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Imperx Cheetah Series User Manual

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IMPERX
Cheetah Python CMOS Cameras
User Manual
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The Imperx Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 CMOS cameras provide exceptional
video image quality in a ruggedized design. The cameras use 25-, 16-, and 12-megapixel
ON Semiconductor Python image sensors to produce exceptional quality image with
low noise and efficient, optimized internal thermal distribution.
Revision 2.4

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  • Page 1 Camera Link Interface The Imperx Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 CMOS cameras provide exceptional video image quality in a ruggedized design. The cameras use 25-, 16-, and 12-megapixel ON Semiconductor Python image sensors to produce exceptional quality image with low noise and efficient, optimized internal thermal distribution.
  • Page 2 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface About Imperx, Inc. IMPERX, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, high quality digital cameras, frame grabbers, and accessories for industrial, commercial, military, and aerospace imaging applications including flat panel inspection, biometrics, aerial mapping, surveillance, traffic management, semiconductors and electronics, scientific &...
  • Page 3 IMPERX warrants performance of its products and related software to the specifications applicable at the time of sale in accordance with IMPERX’s standard warranty, which is 2 (two) years parts and labor. FOR GLASSLESS CAMERAS THE CCD OR CMOS IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Camera ................9 General ........................9 1.1.1 Key Features ....................10 1.1.2 CoaXPress, GigE, 10GigE and USB3 interfaces ..........11 Technical Specifications ..................12 1.2.1 CLF-C5180 and CLF-C4181 Cameras .............. 13 1.2.2 CLF-C4180 Camera..................
  • Page 5 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.17 Triggering Workspace Registers ..............47 3.3.18 Strobe Control Registers ................49 3.3.19 Pulse Generator Registers ................50 3.3.20 Test Pattern Workspace Registers ............... 51 3.3.21 Input/output Workspace Registers ............. 52 3.3.22 Data Output Format Registers ..............
  • Page 6 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.7.3 Digital Offset ....................86 5.7.4 Black Level Auto-calibration and Black Level Offset ........86 Data Output Format ....................86 5.8.1 Bit Depth ......................86 5.8.2 Output Taps ....................87 Pulse Generator ..................... 87 5.10 Input / Output Control ..................
  • Page 7 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Using Microsoft Excel ................... 106 Creating DPC / HPC Tables ............107 Overview ......................107 Accessing DMP / HPM Files .................. 107 Editing DPM / HPM Files ..................108 9.3.1 Finding defective pixels ................108 9.3.2 Finding hot pixels ..................

  • Page 8: Revision History

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface REVISION HISTORY Revision Date Reviser Comments Rev 1.0 10/30/15 K. Wetzel Initial Pre-Release l Rev 1.1 4/07/16 K. Wetzel Added Register and GUI info. Input from Gennady Rev 1.2 4/20/16 K. Wetzel Updated CamConfig registers and C3880 frame rates Rev 1.3...

  • Page 9: About The Camera

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 1 About the Camera 1.1 General The Cheetah Python series of cameras provide an imaging platform with the latest digital technology and industrial grade components. They use CMOS imaging sensors and offer a broad range of resolutions and frame rates.

  • Page 10: Key Features

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Built-in gamma correction and user-defined look-up table (LUT) capabilities optimize the camera’s dynamic range features. You can also apply defective pixel correction (DPC) and hot pixel correction (HPC) to correct for pixels that are over-responding or under-responding. Auto- White Balance (AWB) is available in color cameras to correct for color temperature.

  • Page 11: Coaxpress, Gige, 10Gige And Usb3 Interfaces

    4-channel CXP-6 CoaXPress® cameras (CXP-C5190, CXP-C4191, CXP-C4190) This User Manual provides information on cameras with the Camera Link® interface only. For more information and technical documentation on cameras with other interfaces please visit our web site www.imperx.com August 2, 2019 Page Rev 2.4...

  • Page 12: Technical Specifications

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 1.2 Technical Specifications The following Tables describe features and specifications that relate to all Cheetah CLF cameras. Table 3: Cheetah camera general specifications Features / Specifications Cheetah Cameras Shutter Operation Global only Exposure time ~44 µs minimum Area of Interest...

  • Page 13: Clf-C5180 And Clf-C4181 Cameras

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 1.2.1 CLF-C5180 and CLF-C4181 Cameras Specifications C5180 C4181 Active image resolution 5120 x 5120 4096 x 4096 Active image area (H, V) 23.0 mm x 23.0 mm 18.4 mm x 18.4 mm 32.5 mm Diagonal 26.1 mm Diagonal Pixel size...

