OMRON FQ2 Smart Camera Selection Guide

OMRON FQ2 Series Smart Camera: A Complete Technical Manual from Selection to System Integration

In modern industrial automation production lines, visual inspection has become an indispensable part of quality control, positioning guidance, and traceability management. The OMRON FQ2 series Smart Camera features an "All in One" integrated design that integrates image acquisition, processing, communication, and I/O control into a compact body, greatly reducing the difficulty of system integration. This article is based on the FQ2 series data manual and provides an in-depth technical guide for automation engineers, equipment maintenance personnel, and system integrators, covering model interpretation, field of view calculation, accessory selection, and communication configuration.

Chapter 1: Overview of the FQ2 Series - Identifying Your Application Positioning

The FQ2 series is divided into two major camps: Inspection Model and Inspection/ID Model, which are further subdivided into multiple sub series based on functional complexity and pixel count.

1.1 Testing type model system

Typical applications of series type pixels

FQ2-S1 single function type 350000 single testing item (if available, area)

FQ2-S2 standard model with over 350000 items tested simultaneously (up to 13 items)

FQ2-S3 high-resolution type 760000 or 1.3 million (C-mount) high-precision edge and shape matching

1.2 Testing/ID Type - FQ2-S4 Series

The FQ2-S4 series has added OCR (Optical Character Recognition), barcode, and QR code (including DMP code) reading capabilities on the basis of detection functions, and supports retry mechanisms (normal retry, exposure retry, scene retry, trigger retry), which is very suitable for applications that require simultaneous quality inspection and product traceability.

1.3 NPN and PNP Output Selection

Each model offers two polarity versions: NPN (including "10" or "40" in the model) and PNP (including "15" or "45" in the model). For example:

FQ2-S10010F (NPN, narrow field of view, 350000 pixel color)

FQ2-TS15010F (PNP corresponding model)

When selecting, it is necessary to match the polarity of the PLC input.

Chapter 2: Field of View and Installation Distance - The First Step of On site Debugging

The FQ2 integrated sensor offers four types of fields of view: Narrow View, Standard View, Wide View Long distance, and Wide View Short distance. Each field of view corresponds to a fixed installation distance and field of view range.

2.1 Field of view/installation distance comparison (350000 pixel type)

Field of view type, installation distance, field of view range (reference)

Narrow field of view approximately 38 mm, approximately 8.2 × 6.2 mm

The standard field of view is approximately 57 mm and 13 × 10 mm

Long distance wide-angle approximately 56 mm, approximately 47 × 35 mm

Short distance wide-angle approximately 53 mm, approximately 32 × 24 mm

Note: The actual visual field tolerance is ± 10%. For the C-mount model, the field of view and installation distance depend on the selected lens, and the optical chart needs to be consulted. The X-axis of an optical chart represents the length of the field of view (mm), while the Y-axis represents the camera installation distance (mm). Typically, the length of the field of view in the Y-axis direction is given.

2.2 On site selection suggestions

Narrow field of view: suitable for detecting small components such as electronic component pins and wafer markings, with high resolution.

Standard field of view: Universal type, suitable for most parts inspection (such as injection molded parts appearance).

Long distance wide-angle: requires a large field of view and the camera needs to be far away from the object being measured (such as wide detection on a conveyor belt).

Short distance wide-angle: Installation space is limited but requires a large field of view (such as narrow areas inside the device).

Chapter 3: C-mount Models and Lens Selection - Flexible Response to Special Optical Requirements

The -13 suffix models in the FQ2-S3 and FQ2-S4 series (such as FQ2-S30-13) use a C-mount interface and can replace lenses. OMRON recommends using the 32AS-LE SV series high-resolution and low distortion lenses, with focal lengths ranging from 6mm to 100mm.

3.1 Common lens parameters

Typical applications of focal length, aperture, filter size

6mm F1.4 M40.5 wide-angle, large field of view at close range

Overall monitoring of 8mm F1.4 M35.5 production line

12 mm F1.4 M27 universal medium distance

16mm F1.4 M27 standard testing

25 mm F1.4 M34 long-range small field of view

35-100 mm F1.4-F2.8 with different high magnification and precise positioning

3.2 Key points for using Extension Tube

When a closer installation distance or larger magnification is required, an extension tube can be installed between the lens and the camera. The kit includes 7 rings (40, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5 mm).

Do not stack extension pipes of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 2.0 mm on top of each other, as short threaded sections can cause looseness.

When the total length of the extension tube exceeds 30 mm, additional reinforcement must be provided to resist vibration.

3.3 Polarizing Filter Accessories (FQ-XF1)

Integrated sensors (non C-mount) can be equipped with polarizing filter accessories to suppress reflections on metal surfaces or light spots on transparent packaging. After installation, the protection level has been reduced from IP67 to IP40, and attention should be paid to the environment.

