OMRON FQ2-S25100F Smart Camera

The OMRON FQ2-S25100F is a high-performance smart camera from the FQ2 series of vision sensors, designed for industrial inspection, measurement, and code reading applications. This camera integrates a 2.0 megapixel monochrome image sensor with powerful onboard processing capabilities, eliminating the need for an external PC for vision tasks. The FQ2 series offers advanced inspection functions in a compact, rugged housing suitable for factory floor environments.

Product Overview

The FQ2-S25100F belongs to OMRON's FQ2 series of next-generation smart cameras, which combine high-resolution imaging with intuitive setup and powerful inspection algorithms. The camera features a 2.0 megapixel (1600 x 1200 pixels) monochrome CMOS sensor that captures detailed images for precise measurement and defect detection. The onboard processor executes vision tools including pattern matching, edge detection, blob analysis, OCR, and barcode/2D code reading. The camera is housed in a rugged IP67-rated enclosure that resists dust and water, making it suitable for washdown environments. The FQ2 series supports flexible lighting options with built-in LED illumination or external lighting control. The camera can be configured using either the Touch Finder dedicated display unit or PC-based software, providing options for different application requirements. The FQ2-S25100F includes Ethernet communication for integration with PLCs and factory networks, with support for EtherNet/IP and PROFINET protocols.

Technical Specifications

The FQ2-S25100F features a 1/1.8-inch monochrome CMOS sensor with 2.0 megapixel resolution (1600 x 1200 pixels). The pixel size is 4.5 µm x 4.5 µm, providing high sensitivity and low noise. The camera supports frame rates up to 30 frames per second for continuous inspection. The electronic shutter speed is adjustable from 1/10,000 second to 1 second. The camera includes built-in white LED illumination with adjustable intensity, and also provides a strobe output for controlling external lighting. The lens mount is C-mount, allowing use of a wide range of interchangeable lenses from 6 mm to 75 mm focal lengths. The camera is powered by 24V DC with a tolerance of ±10%, consuming approximately 5 W. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 50°C, with storage from -25°C to 65°C. The camera measures 55 mm wide, 55 mm high, and 40 mm deep (excluding lens), with a weight of approximately 200 g. The enclosure is IP67 rated for protection against dust and temporary immersion in water.

Vision Tools and Inspection Capabilities

The FQ2-S25100F includes a comprehensive library of vision tools accessible through the Touch Finder or PC software. Pattern matching (search) locates objects by their shape, even under rotation or scaling. Edge detection identifies boundaries for measurement of dimensions, gaps, and positions. Blob analysis measures the area, position, and shape of connected regions for presence/absence checks and defect detection. OCR (optical character recognition) reads alphanumeric characters printed or embossed on parts. Barcode and 2D code reading supports all major symbologies including Code 39, Code 128, Data Matrix, QR Code, and PDF417. Color (on color models) can be used for sorting or quality verification. The camera can execute multiple inspection tools in a single trigger, with each tool providing pass/fail results and measurement values. The tool chain can include conditional logic, where the execution of a tool depends on the result of a previous tool. The camera stores up to 1000 inspection images for traceability and debugging. The inspection speed depends on the image size and number of tools, typically 10-30 inspections per second.

Configuration and Programming

The FQ2-S25100F is configured using either the Touch Finder (model FQ2-D31 or similar) or the FQ2 Vision Editor software on a PC. The Touch Finder is a dedicated 7-inch touchscreen display that connects directly to the camera, providing real-time image display and intuitive drag-and-drop setup. The Touch Finder does not require a PC, making it suitable for on-machine configuration by maintenance personnel. The FQ2 Vision Editor software runs on Windows PCs and provides similar functionality plus advanced features such as offline simulation, multi-camera management, and detailed reporting. The setup process involves capturing a reference image, defining regions of interest, selecting inspection tools, setting pass/fail criteria, and configuring communication outputs. The camera supports the use of "scenes" - complete inspection configurations that can be stored in memory and recalled automatically based on product changeover triggers. Up to 32 scenes can be stored in the camera's non-volatile memory. The camera includes an auto-teach function that automatically sets optimal parameters for pattern matching and barcode reading, reducing setup time.

