7 fps @ 4096 × 3000 (Mono 8)

Dynamic Range: 67.5 dB

SNR: 44.2 dB

Gain: 0 dB to 12 dB

Exposure Time: 45 μs to 10 sec

Exposure Mode: Off/Once/Continuous

Mono/Color: Mono

Pixel Format: Mono 8/10/10Packed/12/12Packed

Binning: Supports 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 4 × 4

Decimation: Supports 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 4 × 4

Reverse Image: Supports horizontal and vertical reverse image output

Data Interface: USB 3.0, compatible with USB 2.0

Digital I/O: 6-pin P7 connector provides power and I/O, including opto-isolated input × 1 (Line 0), opto-isolated output × 1 (Line 1), and bi-directional non-isolated I/O × 1 (Line 2)

Power Supply: 9 VDC - 24 VDC via USB 3.0 or P7 connector

Lens Mount: C-Mount

Dimension: 29 mm × 29 mm × 30 mm

Weight: Approx. 80 g

Ingress Protection: IP40

Min. Working Temperature: -10 °C

Max. Working Temperature: 50 °C

Client Software: MVS or third-party software meeting USB3 Vision Protocol

Operating System Compatibility: 32/64-bit Windows 7/10, 64-bit Windows 11, 32/64-bit Linux

Certification: CE, RoHS, KC

Technical Highlights

The camera's Stacked BSI CMOS sensor, combined with a 3.45 μm pixel size, facilitates excellent image quality with improved light sensitivity and reduced noise. This design choice is crucial for applications operating in varied lighting conditions or requiring detailed inspection of fine features, ensuring clear and precise image capture even in challenging scenarios. The sensor's BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) technology enhances light gathering capabilities, which is vital for achieving the specified 44.2 dB SNR.

The implementation of a USB 3.0 interface provides a high-bandwidth data transfer capability, crucial for a high-resolution camera like this one that outputs 4096 × 3000 pixels. This interface supports a maximum frame rate of 30.7 fps at full resolution, enabling real-time image acquisition and processing in high-speed applications. The direct memory access (DMA) capability further reduces CPU usage, maximizing the camera's performance for applications where large amounts of image data must be transferred and processed quickly.

Application Scenarios

High-Speed Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) The 4096 × 3000 resolution combined with a 30.7 fps frame rate allows for rapid and detailed inspection of electronic components, printed circuit boards, and semiconductor wafers, ensuring high throughput and defect detection accuracy. This capability helps in reducing manufacturing defects and improving product quality.   Robotics and Pick-and-Place Operations The camera's ability to capture clear images at a high frame rate is essential for robotic guidance systems. It enables precise object recognition, localization, and manipulation, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy in automated assembly lines and warehousing.   Quality Control in Manufacturing In general manufacturing settings, the MV-CH120-60UM V5 can be used for detailed surface inspection, dimensional measurement, and presence/absence checks. Its high resolution ensures that even minute flaws or deviations from specifications are detected, ultimately reducing waste and improving overall production quality.   Medical Imaging and Pharmaceutical Packaging The camera's detailed imaging capabilities can be applied to non-invasive medical device inspection or the verification of pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards and patient safety. This contributes to enhanced product integrity and regulatory adherence.

Selection Recommendations

Suitable for: Applications requiring high-resolution imaging with a substantial frame rate, such as detailed inspection of small components, high-speed assembly lines, and complex quality control processes. The 12MP resolution and 30.7 fps at full resolution make it ideal for capturing intricate details without sacrificing speed.   Not suitable for: Environments demanding extremely high frame rates beyond 30.7 fps at full resolution or applications requiring operation in extreme temperatures exceeding 50 °C or below -10 °C. It is also less suitable for scenarios where extended cable lengths are critical, as USB 3.0 typically has shorter cable length limitations compared to interfaces like GigE Vision.

A comparable model in the HIKROBOT CH series is the MV-CH120-60UC, which offers similar specifications but is available in a color variant for applications where color information is critical.

FAQ

1.What is the maximum frame rate of the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 at full resolution?

The maximum frame rate for the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 at its full resolution of 4096×3000 is 30.7 fps when configured with Mono 8 pixel format per manufacturer datasheet.At higher bit depths such as Mono 10 or Mono 12,the frame rate drops to approximately 25.8 fps and 21.3 fps respectively due to the increased data throughput requirements through the USB 3.0 interface.For applications prioritizing speed over grayscale resolution,we recommend using Mono 8 format and enabling hardware trigger mode to minimize inter-frame latency.The 30.7 fps performance is suitable for most automated inspection tasks with conveyor speeds up to 2 meters per second,such as PCB solder joint verification and surface defect detection.For applications requiring higher frame rates,consider using ROI capture to reduce data throughput—for example,a 1920×1080 ROI can achieve frame rates exceeding 60 fps based on the sensor’s readout architecture.

2.Can this camera be used with software other than HIKROBOT‘s MVS?

Yes,the MV-CH120-60UM V5 is fully compatible with third-party software that adheres to the USB3 Vision Protocol and GenICam Standard,enabling seamless integration into existing automation environments.This compliance ensures that all camera parameters—including exposure time,gain,trigger mode,ROI settings,and user-defined configurations—are accessible through standardized GenICam nodes across different software platforms without requiring proprietary drivers.The camera has been verified for compatibility with major vision libraries including Halcon,VisionPro,OpenCV,Matrox MIL,and Cognex VisionPro,as well as open-source frameworks.This broad integration flexibility allows you to incorporate the MV-CH120-60UM V5 into your existing software environment without additional licensing costs or complex migration efforts.For custom integration support,our technical team can provide sample code and configuration files to accelerate your software development.

3.What are the operating temperature limits for the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5?