Chapter 4: Core Functions and Detection Capability - Meeting Diverse Workstation Requirements

The FQ2 series has rich built-in image processing algorithms, which can complete the judgment without the need for an external PC.

4.1 List of Testing Items

Shape Search: Shape Search III, Shape Search II, Search, Sensitive Search - Suitable for localization and detection.

Region: Area, Color Area - Used for defect detection or color sorting.

Edge: edge position, edge spacing, edge width - used for size measurement.

Tag: Tagging - used for feature point counting.

OCR/Barcode/QR Code (S4 series only): Supports character recognition, one-dimensional code, QR code, DataMatrix (including DMP engraved code).

4.2 Simultaneous Measurement Quantity

FQ2-S1/S2/S3: up to 13 items/time

FQ2-S4: Up to 32 items/time

4.3 Position compensation

Support 360 ° model position compensation, edge position compensation, and linear correction. In scenarios where the position of the workpiece randomly changes (such as a vibrating conveyor belt), the reference feature can be located first, and then the relative position can be measured, greatly improving stability.

4.4 Image Processing and HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR): Suitable for high contrast scenes (such as metal surfaces coexisting with dark areas).

Image filters: including color to grayscale conversion, weak/strong smoothing, dilation/erosion, median filtering, edge extraction (horizontal/vertical/enhancement), background suppression, etc.

White balance (color camera): corrects color temperature under different light sources.

Brightness correction: compensates for uneven lighting.

4.5 Trigger and Communication

Trigger source: external hardware trigger (single/continuous), Ethernet communication trigger (TCP/UDP protocol free FINS/TCP、EtherNet/IP、PLC Link、PROFINET）。

Communication protocol: Supports direct data exchange with PLC without intermediate conversion.

Chapter 5: I/O and Expansion - A Bridge to Connect Field Devices

5.1 Body I/O (all FQ2 models)

Input: 7 o'clock (TRIG single measurement input+IN0~IN5 control command input)

Output: 3 points (BUSY control output, OR comprehensive judgment output, ERROR error output)

Output can be redefined: OUT0~OUT2 can be mapped to READY, RUN, OR0~OR31 (for each detection item), Exp0~Exp31, etc. through software.

5.2 Expanding through Data Units

When more I/O points are needed, FQ-SDU1 (parallel interface) or FQ-SDU2 (RS-232C interface) data units can be connected.

FQ-SDU1: Add 11 inputs and 24 outputs (parallel)

FQ-SDU2: Add 8 inputs and 7 outputs (RS-232C)

Note: The data unit only supports the FQ2-S3 and FQ2-S4 series.

5.3 Electrical specifications

Power supply voltage: 21.6~26.4 VDC (including ripple)

Current consumption:

Integrated lighting type: maximum 2.4 A

C-mount type (without built-in lighting): maximum 0.3 A

Chapter 6: Human Computer Interaction - Touch Finder and PC Software

The FQ2 series can be set, monitored, and data recorded through a dedicated touch screen terminal Touch Finder (model FQ2-D30 DC power supply type, FQ2-D31 AC/DC/battery type).

6.1 Core specifications of Touch Finder

Display: 3.5-inch TFT color LCD, 320 × 240 pixels, resistive touch screen (with a lifespan of 1 million cycles)

Number of sensors that can be connected: up to 32 can be recognized and 8 can be monitored simultaneously

Data storage: SD card (SDHC, recommended Class 4 or above)

Menu language: English, German, French, Italian, Western, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese

Power supply: FQ2-D30 requires 21.6-26.4 VDC; FQ2-D31 can be connected to an AC adapter (100~240 VAC) or a battery (FQ-BAT1, with a battery life of about 1.5 hours)

6.2 PC Software - TouchFinder for PC

After purchasing sensors and registering as a member, users can download the PC version of the setting software for free. System requirements:

OS: Windows XP SP2 or above or Windows 7 (32/64 bit)

CPU: Core 2 Duo 1.06 GHz or above

Memory: 1 GB or more

Hard drive: 500 MB or more of available space

Monitor: 1024 × 768 or above

The PC software has similar functions to Touch Finder and is suitable for use during the debugging phase.

6.3 Precautions for Battery Use

The FQ-BAT1 battery is a lithium-ion secondary battery with a rated capacity of 1800 mAh, a charging time of about 2 hours, and a usage time of about 1.5 hours (reference value). When exporting, it is necessary to comply with the relevant laws and regulations of the destination.

Chapter 7: Installation and Accessories - Ensuring Stable Operation of Sensors

7.1 Installation bracket

FQ-XL: Standard mounting bracket (included with sensor).

FQ-XL2: High precision mounting bracket with enhanced vibration resistance to prevent optical axis and field of view deviation.

