Imperx Cheetah CMOS Camera Series
Space-qualified. Built for the hardest jobs on Earth.
The Cheetah CMOS series shares the platform that put Imperx cameras on the Artemis II. It has been developed for applications where image quality cannot be negotiated: from precision industrial inspection to aerospace and defence deployments - giving engineers a camera platform that holds up where standard industrial imaging reaches its limits.
Imperx built its reputation for rugged imaging in environments where failure is not an option. A customised Imperx Bobcat CCD camera was selected for the Artemis II mission as one of eight cameras placed on the SLS rocket to verify booster separation dynamics under thermal extremes, vibration, and the conditions of spaceflight.
Key Benefits
- Rugged by design. Built to MIL-STD-810G with an operating range from -30 °C to +75 °C (up to -40 °C to +85 °C on select models), IP67 housing options, and MTBF exceeding 660,000 hours — no forced-air cooling required.
- Resolution matched to the task. Sony Pregius and GPIXEL sensor options from 1,6 MP to 65 MP, including SWIR (400–1,700 nm) and UV (200–400 nm) variants, cover inspection and imaging requirements from a single consistent platform.
- Interface flexibility, no infrastructure compromise. Camera Link, CoaXPress (CXP-6 and CXP-12), GigE Vision PoE, 10 GigE Vision over fibre, USB3 Vision, and 3G-SDI — the Cheetah fits existing system architecture without redesign.
- Wide dynamic range for uncontrolled environments. Global shutter sensors with up to 80 dB dynamic range; select models with smart WDR mode exceed 100 dB, handling mixed or variable lighting without additional compensation hardware.
- Open software access. Full GenICam compliance and raw data access give engineers direct control over corrections, exposure, gain, and LUT settings — compatible with CVB Common Vision Blox and all major SDK environments.
- Low power dissipation. Less than 5 W enables conductive cooling, making the Cheetah well-suited for high-reliability and precision imaging applications where active cooling is not an option.
- Extended operating temperature. A range from -30 °C to +75 °C covers the full spectrum of demanding environments, from controlled industrial settings to harsh outdoor and aerospace deployments.
Imaging requirements vary. Application conditions vary more.
Application Areas
Industrial Inspection & Quality Control
Low dark current, tight pixel uniformity, and global shutter performance support inline surface inspection, dimensional measurement, and defect detection. Wide dynamic range variants handle mixed-lighting production environments where standard cameras fall short.
Semiconductor & Electronics
High-resolution models — including 31.5 MP APS-C variants — resolve fine features on PCBs, flat panel displays, and wafer surfaces. Low noise and pixel uniformity translate directly into detection confidence at high throughput.
Logistics & Traceability
Compact PoE GigE models simplify installation in sortation, parcel identification, and code reading stations. On-camera auto-exposure and gain controls adapt to variable lighting without external control loops.
Aerospace, Defence & Surveillance
MIL-STD-810G compliance, extended temperature operation, and IP67 housing options qualify the Cheetah for airborne, ground vehicle, and perimeter security applications. SWIR variants extend the usable spectral range for fog, haze, and material differentiation tasks.
Scientific & Life Sciences
Long exposure capability — up to 16 seconds without forced air cooling — and 8, 10, and 12-bit output options support low-light scientific imaging, fluorescence applications, and precision metrology.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Sensor options |
Sony Pregius and GPIXEL 2nd–4th Gen (incl. IMX250, IMX264, IMX265, IMX304, IMX342, IMX421, IMX487); onsemi Python series |
Resolution range |
1.6 MP to 65 MP |
Interfaces |
Camera Link® (CL/PoCL), CoaXPress® (CXP-6, CXP-12), GigE Vision® PoE, 10 GigE Vision® (incl. fibre), USB3 Vision, 3G/HD-SDI |
Shutter |
Global shutter (primary); rolling shutter on select models |
Bit depth |
8, 10, 12-bit selectable |
Dynamic range |
Up to 80 dB; >100 dB with smart WDR on select models |
Spectral options |
Mono, colour, NIR, SWIR (400–1,700 nm), UV (200–400 nm) |
Housing |
Standard and IP67-rated options |
Operating temp. |
-30 °C to +75 °C standard; -40 °C to +85 °C on MIL-grade models |
Compliance |
GenICam™, GigE Vision®, USB3 Vision™, MIL-STD-810G; ISO 9001:2015 |
MTBF |
> 660,000 hours @ 40 °C |
Lens mount |
C-mount standard; F-mount and Canon EF-mount on select models |
STEMMER IMAGING
From Selection to Ready-to-Run
As a value-added distributor and new authorised partner for Imperx, STEMMER IMAGING supports Cheetah deployments across the full project lifecycle — from identifying the right configuration through to validated subsystems ready for series use.
Operational Services
Camera commissioning, pre-configuration, calibration, and documentation for consistent, reproducible results from day one.
Engineering Services
Feasibility checks with customer samples, illumination concept development, and expert coaching on parameterisation and system architecture. A structured feasibility check is the right starting point before committing to a design.
Special Solutions & Applications
For projects requiring a qualified, series-ready subsystem — including validated detection pipelines and traceability documentation — STEMMER IMAGING's Technical Competence Centre works with you from requirements through to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Imperx Cheetah series?
The Imperx Cheetah is a family of rugged industrial CMOS cameras spanning 1,6 MP to 65MP, built on Sony Pregius and GPIXEL sensors. Available across Camera Link, CoaXPress, GigE Vision PoE, 10 GigE, USB3 Vision, and 3G-SDI interfaces, the series is designed for demanding industrial, aerospace, scientific, and defence environments.
What is the connection to the Artemis II mission?
A customised Imperx Bobcat CCD camera — not the Cheetah — was selected for the Artemis II mission. Eight cameras were placed across the SLS rocket, including on the core stage, engine, intertank, and interior, to verify booster and stage separation dynamics under the thermal extremes and vibration of spaceflight. The Cheetah CMOS series is built on the same engineering principles and ruggedness standards that qualified Imperx for that programme.
Are SWIR and UV versions available?
Yes. The Cheetah line includes SWIR cameras based on Sony SenSWIR technology (400–1,700 nm) in resolutions from 0.33 MP to 5.32 MP, and UV-sensitive models using the Sony Pregius S IMX487 sensor (200–400 nm). Both are available with Camera Link and GigE Vision PoE output.
Which interface should I choose?
Camera Link delivers the highest frame rates via CL Deca mode (up to 6.8 Gbits/s). CoaXPress supports long cable runs at high bandwidth. GigE Vision PoE simplifies installation with power over the data cable. 10 GigE over fibre provides EMI immunity and extended reach. STEMMER IMAGING can advise on the right interface for your application's bandwidth, distance, and infrastructure requirements.
Is the Cheetah GenICam compliant?
All Cheetah models provide a GenICam-compliant interface, making them compatible with CVB Common Vision Blox and all major machine vision SDK environments. Imperx also provides an intuitive GUI-based configuration tool for fast setup and parameter management.
What services does STEMMER IMAGING offer for Cheetah deployments?
Operational Services cover commissioning, calibration, and documentation. Engineering Services include feasibility testing with customer samples, illumination concept support, and parameterisation coaching. Special Solutions & Applications covers the development of qualified subsystems for series-ready projects.