Communication and Integration

The FQ2-S25100F is equipped with an Ethernet port (100BASE-TX) for communication with PLCs and factory networks. Supported protocols include EtherNet/IP (explicit and implicit messaging), PROFINET IO, TCP/IP socket communication, and FTP for image transfer. The camera can exchange data with OMRON CJ, CS, and NJ series PLCs using EtherNet/IP implicit messaging at up to 1 ms communication cycle. The camera outputs inspection results including pass/fail status, measurement values (position, dimensions, counts), and read code data in formats that can be directly mapped to PLC memory addresses. The camera can also receive trigger signals over Ethernet, eliminating the need for a separate trigger input cable in distributed systems. For simpler integration, the camera includes discrete I/O: 4 configurable inputs (24V DC) for triggers and external control, and 4 configurable outputs (NPN/PNP selectable) for pass/fail results and strobe control. The camera also includes a built-in Ethernet web server that allows remote monitoring of live images and inspection results using a standard web browser.

Lighting and Optics

The FQ2-S25100F includes built-in white LED ring lighting around the lens, providing uniform illumination for general-purpose inspection. The lighting intensity is adjustable from 0% to 100% in 1% increments, and can be triggered to illuminate only during image capture to minimize heat generation and LED aging. For applications requiring specialized lighting, the camera provides a strobe output that can control external LED or fiber-optic lights. The camera's C-mount lens interface accepts a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers. Typical lens choices include 8 mm for wide-field inspection, 12 mm or 16 mm for general use, 25 mm for medium-distance inspection, and 35-75 mm for long-distance or high-magnification applications. The camera supports automatic gain control and electronic shutter adjustment to maintain consistent image brightness across varying lighting conditions. A built-in polarizer filter option (available as an accessory) reduces glare from reflective parts. The camera's firmware includes image preprocessing functions such as noise filtering, contrast enhancement, and edge sharpening to improve inspection reliability.

Applications

The FQ2-S25100F is suitable for a wide range of industrial inspection applications. Typical uses include presence/absence verification on assembly lines, ensuring that all components are present before proceeding; part orientation detection to verify correct placement of components; dimension measurement of machined parts, extrusions, or molded components; surface defect detection such as scratches, dents, or contamination; label inspection to verify correct label presence, position, and content; barcode and 2D code reading for traceability in automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries; and OCR for reading date codes, lot numbers, and serial numbers. The 2-megapixel resolution enables inspection of small features at high magnification or inspection of large fields of view at lower magnification. The camera is widely used in automotive parts manufacturing, electronics assembly, food and beverage packaging, pharmaceutical production, and consumer goods manufacturing.

Environmental and Installation Specifications

The FQ2-S25100F is designed for reliable operation in industrial environments. The IP67-rated enclosure allows the camera to be installed in areas where washdown with water and mild detergents occurs, such as food processing and pharmaceutical facilities. The camera should be mounted securely using the four M4 mounting holes on the housing. The recommended torque for mounting screws is 1.2 Nm. The camera must be installed in a location that protects the lens and connector from direct impact. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 50°C, with the camera generating some internal heat that must be dissipated. At high ambient temperatures, the camera should not be enclosed in a sealed box without ventilation. The camera's cable (Ethernet and power) should be routed away from high-power cables to avoid electrical noise interference. The 24V DC power supply should be of good quality with low ripple, and a dedicated power supply for the camera is recommended when sharing power with noisy devices such as solenoids or motors.

Maintenance and Support

The FQ2-S25100F requires minimal maintenance. The lens should be cleaned periodically with a soft, lint-free cloth and optical cleaning solution. Do not use abrasive materials or solvents that may damage lens coatings or the camera housing. The built-in LED lighting has a lifetime of approximately 50,000 hours at full intensity, gradually decreasing in brightness. When LED intensity becomes insufficient, the camera can be adjusted to use a higher gain setting, or the lighting may need replacement. The camera's firmware can be updated through the Ethernet connection using the FQ2 Vision Editor software, adding new features and improvements. OMRON provides comprehensive documentation including user manuals, setup guides, and application notes. Technical support is available through regional OMRON offices and authorized distributors. The FQ2 series has been designed for long product lifecycle, supporting industrial customers who require stable availability of vision components for capital equipment.