FQ-XLC: C-mount mounting base (included with C-mount model).

7.2 Panel Installation Adapter (FQ-XPM)

Used to embed Touch Finder into the control cabinet panel.

7.3 Recommended Industrial Switches

OMRON recommends W4S1-03B type 3-port industrial switch with fault detection function and current consumption of 0.22 A.

7.4 AC Adapter (for Touch Finder)

Select different plug types according to the country of use:

FQ-AC1: 125 V, PSE certified (Japan)

FQ-AC2:250 V, UL/CSA (North America)

FQ-AC3:250 V, CCC (China)

FQ-AC4：250 V， No authentication (other)

Chapter 8: Environmental Protection and Reliability

8.1 Protection level

Integrated sensor (narrow/standard/wide angle): IP67 (except when installing polarizing filter or unplugged connector)

C-mount sensor: IP40

Touch Finder: IP20 (when installing SD card cover, connector cover, or cable)

IP67 means it can be immersed in water for a short period of time, suitable for humid or dusty environments such as food and beverages, cars, etc.

8.2 Environmental Tolerance

Project specifications

Working temperature 0~50 ℃ (integrated); 0-40 ℃ (S4 series); 0~50℃（Touch Finder）

Storage temperature -25~65 ℃

Humidity 35%~85%, no condensation

Vibration 10~150 Hz, single amplitude 0.35 mm, 80 minutes in X/Y/Z directions

Impact 150 m/s ², 3 times in each of the 6 directions

8.3 Materials and Weight

Sensor housing: PBT, PC, SUS (integrated); Zinc plated steel plate, aluminum die-casting alloy (C-mount)

Weight: Approximately 150-185 grams

Chapter 9: Data Recording and Auxiliary Functions

9.1 Data Storage

Measurement data: up to 1000 records can be stored in the sensor (expandable to SD card capacity after connecting to Touch Finder)

Image: Up to 20 images in the sensor

9.2 Auxiliary functions

Statistical data processing

Testing and Measurement

I/O Monitor

Password protection (preventing parameter tampering)

simulation software

Sensor error history

calibration

Mathematical operations (arithmetic, computational functions, trigonometric functions, logical functions)

These features make on-site debugging and troubleshooting more efficient.

Chapter 10: Selection Process and Common Misconceptions

10.1 Standard selection steps

Determine the detection content: presence, size OCR、 barcode? → Select S1/S2/S3 (detection) or S4 (detection+ID)

Determination accuracy: 0.1 mm level? → 350000 pixels; Below 0.05 mm? → 760000 or 1.3 million pixels

Determine installation distance and field of view: refer to optical charts or use a field of view chart

Select output polarity: NPN or PNP

Choose color: Color (color, color difference detection) or Monochrome (high contrast of edges and characters)

Do you need a C-mount? For special lens requirements, choose the -13 model

Do I/O extensions need to be added? If there are not enough points, add FQ-SDU1/2

Select the operating terminal: Touch Finder or PC software

10.2 Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: A wide-angle field of view can definitely see a larger range. In fact, the installation distance has also increased, and it needs to be confirmed by checking the table.

Misconception 2: The C-mount model can directly use any C-mount lens. It is recommended to use the SV series recommended by OMRON, otherwise edge blurring may occur due to insufficient resolution.

Misconception 3: IP67 sensors can be soaked for a long time. IP67 only prevents short-term immersion and cannot withstand high-pressure water gun flushing.

Misconception 4: The battery powered Touch Finder can be turned on and used as needed. Charging takes 2 hours, use only 1.5 hours, and it is best to have a DC power supply on site.

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting and Maintenance Suggestions

Possible causes and solutions for the phenomenon

Overexposure of the image due to strong illumination or slow shutter speed. Reduce the built-in illumination pulse width or increase the shutter speed (when the built-in illumination is turned on, the shutter speed is 1/250~1/50000 s)

Detect unstable lighting changes, workpiece position deviation, and enable brightness correction or position compensation; Use polarizing filters to suppress reflections

Check Ethernet settings for communication timeout, IP address conflict or protocol mismatch; Confirm PLC side protocol (EtherNet/IP requires configuring instance ID)

The sensor generates heat and the built-in lighting is always on (non pulse mode). Confirm that the lighting is set to "Pulse" and only lights up during exposure

Frequent EEPROM writing and scene saving reduce unnecessary scene saving; Using an external SD card to store logs

Triggering unresponsive TRIG signal polarity error check External trigger wiring and trigger edge setting in software

Chapter 12: Compliance and Safety

EC Directive: Complies with 2004/108/EC, EN 61326-1

LED rating: Integrated sensor with built-in white LED, risk group 2 (IEC62471), to avoid prolonged direct viewing.

Safety Warning: This product is not intended for personal safety and should not be used in situations that directly or indirectly ensure personal safety.