Manual FXO series
10GigE
fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo547

Content
1

Company information

5

1.1

Standards

5

1.2

Disclaimer

5

1.3

Copyright notice62Legal information

7

2.1

USA and Canada

7

2.2

Europe7

3

The FXO

8

3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2

10 GigE Vision
Optimized network adapter tuning

8
8
8

3.2

4I/O adds light and functionality

9

3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2

Lens control
Use of Canon lenses

10
10
11

4

Getting started

12

4.1

Get help

12

4.2

Find camera specs

12

4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2

Power supply
Connect the camera

12
12
12

4.4

Camera status LED codes

13

4.5
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3

Software and firmware

Firmware update

14
14
18
19

5

Connectors

21

5.1
5.1.1

GigE IP Setup

21
21

Speed is kingUse liquid lens on C-mountPower safety

SVCapture 2.x
Software development kit

Automatic camera detection

2

5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2

GigE Vision

5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3

10GigE limitations and issues

Recommended setup

26
26
26
26

5.4

Hirose I/O connector

27

6Feature description

28

6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8
6.1.9
6.1.106.1.11
6.1.12
6.1.136.1.146.1.156.1.16

Basic features

28
29
29
30
31
31
33
34
36
37
40
45
45
46
47
47
50

6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.6
6.2.7
6.2.8
6.2.9
6.2.106.2.11

Camera features

6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3

I/O Features

Network (TCP/IP)
XML files

Compatibility to nBase-T
Bandwidth limitation

Gain
Resolution
OffsetColor
Flip image
Binning
Decimation
GenICam
Trigger modes
Shutter modes
Exposure
Exposure speed
Auto exposure
Acquisition and processing time
Bit depth
ROI / AOI

Glass filter
Shading correction
Defect pixel correction
Look-up table
ROI / AOI
Basic capture modes
Read-out control
Temperature sensor
System clock frequency
Predefined configurations (user sets)
Burst mode

GenICamAssigning I/O Lines – IOMUX
PWM

23
23
25

50
50
50
54
59
61
62
63
63
64
64
65
67
67
68
74
3

6.3.4
6.3.5
6.3.6
6.3.7
6.3.8
6.3.9
6.3.106.3.11

LED strobe control

Prescale

78
80
85
85
87
88
89
91

7

Dimensions

92

7.1

C-mount

92

7.2

fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo547

93

8

Appendix

96

8.1

I/O driver circuit schematics

96

8.2

IP protection classes

97

Sequencer
Optical input
PLC / Logical operation on inputs
Serial data interfaces
Trigger-edge sensitivity
Debouncing trigger signals

4

1

Company information
SVS-VISTEK GmbH
Mühlbachstr. 20
82229 Seefeld
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 81 52 9985-0
Fax: +49 (0) 81 52 9985-79
Mail: info@svs-vistek.com
Web: https://www.svs-vistek.com

1.1

Standards
This manual is based on the following standards:

1.2

l

DIN EN 62079

l

DIN EN ISO 12100l

ISO Guide 37l

DIN ISO 3864-2

l

DIN ISO 3864-4

l

DIN ISO 16016:2002-5

Disclaimer
This manual contains important instructions for safe and efficient handling of
SVCam cameras (hereinafter referred to as „camera“). This manual is part of thecamera and must be kept accessible in the immediate vicinity of the camera forany person working on or with this camera.
Read carefully and make sure you understand this manual prior to starting any
work with this camera. The basic prerequisite for safe work is compliant with all
specified safety and handling instructions.
Accident prevention guidelines and general safety regulations should be applied.
Illustrations in this manual are provided for basic understanding and can vary fromthe actual model of this camera. No claims can be derived from the illustrations inthis manual.
The camera in your possession has been produced with great care and has beenthoroughly tested. Nonetheless, in case of any complaint, please contact yourlocal SVS-VISTEK distributor. You will find a list of distributors in your area on
www.svs-vistek.com

1 Company information

5

1.3

Copyright notice
Forwarding and duplicating of this document, as well as using or revealing its contents are prohibited without written approval. All rights reserved with regard to patent claims or submission of design or utility patent.

