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Basler A504k User Manual

A500k series area scan cameras
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A500
User's Manual
Document ID Number: DA00057003
Revision Date: August 12, 2003
Subject to Change Without Notice
© Basler Vision Technologies
Asia: +65-6425-0472
vc.support.asia@baslerweb.com
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  • Page 1 A500 Series User’s Manual Document ID Number: DA00057003 Revision Date: August 12, 2003 Subject to Change Without Notice © Basler Vision Technologies Basler Support Worldwide: Americas: +1-877-934-8472 Europe: +49-4102-463-500 Asia: +65-6425-0472 vc.support.usa@baslerweb.com vc.support.europe@baslerweb.com vc.support.asia@baslerweb.com www.basler-vc.com...
  • 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: Table Of Contents

    2.5.7 Flash Trigger Signal ......... . 2-22 2.5.8 VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc) ....... . . 2-23 2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication .

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    3.3.4.4 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 ....3-24 3.3.5 Free-run VGA Mode (A504k/kc Only) ......3-25 3.4 Long Exposure Compensation (A504k/kc Only) .
  • Page 5 6.2.4 RS-644 Serial Communication ........6-6 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 6 Index ............iii Series Basler A500...

  • Page 7: 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 8: 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 9 All versions: 26 pin, 0.5“, mini D ribbon (MDR) plug (data) one 6 pin, Hirose HR (power) one 4 pin, Hirose HR (flash control) A504k/kc: second 26 pin, 0.5“, mini D ribbon (MDR) plug (data) one 15 pin, high density sub female (VGA moni-...

  • Page 10: 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 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 11 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 12: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 13: 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. Series Basler A500...
  • Page 14 PRELIMINARY Introduction Series Basler A500...

  • Page 15: 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. Series Basler A500...
  • Page 16 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface status LED Camera Link 1 Flash Camera Link 2 (A504k/kc only) Power 12 VDC VGA monitor output (A504k/kc only) Figure 2-1: A500 Connectors and LED The camera housing is not grounded and is electrically isolated from the circuit boards inside of the camera.

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

    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 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 18 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 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 19 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 20: 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. Series Basler A500...
  • Page 21 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface Flash max = 0.3 µs max = 0.3 µs ExFlash = 1.3 µs (A501k) max = 1.3 µs (A501k) = 1 µs (A504k) = 1 µs (A504k) Internal Effective Exposure Figure 2-3: FlashOut Signal Timing camera flash...

  • Page 22: Pin Assignment For The Vga Monitor Output

    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 23: 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. Series Basler A500...
  • Page 24 CC2- CC1+ CC1+ Camera Control 1 Camera Control 1 CC1- CC1- SerTFG+ SerTFG+ Ser TFG Ser TFG SerTFG- SerTFG- SerTC+ SerTC+ Ser TC Ser TC SerTC- SerTC- Figure 2-5: A504 Camera / Frame Grabber Interface k/kc 2-10 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 25 Ferrite R1 and C1 can be used Bead to prevent ground loops Inner Shield if needed. 12 V In Frame Grabber Not Connected Not Connected Filter A501 Figure 2-6: A501 Camera / Frame Grabber Interface k/kc Series 2-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 26: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 27: 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 28 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-14 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 29 • 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 30: Video Data Output For The A504K/Kc

    PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2.5.5 Video Data Output for the A504k/kc cameras output the video data in a 10 * 8 Bit data stream. A504 The pixel clock is used to time data sampling and transmission. As shown in Figures and 2-8, the camera samples and transmits data on each rising edge of the pixel clock.
  • Page 31 • 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. Series 2-17 Basler A500...
  • Page 32 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 33: 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. Series 2-19 Basler A500...
  • Page 34 • 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 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 35 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 Series 2-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 36: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 37: Vga Monitor Output (A504K/Kc)

    PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2.5.8 VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc) The VGA monitor output transmits 640*480 pixels RGB at a rate of 60 Hz. To achieve this, the image from the sensor (1280 x 1024 pixels) must be reduced. The first 32 lines and the last 32 lines of the image are not transmitted.

  • Page 38: 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 39: 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. Series 2-25 Basler A500...
  • Page 40 PRELIMINARY Camera Interface 2-26 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 41: 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 42 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 k/kc Series Basler A500...

