Light controllers

How to choose a machine vision light controller

1. Channels

One channel drives one light at its own brightness. Count the lights that must be set or switched separately: a ring plus a backlight need two channels; a multi-angle setup that takes several images in sequence needs one channel per angle. 2-channel, 4-channel and 8-channel controllers cover most stations.

2. Power per channel

Add up the power of the lights on each channel and keep a margin: a controller rated for less current than the light draws runs it dim or shuts down. High-power line and spot lights may need a high-power controller.

3. Constant, strobe or overdrive

Constant light suits slow or stationary parts. Strobing flashes the light only during the exposure, from the camera or sensor trigger: it freezes moving parts, keeps the LEDs cool and lets the controller drive short pulses above the continuous rating (overdrive) for more light. Check the trigger input, the shortest pulse and the delay between trigger and flash.

4. How it is set

Manual knobs suit fixed setups; RS-232 or Ethernet control lets the vision software change brightness per inspection step and store recipes. Analog dimming takes a 0-10 V signal from a PLC.

5. Voltage and connectors

Match the output voltage to the lights (24 V DC for almost every light here) and check the connector, or plan an adapter cable. Lights and controllers from the same range plug together directly.