Free-Run Operation - Basler A202K Manual

Operation and Features

3.2.2 Free-run Operation

In free-run, no ExSync signal is required. The camera generates a continuous internal control
signal based on two programmable parameters: "Timer 1" and "Timer 2." Timer 1 determines how
long the internal signal will remain low and the Timer 2 determines how long the signal will remain
high. The control signal period is equal to Timer 1 plus Timer 2.
When the camera is operating in free-run, the length of the control signal period determines the
camera's frame rate. (Frame Rate = 1/Control Signal Period.)
When the camera is operating in free-run, it exposes and outputs frames continuously.
In free-run, only the programmable mode of exposure time control is available.
• In free-run, programmable mode, the pixels are exposed and charge is accumulated when
the internal control signal is low. The frame is read out and transferred on the rising edge of
internal control signal (see Figure 3-8).
In this mode, the exposure time can be programmed as desired by varying the setting of the
"Timer 1" parameter.
Internal
Control
Signal
Figure 3-8: Free-run, Programmable Mode
You can set the camera to operate in free-run using either the Camera Configuration Tool (see
Section 4.1 and the configuration tool's on-line help) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).
With the Camera Configuration Tool, you use the Exposure Tab to set the camera for free-run and
to select the programmable exposure time control mode. If you choose to operate the camera in
free-run, the tool will require you to enter a frame rate and an exposure time on the Exposure Tab.
The configuration tool will then automatically set the Timer 1 and Timer 2 parameters so that the
camera will operate with the frame rate and exposure time that you enter.
With binary commands, you must use the Exposure Time Control Mode command to select the
free-run, programmable mode. You must also use the Timer 1 command to set Timer 1 and the
Timer 2 command to set Timer 2.
3-10
DRAFT
Control Signal Period
Timer 2 Timer 1
Exposure
frame read out
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BASLER A202