1 Company information

6

2

Legal information
Errors and omissions excepted.
These products are designed for industrial applications only. Cameras from SVSVistek are not designed for life support systems where malfunction of the
products might result in any risk of personal harm or injury. Customers, integrators and end users of SVS-Vistek products might sell these products and agree
to do so at their own risk, as SVS-Vistek will not take any liability for any damage
from improper use or sale.

2.1

USA and CanadaThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

NOTICE

This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential
environment this equipment may cause radio interference.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
It is necessary to use a shielded power supply cable. You can then use the “shieldcontact” on the connector which has GND contact to the camera housing. This isessential for any use. If not done and camera is destroyed due to Radio Magnetic
Interference (RMI) WARRANTY is void!
l

l

2.2

Power: US/UK and European line adapter can be delivered. Otherwise use
filtered and stabilized DC power supply.
Shock & vibration resistance is tested. For detailed specifications refer to thesection on specifications ("Specifications").

EuropeThis camera is CE tested, rules of EN 55022:2010+AC2011 and EN61000-62:2005 apply.
The product is in compliance with the requirements of the following European directives:ll

2014/30/EU Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS)

All SVS-VISTEK cameras comply with the recommendation of the European
Union concerning RoHS Rules.

2 Legal information

7

3

The FXOThe FXO is a camera series designed for high-end machine vision with a C-mountconnection. Only Sony image sensors with excellent optical performance andhigh bandwidth are used in the FXO. Advanced electronic circuitry, an excellent
temperature management and low power dissipation make the basis for optimal
performance of even the most demanding image sensors. Equipped with the fastest interfaces from the world of image processing, the FXO allows the high bandwidths of modern image sensors to be transferred into the application.
The CoaXPress-12 interface is suitable for applications with extremely stabledata rates and high requirements on trigger latency.

3.1

10 GigE Vision
The 10GigE interface is a cost-effective, easily scalable and networkable successor to the proven 1GigE standard. 10GigE keeps the 1GigE benefits in network topology. Network access is transparent.
10 GigE on copper lines is a standard existing for years already in professional
internet technology. Basically, it keeps the benefits and fundamental ideas of
GigE and adds the ten times higher speed. There are 2 main disadvantages compared to GigE:lHigher heat dissipation in 10 GigE deviceslReduced cable lengths

By using high-quality (CAT6 and better) cables, cable lengths of up to 100 m arepossible and compensating the first disadvantage. Nonetheless, despite using
the latest 10 GigE transceivers in the devices, the increased power dissipation
still will result in slightly larger camera housings.

3.1.1

Speed is kingThe benefit of 10 GigE is the higher speed: Up to 1.1 GB/s of data are possible,
what is matching the speed-range of latest high-performance image sensors.

3.1.2

Optimized network adapter tuning
For best performance on Windows, 10 GigE adapters still need some manual tuning. Please refer to the latest “Optimal network adapter settings for GigE/10GigE”
in the downolad section.

INFO

3 The FXO

All known 10GigE interface cards require Windows 10 as minimum version.
Latest Linux versions are supported as well.

8

3.2

4I/O adds light and functionality

Fig.: 3-1: Illustration of 4I/O concept of switching LEDs

Your SVS-Vistek camera is equipped with the innovative 4I/O-interface allowing
full light control, replacing external strobe controllers. Each of the outputs can be
individually configured and managed using pulse width modulation. With its highcurrent output, the camera is able to drive LED lights directly without external lightcontroller.
The integrated sequencer allows multiple exposures with settings to be programmed, creating new and cost effective options. Logical functions like AND /OR are supported.

INFO

3 The FXOl

Up to 4 x open drain high power OUTl

Up to 4 x high voltage IN – TTL up to 25 VoltslPower MOSFET transistorsl

PWM strobe controllSequencer for various configurationsl

PLC fuctionality with AND, OR and timerslSafe Trigger (debouncer, prescaler, high low trigger)

Find an example how to operate light control in the section on sequencer("Sequencer" on page 80).

