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Basler A500k User Manual

Area scan cameras
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Basler A500k
USER'S MANUAL
Document Number: DA000570
Version: 09
Language: 000 (English)
Release Date: 07 August 2012

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Summary of Contents for Basler A500k

  • Page 1 Basler A500k USER’S MANUAL Document Number: DA000570 Version: 09 Language: 000 (English) Release Date: 07 August 2012...
  • Page 2 Basler customers 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. Warranty Note Do not open the housing of the camera.
  • Page 3 Contacting Basler Support Worldwide Europe: Basler AG An der Strusbek 60 - 62 22926 Ahrensburg Germany Tel.: +49-4102-463-515 Fax.: +49-4102-463-599 bc.support.europe@baslerweb.com Americas: Basler, Inc. 855 Springdale Drive, Suite 203 Exton, PA 19341 U.S.A. Tel.: +1-610-280-0171 Fax.: +1-610-280-7608 bc.support.usa@baslerweb.com Asia: Basler Asia Pte. Ltd.

  • 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 3.10.3 Area of Interest Stamp (A504k, A503k Only) ..... . 3-41 3.10.4 Area of Interest with the VGA Monitor Output (A504k Only) ..3-42 BASLER A500...
  • Page 7 A503k Only) ......... 4-21 4.2.4.16 FlashCtrl: Flash Trigger Modes ......4-22 BASLER A500...
  • Page 8 6.2.2 Obtaining an RMA Number ........6-7 6.2.3 Before Contacting Basler Technical Support ......6-7 Revision History .

  • 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

    ® ® ® Camera Link Full Con- Camera Link Full Con- Camera Link Base figuration (Basler-spe- figuration Configuration cific bit assignment) Synchronization Via external ExSync signal or free-run Exposure Time Control Edge-controlled, Level-controlled, or Programmable Table 1-2: A500 Performance Specifications...
  • Page 11 100 m/s², 11 ms, 3 shocks positive 100 m/s², 11 ms, 3 shocks negative Bump tested according to DIN IEC 60068-2-29 100 m/s², 11 ms, 100 shocks positive 100 m/s², 11 ms, 100 shocks negative Conformity CE, FCC Table 1-2: A500 Performance Specifications Basler A500...

  • Page 12: Digital Responsivity

    If the gain is set to 98, if digital shift is set to 0, and the quantity of light of 1 lux-sec has hit the sensor, a gray value of 400 is output. The quantum efficiency of the sensor is shown in Figure 1-1. Figure 1-1: Spectral Response for A500 Cameras Basler A500...

  • Page 13: 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 14: 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 15: Camera Interface

    If you can not switch off power, be sure that the power supply connector is the last connector plugged when you make connections to the camera, and the first connector unplugged when you break connections. Basler A500...
  • Page 16 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. Figure 2-2: A500 Pin Numbering Basler A500...

  • Page 17: Pin Assignment For The Mdr 26 Camera Link Connector(S)

    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 18 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 and A503 Pin Assignments for the Second MDR 26 Pin Connector Basler A500...

  • Page 19: 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 20 The schematic shows a sample cir- cuit for your flash device. Select your flash device to ensure that the maximum output current never exceeds 50 mA. Figure 2-4: Flash Trigger Output Schematics Basler A500...

  • Page 21: Pin Assignment For The Vga Monitor Output

    5 meters. A504 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 also use a base configuration Camera Link cable.

  • Page 22: Power Cable

    Also, the housing of the Hirose plug must be connected to the cable shield and the cable must be connected to earth ground at the power supply. Basler A500...

  • Page 23: Camera Link Implementation In The A500K

    The schematic in Figure 2-6 shows the interface for the A503 The A501 uses one Channel Link transmitter. The schematic in Figure 2-7 shows the interface for the A501 and a typical implementation for the frame grabber interface. Basler A500...
  • Page 24 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface Figure 2-5: A504 Camera/Frame Grabber Interface 2-10 Basler A500...
  • Page 25 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface Figure 2-6:A503 Camera/Frame Grabber Interface 2-11 Basler A500...
  • Page 26 R1 and C1 can be used Bead to prevent ground loops Inner Shield if needed. 12 V In 26-pin Male MDR Connector Frame Grabber 26-pin Female MDR Connector Not Connected Not Connected A501 Filter Figure 2-7: A501 Camera/Frame Grabber Interface 2-12 Basler A500...

