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Imperx Cheetah Series User Manual

Kac cmos camera with camera link interface
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IMPERX
Cheetah KAC CMOS CAMERA
User Manual
with Camera Link
Interface
®
The Cheetah series of CMOS cameras offer the C4080 model and C2880 model with
the Camera Link (CLF) output standard. The C4080 and C2880 models are
ruggedized cameras featuring advanced ON Semiconductor KAC sensors, industrial-
grade components, superior processing power for producing high-resolution images
at fast frame rates, and wide dynamic range. The cameras provide exceptional
durability and performance in the most demanding applications.
Document Version 7.2

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Summary of Contents for Imperx Cheetah Series

  • Page 1 Camera Link Interface ® The Cheetah series of CMOS cameras offer the C4080 model and C2880 model with the Camera Link (CLF) output standard. The C4080 and C2880 models are ruggedized cameras featuring advanced ON Semiconductor KAC sensors, industrial- grade components, superior processing power for producing high-resolution images at fast frame rates, and wide dynamic range.
  • Page 2 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) 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 Copyright © 2017 IMPERX Inc. All rights reserved. All information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. No responsibility is assumed by IMPERX for its use. IMPERX reserves the right to make changes to this information without notice.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 About the Cheetah Camera ...................8 1.1 General ......................8 1.1.1 Key Features ..................9 1.2 Cheetah Specifications ................10 1.2.1 General Information ................. 10 1.2.2 Spectral Sensitivity Curves ..............13 1.2.3 Bayer Pattern Information ..............
  • Page 5 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4 Cheetah Configurator for Camera Link ................ 66 4.1 Overview ....................66 4.2 Discovery Procedure.................. 66 4.3 Graphical User Interface ................67 4.4 Main GUI Menu ..................69 4.5 View GUI Windows ..................72 4.6 Menu Help ....................
  • Page 6 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.13 Pulse Generator ..................112 5.14 I/O Control ..................... 113 5.14.1 Input / Output Mapping ............... 113 5.14.2 Electrical Connectivity ..............113 5.15 Test Image Patterns ................116 5.15.1 Test Image Patterns ..............116 5.16 White Balance and Color Conversion ............
  • Page 7 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface REVISION HISTORY Revision Date Reviser Comments Rev 0.1 9/01/14 N.Cohen Initial Pre-Release l Rev 0.2 10/28/14 K. Wetzel Updated Pre-Release 1 Rev 0.3 12/15/14 K. Wetzel Updated Pre-Release 2 Rev 1.0 02/04/15 K.

  • Page 8: About The Cheetah Camera

    1 About the Cheetah Camera 1.1 General The Cheetah series of cameras are built around a robust imaging platform utilizing the latest digital technology and components. The Cheetah C4080 and C2280 KAC camera series is designed around two different CMOS imaging sensors featuring different resolutions and frame rates.

  • Page 9: Key Features

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface (15.9x) of additional gain available. The wide dynamic range capability features multi- integration times within one frame period compressing bright areas into the available output range and extending the visible dynamic range up to 100db (global shutter mode only) with up to 3 knee points.

  • Page 10: Cheetah Specifications

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1.2 Cheetah Specifications 1.2.1 General Information A CMOS camera is an electronic device for converting light into an electrical signal. The camera contains a light sensitive element CMOS (Charge Coupled Device) where an electronic representation of the image is formed.
  • Page 11 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 2: Rolling Shutter Description. In Rolling Shutter (RS) mode, each line of the image sensor is captured at a slightly different time. This can cause distortions in the image if an object is moving very quickly and the integration time is short with respect to the frame readout time.
  • Page 12 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface readout architecture also eliminates column smearing often seen in traditional CCD image sensors under extremely bright exposure conditions. The time interval required for all pixels in the CMOS imager to clock out of the senson is called a frame.

  • Page 13: Spectral Sensitivity Curves

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1.2.2 Spectral Sensitivity Curves Figure 5: C4080 KAC-12040 CMOS image sensor mono spectral response. Figure 6: C4080 KAC-12040 CMOS image sensor typical color spectral response. October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 13 of 135...

  • Page 14: Bayer Pattern Information

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 7: C2880 KAC-06040 CMOS image sensor mono spectral response. Figure 8: C2880 KAC-06040 CMOS image sensor typical color spectral response 1.2.3 Bayer Pattern Information Cheetah is available with Monochrome or Color CMOS imager. To generate a color image a set of color filters (Red, Green, and Blue) arranged in a “Bayer”...

