C LV- 4 0 1 A C A M E R A L I N K V I D E O S P L I T T E R

User’s Manual

Document # 201058, Rev 0.1, 1/4/2012 (preliminary) Vivid Engineering
159 Memorial Drive, Suite F • Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone 508.842.0165 • Fax 508.842.8930
www.vividengineering.com • info@vividengineering.com

Table of Contents
1.

Introduction

1

1.1.

Overview

1

1.2.

Features2

1.3.

Functional Description

3

1.4.

Typical Applications

5

1.4.1.

Standard Base Application

5

1.4.2.

Medium Application

6

1.4.3.

Cascaded Application71.5.

Specifications

82.

Interface

92.1.

Front Panel Connections

92.2.

Rear Panel Connections

102.3.

Video Connectors

102.4.

Cable Shield Grounding

113.

Mechanical123.1.

Dimensions

123.2.

External Power Supply

134.

Revision History14

1. Introduction
1.1.

Overview

The CLV-401A Camera Link1 Video Splitter interfaces one Camera Link camera to twoframe grabbers using standard Camera Link cables. This arrangement enables the additionof a second frame grabber for functions such as camera setup, secondary/parallel
processing, and monitoring.
One frame grabber acts as master (i.e. primary) and provides control and communications
to the camera. The secondary (slave) frame grabber receives camera video data only.
CLV-401A incorporates high-speed 85MHz interfaces and is compatible with all Camera
Link “base” configuration cameras. “medium” configuration applications are supported
using two CLV-401A’s. Multiple CLV-401A’s may be cascaded to support 4 or 8 framegrabbers.
The CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitter is housed in sturdy, compact aluminum
enclosures. A locking-plug power supply is optional.

Vivid EngineeringCamera Link VideoSplitter

CLV-401A

LINK
PWR

CAMERA

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

1 The Camera Link interface standard enables the interoperability of cameras and frame grabbers,
regardless of vendor. The Automated Imaging Association (AIA) sponsors the Camera Link program
including the oversight Camera Link Committee, the self-certification program, and the product registry.
The Camera Link specification may be downloaded from the AIA website, found atwww.machinevisiononline.org

11.2.

Features•Interfaces one camera to two frame grabbers•Second frame grabber can be used for camera setup, processing, monitoring, etc•

Uses standard Camera Link cables (not included)•

Supports Camera Link “base” configuration•

High-speed 85 MHz interface chipset, works with any base camera•

Minimal video data pass-through latency: 3 camera pixel clocks•

Minimal control/communication pass-through latency: under 5 nS•

Link status indicator•

Isolated DC power input•“Medium” configuration support using two CLV-401A’s•

Multiple CLV-401A’s may be cascaded to support 4 or 8 frame grabbers•

Also acts as a repeater, doubling max distance between camera and frame
grabbers•Multi-nation power supply included, locking-plug power supply optional•Sturdy, compact aluminum enclosure w/ mounting flange•3-year warrantee

2

1.3.

Functional Description

LVDS
Transmitter

LVDS
Receiver

CameraControl

SerialComm
Link

LVDS Rcvr

LVDS Xmtr

LVDS Xmtr

LVDS Rcvr

SerialComm
Link

ChannelLink
Receiver

Channel
Link
Transmitter

Video
Data

Channel
Link
Transmitter

Video
Data

Video
Data

Link
DetectTo Camera Link
Frame Grabber (Slave)

CameraControl

To Camera Link
Frame Grabber (Master)

To Camera Link Camera

A block diagram of the CLV-401A is provided in Figure 1-1. The CLV-401A interfaces
one camera to two frame grabbers. One frame grabber is the master (primary), and one
frame grabber is slave (secondary).

CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitter

Figure 1-1: CLV-401A Block Diagram
The interface between the camera and the master frame grabber contains the entire
Camera Link signal set defined in the Camera Link Specification for “base”
configurations. This consists of video data, camera control, and serial communications.
The master frame grabber receives video data from the camera, and can also control andcommunicate with the camera.
The interface between the camera and the slave frame grabber contains only the video datasignals. The slave frame grabber receives video data, but cannot control or communicate
with the camera.

