DMK 33GX178
Technical Reference ManualTable of Contents
1.

Quick Facts

5

2.

Dimensional Diagrams

7

2.1

DMK 33GX178 C-Mount with Tripod Adapter .............................................................. 7

2.2

DMK 33GX178 C-Mount without Tripod Adapter ........................................................ 8

2.3

DMK 33GX178 CS-Mount with Tripod Adapter ............................................................ 9

2.4

DMK 33GX178 CS-Mount without Tripod Adapter .................................................... 10

3.

I/O Connector

11

3.1
6-pin I/O Connector ..................................................................................................... 11
3.1.1
TRIGGER_IN ........................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2
STROBE_OUT ......................................................................................................... 12

4.
4.1

5.

Spectral Characteristics

13

Spectral Sensitivity - IMX178LLJ-C ............................................................................... 13

Camera Controls

14

5.1
Sensor Readout Control ............................................................................................... 14
5.1.1
Pixel Format .......................................................................................................... 14
5.1.1.1
5.1.1.2
5.1.1.3

8-Bit Monochrome ....................................................................................................................... 14
12-Bit Packed Monochrome ........................................................................................................ 15
16-Bit Monochrome ..................................................................................................................... 15

5.1.2
Resolution ............................................................................................................. 15
5.1.3
Frame Rate ............................................................................................................ 16
5.1.4
Partial Scan Offset ................................................................................................. 17
5.1.5
Image Flipping ....................................................................................................... 18
5.2
Image Sensor Control ................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1
Exposure Time ....................................................................................................... 18
5.2.2
Gain ....................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.3
Black Level ............................................................................................................. 19
5.3
Automatic Exposure and Gain Control ....................................................................... 19
5.3.1
Auto Exposure ....................................................................................................... 20
5.3.2
Auto Gain .............................................................................................................. 20
5.3.3
Auto Reference Value ........................................................................................... 20
5.3.4
Highlight Reduction .............................................................................................. 20
5.3.5
Auto Exposure Limits ............................................................................................ 21
5.3.6
Auto Gain Limits ................................................................................................... 22
5.4
Trigger ........................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.1
Trigger Mode ......................................................................................................... 22
5.4.2
Trigger Polarity ...................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3
Trigger Operation .................................................................................................. 23
5.4.4
Software Trigger .................................................................................................... 23
5.4.5
Trigger Burst Count ............................................................................................... 23

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual2

Table of Contents
5.4.6
Trigger Source ........................................................................................................ 24
5.4.7
Trigger Overlap ...................................................................................................... 24
5.5
Trigger Timing Parameters ........................................................................................... 24
5.5.1
Trigger Delay .......................................................................................................... 25
5.5.2
Trigger Debounce Time ......................................................................................... 25
5.5.3
Trigger Mask Time ................................................................................................. 25
5.5.4
Trigger Noise Suppression Time ........................................................................... 26
5.6
Digital I/O ..................................................................................................................... 26
5.6.1
General Purpose Input ......................................................................................... 26
5.6.2
General Purpose Output ...................................................................................... 26
5.7
Strobe ............................................................................................................................ 27
5.7.1
Strobe Enable ........................................................................................................ 27
5.7.2
Strobe Polarity ...................................................................................................... 27
5.7.3
Strobe Operation .................................................................................................. 28
5.7.4
Strobe Duration .................................................................................................... 28
5.7.5
Strobe Delay .......................................................................................................... 28
5.8
Image Processing .......................................................................................................... 28
5.8.1
Gamma .................................................................................................................. 28
5.8.2
Lookup Table ......................................................................................................... 29
5.9
Region of Interest for Auto Functions ......................................................................... 30
5.9.1
Auto Functions ROI Enable ................................................................................... 30
5.9.2
Auto Functions ROI Preset .................................................................................... 30
5.9.3
Auto Functions ROI Custom Rectangle ................................................................ 31
5.10
User Sets ....................................................................................................................... 32
5.10.1
User Set Selector ................................................................................................... 32
5.10.2
Load User Set ........................................................................................................ 32
5.10.3
Save User Set ......................................................................................................... 33
5.10.4
Default User Set .................................................................................................... 33
5.11
Precision Time Protocol ............................................................................................... 33
5.11.1PTP Enable ............................................................................................................. 33
5.11.2PTP Status .............................................................................................................. 34
5.12
Action Scheduler .......................................................................................................... 34
5.12.1
Action Selector ...................................................................................................... 34
5.12.2
Action Scheduler Time .......................................................................................... 34
5.12.3
Action Scheduler Interval ..................................................................................... 35
5.12.4
Action Scheduler Commit ..................................................................................... 35
5.12.5
Action Scheduler Cancel ....................................................................................... 35
5.13
Events ............................................................................................................................ 36
5.13.1
Event Selector ....................................................................................................... 36
5.13.2
Event Notification ................................................................................................. 36
5.13.3
Event Frame Trigger Missed ................................................................................. 36
5.13.4
Event Line1 Falling Edge ....................................................................................... 37
5.13.5
Event Line1 Rising Edge ........................................................................................ 37

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual3

Table of Contents
5.13.6

6.