  • Page 15: Technical Specifications

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1.3 Technical Specifications The following Tables describe features and specifications that relate to all Cheetah CLF and CXP cameras. Specifications C4080 / C2880 Shutter Operation Global or Rolling Dual Video Operation Independent Acquisition Frames Frame Time (Long int.) up to 1 sec...
  • Page 16 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface The following table describes specific features and specifications of the Cheetah C4080 and C2880 CoaXPress cameras. Specifications C4080 C2880 Active image resolution 4000x3000 2832x2128 Active image area (H, V) 18.8mm x 14.1mm, 23.5mm 13.1mm x 10.0mm, 16.65mm Diagonal Diagonal...

  • Page 17: Ordering Information

    NOTE: For custom camera configurations, contact Imperx, Inc. 1.5 Technical Support Imperx tests each camera before shipping. If the camera is not operational after power up, check the following: 1. Check all cables. Make sure that all connectors are firmly attached.

  • Page 18: Hardware

    Camera Link connectors. Figure 9: Camera back panel. 2.1.2 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 19 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 10: PS12V04A standard power supply (ordered separately). 2.1.2.1 Power Supply Specs: Cable length: Supplied AC power input cable (IEC): 1.8m (6’) 100 - 240 Vac, 50 - 60Hz 1A Power supply Output (+12V): 1.5m (5’) ±...

  • Page 20: Camera Power And Data Connector

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 11: PS12V04A power supply assembly. 2.2 Camera Power and Data Connector The male 12-pin Hirose connector provides power and all external input/output signals supplied to the camera. Refer to the following Figure for connector pin-outs. Refer to the Following Table for corresponding pin mapping.

  • Page 21: I/O Connector Pins

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.2.1 I/O Connector Pins A 12- pin Hirose type connector on the back of the camera provides an I/O interface with the following pin mapping. Signal Type Description 12 VDC Return Ground Return 12 VDC Main Power Return + 12 VDC...

  • Page 22: Mechanical, Optical, Environmental

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3 Mechanical, Optical, Environmental 2.3.1 Mechanical The camera housing is manufactured using high quality zinc-aluminum alloy and anodized 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 23 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 15: C4080 front view. Figure 16: C4080 back panel view. October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 23 of 135...
  • Page 24 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3.1.2 C2880 Camera Link Mechanical Drawings Figure 17: C2880 side view. Figure 18: C2880 side view with image plane. October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 24 of 135...
  • Page 25 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 19: C2880 front view. Figure 20: C2880 back panel view. October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 25 of 135...

  • Page 26: Optical

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3.2 Optical The C4080 camera (72 x 72) mm cross-section comes with an adapter for F-mount lenses, which have a 46.50 mm back focal distance and the C2880 camera (also 72 x 72) mm cross-section comes with an adapter for C-Mount lenses which have a 17.5 mm.
  • Page 27 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 21: CLF Camera output connector. Cable Name CL Signal Type Description 12 VDC Power Power PoCL Power Base Base Wire Power Return Ground PoCL Ground Base Wire - X 0 LVDS - Out Camera Link Channel Tx - PAIR 1...
  • Page 28 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 22: CLF Camera output connector 2. Cable Name CL Signal Type Description 12 VDC Power Power PoCL Power Base Base Wire Power Return Ground PoCL Ground Base Wire - Y 0 LVDS - Out Camera Link Channel Tx - PAIR 1...

  • Page 29: Camera Link Physical Layer To Camera Link Receiver Bits

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3.5 Camera Link Physical Layer to Camera Link Receiver Bits The timing diagram below describes how the Camera Link bits are transmitted over the physical link. In the timing diagram below, X0, X1, X2 and X3 are the physical connections. Seven data packets of four bits each are sent during each clock cycle and provide the 28 Camera Link Bits.

  • Page 30: Camera Link Bit To Port Bit Assignments

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3.6 Camera Link Bit to Port Bit assignments The following tables describe how the Camera Link Receiver bits received from X0-X3, Y0- Y3 and Z0-Z3 physical connections on CL connectors #1 and are translated into the Camera Link Port bits based on the selected Camera Link Configuration: Base, Medium, Full or Deca.
  • Page 31 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Camera Link Y0-Y3 10 tap, 8 bit 8 tap, 10 bit CL_RCVR_Bits Deca Deca LVAL LVAL FVAL LVAL Table 9: Camera Link Connector #2 (Y0-Y3). October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 31 of 135...
  • Page 32 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Camera Link Z0-Z3 10 tap, 8 bit 8 tap, 10 bit CL_RCVR_Bits Full Deca Deca LVAL LVAL FVAL DVAL LVAL Table 10: Camera Link Connector #2 (Z0-Z3). October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 32 of 135...