  • Page 27: 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. 2-13 Basler A500...

  • Page 28: 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 frame grabbers are available for the Basler-specific pin assignment.
  • Page 29 Channel Link transmitter/receiver pairs are not assigned according to the Camera Link standard. The Basler-specific connection is described in Tables to 2-9. Note that frame grabbers are available for the Basler-specific pin assignment.
  • Page 30 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-16 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 normally assigned to FVAL and DVAL. Note that frame grabbers are available for the Basler-specific bit assignment. Plug No. 1, Transmitter X Port...
  • Page 32 Line Valid FVAL TxIN25 RxOUT25 Frame Valid DVAL TxIN26 RxOUT26 Line Valid Not Used TxIN23 RxOUT23 Not Used PClk TxCLKIn RxCLKOut Pixel Clock Table 2-8: Bit Assignments of the Channel Link Transmitter Y for the A503 (Plug 2) 2-18 Basler A500...
  • Page 33 Line Valid FVAL TxIN25 RxOUT25 Frame Valid DVAL TxIN26 RxOUT26 Line Valid Not Used TxIN23 RxOUT23 Not Used PClk TxCLKIn RxCLKOut Pixel Clock Table 2-9: Bit Assignments of the Channel Link Transmitter Z for the A503 (Plug 2) 2-19 Basler A500...
  • Page 34 RxOUT24 Line Valid FVAL TxIN25 RxOUT25 Frame Valid Not Used TxIN26 RxOUT26 Not Used Not Used TxIN27 RxOUT27 Not Used PClk TxCLKIn RxCLKOut Pixel Clock Table 2-10: Bit Assignments of the Channel Link Transmitter for the A501 2-20 Basler A500...

  • Page 35: Video Data Output For The A504K

    • 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 2-21 Basler A500...
  • Page 36 • Frame valid will remain low for at least 3 pixel clock cycles until the next frame starts. Figure 2-8 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in edge-controlled or level- controlled exposure mode and Figure 2-9 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in programmable exposure mode. 2-22 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 2-8: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A504k 2-23 Basler A500...
  • Page 38 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 Programmable Exposure for the A504k 2-24 Basler A500...

  • Page 39: Video Data Output For The A503K

    • On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The seventeenth pixel is the third pixel in the D_0 data stream. The eighteenth pixel is the third pixel in the D_1 data 2-25 Basler A500...
  • Page 40 • Frame valid will remain low for at least 3 pixel clock cycles until the next frame starts. Figure 2-10 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in edge-controlled or level- controlled exposure mode and Figure 2-11 shows the data sequence when the camera is operating in programmable exposure mode. 2-26 Basler A500...
  • Page 41 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 2-10: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A503k 2-27 Basler A500...
  • Page 42 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 2-11: 8 Bit Output Mode with Programmable Exposure for the A503k 2-28 Basler A500...

  • Page 43: Video Data Output For The A501K

    • On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. The fifth pixel is the third pixel in the D_0 data stream. The sixth pixel is the third pixel in the D_1 data stream. 8 bits will contain the data for each pixel. 2-29 Basler A500...
  • Page 44 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 2-12: 8 Bit Output Mode with Edge or Level-controlled Exposure for the A501k 2-30 Basler A500...

  • Page 45: Flash Trigger Signal

    FlashOut can be inverted. • The signal can be tied to the external ExFlash input signal provided by the frame grabber. As an option, the polarity of FlashOut can be inverted. • FlashOut can be permanently high. 2-31 Basler A500...

  • Page 46: Vga Monitor Output (A504K Only)

    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 2-14: Output of VGA Exposure Mode 2-32 Basler A500...

  • Page 47: Serial Communication

    If you are using the Basler CCT+ to configure the camera, the tool will detect the characteristics of the serial port on the frame grabber and will determine the appropriate settings so that the tool can open and use the port.

