Infrared illuminators are essential accessories used in CCTV systems. They allow to light the monitored area in the dark, using infrared light which is not visible to the human eye (in the case of near infrared - NIR - the source may be partially visible - it depends on the wavelength), but is perfectly captured by CCTV cameras.

The advantage of the Redbeam series is application of specially designed LED array (instead of a conventional set of diodes) which, together with optical lens/es, ensures desired operational angle and distance.

The IR illuminators of the series, cooperating with day/night cameras, make perfect sets for night surveillance. Their twilight sensors in combination with the high-efficiency IR LED arrays provide very good results, with relatively low power consumption.

Comparison of the IR LED array with standard IR LEDs

A typical IR LED provides output power between 5 mW and 15 mW, so, even in the case of short operational distance, an IR illuminator has to employ at least several such diodes. LED arrays provide output power between 1000 and 2500 mW. This means a much longer range, in spite of the small size of the device.

Comparison of IR illuminators with similar output power

To make an IR illuminator of the same power, one would have to use a large number of typical IR LEDs and its size would be much greater. For example, an 1500 mW illuminator should consist of 100 LEDs of 15 mW output power. Of course, such a solution is feasible, but the illuminator would be much bigger than a similar Redbeam device.

Redbeam illuminators allow to light the scene uniformly

The array of small size makes it easy to shape the beam with lenses. In the case of a traditional IR LED illuminator, the angle of the beam depends on the arrangement of LEDs, which is not a flexible solution. Using a LED matrix, virtually any angle can be achieved. The examples are the dome models M1642 and M1643, both with radiation angles of 180^o (vertical plane) and 360^o (horizontal plane).

IR lighting from a Redbeam array as the function of time

IR lighting from typical IR illuminator as the function of time

Another advantage of the arrays is the lifetime of the materials used. Standard heavy-duty IR diodes operate around 6000 hours. In the case of the arrays, the expected lifetime is about 50000 hours. It means that they can work for over 10 years (12/24 cycle)!

Depending on the installation point and area of operation, one can distinguish two types of illuminators: directional (spot) and omnidirectional (180-degree in vertical plane and 360-degree in horizontal plane). The both types are available in 1800 mW and 3000 mW versions. The first type is mounted next to the camera and features a narrow beam, so the range of operation is 40 m and 80 m respectively. The second type (360-degree infrared LED dome illuminator) is mounted on a ceiling. Instead of the range, it is better to describe its capacity by the maximum surface that can be effectively illuminated - 60 m² or 120 m².

An IR illuminator installed next to the camera (not integrated with it) has the advantage over compact solutions that it does not overexpose objects appearing directly in front of the camera lens. It does not create problems with snow, rain, insects etc. in close foreground.

There are ready-to-use two models of outdoor cameras with pre-installed Redbeam illuminators. The IC40 M1130 and IC35 M1131 cameras use Sony Super HAD image sensors, well known for their high quality and often used in modern CCTV cameras. Cooperating with the unique Redbeam IR illuminators, the cameras provide clear pictures within the whole viewing angle - even in total darkness.