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Basler A500k User Manual

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USER'S MANUAL
Document Number: DA00057005
Release Date: 18 April 2005

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  • Page 1 USER’S MANUAL Document Number: DA00057005 Release Date: 18 April 2005...
  • Page 2 These products are not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems where malfunction of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Basler cus- tomers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to fully indemnify Basler for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
  • Page 3 Contacting Basler Support Worldwide Europe: Basler AG Ander Strusbek 60 - 62 22926 Ahrensburg Germany Tel.: +49-4102-463-500 Fax.: +49-4102-463-599 vc.support.europe@baslerweb.com Americas: Basler, Inc. 740 Springdale Drive, Suite 100 Exton, PA 19341 U.S.A. Tel.: +1-877-934-8472 Fax.: +1-877-934-7608 vc.support.usa@baslerweb.com Asia: Basler Asia PTe. Ltd 25 Internat.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    2.2.2 Power Cable ..........2-8 2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A500k ....... 2-9 2.4 Input Signals .
  • Page 6 3.12 Camera Status ..........3-42 BASLER A500...
  • Page 7 4.2.6.9 Read Temperature ........4-24 BASLER A500...
  • Page 8 ..............v BASLER A500...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    PRELIMINARY Introduction 1 Introduction area scan cameras are high speed CMOS cameras designed for industrial use. BASLER A500 Good CMOS image sensing features are combined with a robust, high precision manufactured housing. Important features are: • CMOS APS (Active Pixel Sensor) technology •...

  • Page 10: Performance Specifications

    10 taps 8 Bit each 2 taps 8 Bit each; ® ® Camera Link Full Configura- Camera Link Base Configu- tion (Basler-specific bit as- ration signment) Synchronization Via external ExSync signal or free-run Exposure Time Control Edge-controlled, Level-controlled, or Programmable Table 1-2: A500...
  • Page 11 3 axes, x,y,z 100m/s², 11ms, 3 shocks positive 100m/s², 11ms, 3 shocks negative Bump tested according to DIN IEC 60068-2-29 100m/s², 11ms, 100 shocks positive 100m/s², 11ms, 100 shocks negative Conformity CE, FCC Table 1-2: A500 Performance Specifications Basler A500...

  • Page 12: Digital Responsivity

    Figure 1-2. The quantum efficiency of the color sensor is slightly lower than the quantum efficiency of the monochrome sensor. This is due to the color filter. Figure 1-1: Spectral Response for Monochrome A500 Cameras Basler A500...
  • Page 13 Color filter arrays become transparent after 700 nm. To maintain spectral balance, use of a suitable IR cut-off filter is recommended. The filter should transmit in a range of 400 nm to 700 nm. A suitable filter type is the B+W486, for example. Basler A500...

  • Page 14: Environmental Requirements

    Allow sufficient air circulation around the camera to prevent internal heat build-up in your system and to keep the camera housing temperature during operation below the maximum shown above. Provide additional cooling such as fans or heat sinks if necessary. Basler A500...

  • Page 15: Precautions

    To clean the surface of the camera housing, use a soft, dry cloth. To remove severe stains, use a soft cloth dampened with a small quantity of neutral detergent, then wipe dry. Do not use volatile solvents such as benzine and thinners; they can damage the surface finish. Basler A500...
  • Page 16 PRELIMINARY Introduction Basler A500...

  • Page 17: Camera Interface

    • a second 26 pin, 0.5“ Mini D Ribbon (MDR) connector to transmit further image data via Camera Link. The connectors are located on the back of the camera. Figure 2-1 shows the plugs and the status LED which indicates signal integrity and power OK. Basler A500...
  • Page 18 Connectors and LED The camera housing is not grounded and is electrically isolated from the circuit boards inside of the camera. Note that the connectors at the camera are described, NOT the connectors required at the connecting cables. Basler A500...