  • Page 43: Block Diagram

    Receiver ExFlash ExSync Internal Sync Data Sensor Flash Channel Image Sensor Gain + Sensor Timing Integrate ImageData Ctrl Link PB-MV13CC Offset Biases DACs Shifter Data ImageData ImageData Test Img Formatter FPGA Figure 3-3: A501 Block Diagram k/kc Series Basler A500...

  • Page 44: 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 Read Out Figure 3-5: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode Series Basler A500...

  • Page 45: 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. Series Basler A500...
  • Page 46 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 47: Exposure Time Control Modes In Detail

    < Frame Valid High > Frame Period Frame Valid High 3 µs for A504k/kc (or + 20.2 µs for A501k/kc) The synchronous/asynchronous timing is described in sections 3.3.2.2, 3.3.3.2, and 3.3.4.2 for each exposure mode. • Synchronous Timing 1: The time that frame valid is low between two subsequent frames corresponds to the time of one and a half lines.
  • Page 48 To make the camera enter this timing, set the frame rate and the exposure time so that the following conditions are given: < Frame Period Frame Valid High 44 ns for A504k/kc (or 300 ns for A501k/kc) ------------------------------------------ - Frame Period ≥...

  • Page 49: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode

    3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2 and 3.3.1.3. 3.3.1.1 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing ExSync Period Exposure ExSync 3.3 µs (A504k/kc) 20.8 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid FlashOut Figure 3-8: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low If the exposure starts and stops when Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to y): •...

  • Page 50: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    Exposure ExSync 3.28...5.2 µs (A504k/kc) 27...40 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 2 ... 3.3 µs (A504k/kc) 13.5 µs or 20.2 µs (A501k/kc) Line Valid FlashOut Figure 3-9: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to y): •...

  • Page 51: Exsync, Edge-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.3.1.3 ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 ExSync Period Exposure ExSync 5 ... 6 µs (A504k/kc) 20...26.9 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 44 ns (A504k/kc) 300 ns (A501k/kc) Line Valid FlashOut Figure 3-10: ExSync, Edge-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to y): •...

  • Page 52: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode

    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. 3.3.2.1 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Asynchronous Timing ExSync Period ExSync Exposure 3.3 µs (A504k/kc) 20.8 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid 1.8 µs (A504k/kc)

  • Page 53: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing

    20.8 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid 1.8 µs...5 µs (A504k/kc) 6.8 µs...20 µs (A501k/kc) FlashOut Figure 3-12: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start when Frame Valid is High, Exposure Stop when Frame Valid is Low If the exposure starts while Frame Valid is high, and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to z): •...

  • Page 54: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    Basic Operation and Features 3.3.2.3 ExSync, Level-controlled Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 ExSync Period ExSync Exposure 3 µs ... 6 µs (A504k/kc) 26.9 µs...34.4 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 2 µs or 3 µs (A504k/kc) 13.5 µs or 20.2 µs (A501k/kc)

  • Page 55: Exsync, Level-Controlled Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    44 ns (A504k/kc) 300 ns (A501k/kc) Line Valid 1.8 ... 5µs (A504k/kc) 6.9 µs...20.2 µs (A501k/kc) FlashOut Figure 3-14: ExSync, Level-controlled Mode - Exposure Start and Stop when Frame Valid High If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to z): •...

  • Page 56: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 57: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Asynchronous Timing

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.3.3.1 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Asynchronous Timing ExSync Period ExSync Exposure Time (Timer 1) 4.7 µs (A504k/kc) 26.4 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid 1.7 µs (A504k/kc) 7.2 µs (A501k/kc) FlashOut Figure 3-15: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid Low If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to y): •...

  • Page 58: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous/Asynchronous Timing

    26.4 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid 1.7 µs... 3.7 µs (A504k/kc) 6.9 µs... 20.2 µs (A501k/kc) FlashOut Figure 3-16: ExSync, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start when Frame Valid is High, Exposure Stop when Frame Valid is Low If the exposure starts when Frame Valid is high and ends while Frame Valid is low (see Table for values n to z): •...