Event Test .............................................................................................................. 38

Revision History

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual39

4

Quick Facts
1

Quick Facts
GeneralVision Standard

GigE Vision

Dynamic Range

12 bitResolution

3072x2048

Frame Rate at Full Resolution

19

Pixel Formats

8-Bit Monochrome
12-Bit Packed Monochrome
16-Bit Monochrome

Optical Interface
IR-Cut filterNo

Sensor TypeSony IMX178LLJ-C

Shutter Type

Rolling

Sensor Format

1/1.8 inch

Pixel Size

2.4 µmLens Mount

C/CS

Electrical Interface
Interface

GigE

Supply voltage

11 VDC to 13 VDC or POE: 48 VDC to 56
VDC

Current consumption

approx 400 mA @ 12 VDC

I/O Connector

6-pin connector for power supply, trigger
and strobe or general purpose input/output

Mechanical Data
Dimensions

H: 29 mm, W: 29 mm, L: 57 mm

Mass

65 g

Adjustments
Shutter

20 µs to 60 s

Gain

0 dB to 48 dB

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual5Quick Facts
Environmental Conditions
Housing Temperature (operating)-5 °C to 50 °C

Temperature (storage)-20 °C to 80 °C

Humidity (operating)

20 % to 80 % (non-condensing)

Humidity (storage)

20 % to 95 % (non-condensing)

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual6Dimensional Diagrams
2

Dimensional Diagrams

2.1

DMK 33GX178 C-Mount with Tripod Adapter

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual7Dimensional Diagrams
2.2

DMK 33GX178 C-Mount without Tripod Adapter

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual8Dimensional Diagrams
2.3

DMK 33GX178 CS-Mount with Tripod Adapter

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual9Dimensional Diagrams
2.4

DMK 33GX178 CS-Mount without Tripod Adapter

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual10I/O Connector
3

I/O Connector

3.1

6-pin I/O Connector

Rear view of cameraPin

1

SignalI/O

Remarks

Characteristics
Min

Typ

Max

Unit

11.0

12.0

13.0

V

1

GigE Power
SupplyP3

2

TRIGGER_IN (+)

I3

Optocoupler signal

3.32

-

24.02 V

3

TRIGGER_IN (-)

I3

Optocoupler ground

-

-

-

4

STROBE_OUT

O3Open drain--

24.01 V5

GND_I/O

G3

External Ground (Open Drain) -

-

-

-

6

GND_DC

G3

External Ground (Power
Supply)

-

-

-

-

-

max. 0.2A (ID) for open drain MOSFET!

2 min. 3.5 mA driver strength required!
3 G: Ground O: Output I: Input

The part number of this Hirose connector is HR10A-7R-6P(73). To create an I/O cable youneed a Hirose connector HR10A-7P-6S(73).

3.1.1

TRIGGER_IN
The TRIGGER_IN line can be used to synchronize the start of the exposure time with external
events. The Trigger section describes in detail how the image sensor's behavior can becontrolled.
The current input signal can also be read directly through the General Purpose Input feature.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual11I/O Connector
3.1.2

STROBE_OUT
The STROBE_OUT line's main usage is to indicate the integration time of the image sensor
which allows flashes, strobes or other light sources to be synchronized with camera
operation. The line's behavior can be controlled through the Strobe controls.
The output signal can also be directly controlled through the General Purpose Output
feature.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual

12Spectral Characteristics
4

Spectral Characteristics

4.1

Spectral Sensitivity - IMX178LLJ-C

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual13Camera Controls
5

Camera Controls
This section describes the parameters available for the DMK 33GX178 camera.
The actual name of the parameter depends on the driver technology used to access thecamera. Parameter names are listed for the most common ways to access the cameras:· GigE Vision (cross platform, via 3rd party driver)· IC Imaging Control (on Windows, via Device Driver for The Imaging Source GigE Cameras)

5.1

Sensor Readout Control

5.1.1

Pixel Format
The pixel format defines the data type of the pixels transmitted to the computer. The bits
per pixel needed for a particular pixel format influence the required bandwith.
The way the pixel format is controlled varies significantly among the driver technology used
to access the camera:· When using GigE Vision, the pixel format is controlled through the PixelFormat

GenICam feature.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the pixel format is part of the video format - a parameter

which combines pixel format, resolution and readout mode. For more information, referto the IC Imaging Control documentation sections on VideoFormat andVideoFormatDesc.
The DMK 33GX178 monochrome camera supports multiple pixel formats with variable bitsper-pixel settings. The names of the pixel formats and the way to select them depends onthe driver used to control the camera. The following table contains a short overview of all
possible formats followed by a more detailed description.