  • Page 19: Pin Assignment For The Mdr 26 Camera Link Connector(S)

    Data from Channel Link Transmitter LVDS XClk- Output Channel Link Transmit Clock from Channel Link Transmitter LVDS XClk+ SerTC+ Input RS-644 RS-644 Serial Communication Data Receive, Channel RxD input SerTC- Table 2-1: A500 Pin Assignments for the (first) MDR 26 Pin Connector Basler A500...
  • Page 20 ExFlash: External Flash Trigger LVDS CC3+ CC4+ Input RS-644 Not used LVDS CC4- Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to GND inside of the camera. Table 2-1: A500 Pin Assignments for the (first) MDR 26 Pin Connector Basler A500...
  • Page 21 Channel Link Transmit Clock from Channel Link Transmitter LVDS ZClk+ Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to GND inside of the camera. Table 2-2: A504 Pin Assignments for the Second MDR 26 Pin Connector k/kc Basler A500...

  • Page 22: Pin Assignment For The Power Connector

    You can use the Hirose HR 10A-7P-4P connector for your cable. The FlashOut signal is short-circuit proof. The signal is electrically isolated from other signals in the camera. See the timing diagram in Figure 2-3 and the flash trigger output schematics in Figure 2-4. Basler A500...
  • Page 23 The schematic shows a sample cir- cuit for your flash device. Calculate your devices so that the maximum output current is 50 mA. Figure 2-4: Flash Trigger Output Schematics Basler A500...

  • Page 24: Pin Assignment For The Vga Monitor Output (A504K/Kc Only)

    5 meters. k/kc A Camera Link compatible MDR cable assembly is available from Basler as a stock item (part # 1000013905 for a 3 meter cable and part # 1000013906 for a 5 meter cable). Alternatively, you can use the cable assembly manufactured by 3M (part # 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC). The A501 k/kc can also use a base configuration Camera Link cable.

  • Page 25: Camera Link Implementation In The A500K

    The schematic in Figure 2-5 shows the interface for the A504 The schematic in Figure 2-6 shows the interface for the A501 and a typical implementation for k/kc the frame grabber interface. The A501 uses one differential line receiver and one differential k/kc line transmitter. Basler A500...
  • Page 26 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface Figure 2-5: A504 Camera / Frame Grabber Interface k/kc 2-10 Basler A500...
  • Page 27 N o t C o n n e c t e d E M I A 5 0 1 F i l t e r G n d Figure 2-6: A501 Camera / Frame Grabber Interface k/kc 2-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 28: Input Signals

    The ExFlash input corresponds to the camera control signal CC3 as defined in the Camera Link standard. The minimum pulse width of ExFlash is 1 µs, there are no further restrictions. 2-12 Basler A500...

  • Page 29: Output Signals

    Channel Link transmitter/receiver pairs is not assigned according to the Camera Link standard. The Basler-specific connection is described in Table 2-6. Note that framegrabbers are available for the Basler-specific pin assignment.
  • Page 30 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-14 Basler A500...
  • Page 31 • The data lines are assigned to different input pins. • The data lines are also assigned to the spare pins and the pins for FVAL and DVAL. Note that framegrabbers are available for the Basler-specific bit assignment. Frame Port...

  • Page 32: Video Data Output For The A504K/Kc

    • On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The twenty first pixel is the third pixel in the D_0 data stream. The twenty second pixel is the third pixel in the D_1 data 2-16 Basler A500...
  • Page 33 • Frame valid will remain low for at least 3 pixel clock cycles until the next frame starts. Figure 2-7 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in edge-controlled or level- controlled exposure mode and Figure 2-8 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in programmable exposure mode. 2-17 Basler A500...
  • Page 34 This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled, the number of pixels transferred could be smaller. Figure 2-7: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A504 k/kc 2-18 Basler A500...