  • Page 14: Clf-C4180 Camera

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 1.2.2 CLF-C4180 Camera Specifications C4180 Active image resolution 4096 x 3072 Active image area (H, V) 18.4 mm x 13.8 mm; 23.0 mm Diagonal Pixel size 4.5 μm Video output Digital, 8/10-bit Output structure 10-Tap Data clock...

  • Page 15: Ordering Information

    (C4180 only) cover glass 700 = Mono w/clear cover glass Note: PS12V04A Power Supply sold separately. For any other custom camera configurations, contact Imperx, Inc. at: Email: sales@imperx.com Tel.(+1) 561-989-0006 Fax: (+1) 561-989-0045 Visit our website: www.imperx.com 1.4 Technical Support Each camera is fully tested before shipping.

  • Page 16: Hardware

    Figure 1: CLF Camera back panel, Deca, Full, Medium, or Base 2.1.1 Power Supply The camera requires a 12-volt power supply. Imperx recommends purchasing the optional Imperx PS12V04 power supply. The PS12V04A power supply also provides connectors for trigger input (black) and strobe output (white).
  • Page 17 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 2: PS12V04A standard power supply (ordered separately) 2.1.1.1 Power Supply Specs Cable length: Supplied AC power input cable (IEC): 1.8m (6’) 100 - 240 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz 1A Power supply Output (+12 V): 1.5m (5’) ±...
  • Page 18 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 3: PS12V04A power supply assembly August 2, 2019 Page Rev 2.4 18 of 114...

  • Page 19: Camera Power Connector

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 2.2 Camera Power Connector The male 12-pin Hirose connector provides power and all external input/output signals supplied to the camera. Refer to the following tables for connector pin-outs and pin mapping. The connector is a male HIROSE type miniature locking receptacle #HR10A-10R-12PB (71).
  • Page 20 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface A. Input IN 1- Opto-Isolated The input signal “IN 1” and “IN 1 Rtn” are optically isolated and the voltage difference between the two must be positive between 3.3 and 24 volts. Figure 5: IN1 electrical connection B.

  • Page 21: Camera Link Signal Mapping

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 8: OUT 2 Opto-Isolated electrical connection 2.3 Camera Link Signal Mapping Camera data output complies with Deca (80-bit), Full (64-bit), Medium (48-bit) and Base (24-bit) Camera Link standards, up to 80 data bits, 4 sync signals (LVAL, FVAL, DVAL and User Out), 1 reference clock, 2 external inputs CC1, CC2, and a bi-directional serial interface.
  • Page 22 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 6: CLF Camera Output Connector 1 (BASE) – Signal Mapping (continued) Cable Name CL Signal Type Description LVDS - In + PAIR 9 + CC2 User Selectable Input LVDS - In - PAIR 9 - CC2 User Selectable Input...

  • Page 23: Camera Link Physical Layer To Camera Link Receiver Bits

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 7: CLF Camera Output Connector 2 (FULL) – Signal Mapping (continued) Cable Name CL Signal Type Description + PAIR 10 + Z CLK LVDS - Out Camera Link Clock Tx + PAIR 11 LVDS - Out Camera Link Channel Tx...
  • Page 24 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 8: (continued) Camera Link Connector #1 (BASE) (X0-X3) Camera Link X0-X3 10tap8bit 8tap10bit CL_RCVR_Bits Base Deca Deca LVAL LVAL LVAL FVAL FVAL FVAL DVAL Table 9: Camera Link Connector #2 (FULL) (Y0-Y3) Camera Link Y0-Y3 10tap8bit 8tap10bit...
  • Page 25 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 9: Camera Link Connector #2 (FULL) (Y0-Y3) (continued) Camera Link Y0-Y3 10tap8bit 8tap10bit CL_RCVR_Bits Deca Deca LVAL LVAL FVAL DVAL LVAL Table 10: Camera Link Connector #2 (Z0-Z3) Camera Link Z0-Z3 10tap8bit 8tap10bit CL_RCVR_Bits...