5.1.1.1

Pixel Format

Bits Per Pixel

GigE Vision

TIS GigE Driver

8-Bit Monochrome

8

Mono8

Y800

12-Bit Packed
Monochrome12

Mono12Packed

Y16

16-Bit Packed
Monochrome16

Mono16Y16

8-Bit Monochrome
This format transmits data using one byte for each pixel.
GigE Vision drivers see this pixel format as Mono8.
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source GigE Cameras offers this pixel format as the Y800
video format.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual14

Camera Controls
5.1.1.2

12-Bit Packed Monochrome
This format transmits data using 3 bytes for each pair of 2 consecutive pixels.
GigE Vision drivers see this pixel format as Mono12Packed.
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source GigE Cameras offers this pixel format as the Y16
video format. Since the DMK 33GX178 camera offers both 12-bit packed and 16-bit
monochrome pixel formats, the driver will use the 12-bit packed format when the Y16
video format is selected.

5.1.1.3

16-Bit Monochrome
The sensor of the DMK 33GX178 camera is not capable of providing 16-bit data output.
Instead, the pixel data is transmitted in the most significant bits which allows application
programs to ignore the sensor-specific data type, and treat the data as if the sensor
outputs 16 bits.
GigE Vision drivers see this pixel format as Mono16.
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source GigE Cameras offers this pixel format as the Y16
video format.

5.1.2

Resolution
The DMK 33GX178 allows the user to specify which rectangular region of the image sensor
to read out during camera operation. The size of this rectangle determines the number ofpixels that have to be transferred for each frame and has a significant influence on therequired network bandwidth.
Lowering the resolution also often allows the image sensor to operate at a higher frame
rate. Changes in the vertical resolution have more effect on the maximum frame rate thanchanges in the horizontal direction.
The way the resolution is controlled varies greatly between the driver technology used toaccess the camera:· When using GigE Vision, the resolution is controlled through the GenICam features Widthand Height.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the resolution is part of the video format, a parameterthat combines pixel format, resolution and readout mode. For more information, refer tothe IC Imaging Control documentation sections on VideoFormat andVideoFormatDesc.
Parameter

Horizontal Resolution

Minimum

256

Maximum

3072

GigE Vision: GenICam

Width

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual15

Camera Controls

5.1.3

Parameter

Vertical Resolution

Minimum

4

Maximum

2048

GigE Vision: GenICam

HeightFrame Rate
The frame rate is specified in frames per second and determines the camera's operating
speed.
The way the frame rate is controlled depends greatly upon which driver technology is used
to access the camera:· When using GigEVision, the frame rate is controlled through the GenICam feature

AcquisitionFrameRate.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the frame rate is selected from a list of available frame
rates through APIs such as Grabber::setFPS or
ICImagingControl.DeviceFrameRate.
The range of available frame rates depends upon other camera settings such as well, pixel
format, resolution and readout modes.
Parameter

Frame Rate

Minimum

Depending on Pixel Format, Resolution, and Readout Mode

Maximum

Depending on Pixel Format, Resolution, and Readout Mode

GigE Vision: GenICam

AcquisitionFrameRate

The following tables show the maximum frame rate for some combinations of pixel format
and resolution.
8-Bit Monochrome
Width

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

3072

2048

19

1920

1080

57

640

480

195

12-Bit Packed Monochrome

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual16Camera Controls
Width

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

3072

2048

12

1920

1080

38

640

480

195

Width

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

3072

2048

9

1920

1080

28

640

480

194

16-Bit Monochrome

5.1.4

Partial Scan Offset
If the selected resolution is smaller than the sensor size, the part of the sensor that is
actually read out can be specified by the Partial Scan Offset X and Partial Scan Offset Y
parameters. By default, the camera automatically positions the offsets so that the center ofthe sensor is used.
Parameter

Partial Scan Offset X

Minimum

0

Maximum

2816

GigE Vision: GenICam

OffsetX

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanOffsetX

Parameter

Partial Scan Offset Y

Minimum

0

Maximum

2044

GigE Vision: GenICam

OffsetY

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanOffsetY

If Partial Scan Offset X or Partial Scan Offset Y is configured to a value that would be invalid
with the current setting of Resolution setting, the camera uses the maximum possible value.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual17Camera Controls
Parameter

Partial Scan Auto Center

On
True

Automatically configure Partial Scan Offset X/Y so that thecenter area of the sensor is read out

OffControl Partial Scan Offset X/Y manually

False

5.1.5

GigE Vision: GenICam

OffsetAutoCenter

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanAutoCenter

Image Flipping
The DMK 33GX178 camera allows for horizontal flipping of the image data. The Flip
Horizontal parameter can be used to control this sensor feature.
Parameter

Flip Horizontal

True

Image data is flipped horizontally

False

Image data is not flipped horizontally

GigE Vision: GenICam

ReverseX

VCD Property

VCDID_FlipHorizontal\VCDElement_Value

5.2

Image Sensor Control

5.2.1

Exposure TimeThe Exposure Time parameter defines the time the camera opens its (electronic) shutter
when it is taking an image.