  • Page 35: Video Data Output For The A501K/Kc

    Frame Valid (FVAL) and Line Valid (LVAL) mark the beginning and duration of frame and line. The line valid bit indicates that a valid line is being transmitted. Pixel data is valid when the line valid bit is high. 2-19 Basler A500...
  • Page 36 • The camera will continue to transmit pixel data for each line as described above until all of the lines in the frame have been transmitted. After all of the lines have been transmitted, the 2-20 Basler A500...
  • Page 37 This diagram assumes that the area of interest feature is not being used. With the area of interest feature enabled, the number of pixels transferred could be smaller. Figure 2-9: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A501k/kc 2-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 38: Flash Trigger Signal

    As an option, the polarity of FlashOut can be inverted. • The signal can be tied to the external ExFlash input signal provided by the framegrabber. As an option, the polarity of FlashOut can be inverted. • FlashOut can be permanently high. 2-22 Basler A500...

  • Page 39: Vga Monitor Output (A504K/Kc)

    If the exposure time is set so that the exposure start signal falls exactly onto the end of a high line valid signal, the effective exposure can jitter by 15.8 µs. To avoid this, change the exposure time by 1 µs. effective exposure waiting for next pulse Figure 2-11: Output of VGA exposure mode 2-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 40: Serial Communication

    RS-232 serial communication via the host PC. The output from A501 k/kc cameras can be converted to the older style of output by using a Basler Interface Converter for k- series cameras (k-BIC). The k-BIC is a small device which attaches to the A501...

  • Page 41: Dc Power

    If all is OK, the LED will then remain orange continuously. If an error condition is detected at any time after the microprocessor boots up, the LED will begin to blink an error code. See Section for details. 2-25 Basler A500...
  • Page 42 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-26 Basler A500...

  • Page 43: Basic Operation And Features

    3.1 Functional Description area scan cameras employ a CMOS-sensor chip which provides features such as BASLER A500 a full frame shutter, electronic exposure time control and anti-blooming. Exposure time is controlled either internally via an internal sync signal (free-run mode) or externally via an external trigger (ExSync) signal.
  • Page 44 1 0 x 1 0 x 1 2 8 1 0 x 1 0 B it 1 2 8 C e lls D ig ita l- O u tp u t S e n s o r Figure 3-1: A500 Sensor Architecture k/kc Basler A500...
  • Page 45 PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features Figure 3-2: A504 Block Diagram k/kc Figure 3-3: A501 Block Diagram k/kc Basler A500...

  • Page 46: Exposure Time Control Modes

    ExSync and the next rising edge. The pixels are exposed and charge is accu- mulated only when ExSync is low. The frame is read out and transferred on the rising edge of the ExSync signal (see Figure 3-5). Figure 3-5: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode Basler A500...

  • Page 47: Free Run

    (The control signal period is equal to Timer 1 plus Timer 2. The frame is read out and trans- ferred on the rising edge of internal control signal. See Figure 3-7. In this mode, the exposure time can programmed as desired by varying the setting of the “Timer 1” parameter. Basler A500...
  • Page 48 With binary commands you must use the Exposure Time Control Mode command to select the free-run, programmable or free-run, VGA mode. You must also use the Timer 1 command to set Timer 1 and the Timer 2 command to set Timer 2. Basler A500...

  • Page 49: Exposure Time Control Modes In Detail

    < Frame Period Frame Valid High 3 µs for A504k/kc (or + 20.2 µs for A501k/kc) > Frame Period Frame Valid High 44 ns for A504 (or 300 ns for A501) Basler A500...
  • Page 50 Line valid rises after frame valid has risen (see Figure 2-7 to Figure 2-10). The following timing diagrams all contain a FlashOut signal: The FlashOut signal can be set into a special mode in which it is high while the actual exposure inside the camera is active. Basler A500...

  • Page 51: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode

    Due to the propagation time of approximately 1 µs, ExSync can become high up to 1 µs before frame valid becomes low. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 3.3 µs 20.8 µs ≤ ≤ 3 µs 12.8 µs Basler A500...