9

3.3

Lens control
Various SVCam models are supporting adjustable lenses. Focus and iris of thelens can be controlled from within the camera GenICam tree. A special Y-cablemight be required, contact sales@svs-vistek.com.

The following variable lens types are currently supported:
l

l

l

l

MFT lenses (in Tracer series) have full support of lens focus, iris and zoom.
Only available in Tracer models no options selectable in GenICam tree.
Birger mount
Ask sales@svs-vistek.com for information of usability and restrictions of the
Birger adapter.
Varioptic liquid lensControl of extremely fast focus cycles. Make sure sensor diameter iscovered by lens.
Canon EF lens
Focus and iris control is supported. Use high quality Canon lenses withmachine vision applications. The SVCam-EF adapter can be acquired from
SVS-Vistek.

INFO

Lens control (except MFT) will make use of the serial ports of the Hirose connector.

3.3.1

Use liquid lens on C-mountWe are supporting Varioptic liquid lenses. The liquid lens support does variablefocus only, zoom and aperture control are not existing with the Varioptic liquidlens. You need a special serial cable with Hirose for connecting the lens to thecamera, please ask your dealer. Being extremely fast and robust, the liquid lens isbest choice as long as variable focus is sufficient in the application and you do notneed a full lens control with aperture control and zoom functionality. In case of fulllens control requirement, please refer to the TRACER series.
The lens is powered and controlled by the camera. The lens can be controlled via
SDK functions or more easily via GenICam property.
Liquid lenses do have some advantages and disadvantages compared to glass
optics:l

3 The FXO

Advantages of liquid lensesoExtremely robust to mechanical shock (best choice for fast moving robotics) and accelerationoFast focus (often significantly faster than 10 ms under common conditions)

10

l

3.3.2

Disadvantages of liquid lensesoLimited resolutionoHigh chromatic aberrationo

Any acceleration (gravitational as well as acceleration from movement)
might increase spherical aberration as long as the force is working (willdisappear if force has ceased within several 10ms)

Use of Canon lenses
We are supporting Canon EF lenses. The SVCam-EF adapter gives you the possibility to mount Canon EF lenses with full control of focus and iris. Canon lenses
are well known for their optical excellence and combine perfectly to high resolution machine vision cameras.
This camera series does have the firmware support already included in the
GenICam tree and provides you with Canon lens control in all GenICam based
software packages.

3 The FXO

11

4

Getting started

4.1

Get help
In case of issues with the camera we are happy to help. For being able to help you
in a fast and efficient way, we ask you for a description of the issues using camera in your support request.
You can put your support request to us via our support form:
https://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-request.php
Please fill the form with special attention to camera model, frame grabber modeland operating system. Our support team will come back to you.

4.2

Find camera specs
Our website does have all technical data of all our cameras online. Go tohttps://www.svs-vistek.com/en/industrial-cameras/svs-cameras.php for getting
technical data sheets.
Cameras can be found by searching with series and model name or by using the
SVCam camera finder. Having found the requested camera, the details/download
section provides you with manuals, drawings, soft- and firmware for your camera.

4.3

Power supply

4.3.1

Power safety
The camera does not have a power switch. The camera is powered on as soon
power is available to the camera. This might happen via the Hirose connector or
through the interface cables.
For making sure the camera is not connected to powerllDisconnect Hirose (or M12) plug from camera
Disconnect power plug from power AC wall outlet to disable the DC power
supply as well.

NOTICEThe power supply must be easily accessible at all times! For Power specs,
refer to the data sheet of your model.

4.3.2

Connect the camera
The camera is powered on by connecting power to the camera.
l

INFO

Connect the power supply with the Hirose connector.