  • Page 33: Camera Link Port Assignments

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2.3.7 Camera Link Port Assignments The following Camera Link port assignments are based on selected output configurations: 8x8 10x MODE Base       Medium   ...
  • Page 34 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Port C Port B Port A Port F Port E Port D Port H Port G c5 c4 c3 a7 a6 a5 a4 a3 a2 a1 a0 f5 f4 f3 d7 d6 d5 d4 d3 d2 d1 d0 g7 g6 g5 g4 g3 g2 g1 g0 MODE C7 C6 C5 C4 C3...

  • Page 35: Camera Configuration

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

  • Page 36: Write Operation

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 24: Serial protocol format. Each camera control register can be updated independently. In terms of the serial protocol, all registers are defined as 16-bit address (hex format), and 32-bit data (hex format).
  • Page 37 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Wr_Cmd Data Addr Figure 25: Normal write cycle. Write Not-acknowledge (2 Bytes): <Nac> <Error Code> byte: 0x15 (Not-acknowledge) byte: <XX> (Nac Error Code. See Error Code Description section) These characters are dropped * * * * Invalid Cmd * * * * All subsequent Rx characters are...

  • Page 38: Read Operation

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.1.4 Read Operation In order to read from any given camera register, a sequence of 3 bytes should be sent to the camera. If there is no error the camera returns 5 bytes – one byte acknowledge for the read command <Ack>...

  • Page 39: Error Code Description

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.1.5 Error Code Description To manage camera reliability, not-acknowledge error codes are defined as follows: x00 – No error x01 – Invalid command. An invalid command (not 52 or 57) has been sent to the camera.
  • Page 40 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address 0x6000 Data (1- 0) 00 – Boot from Factory 01 – Boot from User #1 10 – Boot from User #2 11 - Reserved Data (31- 2) Load From Factory The ‘Load From Factory’...

  • Page 41: Retrieving Manufacturing Data

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface SW_Reset The ‘SW_Reset’ command instructs the camera to initiate software reset, which resets the camera and loads its workspace from one of the configuration spaces as determined by the ‘Boot From’ data. Although, this is a command, the user MUST write a specific data 0xDEADBEEF in order to initiate the reset sequence.

  • Page 42: Camera Information Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface CMOS Serial Number This register returns the CMOS imager number – the complete CMOS number is 2 registers. Address 0x701C, 0x7020 Data <CMOS Image Sensor Serial Number> Date of Manufacture This register returns the camera date of manufacture –...
  • Page 43 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Current Frame “B” Vertical Frame Size This register returns the current vertical image frame size in lines. Address 0x609C Data (15:0) <Current Vertical Size> Data (31:16) <N/A> Current Frame “A” Frame Time This register returns the current frame time for Frame A in us.
  • Page 44 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Current Frame “B” Exposure This register returns the current Frame B camera exposure time in us. Address 0x6088 Data (23:0) <Camera Exposure> Data (31:24) Horizontal Image Size Maximum This register returns the maximum horizontal image size in pixels. Address 0x60A4 Data (15:0)

  • Page 45: Frame "A" Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.2.5 Frame “A” Workspace Registers Frame “A” Exposure Control These registers control the Frame “A” Exposure Address 0x0720 Data (1:0) 00 – Off (Free Running) 01 – Trigger Pulse Width (Duration of selected trigger pulse determines exposure time) 10 –...
  • Page 46 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “A” Area of Interest These set of registers defines the Area of Interest and sets the appropriate window size and offset in horizontal and vertical direction. Frame “A” AOI Horizontal Offset Address 0x0008 Data (11:0)
  • Page 47 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “A” Subsampling Parameter M This register sets the Frame “A” subsampling parameter M. (M>N) Address 0x0744 Data (3:0) <Frame “A” subsampling parameter M value> Data (31:4) Frame “A” Averaging Type This register sets the Frame A averaging level.
  • Page 48 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 12-bit Codes and gains 001000 – 1.0x 000110 – 1.33x 000100 – 2.00x 000010 – 4.00x Data (31:6) Frame “A” Digital Gain (Fine Control) This register sets the Frame “A” digital gain fine control Address 0x074C Data (5:0)
  • Page 49 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1010 – 40% 1011 – 35% 1100 – 30% 1101 – 25% 1110 – 20% 1111 – 15% Data (31:1) Frame “A” WDR P2 Level Address 0x0608 Data (3:0) 0000 – 100% 0001 –...

