Industrial smart camera module with on-board inspection, light and I/O
All-in-one camera sensor · built-in light and lens or C-mount with flash output, on-board vision tools, PNP and fieldbus result outputs
An industrial smart camera module is a self-contained camera sensor that captures the image, runs the inspection program on its own processor and switches outputs or sends results over an industrial network, with no PC in the loop. Ask three things first: whether the light and lens are built into the housing or added through a C-mount and flash output, which vision tools the module runs on board, and how its results reach your controller.
Self-contained camera sensors that run inspection programs on board and report results through discrete outputs or industrial Ethernet, including versions with integrated light and lens and C-mount versions with a flash controller. Area-scan and line-scan cameras that send images to a PC are covered on the Industrial camera for machine vision page. Board-level camera modules without on-board inspection, separate lights and lenses, and complete inspection machines are outside this page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 3 sources
Choose built-in light and lens, or a C-mount with flash output
ipf electronic describes camera sensors as image processing systems that combine image sensor, processing computer and software in a metal housing, and states that, depending on the version, lens and illumination are either integrated in the housing or must be mounted separately. [1]
The wenglor B50M100 is the integrated kind: a white light source and an auto-focus lens with 6.4 mm focal distance sit in the housing, giving a working range from 20 mm with a 1/3-inch colour chip of 736 × 480 pixels (0.35 MP) at 15 fps full frame. [2] Its datasheet limits the light at the top of the −25 to 55 °C range: at 55 °C, continuous illumination at no more than 1% or flash mode at 100% brightness with exposures of 5 ms or less. [2]
The ipf OC539H21 is the external kind: a C-mount for interchangeable lenses and an integrated flash controller for external illumination, with a 1/3-inch CCD of 1280 × 960 pixels and 31 fps at high resolution. [1] Its accessory list pairs it with separate dark-field, dome, back-light and line lights at 3 W to 21.6 W. [1] The wenglor B60E102 sits between the two: a modular housing whose light comes from a Z60F illumination module, with a 12 mm auto-focus lens, a 1440 × 1080 (1.6 MP) monochrome chip and up to 60 fps. [3]
Editorial note: a built-in light fixes the working distance and lighting angle that the module was designed for; if your part needs back-lighting, dark-field or a dome, a C-mount module with a flash output lets you choose the light separately.
Give the supplier the part, field of view, working distance, defect or feature to detect, line speed and trigger, ambient temperature, light type (built-in or external), lens or focus range, result outputs and protocol, mounting space and cable direction.
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Route the results to the PLC: switching outputs, protocols and power
Because the decision is made inside the module, the outputs carry results rather than images. The ipf OC539H21 has 5 programmable PNP outputs and 5 digital inputs rated 100 mA, Ethernet and PROFINET, and stores up to 8 error images. [1]
The wenglor B50M100 has 6 inputs/outputs at 100 mA, RS-232 and Ethernet with EtherNet/IP and PROFINET I/O, and is set up through a web server. [2] The B60E102 adds EtherCAT, a 1 Gbit/s Ethernet port, PROFINET Class B at 100 Mbit/s, Power over Ethernet Class 4, 4 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. [3]
Supply current differs between these designs by a factor of more than three. The B50M100 draws under 200 mA at 24 V on an 18–30 V DC supply; the B60E102 draws 700 mA at 24 V, with start-up peaks up to 800 mA; the ipf unit runs on 18–30 V DC with 208 mA no-load current and 5 VA power consumption. [2][3][1] Editorial calculation: 24 V × 0.2 A = 4.8 W for the B50M100 and 24 V × 0.7 A = 16.8 W for the B60E102, rising to 24 V × 0.8 A = 19.2 W at start-up; size the 24 V supply and any PoE switch port for the start-up value.
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
What makes a camera module a smart camera?
ipf electronic describes camera sensors as combining image sensor, processing computer and image processing software in one housing, with lens and light integrated or mounted separately depending on version. [1]
Does a smart camera need an external light?
Not always. The wenglor B50M100 has a white light and autofocus in the housing; the ipf OC539H21 uses a C-mount and drives external lights through an integrated flash controller. [2][1]
How does a smart camera report results?
Through switching outputs and industrial Ethernet: the ipf example has 5 PNP outputs and PROFINET; the wenglor B60E102 lists PROFINET Class B, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT. [1][3]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. ipf electronic and wenglor are makers of camera sensors describing their own products; the wenglor datasheets were read from copies hosted by a distributor.
