Free-Run Operation - Basler A102K User 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 (see Figure 3-8). 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 length of exposure 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 CCT+
(see Section 4.1 and the configuration tool's on-line help) or binary commands (see Section 4.2).
With the CCT+, you use the Exposure Time Control Mode setting on the Exposure tree to set the
camera for free-run programmable exposure time control mode. If you choose to operate the
camera in free-run, you can also adjust the frame rate and exposure time. The CCT+ 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
Timer 1 = Exposure
Timer 2 = Rest of control signal period
Timer 1 + Timer 2 = Control signal period
Control Signal Period
Timer 2 Timer 1
Exposure
frame read out
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BASLER A102