  • Page 50: Frame "B" Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “A” WDR E1 (Bright Pixel exposure time) Address 0x0610 Data (19:0) <value> E1 exposure time in micro-sec., 1 sec max Data (31:20) Frame “A” WDR E2 (Very-Bright Pixel Exposure time) Address 0x0614 Data (19:0)
  • Page 51 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “B” Fixed Frame Period (adds V-Blanking Lines) This register sets the Frame “B” period Address 0x070C Data (15:0) <value> frame period in lines (65,535 maximum) Data (31:16) Frame “B” Line Time This register sets the Frame “B”...
  • Page 52 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “B” Decimation (Averaging or Subsampling) Frame “B” Decimation Mode This register sets Frame “B” decimation mode: Averaging or Subsampling Address 0x0754 Data (1:0) 00 – decimation off 01 – Subsampling enable 10 –...
  • Page 53 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame “B” Analog & Digital Gain Frame “B” Analog Gain This register controls the Frame B analog gains. Analog gains should always be applied before digital gain. Address 0x0760 Data (5:0) 10-bit codes &...
  • Page 54 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Frame B Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) Register These set of registers controls the Wide Dynamic Range Function Frame “B” WDR Enable Address 0x0618 Data (0) 0 – Disable 1 – Enable Data (31:1) Frame “B”...
  • Page 55 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1110 – 20% 1111 – 15% Data (31:4) Frame “B” WDR P3 Level (Normally set to 100%) Address 0x0624 Data (3:0) 0000 – 100% 0001 – 90% 0010 – 80% 0011 –...

  • Page 56: Acquisition Control Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.2.7 Acquisition Control Registers Frame Mode This register selects the acquisition mode either (Frame “A”, Frame “B” or Dual Video) Address 0x07FC Data (1:0) 00 – Frame A active only 01 –...

  • Page 57: Triggering Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.2.8 Triggering Workspace Registers Trigger Input Selector This register selects the triggering source. Address 0x0650 Data (2:0) 000 – IN1 – the camera expects the trigger to come from the external source mapped to the IN1 connection within the power and I/O connector.

  • Page 58: Strobe Control Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Trigger De-bounce Time This register selects the trigger signal de-bounce time. Any subsequent trigger signals coming to the camera within the de-bounce time interval will be ignored. Address 0x065C Data (2:0) 000 –...
  • Page 59 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address 0x063C Data (19:0) <value> –width in micro sec., 1 sec max. Data (31:20) Strobe 2 Enable This register enables Strobe 2 Address 0x0640 Data (1:0) 00 – disable 01 – enable for Frame A only (exposure time) 10 –...

  • Page 60: Pulse Generator Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.2.10 Pulse Generator Workspace Registers Pulse Generator Timing Granularity This register sets the pulse generator main timing resolution. The main resolution is in microseconds, and 4 granularity steps are possible – x1, x10, x100, x1000 (x1000 is equal to 1ms timing resolution).

  • Page 61: Test Pattern Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Pulse Generator Enable This register enables the pulse generator. Address 0x06A0 Data (0) 0 – disable pulse generator operation 1 – enable pulse generator operation Data (31:1) 3.2.11 Test Pattern Workspace Registers Test Mode Select This register selects the test mode pattern.

  • Page 62: Data Output Bit Depth/Format Selector

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface OUT2 Output Polarity This register sets the polarity (active Low or High) for the OUT2 output. Address 0x0688 Data (0) 0 – active LOW 1 – active HIGH Data (31:1) OUT2 Output Mapping This register maps the various internal signals to OUT2 camera output.

  • Page 63: White Balance (Wb) Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 3.2.14 White Balance (WB) Workspace Registers WB Select This register selects which white balance mode will be used – Off, Once, Auto or Manual. Address 0x0538 Data (0:2) 000 – Off 001 –...

  • Page 64: Data Correction Workspace Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface WBC Blue Coefficient This register contains the white balance correction coefficients for Blue. In manual mode, the user enters the value, in Once or Auto, the camera returns the actual (calculated) coefficient.
  • Page 65 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Dynamic DPC Threshold This register sets the threshold for dynamic pixel correction Address 0x042C Data (11:0) <value> - 0 to 4095 counts Data (31:12) Dynamic HPC Threshold This register sets the threshold for dynamic pixel correction Address 0x0430 Data (11:0)

  • Page 66: Cheetah Configurator For Camera Link

    COM port installed on the PC as well. It will then communicate with each port (.DLL and COM) and attempt to query the attached camera. After finding an attached Imperx Cheetah camera, CamConfig will read the ‘camera type’ information from the camera. The Cheetah camera name will appear in the list box, which includes all DLLs, ports, and cameras discovered.

  • Page 67: Graphical User Interface

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 29: Discovery procedure – select port. 4.3 Graphical User Interface After having selected the desired camera, the main Cheetah CamConfig dialog will appear –Figure 56. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is very intuitive and self-explanatory. The basic features are: 1.
  • Page 68 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 30: CamConfig GUI . The configuration utility includes an interactive help file, which will guide you through the GUI controls and camera settings. On the main window, the user can see useful camera information –...