The MV-CH120-60UM V5 operates within a temperature range of-10°C to 50°C,with storage capability from-30°C to 70°C when not powered.The USB 3.0 interface and compact chassis design contribute to efficient heat dissipation during continuous operation at maximum frame rate.For installations in environments approaching the upper limit of 50°C,we recommend ensuring adequate airflow around the camera housing—at least 10 mm clearance on all sides—and avoiding direct exposure to heat sources such as furnace openings or motor housings.For applications requiring operation below-10°C,consider alternative models with extended temperature ratings;our technical team can provide specific recommendations for your environmental conditions.

4.What is the typical lead time for the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5?

For the standard MV-CH120-60UM V5 configuration, we ship within 3 to 7 business days after order confirmation. However, if your application requires custom firmware, specific sensor calibration, or non-standard lens mounts, please add 2 to 3 weeks for factory engineering and quality verification. Beijing Zhongping Technology provides a free lead time assessment at the time of quoting—our team will identify any configurable options that may impact delivery before you commit to the order.

5.How does the dynamic range of the MV-CH120-60UM V5 compare to other cameras in its class?

The MV-CH120-60UM V5 offers a dynamic range of 67.5 dB per manufacturer datasheet,providing a balanced capability for capturing details in both bright and dark areas within a single industrial scene.This dynamic range is comparable to other 12 MP cameras in the same price tier,with typical competitors offering 65-70 dB in the USB 3.0 interface segment.The 3.45μm pixel size combined with the Stacked BSI CMOS sensor architecture contributes to this dynamic range by minimizing crosstalk between adjacent pixels and reducing dark current noise.For applications requiring high dynamic range exceeding 70 dB—such as inspection of shiny metal surfaces or transparent materials—we recommend exploring the HIKROBOT CH series with Sony Pregius S sensors,which offer extended dynamic range.Our technical team can assist in comparing specifications for your specific application requirements.

6.Does the MV-CH120-60UM V5 support external power if USB power is insufficient?

Yes,while the MV-CH120-60UM V5 can be powered via USB 3.0 according to the USB Battery Charging Specification,it also features a 6-pin P7 connector that accepts a 9-24 VDC external power supply per the official datasheet.External power is strongly recommended for cable deployments exceeding 3 meters or when using passive USB cables that may experience voltage drop under load,which can cause frame drops or trigger failures.The camera draws approximately 3.5 W under typical operation,and the external power input provides additional headroom for stable operation in electrically noisy factory environments.For multi-camera installations sharing a single USB controller,we strongly recommend using the external power input to maintain consistent frame capture and prevent under-voltage-related performance issues.

7.What is the warranty period for the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5?

Beijing Zhongping Technology provides a 24-month manufacturer‘s warranty for the MV-CH120-60UM V5 covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.The warranty period starts from the date of installation or 30 months from the date of shipment,whichever occurs first,per HIKROBOT’s standard policy for CH series area scan cameras.The warranty covers sensor defects,electronic component failures,and mechanical issues arising from manufacturing faults,but excludes damage from improper power supply,electrostatic discharge,physical impact,or exposure to conditions beyond the camera’s rated specifications.For warranty claims,contact our support team with your purchase order number and installation date—we handle the full RMA process including shipping coordination and replacement arrangement.

8.What is the resolution of the HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5,and how does it impact performance?

The HIKROBOT MV-CH120-60UM V5 features a resolution of 4096×3000 pixels(12.3 effective megapixels),allowing for the capture of very fine details critical for accurate inspection and measurement tasks.This high resolution provides pixel-level detail sufficient for detecting defects as small as 0.05 mm at a field of view of 200 mm×150 mm,making it suitable for PCB solder joint inspection,component alignment verification,and precision dimensional metrology.While higher resolution reduces maximum achievable frame rate,this camera achieves 30.7 fps at full resolution due to its USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface bandwidth and the optimized Stacked BSI CMOS sensor design.For applications prioritizing speed over resolution,ROI capture can reduce data throughput—for example,a 1280×960 ROI can achieve frame rates exceeding 80 fps.

9.Is the MV-CH120-60UM V5 suitable for low-light conditions?

The MV-CH120-60UM V5 utilizes a Stacked BSI CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 3.45μm×3.45μm and achieves a Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR)of 44.2 dB,providing good performance in moderate low-light conditions.The BSI(Backside Illuminated)architecture positions the photodiodes above the wiring layers,increasing quantum efficiency to approximately 72%at peak wavelengths and improving light capture compared to frontside-illuminated sensors of the same pixel size.For extremely low-light applications—such as inspection of dark materials or environments with illumination levels below 10 lux—specialized cameras with larger sensors(e.g.,5.86μm pixels)or enhanced low-light capabilities(e.g.,Sony Pregius S series)may be more suitable.We recommend evaluating your minimum required illumination levels and consulting our technical team for specific low-light performance verification.

10.What are the dimensions and weight of the MV-CH120-60UM V5?

The MV-CH120-60UM V5 has compact dimensions of 29 mm×29 mm×30 mm(excluding the lens and connector)and weighs approximately 80 grams per manufacturer specifications.This compact form factor—roughly the size of a matchbox—combined with the lightweight design reduces payload impact on robotic end-effectors and allows installation in space-constrained systems where clearance is limited to under 35 mm.The square body design supports flexible mounting orientation in either horizontal or vertical configurations,with two M3 mounting holes on each side for standard bracket compatibility.For installation verification,we provide 2D dimensional drawings and STEP 3D models upon request to facilitate integration planning.These small dimensions make the MV-CH120-60UM V5 particularly suitable for multi-camera arrays,mobile inspection vehicles,and collaborative robot-mounted vision systems.