5.2.2

Parameter

Exposure Time

Minimum

20 µs

Maximum

60 s

Default

auto

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureTime

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_ValueGain
The Gain parameter defines the amplification that is applied to the image at sensor level.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual18Camera Controls

5.2.3

Parameter

Gain

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

48 dB

Default

auto

GigE Vision: GenICam

Gain

VCD Property

VCDID_Gain\VCDElement_Value

Black Level
The Black Level parameter defines the lowest possibly intensity value of the image sensor.

5.3

Parameter

Black Level

Minimum

0

Maximum

4095

Default

200

GigE Vision: GenICam

BlackLevel

VCD Property

VCDID_Brightness\VCDElement_Value

Automatic Exposure and Gain Control
The DMK 33GX178 camera can automatically control gain and exposure time. These
automatic functions are enabled by default.
In order to optimize image parameters, a region of interest can be specified for automaticfunctions. Specifying a region of interest enables fine-grained control over the image area
for which the image parameters are optimized. A selection of pre-defined area presets isavailable, but the user can also specify the coordinates of a custom rectangle.
In certain situations, it is desirable to limit the range of the auto-controlled parameters. For
example, one might want to avoid high gain settings in order to keep noise levels low.
Other applications require limiting the maximum exposure time so that movements do not
get blurred. Therefore, the ranges of the gain and exposure parameter can be limited.
If both auto exposure and auto gain are active, the camera tries to lower the gain value inorder to reduce noise and improve the image quality.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual19Camera Controls
5.3.1

Auto Exposure
Parameter

Auto Exposure

Continuous

Enable Auto Exposure

True
Off

Disable Auto Exposure

False

5.3.2

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAuto

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_Auto

Auto Gain
Parameter

Auto Gain

Continuous

Enable Auto Gain

True
Off

Disable Auto Gain

False

5.3.3

GigE Vision: GenICam

GainAuto

VCD Property

VCDID_Gain\VCDElement_Auto

Auto Reference Value
The Auto Reference Value parameter specifies the target brightness for both auto exposureand auto gain.

5.3.4

Parameter

Auto Reference Value

Minimum

0

Maximum

255

Default

128

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoReference

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoReference

Highlight Reduction
Enabling Highlight Reduction lets the auto exposure and auto gain functions reduce
overexposed areas in the output image. This feature is particularly useful when using
10/12/16-bit output images and a tone mapping algorithm in post-processing when using
higher bit depths as the dark areas still contain a lot of useful information.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual

20Camera Controls

5.3.5

Parameter

Highlight Reduction

True

Try to reduce overexposed areas

False

Ignore overexposed areas and focus on matching theimage brightness to the selected Auto Reference Value.

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoHighlightReduction

VCD Property

VCDID_HighlightReduction\VCDElement_Value

Auto Exposure Limits
The Auto Exposure Lower Limit parameter determines the minimum possible value that canbe set by the auto exposure algorithm.
Parameter

Auto Exposure Lower Limit

Minimum

20 µs

Maximum

60 s

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoLowerLimit

The Auto Exposure Upper Limit parameter determines the maximum possible value that canbe set by the auto exposure algorithm.
Parameter

Auto Exposure Upper Limit

Minimum

20 µs

Maximum

60 s

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoUpperLimit

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoMaxValue

If the Auto Exposure Upper Limit Auto parameter is enabled, the value of Auto Exposure
Upper Limit is automatically kept at the maximum possible value for the current frame rate.
Parameter

Auto Exposure Upper Limit AutoOn

Select Auto Exposure Upper Limit automaticallyOff

Let the user control Auto Exposure Upper Limit

GigE Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoUpperLimitAuto

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoMaxValueAuto

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual21Camera Controls
5.3.6

Auto Gain Limits
The Auto Gain Lower Limit parameter determines the minimum possible value that can be
set by the auto gain algorithm.
Parameter

Auto Gain Lower Limit

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

48 dB

GigE Vision: GenICam

GainAutoLowerLimit

The Auto Gain Upper Limit parameter determines the maximum possible value that can be
set by the auto gain algorithm.

5.4

Parameter

Auto Gain Upper Limit

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

48 dB

GigE Vision: GenICam

GainAutoUpperLimit

Trigger
The trigger mode can be used to take images at very specific points in time which are
specified by an electrical signal connected to the TRIGGER_IN pin of the I/O connector of
the camera.

5.4.1

Trigger Mode
The Trigger Mode parameter enables the trigger mode.
Parameter

Trigger ModeOn

Enable Trigger Mode

True
Off

Disable Trigger Mode

False

5.4.2

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerMode

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_Value

Trigger Polarity
The Trigger Polarity parameter controls whether a trigger event is accepted on the rising or
falling edge of the signal connected to the TRIGGER_IN line.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual22Camera Controls
Parameter

Trigger Polarity

RisingEdge

Accept rising edge as trigger signal

True
FallingEdge

Accept falling edge as trigger signal

False

5.4.3

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerActivation

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_Polarity

Trigger Operation
The Trigger Operation parameter controls the operation mode of the sensor in trigger
mode.
Rolling shutter sensors can use the Global Reset Release mode when being triggered. In thismode, the integration time starts simultaneously for all lines. At the end of the nominal
exposure time, the sensor then stops integrating and starts reading out the lines - as it istypical for a rolling shutter. Therefore, every line has a slightly longer actual exposure timethan the line above it.