When using your own power supply (voltage range 10 -25 V DC), see also
Hirose 12-pin layout of the power connector. For power input specifications referto specifications.
Generally external power supply for USB3 Vision, CoaXPress (if PoCXP
enabled) or PoE cameras is not needed. Nonetheless, you might want to use a

4 Getting started

12

separate power on the Hirose connector to reduce load on the data port. The
external power on the Hirose connector is the preferred power source.
The power up is defined as follows:lllPower over USB3, CoaXPress port or GigE port (with PoE) or on the Hirose
connector will power on the camera.
If power is found on the Hirose connector, camera power supply will switch
to the Hirose connector.
If Hirose power supply is cut, camera power supply will switch back to powerover USB3, PoE or power over CXP supply.

INFO

Camera power supply is not powering 4I/O LED lights.

4.4

Camera status LED codes
On power up, the camera will indicate its current operation status with a flashing
LED on its back. The LED will change color and rhythm.
The meaning of the blinking codes translates as follows:

Fig.: 4-1: Camera status LED codes

4 Getting started

13

4.5

Software and firmware
Further information, documentations, release notes, latest software and application manuals can be downloaded in the download area on SVS-Vistek download
area. Depending on the type of camera you bought, several software packages
apply.
If you are logged in, this is the location to find latest releases of firmware
upgrades of your camera model as well.

4.5.1

SVCapture 2.x
SVCapture is the recommended, GenICam-based software to operate SVCam
industrial cameras. Your SVCam combined software installer including:
l

l
l

l

SVCapture 2.x(a viewer/controller program for SVCam cameras)
PC USB3 driver & filter driver
GenTL_Drivers(GenICam drivers and transport layer DDLs for Camera Link, CoaXPress,
USB3, GigE / 10 GigE)
C/C# programming libs and interface

SVCapture 2.x is a GenICam/XML based software tool provided for free. It is created to show the capabilities of your SVS-Vistek camera and to show/modify values to your cam.
Get control of exposure timing, trigger delay, image correction etc. or control up to
4 LED lights connected to the SVCam directly via "GenICam" on page 67control.
Use the built-in "Sequencer" on page 80to program several intervals executed bya single trigger impulse.

Fig.: 4-2: Screenshot of SVCapture 2.x: GenICam tree and current image

Setup of SVCapture2
Installation procedure may differ from PC to PC. It is recommended to install thewhole software package. For this step it is necessary to have root access to yourcomputer.

4 Getting started

14

1. Copy or expand the installation executable file to your hard drive.
2. Start installation. Read and accept the terms of license agreement.

3. Choose destination folder and select necessary modules / drivers. The
TLxxx modules are the GenTL drivers, necessary as well if you want to use
SVS-Vistek driver with third party software.

4. In case of system warnings regarding modification of USB3 drivers or
GigE/10GigE filter drivers: The specified performance is possible only withthese highly optimized drivers. Accept these modifications.

4 Getting started

15

Initialization
First launch

1. Connect the camera to your computer. In case of a new USB3 camera driver
hardware installation notice will pop up.
2. Start SVCapture. SVCapture will try to discover your camera.

3. Click on the camera being found and you’re connected.
Depending on your interface type, with TL Settings you are able to adjust whichinterface types should be included in the camera discover process.

4 Getting started

16

NOTICEIf you have installed third-party GenTL drivers (e.g. Euresys CoaXPress
or Camera Link drivers), they should be selectable as well. This works
only if thir-party software has been installed before SVCapture.
4. Find and adjust your camera features in the GenICam tree. Click and adjust
items by number (1.) or slider (2.) and start grabbing images from the camera.

You can find the USB 3.0 driver which has been installed automatically within the
hardware manager:

4 Getting started

17

4.5.2

Software development kit
The SDK is based on C programming language and is installed together with
SVCapture2. The SDK supports C and C++. For a typical installation, the libraries, header files, and examples are located in the directory:
C:\Program Files\SVS-VISTEK GmbH\SVCam Kit\SDK

INFO

Refer to the “Getting started with SDK” manual for first steps in programmingyour SVS-Vistek camera. This document should be included in the docs sectionof your installation.
The following platforms are supported:

4 Getting startedl

X86 (Windows, Linux, MacOS support on request)l

ARM (Nvidia Jetson TX1/TX2)

18

4.5.3

Firmware update
Some features may not have been implemented in older software revisions. For
updating your camera firmware to the most recent version, you need the firmware
tool “Firmware Update Tool.exe” and the firmware file (download it from website,
login area) matching your camera model.