  • Page 52: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    • The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal. • Actual length of exposure time = n µs - y µs k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 3.3 ... 5.2 µs 27 ... 40 µs ≤ ≤ 3 µs 12.8 µs 3-10 Basler A500...

  • Page 53: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    • The actual start of exposure can be x µs later than the rise of the ExSync signal. • Actual length of exposure time = n µs - y µs k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 5 µs ... 6 µs 20 ... 26.9 µs 3 µs 12.8 µs 3-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 54: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode

    • The actual start of exposure is x µs later than the falling of the ExSync signal. • Actual length of exposure time = n µs ExSync signal can already go low up to 1 µs before FVAL is low. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.8 µs 7.2 µs 3-12 Basler A500...

  • Page 55: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing

    • Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ..n + z µs k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.8 µs to 5 µs 6.8 µs to 20 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 13 µs ≤ 0 µs 0.2 µs 3-13 Basler A500...

  • Page 56: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of w µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.8 µs to 5 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 7 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 12.7 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-14 Basler A500...

  • Page 57: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of w µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.8 µs to 5 µs 1 µs to 3 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 7 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 12.7 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-15 Basler A500...

  • Page 58: Exsync, Programmable Mode

    ExSync signal will be one of four cases, which are described in sections 3.3.3.1, 3.3.3.2, 3.3.3.3 and 3.3.3.4. The FlashOut signal can be set into a mode where it is high while the actual expo- sure is active. This FlashOut mode is shown in the timing diagrams. 3-16 Basler A500...

  • Page 59: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    • Actual length of exposure time = n µs + y µs ExSync signal can already become high up to 1 µs before FVAL becomes low. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.7 µs 7.2 µs ≤ 0 µs 5.5 µs 3-17 Basler A500...

  • Page 60: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing

    • Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs ... n + z µs k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs ≤ ≤ 1 µs 7.1 µs ≤ ≤ 3 µs 6.2 µs 3-18 Basler A500...

  • Page 61: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    The actual length of exposure time can jitter by 1 µs and it can only occur in multiples of w µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs ≤ ≤ 1 µs 7.4 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 20.7 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-19 Basler A500...

  • Page 62: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of w µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by ExSync 1.7 µs to 3.7 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs ≤ ≤ 1 µs 7.4 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 20.7 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-20 Basler A500...

  • Page 63: Free-Run Mode

    Figure 3-19: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is low: • Actual length of exposure time = n µs (n = exposure set by Timer 1) 3-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 64: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous / Asynchronous Timing

    • Actual length of exposure time = n - y µs + z µs k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by Timer 1 1 µs to 3 µs 7.2 µs to 20.2 µs < 1 µs < 0.8 µs < 1 µs < 0.2 µs 3-22 Basler A500...

  • Page 65: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of w µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by Timer 1 1 µs to 3 µs 6.9 µs to 20.2 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 5 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 5 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 66: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    The actual length of exposure time can only occur in multiples of z µs. k/kc k/kc A504 A501 exposure set by Timer 1 ≤ ≤ 2 µs 7 µs ≤ ≤ 2 µs 7 µs 2 µs 13.2 µs 3-24 Basler A500...

  • Page 67: Free-Run Vga Mode (A504K/Kc Only)

    (n = exposure set by Timer 1) Effective exposure time can only occur in multiples of 15.8 µs. Timer 1 must be set to a minimum of 10 µs and to a maximum of 16645 µs. With very low exposures, use flash light. 3-25 Basler A500...

  • Page 68: Long Exposure Compensation (A504K/Kc Only)

    The exposure time is determined by ExSync in edge-controlled and level-controlled mode. Table 3-1: Long Exposure Compensation Sample Values You can set long exposure compensation using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2). 3-26 Basler A500...