  • Page 26: Camera Link Port Assignments Based On Selected Output Configuration

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 10: Camera Link Connector #2 (Z0-Z3) (continued) Camera Link Z0-Z3 10tap8bit 8tap10bit CL_RCVR_Bits Full Deca Deca LVAL LVAL FVAL DVAL LVAL 2.3.3 Camera Link Port assignments based on selected output configuration Table 11: Supported Output Configurations 2x10 4x10...
  • Page 27 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Table 12: Image data bit-to-port assignments– Base modes Port C Port B Port A c5 C4 c3 a7 a6 a5 a4 a3 a2 a1 a0 MODE B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B1 B0 A7 A6 A5 A4 A3 A2 A1 A0 2x8 B7 B6 B5 B4 B3 B1 B0...

  • Page 28: Camera Led Status Indicators

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 2.4 Camera LED Status Indicators The camera has a dual red-green LED, located on the back panel. The LED color and light pattern indicate the camera status and mode of operation: LED Condition Status Indication Normal operation.

  • Page 29: Mechanical, Optical, Environmental

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 2.5 Mechanical, Optical, Environmental 2.5.1 Mechanicals The camera housing is manufactured of high quality aluminum. For maximum flexibility, the camera has eight (8) M3X0.5mm mounting screws, located towards the front and the back. An additional plate with ¼-20 UNC (tripod mount) and hardware is shipped with each camera.

  • Page 30: Optical

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 2.5.2 Optical The camera’s 72 mm x 72 mm cross-section comes with an adapter for F-mount lenses, which have a 46.50 mm back focal distance. The camera performance and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) depends on the illumination (amount of light) reaching the sensor and the exposure time.

  • Page 31: Camera Configuration

    3 Camera Configuration 3.1 Overview The Cheetah series of cameras are highly programmable and flexible. You can control all of the cameras resources (internal registers, video amplifiers and parameter FLASH). You communicate with the camera using a simple, register-based, command protocol via the Camera Link’s serial interface.

  • Page 32: Camera Serial Protocol

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.2.2 Camera Serial Protocol To access the camera registers and resources, the Camera Link serial interface needs to transmit a sequence of bytes to the camera. This is an RS232, asynchronous, full-duplex, serial protocol, with 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no hand shake, and no parity (Figure 13).
  • Page 33 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Wr_Cmd Addr Data Figure 14: Normal write cycle Write Not-acknowledge (2 Bytes): <Nac> <Error Code> byte: 0x15 (Not-acknowledge) byte: <XX> (Nac Error Code. See 3.2.2.3 Error Code Description section) These characters are dropped * * * * Invalid Cmd * * * * All subsequent Rx characters are...
  • Page 34 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface If you specify a wrong address, the camera returns acknowledge <06> and four bytes of data <00> <00> <00> <00>. Read from camera (3 Bytes) : <Read_Cmd> <Address> byte: 0x52 (Read Command) byte: <Register Address_High>...

  • Page 35: Camera Configuration Register Descriptions

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3 Camera Configuration Register Descriptions 3.3.1 Startup Procedure Upon power on or receipt of a ‘SW_Reset’ command, the camera performs the following steps: 1. Boot loader checks Program FLASH memory for a valid Firmware image and loads it into the FPGA.

  • Page 36: Retrieving Manufacturing Data

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.2.3 Load From User #1 The ‘Load From User #1’ command instructs the camera to load its workspace from the User #1 space. All current workspace settings will be replaced with the contents of the User #1 space.

  • Page 37: Camera Information Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.3.2 Firmware Build Number This register returns the firmware build number, which tracks custom firmware for specific applications. Address 0x6038 Data <value> - Firmware Build Number 3.3.3.3 Assembly Part Number This register returns the camera assembly part number – the complete assembly part number is 4 registers.
  • Page 38 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.4.2 Current Vertical Frame Size This register returns the current vertical image frame size in lines. Address 0x6094 Data (12:0) <Current Vertical Size> Data (31:13) <N/A> 3.3.4.3 Current Frame Time This register returns the current frame time in s. Address 0x6084 Data (23:0)

  • Page 39: Camera Attributes

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.4.9 Camera attributes Shows information about the following functionality: Address 0x60AC Data (28:0) Reserved Data (29) 0x1 – PAOI is available, 0x0 - PAOI is not available Data (30) 0x1 – AEC is available, 0x0 - AEC is not available Data (31) 0x1 –...