  • Page 59: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    3.3.3.3 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 1 ExSync Period ExSync Exposure Time (Timer 1) 5 µs ... 6 µs (A504k/kc) 26.2 µs ... 32.8 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 2 µs ... 3 µs (A504k/kc) 13.5 µs or 20.2 µs (A501k/kc)

  • Page 60: Exsync, Programmable Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.3.3.4 ExSync, Programmable Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 ExSync Period ExSync Exposure Time (Timer 1) 5.1µs ... 6.6 µs (A504k/kc) 41.2 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 44 ns (A504k/kc) 300 ns (A501k/kc) Line Valid 1.7 µs...3.7 µs (A504k/kc) 6.9 µs...20.2 µs (A501k/kc)

  • Page 61: Free-Run Mode

    This FlashOut mode is shown in the timing diagrams. 3.3.4.1 Free-run Mode with Asynchronous Timing Internal Control Signal Period Internal Control Exposure Time Signal (Timer 1) Timer 2 3 µs (A504k/kc) 20.1 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid 1.9 µs (A504k/kc) 7 µs (A501k/kc) FlashOut...

  • Page 62: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous / Asynchronous Timing

    3.3.4.2 Free-run Mode with Synchronous / Asynchronous Timing Internal Control Signal Period Internal Exposure Time Control (Timer 1) Signal Timer 2 3.3 µs (A504k/kc) 20.6 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid Line Valid FlashOut Figure 3-20: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start with Frame Valid High, Exposure...

  • Page 63: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 1

    Signal Timer 2 4 µs...6µs (A504k/kc) 26.2 µs... 39.8 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 2µs or 3µs (A504k/kc) 13.5 µs or 20.2 µs (A501k/kc) Line Valid 6.9 µs...20.2 µs FlashOut Figure 3-21: Free-run, Programmable Mode - Exposure Start and Stop with Frame Valid High If the exposure starts and ends while Frame Valid is high (see Table for values n to z): •...

  • Page 64: Free-Run Mode With Synchronous Timing 2

    3.3.4.4 Free-run Mode with Synchronous Timing 2 Internal Control Signal Period Internal Exposure Time Control (Timer 1) Signal Timer 2 4µs ...6µs (A504k/kc) 27.4 µs ... 39.4 µs (A501k/kc) Frame Valid 44 ns (A504k/kc) 300 ns (A501k/kc) Line Valid 0.8 µs...

  • Page 65: Free-Run Vga Mode (A504K/Kc Only)

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.3.5 Free-run VGA Mode (A504k/kc Only) Internal Control Signal Period Internal Exposure Time Control (Timer 1) Signal 34 µs 16087 µs Frame Valid 580 µs Line Valid Figure 3-23: Free-run VGA Mode Effective exposure = n - 15.8 µs ... n + 15.8 µs (n = exposure set by Timer 1) Effective exposure time can only occur in multiples of 15.8 µs.

  • Page 66: Long Exposure Compensation (A504K/Kc Only)

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.4 Long Exposure Compensation (A504k/kc Only) long exposure Long Exposure Compensation compensation value can be set to optimize image quality. The longer the exposure time, the higher long exposure compensation needs to be. The long exposure compensation...

  • Page 67: Max Exposure Time At Max Speed (A504K/Kc Only)

    PRELIMINARY Basic Operation and Features 3.5 Max Exposure Time at Max Speed (A504k/kc Only) In many applications, cameras are operated at maximum speed and at maximum exposure time. To obtain a reliable timing for frame read-out in Synchronous Timing 2, follow the setup recommendations described in this section.
  • Page 68 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. G R G R G...

  • Page 69: 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). Series 3-29 Basler A500...

  • Page 70: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 71: 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. Series 3-31 Basler A500...
  • Page 72 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 73: 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. Series 3-33 Basler A500...

  • Page 74: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 75: 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 Series 3-35 Basler A500...

  • Page 76: Dynamic Area Of Interest (A504K/Kc Only)

    A command sent to the camera will become active only after a short latency. At low frame rates, the command usually becomes active for the next image. At high frame rates, as for the A504k, you do not know on exactly which image the command will become active. This information is especially required for tracking applications where the camera is operating at a high frame rate and the Area of Interest is changed frequently.

  • Page 77: Area Of Interest With The Vga Monitor Output (A504K/Kc Only)

    Tool Plus (see Section 4.1) or binary commands (see Section 4.2.4.13 ”Area of Interest Feature”). 3.9.4 Area of Interest with the VGA Monitor Output (A504k/kc only) In VGA exposure mode, the maximum frame rate remains 60 fps (frames per second), regardless of the area of in- terest selected.