  • Page 69: Max Exposure Time At Max Speed (A504K/Kc Only)

    5 µs. Timer 1 [µs] ExSync Low Time [µs] Max. Frames Per Second AOI Height Programmable, Free-run Level-controlled 1024 1996 1994 1000 2000 4000 8000 16000 Table 3-2: Recommended Max Exposure Time at Max Speed 3-27 Basler A500...
  • Page 70 RGB data for the pixel. A DLL that can be used to convert the output from the color camera into RGB color information is available through Basler support. Figure 3-25: Bayer Filter Pattern...

  • Page 71: Gain And Offset

    In order to obtain a higher gain factor of up to 8, use the digital shift in combination with the gain register (for an explanation of the digital shifter, see section 3.8.). You can set the gain and offset using either the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2). 3-29 Basler A500...

  • Page 72: Gain Settings In More Detail

    OfsNeg register that moves the offset down. If you move the offset down, set the OfsPos register to 0. If you move the offset up, set the OfsNeg register to 0. 3-30 Basler A500...

  • Page 73: Digital Shift

    Note that if bit 9 is set to 1, all of the other bits will automatically be set to 1. This means that you should only use the shift once setting when your pixel readings with no digital shift are all below 128. 3-31 Basler A500...
  • Page 74 Since the shift three times setting requires that the least significant bit always be 0, no odd gray values can be output. In this case, the gray value scale will only include gray values of two, four, six and so forth. 3-32 Basler A500...

  • Page 75: Precautions When Using Digital Shift

    • If all of the readings are below 128, you can safely use the 2X digital shift setting. • If all of the readings are below 64, you can safely use the 2X or 4X digital shift setting. 3-33 Basler A500...

  • Page 76: Area Of Interest

    (see Section 4.2). You use the Area of Interest Starting Column, Area of Interest Width in Columns, Area of Interest Starting Line and Area of Interest Height in Lines commands. Note that the binary commands start to count at 0. 3-34 Basler A500...

  • Page 77: Changes To The Maximum Frame Rate With Area Of Interest

    Maximum frames per second (approximated) LI x 2 µs k/kc A504 100 MHz Maximum frames per second (approximated) ------------------------------------------ - k/kc A501 × 1320 (LI + 1) Where: LI = the number of lines included in the area of interest 3-35 Basler A500...

  • Page 78: Dynamic Area Of Interest (A504K/Kc Only)

    Table 3-3: AOI Stamp Structure Frame Counter: 16 Bit counter. The counter is increased by one with each image and ranges from 0 to 65535. After 65535, the counter restarts at 0. The counter can not be reset. 3-36 Basler A500...

  • Page 79: Area Of Interest With The Vga Monitor Output (A504K/Kc Only)

    The pixels outside the area of interest are black. Figure 3-29: Area of interest with VGA Via the Camera Link output, only the pixels monitor output inside the area of interest are transferred. 3-37 Basler A500...

  • Page 80: Test Images

    If the camera is set for an exposure mode that uses an ExSync signal, an ExSync signal is required to output the test image. If the camera is set for free-run, each cycle of the camera’s internal sync signal will trigger the output of a test image. 3-38 Basler A500...

  • Page 81: Gray Scale Test Image

    Figure 3-32: Test Image 3-39 Basler A500...

  • Page 82: Running Line Test Image

    This horizontal line moves down by one pixel after each frame. Figure 3-34: Test Image 3.10.4 White Screen Test Image This test image mode outputs a white screen. 3-40 Basler A500...

  • Page 83: Configuration Sets

    Set or the Factory Set to the Work Set, or to set the Startup Pointer. With binary commands you use the Copy Work Set to User Set command, the Copy Factory Set or User Set to Work Set command, and the Select Startup Pointer command to manipulate configuration sets. 3-41 Basler A500...

  • Page 84: Camera Status

    • with binary commands (see Section 4.2). You can use the Camera Status command to see if the camera has detected any errors. • by checking the LED on the back of the camera. If certain error conditions are present, the LED will blink (see Section 6.1). 3-42 Basler A500...