  • Page 40: Agc/Aec Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.4.13 Current Camera Temperature This register returns the current camera temperature in degrees Celsius. The temperature resolution is 0.25 degrees Celsius – Table 16. Address 0x6010 Data (9:0) <Current Camera Temperature> Data (31:10) Table 16: Current camera temperature values Temperature...
  • Page 41 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 1 s <value> STEP 3.3.5.4 Auto Gain Control (AGC) The register enables the auto gain control. Address 0x0504 Data (0) 0x0 – Disable auto gain control 0x1 – Enable auto gain control Data (31:1) 3.3.5.5 Maximum Gain Limit The register sets the maximum analog gain limit during AGC.

  • Page 42: Exposure Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Data (31:2) 3.3.5.9 Exposure and Gain Correction Speed This register sets the exposure and gain correction speed during AEC/AGC. The automatic exposure and gain control processes can set the algorithm convergence speed, i.e. how long it takes to reach the desired exposure or gain.

  • Page 43: Output Pixel Clock Rate And Zero Rot

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.9 Output Pixel Clock Rate and Zero ROT 3.3.9.1 Pixel Clock Rate This register sets the Pixel Clock Rate in MHz for the output. Address 0x0404 Data (8:0) <value> in MHz (32 to value in Pixel Clock Max register) Data (31:9) <value>...

  • Page 44: Processing Aoi Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.11.2 AOI Horizontal Size This register sets the AOI horizontal size in pixels. Address 0x000C Data (12:0) <value> – AOI horizontal size (multiple of 8) Data (31:13) <value> MIN <value> MAX “Maximum horizontal image size 0x60A40x60A4”...

  • Page 45: Decimation (Averaging Or Subsampling)

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.12.2 PAOI Horizontal Offset This register sets the PAOI horizontal offset in pixels. Address 0x0018 Data (12:0) <value> – PAOI offset in horizontal direction Data (31:13) <value> MIN <value> MAX “Maximum Horizontal Size 0x60A4” - “PAOI Horizontal Size 0x001C” - 8 <value>...

  • Page 46: Black Level Auto-Calibration

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.13.2 Averaging Mode This register controls Averaging. Address 0x0754 Data (1:0) 0x0 – averaging off 0x1 – Averaging in x 0x2 – Averaging in y 0x3 – Averaging in x & y Data (31:2) 3.3.14 Black Level auto-calibration This register sets the Black Level auto-calibration mode.

  • Page 47: Triggering Workspace Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.16.2 Digital Gain This register sets Digital Gain. Address 0x0438 Data (13:0) <value> – Codes 0 to 1023 are not used, 1024 to 16383 applies digital gain at 0.00097x per step Data (31:14) 3.3.16.3 Digital Offset This register sets Digital Offset.
  • Page 48 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.17.3 Software Trigger Start The ‘Start SW Trigger’ command instructs the camera to generate one short trigger pulse. This is a command, not a register. The act of writing to this location initiates the pulse generation.

  • Page 49: Strobe Control Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.18 Strobe Control Registers These registers enable and control the position and pulse width of the two available strobes. The strobe signal is mapped to one or both of the available strobe outputs. 3.3.18.1 Strobe 1 Enable This register enables Strobe 1.

  • Page 50: Pulse Generator Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.18.6 Strobe 2 Reference Select This register sets the reference for the strobe 2 start. Address 0x0644 Data (0) 0x0 – Exposure Start 0x1 – Readout Start Data (31:1) 3.3.18.7 Strobe 2 Delay This register sets the strobe 2 delay from the selected Reference Address 0x0648...

  • Page 51: Test Pattern Workspace Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.19.3 Pulse Generator Pulse Period This register sets the value of the pulse period in microseconds. Address 0x0698 Data (19:0) <value> – Pulse width in microseconds Data (31:20) 3.3.19.4 Pulse Generator Number of Pulses This register sets the number of the pulses generated when the Pulse Generator Mode is set to Burst Mode (discrete number of pulses) Address...

  • Page 52: Input/Output Workspace Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.21 Input/output Workspace Registers 3.3.21.1 OUT1 Output Polarity This register sets the polarity (active Low or High) for the OUT1 output. Address 0x0680 Data (0) 0x0 – Active LOW 0x1 – Active HIGH Data (31:1) 3.3.21.2 OUT1 Output Mapping This register maps the various internal signals to OUT1 camera output.

  • Page 53: White Balance (Wb) Workspace Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.22.2 Data Format Selector This register selects the tap format for the camera data output. Address 0x0424 Data (2:0) 0x0 – N/A 0x1 – 2 tap interleaved 0x2 – 4 tap interleaved 0x3 –...