  • Page 69: Main Gui Menu

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4.4 Main GUI Menu All panels in the Cheetah CamConfig share the same general control options and menus for “Menu”, “View” and “Help” as shown in the following figure. Figure 31: Main Menu. Run Application: Select and starts other executable file (Frame-Grabber application, etc.…) that user normally uses.
  • Page 70 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface DPM: Defect Pixel Map – When selected, the DPM window will show defected pixels location. The defective pixel map is stored in the camera’s non-volatile memory and read out when running bad pixel correction –...
  • Page 71 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 33: Command terminal. Cheetah Download Utility (BUM): One of the great features about the Cheetah is the separate Cheetah Download Manager. This separates the powerful features of uploading LUTs, Firmware, Defective Pixel Map and Hot Pixel Map.

  • Page 72: View Gui Windows

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4.5 View GUI Windows The ‘View’ menu allows the user to select which camera parameter window to be displayed on the main CamConfig GUI window. Figure 34: View Menu. Frame A/B: Controls the exposure, AOI, camera analog, digital gain, black level correction, Averaging, Subsampling and Wide Dynamic Range modes for each acquisition frame (A&B).

  • Page 73: Menu Help

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4.6 Menu Help The main “Help” menu is shown on Figure 4.7 Figure 35: Help menu. Open Help: Opens an interactive help file. Debug: Puts the GUI in a debug mode for test purposes and troubleshooting. Save Camera Reg Saves the camera registers About:...

  • Page 74: Parameter Window

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4.7 Parameter Window 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. 4.7.1 Dual Video (Frame A / Frame B) Window 4.7.1.1 Dual Video Controls: Frame A / B window allows the user to set up two independent acquisition setups (Frames)
  • Page 75 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 38: Exposure control window. 4.7.1.4 Exposure Control (Texp) Sets the camera exposure time with three options. 1. Off – no exposure control. The camera free runs and the exposure time equals the frame time.
  • Page 76 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 39: AOI Functions. Full Frame: This is a pre-programmed AOI providing the full resolution of the camera. QFHD: This is a pre-programmed AOI providing a Quad Full HD (3840 x 2160) centered within the field of view available only on the C4030 version Custom: The user can enter the desired area of interest by setting the active window size (Width,...
  • Page 77 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 4.7.1.8 Video Amplifier Video Amplifier allows the user to adjust the Analog and Digital Gains and black level. Manual entry and sliders are available for adjusting the individual parameters. Figure 41: Video Amp parameter window. Analog Gain: The user can set the desired analog gain using radio buttons.

  • Page 78: Trigger Inputs

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface E1: Exposure time for ‘Bright’ pixels E1 can be set with the slider or input directly. E1 must be some fraction of the overall exposure time as defined by the Exposure setting.

  • Page 79: Pulse Generator

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Enable: Enabling the trigger function allows the user to control either the camera Frame A/B exposure time or control the dual video mode switching. Trigger Source: Selects the active triggering input signal from one of six sources. In1 –External Camera Input 1 In2 –...

  • Page 80: Strobe Control And Output Mapping

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 44: Pulse generator window. Granularity: Sets the granularity for the internal counters. Granularity can be set to 1x, 10x, 100x or 1000x. Period: Sets the pulse period in microseconds. Width: Sets the pulse width in microseconds.
  • Page 81 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 45: Strobe Control window. Strobe 1 Mode: Sets the Strobe 1 mode of operation. The strobe can be disabled or enabled. When enabled, the strobe can be referenced to Frame A, referenced to Frame B or referenced to both Frame A and Frame B.

  • Page 82: Data Output

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Out1: External Output 1 can be mapped to the following: No Mapping, Trigger Input (Mirror), Pulse Generator, Strobe 1 or Strobe 2 Out1 Polarity: External Output 1 polarity can be changed to be active High or Low. Out2: External Output 2 can be mapped to the following: No Mapping, Trigger Input (Mirror), Pulse Generator, Strobe 1 or Strobe 2...

  • Page 83: Color

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface LUT Settings: Enable: – enables the usage of the selected Look-Up Table (LUT). LUT Select – selects which of the two supported LUTs will be used. By default, LUT #1 is factory programmed with standard Gamma of 0.45.
  • Page 84 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 47: Color window. White Balance: Sets the White balance mode of operation. Off – No white balance is performed. • AWB Once – the camera analyzes only one image frame, calculates only one set •...

  • Page 85: Camera Features

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5 Camera Features 5.1 Dual Video (Frame A / Frame B) 5.1.1 Frame A / Frame B Description The camera provides two user defined frames (Frame A and Frame B) and the ability to switch seamlessly between the two frames either manually, automatically or triggered.

  • Page 86: Dual Video - Frame A / Frame B Switching

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.1.2 Dual Video – Frame A / Frame B Switching The cameras provide several options for switching between Frame A and Frame B (Dual Video). • Manual Automatic • • Triggered Manual switching: Uses the computer software to switch between Frame A and Frame B.

