Basler A404KM-RT Area Scan Camera

Description

Product Introduction & Engineering Value

The Basler A404KM-RT is a legacy high-speed machine-vision camera associated with the A400 camera platform. Its 4-megapixel-class CMOS sensor, Camera Link output, and high full-resolution frame rate make it suitable for automated inspection systems where image acquisition speed and deterministic data transfer matter.

This model is particularly relevant when maintaining an existing vision station rather than redesigning the complete imaging chain. The replacement camera must be matched against the installed frame grabber, Camera Link tap configuration, lens arrangement, trigger setup, and application software.

Technical Specifications

These core specifications come from Basler’s A400 documentation.

A note about conflicting online specifications

Several aftermarket pages incorrectly or inconsistently describe the A404KM-RT with specifications such as 2048 × 2048, GigE Vision, 5.5 µm pixels, or global shutter. Those specifications conflict with Basler’s A400 documentation for the A404k family.

For procurement and technical documentation, the Basler A400 manual should therefore take precedence over those aftermarket descriptions.

Field Application & the “Trench” Experience

Consider an older semiconductor inspection station where a Basler camera is connected directly to a dedicated Camera Link frame grabber. The inspection software still runs correctly, but the original camera begins producing unstable image acquisition during continuous production.

Replacing the entire vision system would mean changing the camera, frame grabber, cables, acquisition software, and machine calibration. A correctly matched A404KM-RT replacement can instead preserve much of the existing architecture.

The important part is configuration matching. The technician should confirm the Camera Link tap mode and acquisition parameters before commissioning the replacement. At 96 fps, an incorrect frame-grabber configuration can produce a system that powers up normally but does not acquire images correctly.

Specific application scenarios

• Semiconductor wafer and component inspection using legacy high-speed Camera Link acquisition hardware.
• Precision dimensional inspection where 2352 × 1726 image data is processed by a dedicated frame grabber.
• High-speed surface inspection synchronized with conveyor or motion-control equipment.
• Legacy automated optical inspection stations where maintaining the original camera/frame-grabber architecture reduces system modification.

The A404km is listed by imaging-equipment specialists as a monochrome 2352 × 1726 Camera Link camera capable of 96 fps.

A404KM-RT

A404KM-RT

Transparency SOP: QA & Testing

For New Surplus or refurbished A404KM-RT inventory, the inspection process should be more than a cosmetic check:

1. Model verification
   Confirm A404KM-RT on the actual camera label.
2. Identification check
   Record the serial number, hardware ID, and revision information. One documented industrial inventory record identifies an A404km-RT as ID 0000104302-07.
3. Optical inspection
   Examine the sensor window for scratches, contamination, coating damage, or impact marks.
4. Interface inspection
   Check the Camera Link connector and associated electrical connections for damage or bent contacts.
5. Functional testing
   Where the required Basler-compatible test environment and Camera Link frame grabber are available, verify image acquisition, triggering, frame rate, and image stability.
6. Condition documentation
   Clearly state whether the unit is factory-new surplus, unused surplus, used, or refurbished. A used A404km-RT is currently listed by one specialist supplier as tested and functional with a warranty.

The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide

⚠️ Do not confuse A404KM-RT with a current GigE Vision camera.
Some aftermarket listings describe this model with GigE specifications, but the Basler A400 documentation identifies the A404k platform as a Camera Link camera.

⚠️ Rolling shutter matters.
The Basler A400 manual specifies a fast electronic rolling shutter. Do not substitute a global-shutter specification from another A404-family listing without checking the exact camera variant.

PRO TIP: Before removing the original camera, record the frame-grabber configuration, tap mode, pixel format, trigger mode, exposure parameters, and acquisition timing. The replacement camera may be electrically compatible while still requiring acquisition-side configuration changes.

⚠️ 96 fps requires the correct tap configuration.
The A404k documentation specifies 48 fps in 4-tap mode and 96 fps in 8-tap mode. The frame grabber and cabling must support the selected configuration.

Dynamic FAQ

What is the Basler A404KM-RT?

The A404KM-RT is a Basler industrial machine-vision camera associated with the A400 series. The A404k platform uses a 4-megapixel-class CMOS sensor and Camera Link output.

What resolution does the A404KM-RT use?

The A404k specification is 2352 × 1726 pixels, totaling 4,059,552 pixels. The sensor pixel size is 7.0 × 7.0 µm.

What is the maximum frame rate?

At full resolution, the A404k supports 48 fps in 4-tap mode and 96 fps in 8-tap mode.

Does the A404KM-RT use Camera Link or GigE?

The Basler A400 documentation specifies Camera Link LVDS. In 4-tap operation it uses Medium configuration; in 8-tap operation it uses Full configuration.

Is the A404KM-RT a global-shutter camera?

The A400 documentation specifies a fast electronic rolling shutter for the A404k family.

Is the A404KM-RT still available from Basler?

The A400 documentation is hosted in Basler’s discontinued-camera documentation, so this should be treated as a legacy camera platform for replacement procurement. Current market availability is primarily relevant to surplus and used-equipment sourcing.

How should New Surplus A404KM-RT stock be verified?

Ask for photographs of the actual camera label, serial number, connectors, sensor window, and packaging. For refurbished units, request evidence of functional testing and confirm the warranty period before purchase.