  • Page 54: Data Correction Workspace Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.23.4 WBC Green Coefficient This register contains the white balance correction coefficients for Green. In manual mode, the user enters the value, in Once or Auto, the camera returns the actual (calculated) coefficient.

  • Page 55: Flat Field Correction And Fpn Correction

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3.3.24.4 HPC Enable This register enables the HPC (Hot Pixel Correction). Address 0x041C Data (1:0) 0x0 – HPC disable 0x1 – Static HPC 0x2 – Dynamic HPC 0x3 – Static and Dynamic HPC Data (31:2) 3.3.24.5 Dynamic DPC Threshold This register sets the threshold for dynamic defective pixel correction...

  • Page 56: Software Configuration Gui

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4 Software Configuration GUI 4.1 Camera Configurator Overview Camera configuration utility software and the Cheetah camera configurator (CamConfig) are provided with each camera. After installing the program, you can program the camera, change settings, and save the settings in a file or in the camera.

  • Page 57: Camera Discovery Procedure

    PCl. It will then communicate with each port (.DLL and COM) and attempt to query the attached camera. If it finds an attached Imperx Cheetah camera, it will read the camera type information from the camera. The camera name will appear in the list box, which includes all DLLs, ports, and cameras discovered.

  • Page 58: Graphical User Interface

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.4 Graphical User Interface After selecting the desired camera, the main Cheetah CamConfig dialog appears (Figure 19). The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is intuitive and self-explanatory. The basic features are: • Compact Design –...

  • Page 59: Main Gui Menu

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.5 Main GUI Menu The Menu provides access to load options, settings, the command terminal, and more (Figure 20). Figure 20: Main Menu Run Application Starts other executable files (frame grabber application, etc.). CamConfig remembers the path to the last executable file you used, so you can start the application without having to type-in the location.
  • Page 60 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface DPM/HPM When selected, the Defect Pixel Map window shows defective or hot pixels location (Figure 21). The maps are stored in the camera’s non-volatile memory and read out when running defective or hot pixel correction. Figure 21: Defective pixel map •...
  • Page 61 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4. Select Menu > Download Terminal on GUI. 5. Click File Type and select a file DPM or HPM. 6. Enter or browse to the location of the file that you saved in step 3. 7.
  • Page 62 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 23: Download Terminal To download files to the camera: 1. Click File Type and select a file type such as DPM, HPM, FFC, RGS, or LUT1/LUT2. 2. Enter or browse to the location of the file on your computer. 3.

  • Page 63: View Gui Windows

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.6 View GUI Windows Use the View menu to display or hide the following panels: Acquisition, AGC/AEC, Trigger, Pulse, Strobe, Color, and Data Out on the screen. Figure 25: View Menu Acquisition Control Controls the exposure time, frame period, pixel clock rate, AOI, analog and digital gain, black level, averaging, subsampling).

  • Page 64: Menu Help

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Color Sets the white balance mode. Displays WBC values. Select All Enables all camera parameter windows. Attach Windows Attaches all camera parameter windows to the main GUI window Select All: Enables all camera parameter windows. Attach Windows: Attaches all camera parameter windows to the main GUI window.

  • Page 65: Parameter Windows

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8 Parameter Windows Cheetah Cameras have many features that can easily be programmed using the Cheetah graphical user interface (GUI) or via simple register commands using the Command Terminal. The main parameter windows are described below. 4.8.1 Acquisition Control Panel Figure 27: Acquisition Control Panel August 2, 2019...
  • Page 66 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.1.1 Exposure, Frame Time, Pixel Clock and ROT Controls This window (Figure 28) controls the camera exposure, frame time, pixel clock rate, and row overhead time (ROT). Figure 28: Exposure control window 4.8.1.1.1 Exposure Control Sets the camera exposure period with three options:...
  • Page 67 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.1.2 Area of Interest (AOI) Use AOI to select the area of the image sensor to output. You can choose to output the entire image sensor field of view or any region within this field of view. Figure 29: AOI Functions Full Frame –...
  • Page 68 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.1.4 Subsampling and Averaging Subsampling and Averaging functions are active within the defined AOI and is used to reduce the output resolution while maintaining the desired field of view. Figure 31: Subsampling Functions Subsampling –...

  • Page 69: Trigger Panel

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.2 Trigger Panel Use the Trigger tab to set the camera trigger inputs and trigger settings. You can select from one of six input sources and set the active trigger edge to rising or falling with optional signal de-bouncing.