  • Page 48: Dc Power

    0.5 s until it is fully operable. During this startup time, the ExSync signal is not recognized reliably which can have the effect that the first image is not exposed correctly. Power up time after power was off entirely takes a maximum of 3 s. 2-34 Basler A500...

  • Page 49: Status Led

    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 flashing an error code. See section for details. 2-35 Basler A500...
  • Page 50 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-36 Basler A500...

  • Page 51: 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 52 For optimal digitization, gain and offset are programmable via a serial port. Pixel Memory clear CMOS-Sensor 1280 1024 Control Logic Digital 128 Stage Shift Register 10 x 10 x 128 10 x 10 Bit 128 Cells Digital-Output Sensor Figure 3-1: A500 Sensor Architecture Basler A500...
  • Page 53 Integrate ImageData Channel Ctrl PB-MV13CC Offset Link Data Biases DACs Shifter ImageData ImageData Test Img Monitor VGA Image Monitor RGB Image Driver Generator (A504k only) FPGA Figure 3-2: A504 , A503 Block Diagram Figure 3-3: A501 Block Diagram Basler A500...

  • Page 54: 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). ExSync Period Exposure ExSync Frame Readout Figure 3-5: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode Basler A500...
  • Page 55 With binary commands, you must use the Exposure Time Control Mode command to select ExSync level-controlled or ExSync programmable mode. If you choose the programmable mode, you must also use the Timer 1 command to set the exposure time. Basler A500...

  • Page 56: Free Run

    In the free-run programmable mode, the period of the internal control signal is equal to the sum of Timer 1 plus Timer 2. The sum of the Timer 1 setting plus the Timer 2 setting must be greater than the maximum frame rate. The minimum exposure time is 10 µs. Basler A500...
  • Page 57 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 58: Exposure Time Control Modes In Detail

    To let the camera operate with this timing, set the frame rate and the exposure time so that the following conditions are met: Frame Period < Exposure Time + Frame Valid High Frame Period > Frame Valid High + 3 µs for A504k (or 3.75 µs for A503k or 20.2 µs for A501k) Basler A500...
  • Page 59 The Integrate Enabled signal is high during effective exposure, i.e. when charges are actually accumulated by the sensor. The FlashOut signal can be tied to the Integrate Enabled signal and transmitted out of the camera (see section 2.1.4). Basler A500...

  • Page 60: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode

    3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.3.  The FlashOut signal can be set into a mode where it is high while the effective ex- posure occurs, i.e. while the Integrate Enabled signal is high. 3-10 Basler A500...

  • Page 61: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    Due to the propagation time of approximately 1 µs, ExSync can go high up to 1 µs before frame valid goes low. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by ExSync 3.3 µs 3.8 µs 20.8 µs    3 µs 3.5 µs 12.8 µs 3-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 62: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    = p - f. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by ExSync 3.3 ... 5.2 µs 3.8 ... 6.2 µs 27 ... 40 µs    3 µs 3.75 µs 12.8 µs 3-12 Basler A500...

  • Page 63: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    = p - f. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by ExSync 5 µs ... 6 µs 6.25 µs ... 7.5 µs 20 ... 26.9 µs    3 µs 3.75 µs 12.8 µs 3-13 Basler A500...

  • Page 64: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode

    ExSync signal will be one of four cases, which are described in sections 3.3.2.1, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.2.3 and 3.3.2.4.  The FlashOut signal can be set into a mode where it is high while the effective ex- posure occurs, i.e. while the Integrate Enabled signal is high. 3-14 Basler A500...

  • Page 65: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    • The effective exposure stops d microseconds after the rise of the ExSync signal. ExSync signal can already go low up to 1 µs before Frame Valid is low. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by ExSync 1.8 µs 1.8 µs 7.2 µs 3-15 Basler A500...

  • Page 66: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous

    A501 Exposure as set by ExSync 1.8 µs ... 5 µs 1.8 µs ... 6.25 µs 6.8 µs ... 20 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 13 µs  0 µs 0 µs 0.2 µs 3-16 Basler A500...

