The Innowave-2020CRS is an Onsemi 20MP AR2020 Color GigE Wi-Fi camera, and Vadzo Imaging has validated its near-infrared response at 850nm and 940nm.
For integrators weighing day-and-night imaging options, Vadzo Imaging’s latest validation could simplify a decision that often hinges on subtle trade-offs between illumination wavelength, lens choice and sensor behavior. The company, which supplies embedded vision camera products to OEMs and system integrators, has confirmed 850nm and 940nm near-infrared response on its Innowave-2020CRS — an AR2020 Color GigE Wi-Fi Camera built around the Onsemi AR2020 sensor. The unit brings together Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, ONVIF compliance, IEEE 1588 PTP synchronization, onboard storage, and an M12 lens mount paired with an electromechanical IR-cut filter.
With that validation in hand, Vadzo is positioning the product as a 20MP NIR GigE Wi-Fi Camera aimed at surveillance, medical, automation, and retail systems. The company’s evaluation work also offers practical guidance on choosing infrared illumination, pairing lenses for night imaging, and handling the day-to-night transition.
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Why an AR2020 Color GigE Wi-Fi Camera Needs Day and Night IR Control
Color image sensors are capable of picking up near-infrared light, which remains invisible to the human eye. That sensitivity lets cameras form images with infrared illuminators when light levels are low. The same sensitivity, however, can interfere with daytime color reproduction, washing out colors and throwing off white balance.
An electromechanical IR-cut filter is the answer to that problem. In daylight, the filter keeps infrared light out so colors stay natural. At night, it slides out of the optical path so the sensor can capture infrared illumination. Because color filters turn largely transparent at near-infrared wavelengths, night images from a color sensor come out effectively monochrome — a behavior system designers should factor into their image requirements.
Performance also shifts with illumination wavelength. An 850nm illuminator typically delivers a stronger signal and longer range, but shows a faint red glow when viewed directly. A 940nm illuminator stays invisible to the human eye but produces a weaker signal at the same power, and it may pick up less background interference from sunlight at that wavelength. Visibility requirements, illumination distance, and the installation environment all shape which choice is right.
Lens selection matters just as much. Infrared light can focus at a slightly different distance than visible light, which may affect sharpness at night. An infrared-corrected M12 lens can help reduce that focus shift, which is why testing the camera with the intended lens and illuminator before deployment is important.
How the Innowave-2020CRS Supports 850nm and 940nm Near-Infrared Imaging
At the heart of the Innowave-2020CRS sits the Onsemi AR2020, a 20MP color rolling shutter sensor offering 5120 × 3840 resolution, a 1/1.8-inch optical format, and 1.4µm pixels. Vadzo has validated near-infrared response at both 850nm and 940nm.
The camera pairs an M12 S-Mount lens holder with an electromechanical IR-cut filter. That filter blocks infrared during daytime operation and moves aside for night imaging so the sensor can receive infrared illumination. Its 20MP resolution also leaves room for cropping and close examination of regions of interest.
Beyond roughly 800nm, the sensor’s red, green, and blue filters become largely transparent at near-infrared wavelengths. Pixels then respond similarly to infrared light, yielding a monochrome image instead of normal color output — which is exactly why the IR-cut filter matters for switching between daytime color and nighttime infrared imaging.
The two common illumination options bring different benefits. An 850nm source offers a stronger signal and longer range, while a 940nm source enables discreet illumination without a visible red glow. Since 940nm illumination can produce a weaker sensor response, the system may need greater illuminator output or longer exposure. Developers should evaluate both wavelengths against the actual scene and required recognition distance.
Connectivity is equally broad: Gigabit Ethernet with 100Base-T and 1000Base-T modes, dual-band Wi-Fi supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, ONVIF, IEEE 1588 PTP, onboard storage, unicast and multicast streaming, and an onboard dewarping engine that handles lenses up to 200° DFOV. The sensor offers dynamic range up to 100dB. Together, these capabilities suit networked camera installations that call for synchronized imaging, flexible connectivity, and local recording.