Execute firmware updatelDownload the GigE firmware tool and the firmware file from the SVS-Vistek
website.

l

Unpack everything into any folder, e.g. “C:\temp”.

lEnsure proper network configuration.

l

Run the GigE update tool.

llWhen the camera is displayed, choose camera by entering camera index,
e.g. 1 and press ENTER.
Make sure the new firmware is located in the current folder.

By selecting the camera on the network, the firmware update tool will search thecurrent folder for matching firmware and start update process.
NOTICEDo not power off in the during the update process.

Wail until firmware update has been finished.

4 Getting started

19

Fig.: 4-3: Firmware update

4 Getting started20

5Connectors
Cameras from SVS-Vistek feature a combined I/O and power supply connector(Hirose) and a data connector.

5.1

GigE IP Setup
Your GigEVision camera needs a working network connection. Make sure thecamera is attached to the network and is powered on. Make sure everything isplugged in properly and that the firewall settings are not blocking the connection to
the camera or SVCapture.

5.1.1

Automatic camera detection
By default, SVS-Vistek GigE Vision cameras are trying to acquire a valid network
address via LLA or DHCP from the network.

INFO

Please make sure to have valid network protocol with "Jumbo frames" onpage 23 enabled on your host computer.
For finding and accessing your camera, start SVCapture on your computer. As
soon as the camera has booted, all SVS-Vistek GigE cameras are showing up in
the main window. Select the camera you want to connect to and press ok.

If you want to change automatic address or go back to automatic mode, configure
the IP settings manually. You will find this in the drop down marked above.

5 Connectors

21

l
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l

l

Manual IP configuration will permit you to
Assign a new IP address(make sure the new address is unique and valid in the current subnet)
Save a specific address as a permanent address to the camera(Persistent)
Save automatic address mode or the manually configured address to thecameraFor saving an persistent IP configuration (configuration will survive power off) you
need to check the „Persistent IP address“.

5 Connectors

22

5.2

GigE Vision

5.2.1

Network (TCP/IP)
Address Assignment
By default, the camera does not have a persistent IP address.
When forcing an IP address by using the PC internal network dialog, changes are
only valid until the next restart of the Camera.
For a peer-to-peer connection of a GigE camera to a PC a network address assignment based on LLA (Local Link Address) is recommended. This involves a network mask “255.255.0.0” as well as a fixed preamble “169.254.xxx.xxx” of the
network address range. A GigE camera will fall back to LLA when no DHCP
server is available and no fixed network address was assigned to the camera.

Fig.: 5-1: RJ45 socket connector

Jumbo frames
The transport efficiency in the streaming channel can be improved by using“jumbo frames”. This will reduce overhead caused by maintaining header data
upon each data packet sent. Jumbo frames increase the data size per Ethernet
packet.

Fig.: 5-2: Data reduction with jumbo frames

INFO

Higher packet sizes require network cards that support jumbo packets.

Lost packets
In accordance with the TCP protocol, lost or corrupted packets will be resent.
NOTICE

Resends result in higher consumption of bandwidths and will lead to drop
frames. High quality cables prevent resends.

Connecting multiple cameras
Multiple GigE cameras can be connected to a PC either via a switch or using dualor quad port network interface connectors (NIC).

5 Connectors

23

Fig.: 5-3: Connecting multiple cameras on multi NICs

Multiple cameras connected by a switch
To connect multiple cameras by a switch, the switch must be managed. It mightalso be necessary to operate the cameras in an “inter packet delay” applying asmother image data stream.

Fig.: 5-4: Illustration of connecting multiple cameras by a switch

Dual GigE connection is not supported when using a switch.
NOTICE

Performance might be lost using multiple Cameras on a single port NIC.