  • Page 67: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    1.8 µs ... 5 µs 1.8 µs ... 6.25 µs 6.9 µs ... 20.2 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 7 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 12.7 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-17 Basler A500...

  • Page 68: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    1.8 µs ... 5 µs 1.8 µs ... 6.25 µs 1 µs ... 3 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 7 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 12.7 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-18 Basler A500...

  • Page 69: 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 effective exposure occurs, i.e. while the Integrate Enabled signal is high. 3-19 Basler A500...

  • Page 70: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    Due to the propagation time of approximately 1 µs, ExSync can go high up to 1 µs before the Frame Valid signal goes low. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by Timer 1 1.7 µs 1.7 µs 7.2 µs  0 µs 0 µs 5.5 µs 3-20 Basler A500...

  • Page 71: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous

    Exposure as set by Timer 1 1.7 µs ... 3.7 µs 1.7 µs ... 4.2 µs 6.9 µs ... 20.2 µs    1 µs 1.25 µs 7.1 µs    3 µs 3.75 µs 6.2 µs 3-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 72: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    1.7 µs ... 3.7 µs 1.7 µs ... 4.2 µs 6.9 µs ... 20.2 µs    1 µs 1.25 µs 7.4 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 20.7 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-22 Basler A500...

  • Page 73: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    1.7 µs ... 3.7 µs 1.7 µs ... 4.2 µs 6.9 µs ... 20.2 µs    1 µs 1.25 µs 7.4 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 20.7 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 74: Free-Run Mode

    3.3.4.1, 3.3.4.2, 3.3.4.3 and 3.3.4.4.  The FlashOut signal can be set into a mode where it is high while the effective exposure occurs, i.e. while the Integrate Enabled signal is high. 3-24 Basler A500...

  • Page 75: Free-Run Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    • The effective exposure starts d microseconds after the rise of the internal control signal (exposure start delay). • The duration of the effective exposure is defined by Timer 1. A504 A503 A501 Exposure as set by Timer 1 1.9 µs 1.9 µs 7 µs 3-25 Basler A500...

  • Page 76: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing

    Exposure as set by Timer 1 1 µs ... 3 µs 1.25 µs ... 3.75 µs 7.2 µs ... 20.2 µs  < 1 µs < 0.8 µs 1.25 µs  < 1 µs < 0.2 µs 1.25 µs 3-26 Basler A500...

  • Page 77: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    1 µs ... 3 µs 1.25 µs ... 3.75 µs 6.9 µs ... 20.2 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 5 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 5 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-27 Basler A500...

  • Page 78: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    A503 A501 exposure set by Timer 1 0.8 µs 0.8 µs 0.8 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 7 µs    2 µs 2.5 µs 7 µs 2 µs 2.5 µs 13.2 µs 3-28 Basler A500...

  • Page 79: Free-Run Vga Mode (A504K Only)

    • The duration of the effective exposure can only occur in multiples of 15.8 µs microseconds.  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. 3-29 Basler A500...

  • Page 80: Long Exposure Compensation (A504K, A503K 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). 3-30 Basler A500...

  • Page 81: Max Exposure Time At Max Speed (A504K 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 3-31 Basler A500...

  • Page 82: 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 3.9.). 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). 3-32 Basler A500...

  • Page 83: Gain Settings In More Detail

    4.2.4.7) that moves the offset up, or by using the OfsNeg register (see section 4.2.4.6) 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. 3-33 Basler A500...

  • Page 84: Dsnu Constancy (A503K Only)

    DSNU Constancy and Shutterline Correction Enable register and the Shutterline Correction register (see section 4.2). See section 4.2.4.8 for more information on the DSNU Constancy and Shutterline Correction Enable register. See section 4.2.4.9 for more information on the Shutterline Correction register. 3-34 Basler A500...

  • Page 85: 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. 3-35 Basler A500...
  • Page 86 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. 3-36 Basler A500...

  • Page 87: 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. 3-37 Basler A500...