Product Overview
The Innowave-2020CRS is a 20MP color network camera built on the Onsemi AR2020 sensor with Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi in one unit and validated near-infrared response. As a 20MP Near Infrared GigE WIFI Camera, it serves illuminated imaging at 850nm and 940nm, and as a 20MP NIR ONVIF GigE WIFI Camera, it works with standard video management software. The 20MP Near Infrared PTP GigE WIFI Camera designation covers IEEE 1588 synchronization across several camera units, and the 20MP NIR Unicast Multicast GigE WIFI Camera designation covers both streaming modes. The camera also serves as an AR2020 Near Infrared Ethernet WiFi Camera, a 20MP Near Infrared Ethernet WiFi Camera, an AR2020 Color NIR GigE WIFI Camera, a 20MP 850nm NIR GigE WIFI Camera, and a 20MP 940nm NIR Ethernet WiFi Camera for designs that need both links.
Key specs: 20MP (5120 x 3840) Max Resolution | Onsemi AR2020 1/1.8 inch Sensor Format | 1.4 micron Pixel | Color with Rolling Shutter | Gigabit Ethernet (100Base-T and 1000Base-T) and Dual Band Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) | S-Mount (M12) Optics with Electromechanical IR Cut Filter
Key Capabilities of the AR2020 Color GigE Wi-Fi Camera
Validated 850nm and 940nm Near-Infrared Response
Vadzo has validated the sensor’s near-infrared response at 850nm and 940nm. The 850nm band delivers a stronger signal and longer illumination range, whereas 940nm supports invisible illumination with a weaker signal. Developers can pick the wavelength according to visibility requirements, working distance, and environmental conditions. Testing with the intended illuminator helps establish the practical image quality and recognition range.
Gigabit Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity
The camera merges 100Base-T and 1000Base-T Ethernet with dual-band Wi-Fi supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, giving integrators wired and wireless connectivity options within a single camera platform. Ethernet suits reliable, high-bandwidth video transmission, while Wi-Fi can ease commissioning and installations where cabling is difficult.
ONVIF Compliance for Network Video Integration
ONVIF compliance enables integration with compatible network video management and recording systems. That helps system integrators connect the camera to standard video infrastructure and simplifies deployment across multiple locations. Required ONVIF features should be confirmed against the product documentation.
IEEE 1588 PTP for Multi-Camera Synchronization
IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol aligns camera clocks to a common network time source — useful when multiple cameras monitor the same environment and recordings must line up accurately. Wired network connections are generally preferable when consistent synchronization is important. Integrators should validate timing performance on their intended network.
Onboard Storage During Network Interruptions
Onboard storage lets the camera retain footage locally when a network connection drops. This helps protect important recordings during temporary Ethernet or Wi-Fi interruptions. System designers should confirm storage capacity, recording duration, and footage retrieval requirements for the intended deployment.
Unicast and Multicast Streaming
Unicast sends a separate stream to each connected viewer, while multicast lets a single stream serve multiple viewers through a compatible network. Multicast can cut network bandwidth usage when several clients need the same video feed. Switch and access-point support should be checked before selecting a streaming configuration.
Onboard Dewarping for Ultra-Wide Lenses
The onboard dewarping engine handles lenses up to 200° DFOV and corrects the distortion that comes with ultra-wide viewing angles, helping produce a more usable image for monitoring applications. Lens selection and dewarping profiles should be evaluated together, particularly when near-infrared illumination is used.
M12 Optics with an Electromechanical IR-Cut Filter
The M12 S-Mount accommodates a range of lens options for different fields of view. The electromechanical IR-cut filter blocks infrared during the day and moves aside at night to enable infrared imaging. Using an infrared-corrected lens can help maintain focus across visible and near-infrared operation. Vadzo supports lens selection and integration for volume programs.
Up to 100dB Dynamic Range
The AR2020 sensor offers dynamic range up to 100dB, helping retain details in scenes with bright and dark regions — useful for monitoring entrances, windows, and other environments with uneven illumination. Actual image performance depends on the lens, lighting, and selected sensor configuration, so testing under real conditions is recommended.
Statement from Vadzo Imaging
“Night imaging involves more than simply adding an infrared illuminator. The camera must block infrared during the day and admit it at night, the color sensor produces monochrome images under infrared illumination, and lens focus can change between visible and infrared wavelengths. The Innowave-2020CRS has been validated at both 850nm and 940nm with these requirements in mind.
“The electromechanical IR-cut filter supports day and night operation, while the 20MP sensor and dual connectivity options provide flexibility for different network installations. We encourage customers to evaluate both illumination bands with their intended lens and operating environment before finalizing a design. Our team supports customers in selecting and validating the right configuration.”