  • Page 70: Pulse Generator Panel

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.3 Pulse Generator Panel In this panel, you can configure the parameters of the Internal Pulse Generator. Figure 34: Pulse Generator Panel Granularity – Sets the granularity for the internal counters. Granularity can be set to 1x, 10x, 100x or 1000x.

  • Page 71: Strobe Control And Output Mapping

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.4 Strobe Control and Output Mapping The Strobe Control panel lets you configure camera strobe signals. The camera supports two independently controlled strobe signals. Figure 35: Strobe Control Panel Strobe 1 – Sets the Strobe 1 mode of operation. The strobe can be disabled or enabled. Strobe 2 –...

  • Page 72: Agc / Aec Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.5 AGC / AEC Control Use the AGC/AEC controls to maintain consistent image gain/brightness during changing lighting conditions. You can enable Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) independently or simultaneously. Auto gain and auto exposure controls let you place minimum and maximum limits on auto gain/exposure.

  • Page 73: Data Output Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 4.8.6 Data Output Control The Data Output window provides full control of the camera digital data output. Figure 37: Data Output Panel Camera Link Output – Sets the data format and camera speed. The greater the number of taps, the faster the pixel readout.

  • Page 74: Color Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface • HPC – Enables Hot Pixel Correction (HPC) and allows either static, dynamic, or both static and dynamic hot pixel correction. Each camera comes with a built-in Hot Pixel Map (DPM) to correct for hot pixels. The user can upload a custom HPM, if desired. −...
  • Page 75 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface White Balance – Sets the White balance mode of operation. • Off – No white balance is performed. • AWB Once – The camera analyzes one image frame, calculates one set of correction coefficients, and corrects all subsequent frames this set of coefficients.

  • Page 76: Camera Features

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5 Camera Features 5.1 Exposure Control 5.1.1 Internal Exposure Control - Electronic Shutter In global shutter, all pixels in the array are reset at the same time, allowed to collect signal during the exposure time, and then transferred to a non-photosensitive region within each pixel.

  • Page 77: Frame Time Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.2 Frame Time Control 5.2.1 Internal Line and Frame Time Control The camera speed (frame rate) depends on the CMOS readout time. The readout time is the time needed to read all the pixels out of the CMOS imager. The frame rate can be calculated using the following Formula 1.1: Frame rate [fps] = 1 / read-out time [sec] (1.1)

  • Page 78: Camera Output Control

    Select a frame grabber or camera output based upon the following criteria of data rate: Table 18: C5180 frame rates vs output taps Camera Bit Depth Output Data Rate Full Resolution Full Resolution (Gbit/s) Frame Rate via Frame Rate Imperx VCE-CLPCIe04 (fps) (fps) 8,10 2-Tap (Base) 2.04 8,10 4-Tap (Medium) 4.08 12.8 12.8...

  • Page 79: Area Of Interest

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.3 Area of Interest 5.3.1 Overview For some applications, you may not need the entire image area, but only a portion of it. To accommodate this requirement, Cheetah provides one Area of Interest (AOI) (also known as Region of Interest or ROI).

  • Page 80: Factors Impacting Frame Rate

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.3.3 Factors Impacting Frame Rate The camera frame rate depends upon a number of variables including the exposure time, number of rows and columns in the AOI, the amount of decimation within the image, and the bandwidth of the output interface.

  • Page 81: Subsampling

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.4 Subsampling 5.4.1 Pixel Averaging The principal objective of the averaging function is to reduce the image resolution with better final image quality than a subsampling function. Pixel averaging reduces the output resolution by averaging several pixels together and has the advantage of reducing aliasing and noise, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
  • Page 82 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 42: Monochrome subsampling Figure 43: Color subsampling August 2, 2019 Page Rev 2.4 82 of 114...

  • Page 83: Camera Triggering

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.5 Camera Triggering 5.5.1 Triggering Inputs In the normal mode of operation, the camera is free running, which means the camera continually reads out the sensor. Using the trigger mode allows the camera to be synchronized to an external timing pulse.

  • Page 84: Triggering Modes

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.5.3 Triggering modes Exposure Control When trigger mode is enabled, the exposure time can be set using either the internal exposure timer or the trigger pulse width. In trigger mode, the camera idles and waits for a trigger signal. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the camera starts integration of the frame, completes the integration, and then reads out the image.