5.4.4

Parameter

Trigger Operation

Default

Default mode

GlobalResetRelease

Use Global Reset Release mode

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerOperation

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerOperation

Software Trigger
The Software Trigger function can be used to simulate a trigger pulse, in turn causing one
image to be exposed and delivered to the host computer.

5.4.5

Parameter

Software Trigger

ExecuteSimulate one trigger pulse

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerSoftware

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_SoftwareTrigger

Trigger Burst CountThe Trigger Burst Count parameter allows the camera to be configured to take more than
one image per trigger pulse. By default, this parameter is set to 1 so that exactly one imageis acquired. The images are taken as rapidly as possible given current settings (i.e. as limitedby the current exposure time and frame rate settings).

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual23Camera Controls

5.4.6

Parameter

Trigger Burst Count

Minimum

1

Maximum

1000

Default

1

GigE Vision: GenICam

AcquisitionBurstFrameCountVCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerBurstCount

Trigger Source
The Trigger Source parameter allows the camera to be configured to only accept trigger
signals from a specified source, e.g. only software trigger.

5.4.7

Parameter

Trigger Source

Any

Allow trigger signals from any source

Line1

Allow only hardware trigger

Software

Allow only software trigger

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerSource

Trigger Overlap
The Trigger Overlap feature gives information on when a new trigger pulse is accepted in
the trigger -> exposure -> readout sequence.

5.5

Parameter

Trigger Overlap

OffThe next trigger pulse is only accepted once the previous
frame has been read out from the sensor

Readout

The next trigger pulse is accepted during readout as long as
the remaining readout time is shorter than the exposure
time

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerOverlap

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerOverlap

Trigger Timing Parameters
The 33G series camera series offers several options for dealing with bad trigger signals. By
using the Debounce Time, Denoise Time and Mask Time parameters, the camera can be
configured to ignore pulses on its TRIGGER_IN line under certain conditions.
Useful values for these parameters are application-specific. They depend on the expected
trigger frequency, the exposure time and assumptions about the input signal quality.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual24Camera Controls
The default values for all these parameters is 0 µs, assuming perfect signal quality.

5.5.1

Trigger Delay
The Trigger Delay parameter specifies a time for which the camera waits between receiving
a trigger signal and starting the exposure of an image. Simulated trigger pulses generated
through the Software Trigger function are not delayed by this parameter.

5.5.2

Parameter

Trigger Delay

Minimum

0s

Maximum

1s

Default

0s

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerDelay

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerDelay

Trigger Debounce TimeThe Trigger Debounce Time parameter specifies the time for which the trigger input has tobe low in order for the next trigger signal to be accepted.

5.5.3

Parameter

Trigger Debounce Time

Minimum

0s

Maximum

1s

Default

0s

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerDebouncer

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerDebouncer

Trigger Mask TimeThe Trigger Mask Time parameter specifies the time for which trigger pulses are ignored
after accepting a trigger signal.
Parameter

Trigger Mask Time

Minimum

0s

Maximum

1s

Default

0s

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerMask

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerMask

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual25

Camera Controls
5.5.4

Trigger Noise Suppression TimeThe Trigger Noise Suppression Time parameter specifies the time for which trigger input has
to be active in order to be accepted as a trigger signal.

5.6

Parameter

Trigger Noise Suppression Time

Minimum

0s

Maximum

1s

Default

0s

GigE Vision: GenICam

TriggerDenoise

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerDenoise

Digital I/O
The 33G series has one digital input and one digital output. The digital input can be used asa Trigger input but the current status can also examined directly.
The digital output can be configured as a Strobe output to signal the exact moment when
the image sensor is sensitive to light so that external light sources can be synchronized toits operation cycle.

5.6.1

General Purpose Input
The General Purpose Input parameter allows the current status of the TRIGGER_IN pin.
Parameter

General Purpose Input

True

TRIGGER_IN line status is low

1
False

TRIGGER_IN line status is high

0

5.6.2

GigE Vision: GenICam

GPIn

VCD Property

VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIORead
VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOIn

General Purpose Output
The General Purpose Output parameter controls the status of the STROBE_OUT pin.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual26

Camera Controls
Parameter

General Purpose Output

True

Drive the STROBE_OUT line high

1
False

Drive the STROBE_OUT line low

0

5.7

GigE Vision: GenICam

GPOut

VCD Property

VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOWrite
VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOOut

StrobeThe strobe function controls the automatic generation of output pulses on the
STROBE_OUT pin which is synchronized to the image sensor's exposure time.

