Balluff presents the latest IMX901 and IMX902 sensors in the new BVS CA-GV 5 GigE camera family
January, 2026 - Balluff integrates the latest Sony IMX901 and 902 sensors into the new BVS CA-GV 5 GigE camera family. The cameras have been available since the end of 2025 and offer new possibilities in image processing technology.
The IMX901 (16.4 MPixel) and IMX902 (12.4 MPixel) sensors are characterized by their special sensor geometry ratio. The IMX902 sensor (6040 x 2040 pixels) has an aspect ratio of 3 to 1, and the IMX901 sensor (8008 x 2040 pixels) even has a ratio of 4 to 1.
This special aspect ratio offers advantages for many applications. Examples include the inspection of wide conveyor belts, continuous products, larger distance measurements using laser light sectioning, etc., where several cameras must be arranged in parallel or there is a significant restriction in distance measurement.
The IMX901 and IMX902 sensors are so fast that they are very interesting for classic line scan camera applications. The maximum frame rate in the 5 GigE camera is 36 or 48 full frames per second with a data depth of 10 bits. This corresponds to a sampling rate of more than 73 kHz for the IMX901 with a line width of 8 kpixels and just under 98 kHz for the IMX902 with a line width of 6 kpixels.
Balluff will also integrate these sensors into the new GW 25 GigE camera family, where the maximum speed of 134 full frames per second can be fully utilized for both sensors. This would mean a line scan rate of 270 kHz with a line width of max. 8 kPixels and a data depth of 10 bits.
Due to the size of the two sensors, the 5 GigE camera is integrated in a 40 x 40 mm housing. In this housing size, the IMX902 sensor is equipped with a C-mount lens connection and the IMX901 sensor with a 1.4“ image diagonal is equipped with a compact TLF mount, which offers the advantages of a C-mount connection while also allowing the use of larger lenses with an image diagonal of up to 2”.
The BVS CA GV camera family features power consumption of less than 4.8 watts. These characteristics facilitate integration into existing systems without additional heat sinks.
The 5 GigE interface is GenICam-compliant and can be throttled to 2.5 GigE via software. This allows customers to switch to the new camera technology without immediately having to adapt their computer and network card infrastructure.
The BVS CA GV camera family offers various configurations for digital inputs and outputs. In addition to a classic output and an input that can be switched to 5 or 24 VDC (TTL or PLC signal) via software, two GPIOs (general purpose input/output) and an RS232 interface are available. The GPIOs can be flexibly configured as inputs or outputs, enabling the connection of encoders. The RS232 interface is used for parameterizing liquid lenses or flash controllers. In addition, the camera family can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet).
Thanks to the digital interfaces and modular design, the BVS CA GV camera family already meets many customer requirements in its standard version. This leads to reduced manufacturing costs, allowing the cameras to be offered at attractive prices. Customer-specific requirements such as special filters, extended temperature ranges, frozen firmware versions, production under special clean room conditions, and high-precision alignment of the sensors can also be met.
About Balluff
Founded in Neuhausen a. d. F. in 1921, Balluff and its 3,900 employees worldwide stand for innovative technology, quality, and cross-industry experience in industrial automation. As a leading sensor and automation specialist, the fourth-generation family-owned company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality sensor, identification, and image processing solutions, including network technology and software.
Matrix Vision, which had become a member of the Balluff Group in 2017, completed its rebranding to Balluff MV in 2023. This means that Matrix Vision's well-known and proven products are now available under the Balluff brand.