  • Page 85: Strobes

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.6 Strobes The camera can provide up to two strobe pulses for synchronization with an external light source, additional cameras, or other peripheral devices. You can set each strobes pulse duration and the delay with respect to the start of the exposure period or the start of the readout period.

  • Page 86: Digital Offset

    The camera automatically adjusts the black level based on measurements of the dark reference lines at the start of each frame. Imperx recommends leaving the black level auto-calibration engaged. If the auto-calibration feature is disabled, you can set the Black Level Offset and adjust it by –...

  • Page 87: Output Taps

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.8.2 Output Taps The Cheetah camera series supports Camera Link Base (2 Tap), Medium (4 tap), Full (8 tap) or Deca (10 taps). The amount of data that can be transferred per unit of time increases with the number of taps selected.

  • Page 88: Input / Output Control

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.10 Input / Output Control 5.10.1 Input / Output Mapping The camera has two external inputs (1 TTL input and 1 opto-coupled input) and 2 external outputs (1 TTL output and 1 opto-coupled switch) wired to the 12 pin HIROSE connector on the back of the camera.

  • Page 89: White Balance And Color Conversion

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.12 White Balance and Color Conversion 5.12.1 White Balance Correction The color representation in the image depends on the spectral content of the light source. Cheetah cameras have a built-in algorithm to compensate for this effect. With white balance correction enabled, the camera collects the luminance data for all of the image sensor’s red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixels, analyzes the data, and adjusts the color gain coefficients for each color pixel to properly proportion the colors and make white objects...

  • Page 90: Transfer Function Correction Lut

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.13 Transfer Function Correction LUT The user defined LUT (Lookup Table) feature allows you to transform the original video data into any arbitrary value. The LUT is designed to transform any 12-bit value into any other 12- bit value.

  • Page 91: Defective Pixel Correction

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.14 Defective Pixel Correction A CMOS imager is composed of a two-dimensional array of light sensitive pixels. In general, the majority of the pixels have similar sensitivity. However, some pixels deviate from the average pixel sensitivity and are called “defective pixels.”...

  • Page 92: Flat Field And Fpn Correction

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 5.15 Flat Field and FPN Correction The camera provides a factory installed flat field correction (FFC) algorithm to correct some of the image sensor non-uniformity. It also employs a fixed pattern noise (FPN) algorithm to correct noise within the image sensor.
  • Page 93 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface luminance can be the average luminance or peak brightness within the entire image (refer to the section3.3.5 AGC/AEC registers) or within a defined Area of Interest (AOI). If both AEC and AGC are enabled, the camera adjusts the exposure first within the preset minimum/maximum limits you set.

  • Page 94: Image Sensor Technology

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 6 Image Sensor Technology 6.1 General information A CMOS camera is an electronic device for converting light into an electrical signal. The C5180, C4181, and C4180 Python cameras contain ON Semiconductor CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors.
  • Page 95 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Figure 51: Typical CMOS image sensor architecture August 2, 2019 Page Rev 2.4 95 of 114...

  • Page 96: Spectral Sensitivity

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 6.1.2 Spectral Sensitivity The camera’s spectral response is shown in the following two figures. Figure 52: Python CMOS mono spectral response (monochrome, cover glass) Figure 53: Python CMOS typical color spectral response (micro lens, cover glass) 6.1.3 Bayer Pattern Information Cheetah Python cameras are available with a Monochrome or Color CMOS imager.

  • Page 97: Configuration Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 7 Configuration Registers 7.1 Abbreviations AEC_EXP_MAX, AEC_EXP_MIN – Max. and Min. Exposure Time for AEC AGC_GN_MAX, AGC_GN_MIN – Max. and Min. Gain Limit for AGC AOI_VER_OFF, AOI_HRZ_OFF – AOI vertical and horizontal offset AOI_VER_SZE, AOI_HRZ_SZE –...

  • Page 98: Camera Information Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 7.3 Camera Information Registers Address Register Name Type Value d (23:0) – <Firmware Revision> d (27:24) – <Camera Type: 0x6004 Firmware Revision 0xB – mono or ENIR, 0xC – color> d (31:28) <Firmware Image> 0x6038 Firmware Build Number <Firmware Build Number>...

  • Page 99: Acquisition Registers (Stored In Flash)

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 0x0 – disable 0x0504 Auto Gain Control 0x00000000 0x00000001 0x1 – enable <AGC_GN_Max> 0x051C Maximum Gain Limit <AGC_GN_Min> + 1 0x00003FFF 0x0518 Minimum Gain Limit <AGC_GN_Min>...