3

The CLV-401A incorporates high-speed (85MHz) interfaces and is compatible with any“base” configuration camera. “Medium” configuration applications are supported using
two CLV-401A’s in parallel. The CLV-401A does not support the Camera Link “full”
configuration.
The latency (i.e. delay) of the video, control, and communication signals passing throughthe CLV-401A is minimal. This is an important criteria in time-critical applications. See
Table 1.1 for the latency specifications.
CLV-401A also acts as a repeater and doubles the maximum separation between thecamera and the frame grabbers.
A front-panel link status indicator illuminates when the camera video signal is detected.
The front panel also includes a power indicator.
The CLV-401A is powered by an external wall plug-in power supply. A multi-nation
power supply is standard. Optionally, the CLV-401A is available with a locking-plug
power supply. The locking plug reduces the risk of accidental disconnection from therear-panel power jack. The CLV-401A is also available without power supply.
The CLV-401A DC power input is electrically isolated from the internal circuitry. Thisfeature ensures compatibility with user power systems.

4

1.4.

Typical Applications

1.4.1.
Standard Base Application
A standard CLV-401A base application is shown in Figure 1-2. A Camera Link
“base” configuration camera is connected to a single CLV-401A via a standard
Camera Link cable. Two additional Camera Link cables are then used to connect theCLV-401A to the master and slave Camera Link frame grabbers.
The master frame grabber provides camera control and communications, andperforms the primary processing functions. The slave frame grabber cannot control orcommunicate with the camera, but may be used for parallel processing, secondary
processing, camera setup, monitoring, etc.

CLV-401A
Camera Link
Video Splitter
Slave
Camera Link
Frame Grabber
Vivid Engineering

Camera Link Video
Splitter

CLV-401A

LINKPWRCAMERA

Camera Link
CameraMASTER FRAME GRABBER

Standard Camera Link CablesMasterCamera Link
Frame Grabber

Figure 1-2: CLV-401A Standard Application (Base)51.4.2.
Medium Application
A CLV-401A “medium” application is shown in Figure 1-3. Medium configurations,in which two cables connect the camera to the frame grabber, are supported using two
CLV-401A’s in parallel. A Camera Link “medium” configuration camera isconnected to two CLV-401A’s via a pair of standard Camera Link cables. Four
additional Camera Link cables are then used to connect the CLV-401A’s to the masterand slave Camera Link frame grabbers.

CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitters (2)Slave
Camera Link
Frame Grabber
Vivid Engineering

Camera Link VideoSplitter

CLV-401A

Vivid Engineering

LINK

LINK

PWR

PWR

CAMERA

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

Camera Link Video
Splitter

CAMERA

CLV-401A

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

MasterCamera Link
Frame Grabber

Camera Link
Camera(Medium Config)

Figure 1-3: CLV-401A “Medium” Application

6

1.4.3.
Cascaded Application
Multiple CLV-401A’s may be cascaded to support four or eight frame grabbers. An
application in which three CLV-401A’s are cascaded to interface four frame grabbers
to a Camera Link base configuration camera is shown in Figure 1-4. Seven standard
Camera Link cables are used to interconnect the equipment. Note that one frame
grabber is the master, and all remaining frame grabbers are slaves.

CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitters (3)Camera Link Video
SplitterVivid Engineering

CLV-401A

Slave
Camera Link
Frame Grabber

LINK
PWR

CAMERA

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

Slave
Camera Link
Frame Grabber

Vivid Engineering

Camera Link Video
Splitter

CLV-401A

Vivid Engineering

Camera Link VideoSplitter

CLV-401A

Slave
Camera Link
Frame Grabber

LINK

LINK

PWRPWRCAMERACAMERA

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

MasterCamera LinkTM
Frame Grabber

Camera Link
CameraFigure 1-4: CLV-401A Cascaded Application

7

1.5.

Specifications
Table 1-1: CLV-401A Specifications
FeatureSpecification

Video Interfaces

Camera Link “base” configuration

Video Connectors

26-pin MDR type

Frequency Range

20 - 85 MHz

LatencyVideo path: 3 camera pixel clock cycles
Control & communication: 5ns max

Power Supply

Universal wall style w/ outlet plug set

Power Plug

2.1 x 5.5 mm, center-positive. Locking style optional.