  • Page 88: Area Of Interest (Aoi)

    Due to the video output, starting columns can only be selected in multiples of 10 + 1, i.e. only columns 1, 11, 21 and so on can be selected. Figure 3-28: Area of Interest (Example for A504 , A501 3-38 Basler A500...
  • Page 89 The sum of the setting for the starting column plus the setting for the width in columns can not exceed 1281. The sum of the setting for the starting line plus the setting for the height in lines can not exceed 1025. 3-39 Basler A500...

  • Page 90: Changes To The Maximum Frame Rate With Area Of Interest

      67580000 s Max. frames per second (approx.) ------------------------------------------------- - AOI Height 132   for AOI Width 1040 100 MHz Max. frames per second (approx.) ------------------------------------------------------------------- - A501 1320   AOI Height 1  3-40 Basler A500...

  • Page 91: Dynamic Area Of Interest (A504K, A503K 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. 3-41 Basler A500...

  • Page 92: Area Of Interest With The Vga Monitor Output (A504K 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. 3-42 Basler A500...

  • Page 93: 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. 3-43 Basler A500...

  • Page 94: Gray Scale Test Image

    This horizontal line moves down by one pixel after each frame. Figure 3-32: Test Image 3.11.3 White Screen Test Image This test image mode outputs a white screen. 3-44 Basler A500...

  • Page 95: 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. 3-45 Basler A500...

  • Page 96: 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 flash (see section 6.1.1). 3-46 Basler A500...

  • Page 97: 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 98: 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, and then click CCT+ (default installation). During start-up, a start-up screen can be seen.

  • Page 99: 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 100: 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 101: Configuring The Camera With Binary Programming Commands

    The binary command protocol is fully implemented in the CPA driver. The CPA driver and a Programmer’s Guide for the driver are both part of Basler’s Classic Camera Configuration Tool. The Classic Camera Configuration Tool can be downloaded from the Basler website at: www.baslerweb.com.

  • Page 102: 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 103: 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 104: Write Command

    31, 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 105: 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 106: 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 107: 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 only) 4-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 108: 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 109: Long Exposure Compensation (A504K, A503K Only)

    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 110: 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 111: 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 112: Dsnu Constancy And Shutterline Correction Enable

    (see the table below) DSNU Constancy and Shutterline Correction Features 0x00 DSNU constancy OFF, shutterline correction OFF 0x01 DSNU constancy ON, shutterline correction OFF 0x10 DSNU constancy OFF, shutterline correction ON 0x11 DSNU constancy ON, shutterline correction ON 4-16 Basler A500...

  • Page 113: Shutterline Correction (A503K Only)

    Gray value to be added to the 10 bit pixel value Byte 2 0x00 Byte 3 0x00 Data Range: The shutterline correction setting can range from 0 DN (0x000000) to 255 DN (0x0000FF). The default setting is 12 DN (0x00000C). 4-17 Basler A500...

  • Page 114: 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 3.9.2 for precautions that you must consider when using digital shift. 4-18 Basler A500...

  • Page 115: Area Of Interest Starting Column

    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 multiples of 10 (A504k, A501k) or 40 (A503k). 4-19 Basler A500...

  • Page 116: Area Of Interest Starting Line

    Response: None Data Format: Byte 1 Low byte of the length in pixel setting Byte 2 High byte of the length in pixel setting Data Range: The height in lines setting can range from 0x0002 to 0x0400. 4-20 Basler A500...

  • Page 117: Area Of Interest Stamp And Dynamic Area Of Interest

    (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 4-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 118: Flashctrl: Flash Trigger Modes

    To combine an advanced mode with a flash trigger mode, add the hexadecimal number of the advanced code and the one of the flash trigger mode together. You can not select Low Side Switch and High Side Switch at the same time. 4-22 Basler A500...

  • Page 119: Test Image Command

    Data Format: Byte 1 An ID that specifies the test image (see the table below). Test Image 0x00 Image from sensor (standard mode) 0x01 Gray Gradient Test Image 0x03 Running Line Test Image 0x04 White Screen Test Image 4-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 120: 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. 4-24 Basler A500...

  • Page 121: 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 4-25 Basler A500...

  • Page 122: 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. 4-26 Basler A500...