  • Page 87: Adc Digitization

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface distortions to the object in motion. The size of these distortions will vary based on the read-out rate of the camera and the speed of the object in motion. Many applications are not sensitive to these slight distortions.

  • Page 88: Area Of Interest

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Select a frame grabber or camera output based upon the following criteria of data rate: CLF-C4080 camera Bit Depth Output Data Rate Full Resolution Frame (Gbit/s) Rate (fps) C4080 8, 10, 12 Single 1.02 C4080...

  • Page 89: Factors Impacting Aoi Frame Rate

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 49: Horizontal and vertical window positioning. Color version users – when AOI is enabled, for proper color reconstruction and WB ‘Offset X’ and ‘Offset Y’ must be an even number. 5.5.3 Factors Impacting AOI Frame Rate The camera frame rate depends upon a number of variables including the, integration time, number of rows in the AOI, the amount of decimation within the image, the A/D...
  • Page 90 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface convergence depending upon the A/D digitization level selected and this can impact the maximum frame rate. 10-bit digitization: ~9 micro-seconds 12-bit digitization: ~20 micro-seconds For example, if 12-bit digitization is selected, then two rows (one line) can be digitized in 20 micro-seconds.

  • Page 91: Subsampling

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.6 Subsampling 5.6.1 Pixel Averaging The principal objective of the averaging function is to reduce the image resolution with better final image quality than a sub-sampling function. Sub-sampling as opposed to averaging has the advantage of increasing the output frame rate by reducing the number of rows readout, but also introduces aliasing in the final image.

  • Page 92: Subsampling Decimation

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface The principle of 9:1 averaging function is identical to 4:1 with a 3x3 pixel area averaged together for black and white and a 9x9 pixel area averaged for the Bayer color pattern. The averaging feature can be used on the full resolution image or within any area of interest.

  • Page 93: Exposure Control

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 53: Color subsampling with N = 2 and M = 4. 5.7 Exposure Control 5.7.1 Internal Exposure Control, Electronic Shutter In rolling shutter mode, each line is reset (cleared of signal) sequentially (one after another).
  • Page 94 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface [Note: all register values must be converted from hex to decimal] (Recall, one line is defined to be two rows of the image sensor) 2) Line Time: The line time can be computed in one of two ways: A) Reading the contents of Line Time register (Reg: 0710 for Frame A or Reg 0714 for Frame B), converting the hex number to decimal and multiplying by 6.25nS...

  • Page 95: External Exposure Control

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 55: Global shutter with 8.33 ms exposure time. With an external trigger, exposure times and read-out times do not overlap, and the effective frame time is the sum of both values. Figure 56: Global shutter with a long exposure time (integration time).

  • Page 96: Variable Frame Time - Programmable Line And Frame Time

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.7.3 Variable Frame Time – Programmable Line and Frame Time Variable frame time control provides the ability to run the camera in full resolution and a frame rate slower than the nominal frame readout rate. The camera can provide very high data rates that can quickly over-run the bandwidth of the frame grabber and output interface.

  • Page 97: Acquisition And Exposure Control

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.8.2 Acquisition and Exposure Control For each trigger input the user can set the trigger edge, and the de-bounce (de-glitch) time. 1. “Triggering Edge” – the user can select the active triggering edge: “Rising”...
  • Page 98 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface lines within the image sensor (the time it takes to read out one frame of the image sensor). In other words, the minimum exposure time is equal to the frame time. Longer exposure times are possible, but exposures shorter than one frame time are not supported.

  • Page 99: Strobes

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 58: Standard Trigger Mode (GS Trigger Pulse Width Exposure Control). Figure 59: In Trigger Mode, exposure and readout times impact triggers. B. Dual Video Trigger If the Dual Video Trigger Option is selected, the camera outputs Frame ‘A’ continuously until the external trigger signal is received.

  • Page 100: Video Amplifier Gain And Offset

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 60: Strobe Positioning with Respect to Exposure Start. 5.10 Video Amplifier Gain and Offset 5.10.1 Analog Domain – Manual Control The camera takes advantage of the analog gain functionality built into the KAC-12040 image sensor.

