[1]Point Grey [1] has announced the launch of its latest Flea3 USB 3.0 camera models, just weeks after the successful launch of its first USB 3.0 cameras earlier in October. The new FL3-U3-13S2 models are based on monochrome and color versions of the Sony® IMX035, a high-quality CMOS sensor capable of generating 1.3 megapixel (1328 x 1024) images at 120 FPS. The IMX035 uses Sony’s Exmor™ technology, which combines the speed of CMOS with advanced-quality image sensor technologies accumulated through the development of CCDs.
The ultra-compact Flea3 measures just 29 x 29 x 30mm and provides a unique set of features dedicated to maximizing USB 3.0 reliability, including a 32 MByte frame buffer for image retransmission; on-camera power, temperature, and status monitoring; and in-field updatable firmware. Unlike other manufacturers, Point Grey 
[2]has also developed its own USB 3.0 link layer IP, which has been implemented in an FPGA. The new Flea3 USB 3.0 camera models are ideal for applications in machine vision and factory automation; scientific applications such as astronomy, microscopy and biophotonics; and prosumer applications such as video conferencing and kiosk imaging.
“Point Grey is delivering on its promise to develop a full line of USB 3.0 products designed to address the demands of our customers for speed, reliability, and ease-of-use,” says Michael Gibbons, Product Marketing Manager at Point Grey. Gibbons adds, “With complete control over the camera’s core technology, we have the flexibility to choose what features we develop and the timing of our releases without relying on third-party chip vendors. We are also manufacturing our own USB 3.0 PCI Express interface cards and providing our own low-level xHCI driver, providing users with a reliable end-to-end imaging pipeline.”
The FL3-U3-13S2 (1/3 inch 1328×1048 at 120 FPS), list priced at USD $695, is available now from Point Grey, its network of distributors, and online [3] in the Point Grey Store (for North American customers). Further Flea3 USB 3.0 models are planned to be released throughout 2012.