5.7.1

Strobe Enable
The Strobe Enable parameter enables the automatic generation of strobe pulses.
Parameter

Strobe Enable

On

Strobe enabled

True
Off

Strobe disabled

False

5.7.2

GigE Vision: GenICam

StrobeEnable

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_Value

Strobe Polarity
The Strobe Polarity parameter can be used to invert the strobe pulse output.
Parameter

Strobe Polarity

ActiveHigh

The STROBE_OUT pin is logically high during the exposure
time

True
ActiveLow
False

The STROBE_OUT pin is logically low during the exposure
time

GigE Vision: GenICam

StrobePolarity

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobePolarity

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Camera Controls
5.7.3

Strobe Operation
The Strobe Operation parameter specifies how the length of the strobe pulses arecontrolled.
Parameter

Strobe Operation

Exposure

Output pulse duration is equal to the current exposure time

True
FixedDuration

Output pulse duration is specified by Strobe Duration

False

5.7.4

GigE Vision: GenICam

StrobeOperation

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobeMode

Strobe Duration
The Strobe Duration parameter controls the length of the strobe pulses if Strobe Operationis set to use the fixed duration mode.

5.7.5

Parameter

Strobe Duration

Minimum

0 µs

Maximum

32767 µs

GigE Vision: GenICam

StrobeDuration

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobeDuration

Strobe Delay
The Strobe Delay parameter can be used to add a small delay between the start of exposureand the strobe output pulse.
Parameter

Strobe Delay

Minimum

0 µs

Maximum

32767 µs

GigE Vision: GenICam

StrobeDelay

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobeDelay

5.8

Image Processing

5.8.1

Gamma
The 33G series cameras can perform gamma correction on the image data. If the pixel
format of a color camera is set a YUV mode, gamma correction is applied to the Y channel.

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Camera Controls
In bayer raw and RGB24 modes, all color channels are subject to the same gamma
correction.

5.8.2

Parameter

Gamma

Minimum

0.01

Maximum

5.0

Default

1.0

GigE Vision: GenICam

Gamma

VCD Property

VCDID_Gamma\VCDElement_Value

Lookup Table
The 33G series allows the user to specify a lookup table (LUT) that can transform pixel
values. This lookup table can be used to perform tasks like histogram equalization inside
the camera.
If the pixel format of a color camera is set to one of the YUV modes, the lookup table isapplied only to the Y channel. In bayer raw and RGB24 modes, all color channels are subject
to the same lookup operation.
The lookup table has 257 16-bit entries. The upper 8 bits of the image data are used to
select the appropriate entry in the lookup table, while the remaining bits are used tointerpolate between the selected entry and one of its neighbors.
The LUT Enable feature enables the lookup table.
Parameter

LUT Enable

True

Enable lookup table operation

False

Disable lookup table operation

GigE Vision: GenICam

LUTEnable

The lookup table values can be programmed using the LUT Index and LUT Value features.
Parameter

LUT Index

Minimum

0

Maximum

256

GigE Vision: GenICam

LUTIndex

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual29Camera Controls
Parameter

LUT Value

Minimum

0

Maximum

65535

GigE Vision: GenICam

LUTValue

The whole lookup table can be quickly reprogrammed through the LUT Value All feature.
Parameter

LUT Value All

Value

1028 bytes of memory containing 257 LUT entries. Each 16bit LUT entry is aligned on a 32-bit boundary

GigE Vision: GenICam

LUTValueAll

Important: Since gamma correction is implemented using the same hardware as the
lookup table, gamma correction is disabled when the lookup table is enabled.

5.9

Region of Interest for Auto Functions
The 33G series cameras allow for the setting of a region of interest that is used while
controlling the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto White Balance functions.

5.9.1

Auto Functions ROI Enable
The Auto Functions ROI Enable parameter allows for the use of a region of interest for autofunctions.

5.9.2

Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Enable

True

Auto functions only take a specified part of the image into
account

False

Auto functions look at the whole image

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIEnable

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_Value

Auto Functions ROI Preset
The Auto Functions ROI Preset parameter lets the user select from a list of ROI presets.

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Camera Controls

5.9.3

Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Preset

Full Sensor

Select the full output image

Center 50%

Select a rectangular area in the center of the output image

Center 25%

Select a small rectangular area in the center of the output
image

Bottom Half

Select the bottom half of the output image

Top Half

Select the top half of the output image

Custom Rectangle

Select a custom rectangle for fine-grained control

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIPreset

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiPreset

Auto Functions ROI Custom Rectangle
When Auto Functions ROI Preset is set to Custom Rectangle, the user can manually set theposition and size of the region of interest. The coordinates are relative to the origin of thecurrent video format as specified by Partial Scan Offset.
Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Left

Minimum

0

Maximum

3056

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROILeft

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiLeftRelative

Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Top

Minimum

0

Maximum

2032

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROITop

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiTopRelative

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual31Camera Controls
Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Width

Minimum

16

Maximum

3072

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIWidth

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiWidthRelative

Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Height

Minimum

16

Maximum

2048

GigE Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIHeightVCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiHeightRelative

5.10 User Sets
The 33G series cameras can store their complete configuration into built-in non-volatilememory. The camera configuration can be saved into and restored from one of two
available memory slots upon user's request. Additionally, the camera can be configured toload one of the user's camera configurations at startup.