  • Page 85: Configuring The Camera

    The first and easier approach is to change the settings using the Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+). See Section for complete instructions on using the configuration tool. You can also change the settings directly from your application using binary commands. Section lists the commands and provides instructions for their use. Basler A500...

  • Page 86: Configuring The Camera With The Camera Configuration Tool Plus (Cct+)

    1. Make sure that the properties for the RS-644 serial port on your frame grabber are properly configured and that the camera has power. 2. To start the CCT+, click Start, click Basler Vision Technologies, and then click CCT+ (default installation).

  • Page 87: Configuration Tool Basics

    Alternatively, you can also save the Work Set to the hard disk of your computer and load it from hard disk. If you want your changes to be loaded into the Work Set at the next power on, set the Startup Pointer to the User Set where you saved your changes. Basler A500...

  • Page 88: Configuration Tool Help

    Work Set to a User Set, to Copy a User Set or the Factory Set to the Work Set, or to set the Startup Pointer. To access on-line help, press the F1 key whenever the configuration tool is active. Basler A500...

  • Page 89: Configuring The Camera With Binary Programming Commands

    The binary command protocol is fully implemented in the CPA driver. The CPA driver and a Programmers Guide for the driver are both part of Basler’s Classic Camera Configuration Tool. The Classic Configuration Tool can be downloaded from the Basler web site at www.basler-vc.com.

  • Page 90: Command Frame And Response Format

    The block check character is the exclusive-or sum (XOR sum) of the bytes in the descriptor field and the data field. Identifies the end of the frame text Size = 1 Byte (The value of the ETX byte is always 0x03) Basler A500...

  • Page 91: Error Checking

    If the host sends a read command and gets no ACK/NAK, the host can assume that no camera is present. If the host sends a read command and gets an ACK/NAK but does not receive a frame within 500 ms, the host can assume that there was a problem with the read command. Basler A500...

  • Page 92: Write Command

    29, only data within a specified range or a specified group of values is valid. The camera does not perform a check to see if the data in the write command is within the allowed range or specified group of allowed values. Basler A500...

  • Page 93: Example Commands

    Set to User Set 2, the data byte must be set to 0x02. 0x45 - is the block check character (BCC). See page 4-10 for instructions on calculating a BCC. 0x03 - is the ETX. The ETX is always 0x03. Basler A500...

  • Page 94: Calculating The Block Check Character

    0 0 1 0 = the binary representation of 0x02 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 = The XOR sum 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 = 0x45 = the block check character 4-10 Basler A500...

  • Page 95: Commands For Setting Camera Parameters

    None Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the exposure mode (see the table below). Exposure Time Control Mode 0x00 Free-run, Programmable 0x04 ExSync, Level-controlled 0x05 ExSync, Programmable 0x06 ExSync, Edge-controlled 0x08 Free-run, VGA (A504k/kc only) 4-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 96: Timer 1

    Low byte of the Timer 2 setting Byte 2 Mid byte of the Timer 2 setting Byte 3 High byte of the Timer 2 setting Data Range: The timer 2 setting can range from 0x000003 to 0xFFFFFF µs. 4-12 Basler A500...

  • Page 97: Long Exposure Compensation

    Response: None Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the Long Exposure Compensation setting Byte 2 High byte of the Long Exposure Compensation setting Data Range: The Long Exposure Compensation setting can range from 0x46 to 0xA0. 4-13 Basler A500...

  • Page 98: Gain

    Data Length Data 0x84 1 Byte Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0x84 1 Byte Response: None Data Format: Byte 1 Negative offset setting Data Range: The negative offset setting can range from 0x00 to 0xFF 4-14 Basler A500...

  • Page 99: Positive Offset

    1 Byte Response: None Data Format: Byte 1 Negative offset setting Data Range: The positive offset setting can range from 0x00 to 0xFF. Since the offset is mostly negative, we recommend to set this value to 0. 4-15 Basler A500...