  • Page 78: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 79: Gray Scale Test Image

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

  • Page 80: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 81: 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. Series 3-41 Basler A500...

  • Page 82: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 83: Configuring 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 84: 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 85: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 86: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 87: 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 88: 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) Series Basler A500...

  • Page 89: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 90: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 91: 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. Series Basler A500...

  • Page 92: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 93: Commands For Setting Camera Parameters

    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) Series 4-11 Basler A500...

  • Page 94: Timer 1

    Low byte of the Timer 2 setting Data Format: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 95: Long Exposure Compensation

    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. Series 4-13 Basler A500...

  • Page 96: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 97: 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. Series 4-15 Basler A500...

  • Page 98: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 99: 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. Series 4-17 Basler A500...

  • Page 100: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 101: 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 Series 4-19 Basler A500...

  • Page 102: Flashctrl: Flash Trigger Modes

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

  • Page 103: Test Image Command

    An ID that specifies the test image (see the table below). Data Format: 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 Series 4-21 Basler A500...

  • Page 104: Query Commands

    Read Command: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 105: Read Serial Number

    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 Series 4-23 Basler A500...

  • Page 106: Read Microcontroller Firmware Version

    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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 107: Commands For Manipulating Configuration Sets

    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 Series 4-25 Basler A500...

  • Page 108: Copy The Work Set Into A User Set (Profile Save)

    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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 109: Select The Startup Pointer (Profile Startup)

    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 Series 4-27 Basler A500...

  • Page 110: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 111: Bitrate Command

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

  • Page 112: 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 Series Basler A500...

  • Page 113: 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 114 PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations Figure 5-1: A500 Mechanical Dimensions (in mm) Series Basler A500...

  • Page 115: F-Mount Adapter Dimensions

    PRELIMINARY Mechanical Considerations 5.2 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions Figure 5-2: F-Mount Adapter Dimensions (in mm) Series Basler A500...

  • Page 116: Positioning Accuracy Of The Sensor Chip

    The maximum rotational mis-positioning and the maximum horizontal/vertical mis-positioning cannot occur at the same time since the translatory and rotational positioning tolerance depend on each other. Not to scale Not to scale Figure 5-3: Rotational Positioning Accuracy Series Basler A500...

  • Page 117: 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. The FPGA could not be configured. Please contact Basler Support 8 pulses Table 6-1: Camera Status Indicators Series Basler A500...

  • Page 118: Troubleshooting Charts

    ExSync signal. Check the ExSync blinking signal or set the camera for Free- 3 pulses. 3.2.2 run mode (See Section 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 119 ExSync signal is not too short. The Check to make sure that: period of the ExSync signal must be greater than 2 ms (A504k) or Timer 1 is set no lower than Correct 13.2 ms (A501k).

  • Page 120: 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 121: 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 122: 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 123: Revision History

    The minimum AOI height in lines was changed to 2. The responsivity of the sensor changed, and with it the explanation in 3.7.1 section and the formulas in section A power supply recommendation was added to section BASLER A500...
  • Page 124 DRAFT BASLER A500...
  • Page 125 ExSync, progammable mode with synchronous ti- commands ming 1 3-19 see binary commands ExSync, programmable mode with ssynchronous ti- configuration sets ming 3-16, 3-17 explained 3-41 ExSync, programmable mode with synchronous ti- manipulating with binary commands 4-25, 4-26 Series Basler A500...
  • Page 126 3-29 pin numbering setting with binary commands 4-14 camera pixel clock on the camera 2-13 high side switch 2-7, 4-20 pixel clock speed humidity requirements pixel depth camera pixel size positioning accuracy of the sensor chip Series Basler A500...
  • Page 127 2-16–??, 2-19–?? checking with binary commands 4-28 video data output modes 2-16, 2-19 checking with the yellow LED video output format SXGA monitor output video output type explained 2-23 synchronization synchronous timing 1 weight synchronous timing 2 camera Series Basler A500...
  • Page 128 PRELIMINARY work set copying to a user set 4-26 explained 3-41 relationship to the config tool write command error checking example Series Basler A500...

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