MulticastWhen images from a single camera need to be delivered to multiple PCs, multicast (RFC 2236) is used. A switch receives an image data stream from a

5 Connectors

24

camera and distributes it to multiple destinations in this mode.
Since a GigE camera always needs a single controlling application, there will be
only one master application. The controlling master application has to open a camera in multicast mode (IP 232.x.x.x for local multicast groups) in order to allow
other applications to connect to the same image data stream. Other applications
will become listeners to an existing image data stream. They do not have control
access to the camera; however, potential packet resend requests will be servedin the same manner as for the controlling application.

Fig.: 5-5: Camera casting to multiple receivers (multicast)

5.2.2

XML files
According to the GigE Vision standard a GigE camera provides an XML file thatdefines the camera’s capabilities and current settings.
The XML file can be processed by software like SVCapture allowing displaying
and saving it to disk. Settings can also be saved and restored on the Camera
internal EEPROM.

5 Connectors

25

5.3

10GigE limitations and issues
10GigE is a high performance network protocol. Make sure your computer performance is sufficient to digest the amount of data in terms of software and interms of hardware components, especially the combination of motherboard and
NIC.

5.3.1

Compatibility to nBase-T
Our 10GigE cameras supports 1GigE, 2.5 GigE and 5 GigE(nBase-T), upgradeable with firmware update. At the moment ofwriting, only some models with latest firmware support nBase-T
and 1GigE. The FXO series will be the first one to provide this feature.

5.3.2

Bandwidth limitation
With certain computer motherboards / 10 GigE NIC combinations, a reliable data
connection might not be possible. Frame drops are the result.
To get rid of these frame drops, the 10GigE interface of the camera does have an
adjustable bandwidth limit. Reducing the bandwidth will reduce your maximum
framerate, obvoiusly. It might be not sufficient to reproduce stable bandwidth,though.
A solution might be a different motherboard / NIC combination together with thelatest software and firmware update of your NIC and motherboard manufacturer.
Latest firmware versions improve data stability.
Special NICs support 100% connections without frame drops.

5.3.3

Recommended setup
It is recommended to use a 10GigE Ethernet card with grabber capabilities. All
SVS-Vistek certification setups are using this kind of cards.
Contact sales@svs-vistek.com for details and more recommendations.
lll

5 Connectors

Use high performance PC (such as Intel Core i5 or Core i7 with 16 GB, andmainboard with PCIe Gen 3)
Use direct NIC-to-camera connections, no switches.
Reliable 10 GigE connections are reported with Myircom
MYR-10G-PCIE2-8C2-2T+MVA Dual LAN port andMYR-10G-PCIE2-8C-T+MVA single LAN port with installed MVA license

26

5.4

Hirose I/O connector
The Hirose™ connector provides power, input and output signal access. Max
power out is 2 Amperes peak.

Fig.: 5-6: I/O Hirose connector layout

Inputs and outputs connect via 4I/O-matrix in the GenICam software tree to theappropriate actions. For detailed information about switching lights with the power
outputs via GenICam, refer to "LED strobe control" on page 78.
Type

HR10A-10R-12P

Matching Connector

HR10A-10P-12S

Table: 5-1: Hirose connector types

INFO

5 Connectors

PoE (Power over Ethernet) models do not support RS232 on pins 3 & 4.

27

6

Feature description
This chapter covers features of SVCam cameras. Not every feature might be supported by your specific camera model. For information about the features of yourspecific model, please refer to the specifications area of our website with yourexact model.
https://www.svs-vistek.com/en/industrial-cameras/svs-svcam-searchresult.php

6.1

Basic features
This section covers basic functionality of area sensor cameras.

6 Feature description

28

6.1.1

Gain
Setting gain above 0 dB (default) is a way to boost the signal coming from thesensor. Especially useful for low light conditions. Setting gain amplifies the signalof individual or binned pixels before the ADC. Referring to photography adding
gain corresponds to increasing ISO. Increasing gain will increase noise as well.
add 6 dB

double ISO value

6 dB

400 ISO

12 dB

800 ISO

18 dB

1600 ISO

24 dB

3200 ISO

Table: 6-1: Table of dB and corresponding ISO value

NOTICE

Gain also amplifies the sensor’s noise. Therefore, gain should be lastchoice for increasing image brightness. Modifying gain will not change thecamera’s dynamic range.