  • Page 101: Digital Domain - Manual Control

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Analog Gain Vs Select Code Select Code 10-Bit Gain 12-Bit Gain 4.00 8.00 2.00 5.33 1.33 4.00 1.00 3.20 2.66 2.28 2.00 1.77 1.60 1.45 1.33 1.23 1.14 1.07 1.00 Table 20: Analog gain steps.
  • Page 102 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface pixel location. For each pixel, the camera can be programmed to select from up to four user defined exposure times based on the intensity of the source at the individual pixel. For example, the user can set an ultra-short exposure for ultra-bright pixels within the image, a longer exposure for very bright pixels, a long exposure for bright pixels while dark pixels within the image are allowed to integrate for the full exposure time.
  • Page 103 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Percentage of Output Pixel Data 100% Bright Pixel Data Dark Pixel Data Table 22: Example of output partitioning for two intensity slopes. Assuming 10-bit digitization, dark pixel data values range from 0 to 512 counts (50% of the output) and bright pixel data values range from 513 to 1024 counts (51% to 100% of the output).
  • Page 104 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Percentage of Output Pixel Data 100% Ultra-Bright Pixel data Very Bright Pixel Data Bright Pixel Data Dark Pixel Data Table 23: Example of output data partitioning for intensity slopes. As another example of the range of exposures possibilities, you could set the exposure time for the pixels in the darkest region of the image at 33.0 milliseconds, consistent with a 30 frame per second video rate.
  • Page 105 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Dual Slope Vs. Single Slope Integrations Bright pixels integrate for 10% of exposure using 70% of the output Dark Pixels slope (WDR Mode) Bright Pixels slope (WDR mod) Non-WDR mode slope Figure 63: Dual Slop vs Single Slope Integration.

  • Page 106: Wide Dynamic Range Controls

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.11.2 Wide Dynamic Range Controls The wide dynamic range (WDR) function is available only in global shutter mode. You have the option of enabling or disabling wide dynamic range. When disabled, all pixels within the array integrate charge for the full exposure time as defined by the exposure control settings.
  • Page 107 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface to Very Bright pixels is set by parameter P3, which can have values ranging from 15% to 100% of the camera output (16 steps) and must be greater than P2. The Very Bright pixel data is contained between the P2 percentage of output and the P3 percentage of output.

  • Page 108: Initial Wdr Setup Recommendations

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 65: A Single Knee Point Demonstrations of the WDR Function. 5.11.3 Initial WDR Setup Recommendations For initial Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) setup, the scenario below provides one knee point to get a usable image.

  • Page 109: Wdr At Maximum Frame Rates (Image Artifact Prevention)

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 1. Set the overall camera exposure time so areas in the darkest regions of the image have contrast and bright areas are overexposed. 2. Set Texp - E1 to 10% of the overall exposure time and set Texp - E2 to 1% of the overall exposure time.

  • Page 110: Data Output Format

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 2ms (so the WDR exposure occurs 2ms before the end of the frame time), use the Fixed Frame Period control to increase the frame time by 2ms to 22ms. • Use trigger mode.

  • Page 111: Output Taps

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 10-bit digitization (Table 26) If the camera is set to output 12-bit data, the image sensor data bits are mapped • to the D2 (LSB) to D11 (MSB) output bits and output bits D0 and D1 are set to zero.

  • Page 112: Pulse Generator

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.13 Pulse Generator The camera has a built-in pulse generator. You can program the camera to generate a discrete sequence of pulses or a continuous trail (Figure 66). You can use pulse generator as a trigger signal or map it to one of the outputs (refer to I/O Control section).

  • Page 113: I/O Control

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.14 I/O Control 5.14.1 Input / Output Mapping The camera has 2 external inputs (1 TTL input and 1 opto-coupled input) and 2 external outputs wired to the 12 pin HIROSE connector, located on the back of the camera. In addition to these inputs and outputs, Camera Link inputs (CC1 and CC2) are also available.
  • Page 114 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface B. Input IN 2 LVTTL The input signals IN 2 and IN 2 Rtn provide an interface to a TTL or LVTTL input signal (Figure 68). The signal level (voltage difference between the inputs IN 2 and IN 2 Rtn) must be LVTTL (3.3 volts) or TTL (5.0 volts).
  • Page 115 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Figure 71: Low side load driver. Figure 72: High side load driver. October 1, 2019 Page Rev 7.2 115 of 135...

  • Page 116: Test Image Patterns

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.15 Test Image Patterns 5.15.1 Test Image Patterns The camera can output several test images for verifying the camera’s general performance and connectivity to the CoaXPress interface. This ensures that all the major modules in the hardware are working properly and that the connection between the CoaXPress and camera is synchronized;...

  • Page 117: Transfer Function Correction - User Lut

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.17 Transfer Function Correction – User LUT The user defined LUT (Lookup Table) feature allows you to modify and transform the original video data into any arbitrary value (Figure 73). You can transform any 12-bit value into any other 12-bit value.

  • Page 118: User Defined Lut

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.17.2 User Defined LUT You can define any 12-bit to 12-bit transformation as a user LUT and upload it to the camera using the configuration utility software. You can specify a transfer function to match the camera’s dynamic range to the scene’s dynamic range.