5.10.1

User Set Selector
The User Set Selector parameter selects the memory slot on which consecutive load andsave commands are executed.

5.10.2

Parameter

User Set Selector

UserSet1

First of the two memory slots for user configurations

UserSet2

Second of the two memory slots for user configurations

Default

A special memory slot that always contains the camera's
factory default configuration. It cannot be overwritten

GigE Vision: GenICam

UserSetSelector

Load User Set
By using the Load User Set command, the user can restore the camera configuration fromthe memory slot selected by User Set Selector.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual32Camera Controls

5.10.3

Parameter

Load User Set

ExecuteRestore the camera configuration from the memory slot
specified by User Set Selector

GigE Vision: GenICam

UserSetLoad

Save User Set
By using the Save User Set command, the user can save the camera configuration into thememory slot selected by User Set Selector.

5.10.4

Parameter

Save User Set

ExecuteSave the current camera configuration into the memory slot
specified by User Set Selector

GigE Vision: GenICam

UserSetSave

Default User Set
The Default User Set parameter controls the camera's startup behavior. It selects whichmemory slot is used for device initialization when the camera is powered up.
Parameter

Default User Set

UserSet1

Load configuration from the first memory slot

UserSet2

Load configuration from the second memory slot

Default

Load factory default configuration

GigE Vision: GenICam

UserSetDefault

5.11 Precision Time Protocol
The 33G series can synchronize its internal clock to other devices via Precision Time Protocol(PTP, IEEE 1588).
When multiple PTP devices are connected through the same network, they will synchronize
their clocks. This allows the image timestamps to remain comparable between cameras.
A camera running with PTP enabled can also schedule actions to be executed at a specified
time point in the future through Scheduled Actions.
PTP is enabled by default.

5.11.1PTP Enable
The PTP Enable parameter enables or disables the camera's usage of the Precision Time
Protocol.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual33

Camera Controls

5.11.2

Parameter

PTP Enable

True

Use Precision Time Protocol

False

PTP disabled

GigE Vision: GenICam

PtpEnable

PTP Status
PTP Status is a read-only feature that reports the current status of the Precision Time
Protocol algorithm.
Parameter

PTP Status

MasterThe camera acts as PTP master clock.

Slave

The camera synchronizes its time stamp to a PTP masterclock.

Uncalibrated

PTP was recently enabled, or a recent change in the network
configuration initiated a resynchronization.

Disabled

PTP is disabled.

GigE Vision: GenICam

PtpStatus

5.12 Action Scheduler
When Precision Time Protocol is enabled, the action scheduler can be used to plan and run
actions at some point in the future.
The only action the camera can perform right now is triggering images.
Action triggers are only accepted when Trigger Source is set to Action0 or Any.

5.12.1

Action Selector
The Action Selector feature selects the action that the Action Scheduler Time, Action
Scheduler Interval, Action Scheduler Commit and Action Scheduler Cancel features act on.

5.12.2

Parameter

Action Selector

0

Action0, which is hard-wired to trigger images

GigE Vision: GenICam

ActionSelector

Action Scheduler TimeThe Action Scheduler Time is the time for when an action is scheduled, specified as a PTP
timestamp in nanosecond units.

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Camera Controls
Scheduling the action to a time in the past will cause the action to be performed
immediately.
Scheduling a repeated action to start in the past will ignore missed actions and continue as
if it had been scheduled earlier.

5.12.3

Parameter

Action Scheduler Time

GigE Vision: GenICam

ActionSchedulerTime

Action Scheduler Interval
The Action Scheduler Interval feature allows instructing the action scheduler to repeat thescheduled action in a fixed interval, indefinitely.
If the interval is set to 0, the action is performed once and not repeated.
The interval is specified in microseconds.

5.12.4

Parameter

Action Scheduler Interval

Minimum

0

Maximum

4294967295 us

GigE Vision: GenICam

ActionSchedulerInterval

Action Scheduler Commit
Executing the Action Scheduler Commit command commits an action to the queue ofscheduled actions.
The action is planned to be performed at the time specified by Action Scheduler Time.
If Action Scheduler Interval has a value other than 0, the action will be repeated with thespecified interval indefinitely, or until the Action Scheduler Cancel command is executed.
There is a finite number of queue slots available, trying to queue too many actions will fail.
The maximum length of the queue is reported by the ActionQueueSize feature.

5.12.5

Parameter

Action Scheduler Commit

ExecuteSchedule the action specified by Action Selector to be
performed at a specified time in the future.

GigE Vision: GenICam

ActionSchedulerCommit

Action Scheduler Cancel
Executing the Action Scheduler Cancel command cancels all scheduled actions of the action
type selected by Action Selector.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual35

Camera Controls
Parameter

Action Scheduler Cancel

ExecuteCancel all scheduled actions of the type specified by Action
Selector.

