Boost precision with the IDS U3-3890SE 12MP USB3 camera. Featuring the Sony IMX226 sensor and 33 fps, it is perfect for high-speed industrial AOI.
The IDS U3-3890SE is a high-performance 12 MP USB3 industrial camera designed for precision imaging in professional environments. Built around the Sony IMX226 sensor, it delivers 4000 × 3000 resolution for accurate detail capture in inspection and measurement applications. Available in mono or color variants, the camera provides reliable performance for demanding vision tasks, while its compact aluminum housing and plug-and-play USB-C interface simplify system integration.
Featuring a 1/1.7″ optical format with 1.85 μm pixels, the U3-3890SE maintains excellent image quality even in low-light conditions. With up to 33 fps, hardware-based denoising, flexible binning, and long-exposure support, it reduces host processing load and enables efficient data handling. These capabilities make it well suited for AOI, laboratory imaging, and intelligent monitoring systems in industrial environments.
12.0 MP CMOS Sensor – 4000 × 3000 resolution for high-detail inspection and measurement
Up to ~30 fps @ Full Resolution – Reliable performance for medium-speed industrial imaging
USB3 Vision Interface – High-bandwidth, low-latency data transfer for real-time processing
Rolling Shutter Architecture – Optimized for static targets and controlled-motion applications
Flexible Image Control – Programmable exposure, gain, white balance, and ROI
Industrial SDK & GenICam Support – Seamless integration via **IDS Imaging Development Systems software ecosystem
| Feature | Details | Application Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Brand & Model | Color: Sony IMX226CQJ-C Mono: Sony IMX226CLJ-C | Proven Sony CMOS sensor ensures stable performance and long-term availability. |
| Sensor Type | Color: CMOS Color Mono: CMOS Mono | Choose color for visual inspection or mono for maximum sensitivity and contrast. |
| Interface | USB 3.0 via USB Type-C (screwable) | High reliability connection with secure industrial mounting. |
| Interface Speed | USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) | Supports high data throughput for real-time image acquisition. |
| Resolution (H × V) | 4000 × 3000 pixels (12 MP) | High spatial resolution for fine defect detection and measurement. |
| Optical Area (H × V) | 7.40 mm × 5.55 mm | Efficient sensor size for compact optics and machine-vision setups. |
| Optical Format | 1/1.7″ (Diagonal 9.25 mm) | Wide lens compatibility and balanced FOV vs. sensitivity. |
| Pixel Size | 1.85 µm × 1.85 µm | High pixel density enables detailed imaging in limited space. |
| Lens Mount | C-mount | Industry-standard mount with extensive lens ecosystem. |
| Shutter | Rolling shutter | Optimized for high resolution imaging in controlled motion environments. |
| Frame Rate @ Max. Resolution | 33 fps (freerun), 17 fps (triggered) | Flexible performance for continuous or event-based inspection. |
| Exposure Time | 0.04 ms – 609 ms (up to 30 s long exposure) | Supports both fast-moving targets and low-light applications. |
| Image Memory | 128 MB | Buffering ensures stable image transfer during burst capture. |
| Trigger & Flash I/O | 2× trigger inputs, 2× flash outputs (opto-isolated), GPIO | Precise synchronization with external sensors and lighting. |
| Power Supply | USB powered (5 V) | Simplified system integration without external power supply. |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 2.0 – 3.6 W | Energy-efficient operation for embedded and edge systems. |
| Software Tools | IDS peak SDK, auto exposure/gain, LUT, gamma, ROI, binning | Advanced image control and fast deployment in industrial software stacks. |
| Environmental Tolerance | Operating: 0 °C to +55 °C, Storage: −20 °C to +60 °C | Reliable performance in typical industrial environments. |
| Housing Protection | IP30, aluminum housing | Robust mechanical design for factory and lab use. |
| Size & Weight | 34 × 44 × 47 mm, approx. 110 g | Compact form factor ideal for space-constrained machines. |
| Advanced Image Processing | AOI, binning 2×2, decimation, sequencer, chunk data | Optimizes bandwidth and processing efficiency for demanding vision tasks. |
In the world of micro-electronics, detecting nearly invisible flaws in solder joints or verifying tiny component placements is vital. The IMX226 sensor provides the 12 MP resolution required to view large PCB areas in a single shot while maintaining enough detail for deep digital magnification. By using the camera’s high pixel density, inspection systems can spot hair-thin cracks or misaligned traces without needing mechanical movement. This streamlines the quality control process, boosting factory output and ensuring that intricate circuit boards meet strict reliability standards before they are integrated into final products.