  • Page 123: 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 4-27 Basler A500...

  • Page 124: 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 4-28 Basler A500...

  • Page 125: 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 4-29 Basler A500...

  • Page 126: 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 4-30 Basler A500...

  • Page 127: Bitrate Command

    The RS-644 serial port on some Camera Link frame grabbers will only support a bit rate of 9600. If you are using a Camera Link frame grabber, check the grabber’s documentation before attempting to change the bit rate. 4-31 Basler A500...

  • Page 128: 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 4-32 Basler A500...

  • Page 129: 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 130 PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations 47.3 41.5 ca. 6.3 Photo- sensitive surface of CMOS sensor 4 x M4, 7 deep 8 x M4, 7 deep Tolerances are typical Drawings are not to scale Figure 5-1: A500 Mechanical Dimensions (in mm) Basler A500...

  • Page 131: 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 132: 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 133: Mechanical Stress Test Results

    100 m/s 11 ms / 3 shocks / negative Bump DIN IEC 60068-29 100 m/s 11 ms / 100 shocks / positive (each axis) 100 m/s 11 ms / 100 shocks / negative Table 5-1: Mechanical Stress Tests Basler A500...
  • Page 134 PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations Basler A500...

  • Page 135: Troubleshooting And Support

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

  • Page 136: Troubleshooting Charts

    ExSync signal. Check the ExSync flashing signal or set the camera for Free- 3 times. run mode (See section 3.2.2 Call Basler technical support No. It is for assistance. (The contact flashing numbers appear on the title 5, 6, 7 or 8 page of this manual.)
  • Page 137 ExSync period. troubleshooting Can the test image be seen? setting. chart. Is the exposure OK? Replace the camera. Go to the Switch on test image one. interfacing troubleshooting Can the test image be seen? chart. Replace the camera. Basler A500...

  • Page 138: Poor Quality Image

    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 a note of the camera settings and the frame grabber settings you are using.

  • Page 139: Interfacing

    After you checked the configuration file, is the problem still present? Contact Basler technical support. The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual. Before you call for support, be sure to make a note of the camera settings and the frame grabber settings you are using.

  • Page 140: Serial Communication

    The wires in the data cable are continuous. correctly. Exit this chart. The cable connections are firmly seated. After you made these checks, is the problem still present? Contact Basler technical support. The contact numbers appear on the title page of this manual. Basler A500...

  • Page 141: Technical Support

    6.2.3 Before Contacting Basler Technical Support To help you as quickly and efficiently as possible when you have a problem with a Basler camera, it is important that you collect several pieces of information before you contact Basler technical support.
  • Page 142 (If you need more space, use an extra sheet of paper.) 7 If known, what’s the cause of the problem? 8 When did the problem occur? After start. While running. After a certain action (e.g., a change of parameters): Basler A500...
  • Page 143 12 Parameter set It is very important for Basler technical support to get a copy of the exact camera parameters that you were using when the problem occurred. To make a copy of the parameters, start the CCT+, select the File menu, and click Dump Current Settings to File.
  • Page 144 PRELIMINARY Troubleshooting and Support 6-10 Basler A500...

  • Page 145: Revision History

    DA00057006 4 April 2006 Corrected the address for Singapore in the “Contacting Basler Support” section of the front matter. Corrected a LED supply voltage for the low side switch in Figure 2-4. Corrected the steps and added information about reset behavior in the note box in section 4.2.9.
  • Page 146 Updated all instances of the Basler web address. DA00057009 07 Aug 2012 Removed all references to color cameras from the entire manual. Changed program path for CTT+ tool. Replaced Basler Vision Technologies by Basler in section 4.1.1. Updated Support addresses and telephone numbers for Europe and USA.

  • Page 147: Index

    ... 4-18 Basler technical support ....6-7 digital shifter .
  • Page 148 ......1-2 setting with binary commands ... 4-14 output mode see video data output mode(s) BASLER A500...
  • Page 149 ......3-34 specifications camera ......1-2 BASLER A500...
  • Page 150 ......4-8 example......4-9 BASLER A500...

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