— Alwin Vincent, Product Manager, Vadzo Imaging
Near-Infrared Imaging Applications
Day and Night Surveillance
Surveillance systems need usable images as lighting conditions change. The Innowave-2020CRS supports daytime color imaging and nighttime infrared capture with an appropriate illuminator. Onboard storage helps retain footage during network interruptions, while 850nm and 940nm illumination options support different visibility and range requirements.
Medical and Laboratory Imaging
Medical and laboratory equipment can use near-infrared illumination for imaging applications that require controlled lighting. The camera’s 20MP resolution and network connectivity support integration into suitable imaging systems. Device manufacturers should independently evaluate illumination safety, image performance, and applicable regulatory requirements for the finished equipment.
Industrial Inspection and Robotics
Industrial inspection systems can use controlled infrared illumination to capture images in environments where visible lighting varies. The camera’s resolution supports detailed image capture, while Ethernet and Wi-Fi provide connectivity options for fixed equipment and mobile platforms. Applications involving fast-moving objects should also assess whether a rolling shutter meets their imaging requirements.
After-Hours Retail Monitoring
Retail stores can use infrared imaging to monitor entrances, stockrooms, and aisles after closing hours. The camera supports day and night operation, while dewarping can provide corrected views when compatible ultra-wide lenses are used. Wired and wireless connectivity options also help accommodate different installation layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does a color camera need an IR-cut filter if it can detect near-infrared light?
A: A color sensor can respond to infrared light, but unwanted infrared during daylight can affect color reproduction. The IR-cut filter blocks infrared during the day and moves aside at night, allowing the sensor to use infrared illumination. This supports daytime color imaging and nighttime monochrome imaging.
Q: Should a system use 850nm or 940nm illumination?
A: The choice depends on the application. An 850nm illuminator generally provides a stronger signal and longer range but produces a faint red glow. A 940nm illuminator is invisible to the human eye but typically provides a weaker signal at equivalent power. Testing both wavelengths with the intended lens and installation distance helps determine the suitable option.
Q: Why do near-infrared images from a color sensor look monochrome?
A: At near-infrared wavelengths, the sensor’s color filters become largely transparent, causing pixels to respond similarly to infrared light. As a result, normal color separation is lost and the image appears monochrome. The IR-cut filter helps preserve color during daytime operation.
Q: What does 100dB of dynamic range mean?
A: Dynamic range describes the difference between the brightest and darkest signals a sensor can capture. A 100dB range corresponds to a brightness ratio of approximately 100,000:1. This helps retain details in scenes with significant lighting differences, although actual results depend on the camera configuration and environment.
Q: Why choose Vadzo Imaging for near-infrared camera integration?
A: Vadzo Imaging offers embedded camera solutions with validated 850nm and 940nm response, an electromechanical IR-cut filter, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, ONVIF, PTP, and onboard storage. The company also provides engineering support for lens selection, firmware customization, and enclosure integration, helping OEMs and system integrators evaluate camera solutions before volume deployment.
Availability
The Innowave-2020CRS AR2020 Color GigE WIFI Camera built on the Onsemi AR2020 sensor is available now for evaluation and production orders. Evaluation kits include the camera, an M12 lens, and platform documentation, with no minimum order requirement. Teams can test both illuminator bands on their own scene at night, check the day and night changeover with their own lens, and confirm both network links before committing to a production bill of materials, which tells them more than a datasheet comparison alone. Teams that need an infrared-corrected lens or a different dewarping profile can ask Vadzo to review the configuration. Browse the full range of network camera options at Vadzo’s website or discuss OEM integration requirements.
About Vadzo Imaging
Vadzo Imaging is a global provider of embedded vision solutions and delivers high-performance camera technologies and imaging platforms for applications in robotics, industrial automation, UAVs, edge AI, and medical systems. Its products are designed for seamless integration with leading embedded platforms. Vadzo supports customers through hardware customization, firmware development, and module-level drivers, enabling faster development and deployment of vision-based systems across GigE, USB, MIPI, Wi-Fi, and SerDes camera interfaces.
Alwin Vincent
Vadzo Imaging
+1 817-678-2139
alwin@vadzoimaging.com
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Why it matters
The validation gives system designers a documented starting point for building day-and-night imaging setups around a single 20MP color sensor, rather than discovering wavelength and lens trade-offs during deployment. Because 850nm and 940nm each carry distinct range, visibility, and signal-strength implications, having both bands confirmed on the same platform could shorten evaluation cycles for surveillance, medical, industrial, and retail projects. Vadzo’s emphasis on testing with the intended lens and illuminator also underscores that datasheet figures alone rarely settle integration decisions.
