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Using multiple Matrox Altiz units
Overview
This document will provide information on how to mount and setup multiple Matrox AltiZ units to
perform synchronized acquisitions. The Matrox AltiZ units can be placed at different heights, positions
over the conveyor, or in parallel to increase the Field of View (FoV) along the conveyor's width. The FoV
between synchronized Matrox AltiZ units can overlap or can be staggered.
If there is an overlap between the FoVs, you will need to shift the exposure times so that the laser from
one Matrox AltiZ unit does not interfere with that of the other.
Hardware configuration
Star configuration
In this configuration, the first Matrox AltiZ unit receives and processes an external input signal (for
example, an encoder or a proximity sensor), which initiates its own line and frame trigger. A Sync signal
can be set up to trigger the line acquisitions of the additional Matrox AltiZ units in the Star
configuration. The Sync Signal is typically the Exposure Active signal of the first Matrox AltiZ unit.
Application Note
Preliminary
December 7, 2020
Page 1 of 8
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Summary of Contents for Matrox Altiz
- Page 1 A Sync signal can be set up to trigger the line acquisitions of the additional Matrox AltiZ units in the Star configuration. The Sync Signal is typically the Exposure Active signal of the first Matrox AltiZ unit.
- Page 2 Using multiple Matrox Altiz units In our example, we connected AUX_OUT4 of ALTIZ 1 to AUX_IN0 of ALTIZ 2 and 3. Other input and output pins can be used, as long as they are free. In the case of an overlap between the FoVs, the exposure window of two adjacent AltiZ units must be offset to avoid artifacts introduced by the neighboring laser.
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Page 3: Daisy Chain Configuration
In this configuration, the Sync signal is transmitted sequentially from one Matrox AltiZ unit to the next. In the case of an overlap between the FoVs, acquisition for the following AltiZ in the chain is triggered by the falling edge of the Exposure Active signal from the previous AltiZ in the chain. In the daisy chain... - Page 4 -VDC can be done by using a power distribution block (ex: Phoenix Contact VIP-2/SC/PDM- 2/16) The rated current for each AltiZ is 500mA @ 24 V (12 W), as specified in the Electrical Specifications section of Appendix B in the Installation and Technical Reference manual. Application Note...
- Page 5 4 of Chapter 6 in the Installation and Technical Reference manual. AltiZ 1 Once you have set up the encoder on AltiZ 1, perform the following to configure the encoder as a line trigger: - Navigate to Trigger Control under Quick Setup Control, and set Trigger Selector (TriggerSelector) to Line Start.
- Page 6 Using multiple Matrox Altiz units AltiZ 2-n The acquisition for Matrox AltiZ units that follow the first AltiZ in the sequence are triggered differently, depending on the type of configuration (star or daisy) and the unit's position in the configuration: - Navigate to Trigger Control under Quick Setup Control, and set Trigger Selector (TriggerSelector) to Line Start.
- Page 7 In our example the Sync signal we are using is the ExposureActive signal from AltiZ 1. The ExposureActive signal is transmitted across the AUX_OUT4 output signal of AltiZ 1 to the AUX_IN0 input signal of AltiZ 2 and to subsequent Matrox AltiZ units. To set the Line Source for our Sync signal, perform the following:...
- Page 8 Set the delay (star configuration for AltiZ 2, AltiZ 4 …) If you are using the star configuration, you will need to set a delay for all of the AltiZ units following AltiZ 1. To set a delay, perform the following:...