  • Page 119: Static Pixel Correction

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface 5.18.1 Static Pixel Correction Static defective and hot pixel correction works with predetermined and preloaded defective and hot pixel maps. During factory final testing, manufacturing engineers run a program specially designed to identify these defective and hot pixels. The program creates a map file listing the coordinates (row and column) of every defective pixel.

  • Page 120: Current Image Size

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface camera’s built-in frame rate monitor returns the current camera speed in units of frames per second. 5.19.4 Current image size The camera image size can change based on a camera feature selected. In any mode of operation (i.e.

  • Page 121: Appendix A - Camera Configuration Reference

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Appendix A - Camera Configuration Reference A.0 Abbreviations RW – read/write, RO – read only, WO – write only MAX_HRZ_SZE, MIN_HRZ_SZE – Max. and Min. horizontal image size – camera dependent MAX_VER_SZE, MIN_VER_SZE –...

  • Page 122: Frame A Registers (Stored In Flash)

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address Register Name Type Value 0x6088 Frame B Exposure Time <FRB_EXP_TIM> 0x608C Frame B Frame Time <FRB_FRM_TIM> 0x6090 Frame A Horizontal Size <FRA_HOR_SZE > 0x6094 Frame A Vertical Size <FRA_VER_SZE> 0x6098 Frame B Horizontal Size <FRB_HOR_SZE>...

  • Page 123: Frame A Wdr Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value Frame A Subsampling # Contiguous Pixels to 0x0740 0x00000001 0x0000000F Parameter N Keep (mult of 2) Frame A Subsampling 0x0744 # Pixels to skip 0x00000001 0x0000000F Parameter M <10-bit codes &...

  • Page 124: Frame B Registers (Stored In Flash)

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 1010 – 40%, 1011 – 35% 1100 – 30%, 1101 – 25% 1110 - 20%, 1111 - 15% 0000 – 100%, 0001 – 90% 0010 –...
  • Page 125 Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value Fixed Frame Period (in line times) 0x0714 Frame B – Line Time Line Time (pixel clocks) 0x00000000 0x0000FFFF Off, 0x0724 Frame B – Exposure Control 01 –...

  • Page 126: Frame B Wdr Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface A.6 Frame B WDR Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 00 – disable 0x0618 Frame B WDR Enable 0x00000000 0x00000001 , 01 –enable 0000 – 100%, 0001 – 90% 0010 –...

  • Page 127: Dual Video Registers & Frame A/B Common Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface A.7 Dual Video Registers & Frame A/B Common Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value Dual Video Frame A Number of Frame As to 0x0718 0x00000000 0x000000FF Repetition capture Dual Video Frame B...

  • Page 128: Pulse Generator Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface A.9 Pulse Generator Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 00 - 1x, 01 - 10x, 10 - 100x, 0x0690 Pulse Gen. Granularity 0x00000000 0x00000003 11 -1000x 0x0694 Pulse Gen.

  • Page 129: Input And Output Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 11 – Enable Frame A & B 0 – Exposure Start 0x0644 Strobe 2 Start Reference 0x00000000 0x00000001 1 – Readout Start 0x0648 Strobe 2 delay <S2 Delay Value (us)>...

  • Page 130: White Balance And Color Correction Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface A.14 White Balance and Color Correction Registers Address Register Name Type Usage MIN Value MAX Value 0x0538 White Balance Mode 00 - Off, 01 - Once, 0x00000000 0x00000003 10 – Auto Tracking, 11 –...

  • Page 131: Manufacturing Data Registers

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface A.16 Manufacturing Data Registers Address Register Name Type Value 0x7004 Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_1> 0x7008 Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_2> 0x700C Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_3> 0x7010 Assembly Part Number <Assembly Part Number_4>...

  • Page 132: Appendix B - Creating Look-Up Tables

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Appendix B - Creating Look-up Tables B.1 Overview The Lookup Table 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 133: Using Microsoft Excel

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface B.1.2 Using Microsoft Excel You can create the .lut file in Excel as follows: 1. Create the spreadsheet as shown below (note that 1024 (1024*3) rows are required in the table). 2.

  • Page 134: Appendix C - Creating Dpc & Hpc Tables

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Appendix C - Creating DPC & HPC Tables C.1 Overview The Defective Pixel Map (DPM) and Hot Pixel Map (HPM) are provided with each camera. If the user wants to create its own DPM or HPM file, he/she can use any standard ASCII text editor or Microsoft Excel.

  • Page 135: Appendix D - Software Installation

    Cheetah KAC Camera User Manual | Camera Link (CLF) Interface Appendix D – Software Installation The USB flash drive included with your camera contains the CamConfig configuration software for Camera Link® cameras. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows, 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Before Installing the Configuration Software: 1.

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