  • Page 100: Trigger Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value <AOI_HRZ_SZE> 0x000C AOI Horizontal Size (W1) RW Width Value 0x00000008 <MAX_HRZ_SZE> d(11:0) multiple of 8 Fixed Frame Period 0x0 – disable, 0x0700 0x00000000 0x00000001 Enable...

  • Page 101: Pulse Generator Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 0x0 – no de-bounce, 0x4 – 10 s, 0x5 – 50s, 0x1 – 100s, 0x065C De-bounce Time Selector 0x00000000 0x00000007 0x6 – 500 s, 0x2 –...

  • Page 102: Strobe Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 7.9 Strobe Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 0x0 – Disable, 0x0630 Strobe 1 Enable 0x00000000 0x00000001 0x1 – Enable 0x0 – Exposure Start 0x0634 Strobe 1 Start Reference RW 0x00000000 0x00000001 0x1 –...

  • Page 103: Wb And Color Correction Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 7.12 WB and Color Correction Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 0x0538 White Balance Mode 0x0 - Off, Selector 0x1 - Once, 0x00000000 0x00000003 0x2 – Auto Tracking, 0x3 –...

  • Page 104: Manufacturing Data Registers

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 7.14 Manufacturing Data Registers Address Register Name Type Value <Assembly Part Number_1> 0x7004 Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_2> 0x7008 Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_3> 0x700C Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_4> 0x7010 Assembly Part Number <Camera Serial Number_1>...

  • Page 105: Creating Look-Up Tables

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 8 Creating Look-up Tables 8.1 Overview A Lookup Table (LUT) file can be created using any standard ASCII text editor or by using Microsoft Excel. Additionally, any spreadsheet or mathematical program capable of generating a comma delimited (.csv) file can be used.

  • Page 106: Using Microsoft Excel

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 8.3 Using Microsoft Excel The LUT file can be created in Excel as follows: 1. Create the spreadsheet as shown below (note that 4096 rows are required in the table). 2. Add the necessary equations into the output cells to generate the transfer function required.

  • Page 107: Creating Dpc / Hpc Tables

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 9 Creating DPC / HPC Tables 9.1 Overview Defective Pixel Correction and Hot Pixel Correction work with predetermined and preloaded Defective and Hot pixel maps. The Defective Pixel Map (DPM) and Hot Pixel Map (HPM) are downloaded into the camera’s non-volatile memory.

  • Page 108: Editing Dpm / Hpm Files

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 3) Select DPM or HPM in the drop-down menu Map Type. 4) Click Save to File. Navigate to where you want to save the file and create a file name and extension based on the type of file: −...

  • Page 109: Finding Hot Pixels

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 9.3.2 Finding hot pixels To find all hot pixels that need to be added to the map, put the lens cap on the camera and capture an image after the camera has reached the normal operating temperature. Use the longest expected exposure time at the normal frame rate.
  • Page 110 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Click the first pixel. b. This frame grabber image shows the first pixel coordinates as 0, 0. X:0 Y:0 Figure 55: Frame grabber’s firs pixel Click the pixel to display X, Y coordinates below.
  • Page 111 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface STEP 3: Adjust Defective Pixel Coordinates As described in STEP 1, if the first pixel coordinates are 0, 0, you must adjust the defective pixel coordinates by adding 1 to both coordinates as shown in the following: 593 (+1), 4816 (+1) = 594, 4817 •...

  • Page 112: Creating New Dpm / Hpm Files

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface STEP 5: Save your DPM/HPM • Save your Defective Pixel Map with the file extension .dpm. • Save your Hot Pixel Map with file extension .hpm 9.4 Creating new DPM / HPM Files You can create your own DPM and HPM files using any ASCII text editor, such as “Notepad”...

  • Page 113: Uploading Dpm / Hpm Files

    Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface 9.5 Uploading DPM / HPM Files After saving the maps, you can upload them to the camera using the Imperx Upload Utility. The Upload Utility ships with your camera and enables uploads of DPM, HPM, and other files to your camera.
  • Page 114 Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface Browse for either the edited .dpm file or .hpm file, select it, and click the Upload button. Wait for the upload to finish. Figure 59: Supported upload files After the upload is completed, do a power cycle on the camera. After the camera re-starts, start the CamConfig and select Data Output.

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