  • Page 100: Digital Shift

    No digital shift 0x01 Digital shift once (multiplies output 2X) 0x02 Digital shift twice (multiplies output 4X) 0x03 Digital shift by three (multiplies output 8X) See Section 3.8.2 for precautions that you must consider when using digital shift. 4-16 Basler A500...

  • Page 101: Area Of Interest Starting Column

    Low byte of the length in pixel setting Byte 2 High byte of the length in pixel setting Data Range: The width in columns can range from 0x000A to 0x0500. The width can only be set in steps of 10. 4-17 Basler A500...

  • Page 102: Area Of Interest Starting Line

    High byte of the length in pixel setting Data Range: The height in lines setting can range from 0x0002 to 0x0400. For color cameras, the height can only be set in steps of 2 starting at 0x0002. 4-18 Basler A500...

  • Page 103: Area Of Interest Feature

    (see the table below). Setting 0x00 AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI deacti- vated (standard mode) 0x40 AOI Stamp deactivated and Dynamic AOI activated 0x80 AOI Stamp activated and Dynamic AOI deactivated 0xC0 AOI Stamp and Dynamic AOI activated 4-19 Basler A500...

  • Page 104: Flashctrl: Flash Trigger Modes

    You can not select Low Side Switch and High Side Switch at the same time. 4-20 Basler A500...

  • Page 105: Test Image Command

    An ID that specifies the test image (see the table below). Test Image 0x00 Image from sensor (standard mode) 0x01 Gray Gradient Test Image 0x02 Color Gradient Test Image (Bayer Pattern) 0x03 Running Line Test Image 0x04 White Screen Test Image 4-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 106: Query Commands

    Data Length Data 0x03 Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0x03 16 Bytes Data Format: Zero terminated string if less than 16 bytes are needed for the product ID information. Unterminated string if all 16 bytes are needed. 4-22 Basler A500...

  • Page 107: Read Serial Number

    Data Length Data 0x06 Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0x06 3 Bytes Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of firmware version BCD coded Byte 2 High byte of firmware version BCD coded Byte 3 Register Layout ID 4-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 108: Read Microcontroller Firmware Version

    Type: This is a read only command. Read Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0x70 Response: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0x70 1 Byte Data Format: The result is given in °C as 8 bit signed number. 4-24 Basler A500...

  • Page 109: Commands For Manipulating Configuration Sets

    User Set 7 0x08 User Set 8 0x09 User Set 9 0x0A User Set 10 0x0B User Set 11 0x0C User Set 12 0x0D User Set 13 0x0E User Set 14 0x0F User Set 15 0xFF No active set 4-25 Basler A500...

  • Page 110: Copy The Work Set Into A User Set (Profile Save)

    User Set 6 0x07 User Set 7 0x08 User Set 8 0x09 User Set 9 0x0A User Set 10 0x0B User Set 11 0x0C User Set 12 0x0D User Set 13 0x0E User Set 14 0x0F User Set 15 4-26 Basler A500...

  • Page 111: Select The Startup Pointer (Profile Startup)

    User Set 6 0x07 User Set 7 0x08 User Set 8 0x09 User Set 9 0x0A User Set 10 0x0B User Set 11 0x0C User Set 12 0x0D User Set 13 0x0E User Set 14 0x0F User Set 15 4-27 Basler A500...

  • Page 112: Camera Status Command

    User set is erroneous Bit 5 Factory set is erroneous Bit 6 EEPROM checksum error (this is a checksum used to determine if the contents of the EEPROM are valid) Bit 7 No EEPROM command list available 4-28 Basler A500...

  • Page 113: Bitrate Command

    Note: The RS-644 serial port on some Camera Link frame grabbers will only sup- port a bitrate of 9600. If you are using a Camera Link frame grabber, check the grabber’s documentation before attempting to change the bitrate. 4-29 Basler A500...