Effective traffic management depends on capturing clear data across several lanes of high-speed traffic simultaneously. The wide optical format and high-resolution output of this sensor allow one camera to monitor three lanes at once without losing the ability to perform license plate recognition. Its back-illuminated architecture provides excellent sensitivity during dawn or dusk, while the hardware trigger ensures perfect synchronization with external flash units. This allows city planners to reduce the amount of hardware on poles and gantries, lowering infrastructure costs while maintaining 24/7 monitoring accuracy for safety and enforcement.
Medical researchers often need to document faint light signals from fluorescent dyes in biological samples. The IMX226 sensor’s exceptional quantum efficiency makes it perfect for these light-starved environments, allowing for clear images without over-exposing delicate live cells to damaging light levels. Its 12-bit ADC distinguishes the subtle color and grayscale variations needed for accurate diagnostic pathology. Because the camera provides high-resolution data in a compact, uncooled package, it can be easily integrated into ergonomic microscope heads, providing laboratory professionals with a high-performance alternative to much larger and more expensive scientific cameras.
Mobile robots in warehouses must navigate through changing light, from dark corners to bright loading bays. The high dynamic range of the IMX226 sensor prevents the robot’s “eyes” from being blinded by these transitions, allowing for safer movement around human workers and obstacles. Its compact 1/1.7″ size is ideal for the sleek sensors arrays found on modern robots. By providing high-resolution spatial awareness, the camera helps the robot identify distant markers or floor debris with enough lead time to adjust its path, improving overall warehouse efficiency and preventing accidents in collaborative environments.
Drones used for crop monitoring require high-resolution sensors that can operate under intense outdoor conditions. The IMX226 offers a perfect balance of low weight and high detail for aerial photogrammetry, enabling drones to capture 12 MP images that show individual leaves and stalks from significant altitudes. This detail is essential for creating multispectral maps that help farmers identify specific zones needing water or fertilizer. The sensor’s ability to maintain performance across wide temperature ranges ensures that mapping stays consistent from a cool morning flight to a mid-afternoon survey, maximizing the effectiveness of modern precision farming techniques.
C-Mount Lenses – Optimized for 1/1.7″ sensors, ensuring full sensor coverage and minimal vignetting for 12 MP resolution cameras.
USB 3.0 Type-C Screw-Lock Cables – Industrial-grade cables designed for secure, vibration-resistant camera connections.
8-Pin Hirose I/O Cables – Enables hardware trigger, opto-isolated flash output, and GPIO control in automation systems.
Industrial LED Ring / Bar Lights – Compatible with external trigger signals for stable and repeatable illumination.
IDS Mounting Plates & Brackets – Precision mounting accessories for accurate camera alignment and mechanical stability.
U3-3880SE Series – 8 MP Sony CMOS sensor in a USB3 industrial housing, suitable for mid-resolution inspection tasks.
U3-3271LE Series – 3.2 MP Sony IMX265 in a compact USB3 format for space-constrained systems.
As an authorized distributor of IDS products, we offer certified expertise and technical support to ensure you get the most out of your U3-3890SE camera. We stand by the quality of our products and provide comprehensive warranty services. Our team can also assist with special services like custom integration and creating pre-configured kits tailored to your specific needs.
