PCB fiducials: separate the reference mark from a reflective background
A compact ring light makes the board reference cross stand out in this real source capture. The purpose is stable localization of a known mark before the next positioning or inspection step.
A visible fiducial becomes a positioning tool only after calibration and repeatability checks.
Real camera capture
- Proposed light housing (spec)Ø50 × 17.5 mm
- EvidenceReal lighting-lab captures
- Camera (proposed)2448 × 2048 monochrome
- Field (derived proposal)33.78 × 28.26 mm
Explore it in 3D
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. The part geometry is illustrative and is not reconstructed from the camera image. The proposed field is derived from the printed lens magnification and camera pixel dimensions; actual coverage and focus need a bench check. The illustrated ring position keeps the drawn viewing envelope inside its central aperture; verify vignetting and illumination on the actual sample. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
What the camera saw
Cropped from the source test sheet; original test annotations are retained. Captures are not generated or enhanced. Drag a comparison slider, or open any image full size.
The challenge
A fiducial can sit beside reflective pads and textured laminate. The brightest object is not always the reference mark, so stable contrast is essential.
How it was solved
The source uses white LS-SDL-0011. The proposed camera and macro lens provide a separate bench starting point; they are not identified in the original trial.
Why it works
- 1
A compact diffuse ring can illuminate the reference area with less directional shadow.
- 2
Finding a clear cross in one image does not establish location repeatability. Calibrate and measure repeated placements before assigning a positioning tolerance.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
Evidence you can inspect
A bright cross-shaped fiducial is distinguishable from its surrounding texture.
The sheet reports clear mark visibility and reduced background reflection; it gives no location error or repeated-trial result.
A lighting application-lab demonstration. The source supplies no customer deployment, defect-size limit, repeatability study or production false-call data. Proposed camera, lens, field, mounting and spacing are not the original tested system.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Calibrate the coordinate system
Use a known reference at the actual board plane and account for lens distortion.
- 02
Repeat loading
Measure detected centre position across board translations, rotations and fixture reloads.
- 03
Include distractors
Test nearby pads, scratches, solder-mask changes and partial occlusion before trusting a location score.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-SDL-0011
Ring shadowless light, Ø50 mm (LS-SDL-0011)
Source white ring light; 50 mm outer diameter, 18 mm opening and 17.5 mm height.
$159.00
In proposed setup
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE)
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE) 5 MP GigE area scan camera, IMX264, Gen 2 basic version, Mono, Without PoE
5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera, 2448 × 2048 pixels, 3.45 µm pixels and C-mount. Proposed for a bench contrast trial; the source does not identify its camera. Requires separate camera power; this NPOE model does not support PoE.Not available in the United States. Available for delivery to other countries.
$819.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-FFL-1456
35mm, F2.8, 1.1", C-mount, Macro lens (59 mm (-0.7X) to 150 mm (-0.25X)) (LS-FFL-1456)
35 mm C-mount macro lens; its printed 0.25x at 150 mm working distance gives a derived 33.78 × 28.26 mm field on the proposed camera. Confirm light coverage and focus on the actual part.
$339.00
In proposed setup
Camera test stationOur pick
LS-MNT-0097
Camera stand with XZ adjustment and glass tray, height 600 mm (LS-MNT-0097)
600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm breadboard, XZ adjustment, glass tray and two lighting holders as listed. Proposed bench fixture; confirm loads, travel and camera/lens clamps.
$629.00
In proposed setup
"Tested" identifies the part named in the source. "Our pick" is a proposed alternative or supporting part. Confirm colour, optics, controllers, power supplies, cables and mounting before ordering.
The set-up
| Lighting evidence | Application-lab source captures |
|---|---|
| Camera and lens | Proposed catalog components; source camera unspecified |
| Proposed field (derived) | 33.78 × 28.26 mm at 0.25x |
| Lens working distance (spec) | 150 mm at the listed magnification |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-MNT-0097 · 600 mm station, glass tray and two lighting holders |
Mount the optics with intent
The station is an optical test bench, with its two lighting holders included in the catalog listing. The 3D column and base follow the published height and footprint. Carriages, clamps and part supports are schematic: confirm camera screw pattern, lens support, light fasteners, permissible load and actual travel before ordering.
Complete the electrical system
Select a controller against the exact light voltage, drive mode and power, then confirm camera data/power/I/O cables and a suitable PC. These are not silently added to the proposed optical kit.
Build this system
Start from this setup, adapt it to your part.
The configurator opens with this study's camera, lens, light and station picked. Swap any part, check fit and price, then buy or ask for a quote.
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. The part geometry is illustrative and is not reconstructed from the camera image. The proposed field is derived from the printed lens magnification and camera pixel dimensions; actual coverage and focus need a bench check. The illustrated ring position keeps the drawn viewing envelope inside its central aperture; verify vignetting and illumination on the actual sample. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence.
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Make the next trial specific.
Tell us the part size, smallest defect or tolerance, available working distance, material and line speed. Include what a good part and a reject look like.
About this case study: the photos and camera images come from the application laboratory of the maker of the lighting and optics we sell, imaged on the parts shown; your results depend on your part, camera and set-up. This is an application-lab study, not a LumaSpec customer deployment. Source figures are reported results; proposed components require a fresh trial. The 3D scene illustrates the arrangement and does not simulate imaging performance.