  • Page 114: Camera Reset Command

    Write Command: Cmd-ID R/W-Flag Data Length Data 0xA2 1 Byte Response: None Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the power mode (see the table below). Power Mode 0x00 Camera in standby 0x01 Camera fully functional 4-30 Basler A500...

  • Page 115: Mechanical Considerations

    M4 mounting holes on the front and two M4 mounting holes A500 on each side as indicated in Figure 5-1. A tripod mount is availabe as an option. The Basler part number is 1000014110. Caution! To avoid collecting dust on the sensor, mount a lens on the camera immediately after unpacking it.
  • Page 116 PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations Tolerances are typical Drawings are not to scale Figure 5-1: A500 Mechanical Dimensions (in mm) Basler A500...

  • Page 117: F-Mount Adapter Dimensions

    PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations 5.2 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions Drawing is not to scale Figure 5-2: F-Mount Adapter Dimensions (in mm) Basler A500...

  • Page 118: Positioning Accuracy Of The Sensor Chip

    Positioning accuracy of the sensor chip is as shown in Figure 5-3. Since the translatory and rotational positioning tolerance depend on each other, the maximum rotational mis-positioning and the maximum horizontal/vertical mis-positioning cannot occur at the same time. Figure 5-3: Sensor Positioning Accuracy (in mm or degrees) Basler A500...

  • Page 119: Troubleshooting

    A User Set or the Factory Set could not be loaded into the Work Set. Please contact Basler support. 7 pulses A valid list of commands was not available. Please contact Basler support. 8 pulses The FPGA could not be configured. Please contact Basler Support Table 6-1: Camera Status Indicators Basler A500...

  • Page 120: Troubleshooting Charts

    ExSync signal. Check the ExSync blinking signal or set the camera for Free- 3 pulses. run mode (See Section 3.2.2 Call Basler Technical Support No. It is for assistance. (The contact blinking numbers appear on the title 5, 6, 7 or 8 page of this manual.)
  • Page 121 Switch on the test image one. interfacing Is the exposure OK? troubleshooting Can the test image be seen? chart. Go to the Switch on test image one. interfacing troubleshooting Replace the camera. Can the test image be seen? chart. Replace the camera. Basler A500...

  • Page 122: Poor Quality Image

    Exit this chart. Exit this chart. Contact Basler Technical Support. The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual. Before you call for support, be sure to make note of the camera settings and the frame grabber settings you are using.

  • Page 123: Interfacing

    Exit this DCF files for many types of frame grabbers are available at the Basler web site: chart. www.basler-vc.com. These files have all been tested with the A501 and we suggest that you use them if one is available for your type of frame grabber.

  • Page 124: Serial Communication

    Make sure that no other program has access to the port. port is in use” message appear? You may need to update the CCT+. To download the latest version of the tool, go to the Basler web site at www.basler-vc.com. Does a “This type of camera is not supported”...

  • Page 125: Revision History

    Corrected flash trigger modes in section 4.2.4.14 (the ID for the flash trigger mode „Always high“ is 0x03 and not 0x04). Corrected Write Command and Data Format in Section 4.2.10 (the or- der of the data bytes have been inversed). BASLER A500...
  • Page 126 DRAFT BASLER A500...

  • Page 127: Feedback

    DRAFT Feedback Feedback Your feedback will help us improve our documentation. Please click the link below to access an online feedback form. Your input is greatly appreciated. http://www.baslerweb.com/umfrage/survey.html BASLER A500...
  • Page 128 DRAFT Feedback BASLER A500...

  • Page 129: Index

    2 ..... 3-20 configuration tool ExSync, programmable mode with see camera configuration tool synchronous/asynchronous timing ... 3-18 BASLER A500...
  • Page 130 ......1-3, 2-25 IR cut filter ......3-28 BASLER A500...
  • Page 131 ......4-9 temperature requirements camera ......1-6 BASLER A500...

This manual is also suitable for:

A500k seriesA504kA504kcA501kA501kc

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