GigE Vision: GenICam

ActionSchedulerCancel

5.13 Events
33G series devices can send asynchronous event packets, notifying the application aboutcertain events during device operation.
To enable a specific event, select the event to enable in Event Selector and then set Event
Notification to On.
The way to receive the event notifications depends on the used camera SDK. In most cases,
a notification handler has to be registered on the feature named after the event, e.g.
EventTest or EventExposureEnd. Additional event data can often be queried via additionalfeatures with a derived name, e.g. EventTestTimestamp or EventExposureEndFrameID.

5.13.1

Event Selector
The Event Selector parameter selects an event to configure.

5.13.2

Parameter

Event Selector

FrameTriggerMissed

Selects the FrameTriggerMissed event

Line1FallingEdge

Selects the Line1FallingEdge event

Line1RisingEdge

Selects the Line1RisingEdge event

Test

Selects the Test event

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventSelector

Event Notification
The Event Notification parameter enables or disables the event selected by Event Selector.

5.13.3

Parameter

Event Notification

On

Enables notifications for the selected event

Off

Disables notifications for the selected event

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventNotification

Event Frame Trigger Missed
The Event Frame Trigger Missed feature is notified when the camera receives a trigger pulse,
but the sensor was not in a state where a new exposure could be started.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual36Camera Controls
The value of this feature has no meaning and should not be read.
Parameter

Event Frame Trigger Missed

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventFrameTriggerMissed

The Event Frame Trigger Missed Timestamp parameter identifies the point in time when thecurrent frame trigger missed event occurred.
Please refer to the documentation of your camera SDK on how to safely read thetimestamp associated with the current event when a notification is received.

5.13.4

Parameter

Event Frame Trigger Missed Timestamp

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventFrameTriggerMissedTimestamp

Event Line1 Falling Edge
The Event Line1 Falling Edge feature is notified when the input on Line1 changes from highto low.
The value of this feature has no meaning and should not be read.
Parameter

Event Line1 Falling Edge

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventLine1FallingEdge

The Event Line1 Falling Edge Timestamp parameter identifies the point in time when thecurrent line1 falling edge event occurred.
Please refer to the documentation of your camera SDK on how to safely read thetimestamp associated with the current event when a notification is received.

5.13.5

Parameter

Event Line1 Falling Edge Timestamp

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventLine1FallingEdgeTimestamp

Event Line1 Rising Edge
The Event Line1 Rising Edge feature is notified when the input on Line1 changes from highto low.
The value of this feature has no meaning and should not be read.
Parameter

Event Line1 Rising Edge

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventLine1RisingEdge

The Event Line1 Rising Edge Timestamp parameter identifies the point in time when thecurrent line1 rising edge event occurred.

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual37

Camera Controls
Please refer to the documentation of your camera SDK on how to safely read thetimestamp associated with the current event when a notification is received.

5.13.6

Parameter

Event Line1 Rising Edge Timestamp

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventLine1RisingEdgeTimestamp

Event Test
The Event Test feature is notified when a test event occurs.
To generate a test event, use the Test Event Generate command.
The value of this feature has no meaning and should not be read.
Parameter

Event Test

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventTest

The Event Test Timestamp parameter identifies the point in time when the current test event
occurred.
Please refer to the documentation of your camera SDK on how to safely read thetimestamp associated with the current event when a notification is received.
Parameter

Event Test Timestamp

GigE Vision: GenICam

EventTestTimestamp

The Test Event Generate command can be used to generate a test event.
Parameter

Test Event Generate

ExecuteGenerate one test event

GigE Vision: GenICam

TestEventGenerate

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual

38

Revision History
6

Revision History
Date

VersionDescription

2018/06/28

Initial release of this document

2019/03/25 Firmware 2331

Add additional pixel processing features (Gamma, Hue,
Saturation, YUV pixel formats)

2020/03/05 Firmware 2494

Add IEEE1588 PTP support

2023/07/19

Update environmental section in quick facts chapter

2023/07/26 Firmware 2966

Add EventFrameTriggerMissed, EventLine1RisingEdge,
EventLine1FallingEdge features

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual39

DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference ManualAll product and company names in this document may be trademarks and tradenames of their respective owners and are
hereby acknowledged.
The Imaging Source Europe GmbH cannot and does not take any responsibility or liability for any information contained inthis document. The source code presented in this document is exclusively used for didactic purposes. The Imaging Source
does not assume any kind of warranty expressed or implied, resulting from the use of the content of this document or thesource code.
The Imaging Source Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications, function or design at any time andwithout prior notice.
Last update: December 2023
© 2023 The Imaging Source
All rights reserved. Reprint, also in parts, only allowed with permission of The Imaging Source Europe GmbH.
All weights and dimensions are approximate. Unless otherwise specified, the lenses shown in the context of cameras are
not shipped with these cameras.

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DMK 33GX178 Technical Reference Manual40