Power Requirements

4.5 – 9 VDC, internally isolated
230 mA @ 5 VDC (typical)

Cabinet Dimensions

5.28” (L) x 1.18” (H) 5.12” (D)Weight11 oz

Operating Temperature Range

0 to 50° C

Storage Temperature Range-25 to 75° C

Relative Humidity

0 to 90%, non-condensing

8

2. Interface
2.1.

Front Panel Connections

The CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitter front panel is shown in Figure 2-1. The front
panel contains two 26-pin MDR video connectors; one for connecting to the camera andone for connecting to the master frame grabber. The front panel also incorporates LEDpower and link status indicators.

Vivid Engineering

Camera Link VideoSplitter

CLV-401A

LINKPWRCAMERA

MASTER FRAME GRABBER

Figure 2-1: CLV-401A Front Panel92.2.

Rear Panel Connections

The CLV-401A Camera Link Video Splitter rear panel is shown in Figure 2-2. The rear
panel contains the 26-pin MDR video connector for the slave frame grabber, and the DC
power jack.
The DC power jack accepts either a standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel-style power plug or aspecial locking plug. The locking plug has bayonet-style “ears” on the barrel. Once
inserted, the plug is turned ¼ turn clockwise. This locks the connection and provides
retention. Plug polarity is center-positive. The locking power plug is Philmore partnumber 2150.

SLAVE FRAME GRABBER

4.5-9 VDC

Figure 2-2: CLV-401A Rear Panel

2.3.

Video Connectors

The MDR-26 video connectors and signal assignments comply with the Camera Link
“base” configuration. The camera connector signal assignments correspond to the frame
grabber interface defined in the Camera Link Specification. Conversely, the frame
grabber connector assignments are as defined for the camera interface in the Camera Link
Specification. This arrangement provides compatibility with standard Camera Linkcables.

10

2.4.

Cable Shield Grounding

Camera and frame grabber cable “outer” shields are connected to the CLV-401A
aluminum case. Case and endplate contacting surfaces are unpainted, providing a Faraday
cage to shield internal circuitry. The case is isolated from the CLV-401A circuitry and thecable “inner” shields, avoiding possible safety concerns.
The camera and frame grabber cable “inner” shields connects to circuit digital ground,maintaining signal reference levels between the camera and the CLV-401A. and between
the CLV-401A and the frame grabbers.

11

3. Mechanical
3.1.

Dimensions

The CLV-401A Camera Link Video splitter cabinet dimensions are shown in Figure 3-1.

fla

CLV-401A
CLV-401

mount
ing

Camera Link VideoSplitter

LINK

MASTER FRAME
FRAME GRABBER
GRABBERMASTER(in

CAMERACAMERAcluding

PWR

5.
12"1.18"

Vivid
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ngineeringnge)

The CLV-401A is housed in a sturdy aluminum enclosure. The body is extruded
aluminum, with detachable front and rear endplates. The enclosure incorporates amounting flange. The flange contains four predrilled holes (0.15” diameter) for
convenient equipment mounting. A mounting footprint drawing is provided in Figure 3-2.

5.28"

Figure 3-1: CLV-401A Cabinet Dimensions

12

Mounting Holes (4): 0.15" dia

4.62"

5.12"

(Rear)(Front )
5.00"
5.28"

Figure 3-2: CLV-401A Mounting Footprint

3.2.

External Power Supply

The CLV-401A is powered by 4.5 – 9.0 VDC and incorporates a 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC power
jack that accepts either a standard barrel-style power plug, or a special locking version (seeSection 2.2). Power plug polarity is center-positive.
The CLV-401A includes a multi-nation wall-mount power supply that handles a widepower range (90-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz) and comes with a set of outlet plugs suitable formost countries (US, Europe, UK, etc). The CLV-401A may also be purchased with alocking-plug power supply, or without power supply.

13

4. Revision History
Table 5-1: CLV-401A User’s Manual Revision History
Document ID #Date

201058-0.1

1/4/12Changes
Preliminary release of manual14