Fig.: 6-1: Noise caused by too much gain

Auto gain
For automatic adjustment of gain refer to auto exposure (see "Auto exposure" onpage 46).
When using auto-gain with steps of gain the noncontinuous gain adjustment might
be visible in final image. Depending on your application it might be preferable touse fixed gain values instead and modify exposure with exposure time.

6.1.2

Resolution
As mentioned in the specifications, there is a difference between the numericalsensor resolution and the camera resolution. Some pixels towards the borders of
the sensor will be used only internally to calibrate sensor values (“Dark pixels”).

6 Feature description

29

The amount of dark current in these areas is used to adjust the offset (see "Offset" below).
For calculating image sizes, the maximum camera resolution is determining maximum image resolution, refer to the specifications of the camera model).

6.1.3

OffsetFor physical reasons the output of a sensor will never be zero, even the camera isplaced in total darkness or simply closed. Always there will be noise or randomly
appearing electrons that will be detected as a signal (dark noise: noise generated
without light exposure).
To avoid this dark noise to be interpreted as a valuable signal, an offset will be
set.

Fig.: 6-2: Dark noise cut off by the offset

Most noise is proportional to temperature. To spare you regulating the offset every
time the temperature changes. A precedent offset is set by the camera itself. It references certain pixels that never were exposed to light as black. So the offset will
be set dynamically and conditioned to external influences.
The offset can be limited by a maximum bit value. If higher values are needed, try
to set a look up table.

INFO

6 Feature description

For multi-tap CCD sensors, the offset can be altered for each tap separately.

30

6.1.4

Color
Color cameras are identical to the monochrome versions. The color pixels aretransferred in sequence from the camera, in the same manner as the monochrome, but considered as “raw”-format.

Fig.: 6-3: CCD with Bayer pattern

The camera sensor has a color mosaic filter called “Bayer” filter pattern named
after the person who invented it. The pattern alternates as follows:
E.g.: First line: GRGRGR... and so on. (R=red, B=blue, G=green) Second line:
BGBGBG... and so on. Please note that about half of the pixels are green, aquarter red and a quarter blue. This is due to the maximum sensitivity of thehuman eye at about 550 nm (green). De-Bayering is not done in the camera, it
must be done in the client software(also refer to SDK functions). Not all sensors
have the same sequence of color. The GenICam property PixelColorFilter indicates the sequence of the color pixels when reading color images.
Using color information from the neighboring pixels the RG and B values of eachpixel is interpolated by software, e.g. the red pixel does not have information ofgreen and blue components. The performance of the image depends on the software used.
Camera Link frame grabbers need information of the sequence order of the colors.
The order depends on sensor type. USB3 and GigE cameras provide this in theirXML file.

INFO

It is recommended to use an IR cut filter for color applications

White balance
The human eye adapts to the definition of white depending on thelighting conditions. The human brain will define a surface as
white, e.g. a sheet of paper, even when it is illuminated with a bluish light.
White balance of a camera does the same. It defines white or
removes influences of a color based on a non-white illumination.
l

l

6.1.5

Continuous: Auto white balance will analyze the taken images and adjust
exposure per color accordingly as long as the camera is taking images. Different colors of the same object in a sequence might be the result dependingon the other objects in the image
Once: Auto white balance will adjust white balance as soon it is started andwill stop modifying parameters as soon white balance is finished.

Flip image
Images can be mirrored horizontally or vertically. Image flip is done inside thememory of the camera, therefore not increasing the CPU load of the PC.

6 Feature description

31

Fig.: 6-4: Original image

Fig.: 6-5: Horizontal flip

6 Feature description

32

Fig.: 6-6: Vertical flip

6.1.6

Binning
Binning provides a way to enhance dynamic range, but at the cost of lower resolution. Binning combines electron charges from neighboring pixels directly on thechip, before readout.
Binning is only used with monochrome CCD Sensors. For reducing resolution on
color sensors refer to "Decimation" on the facing page.
On CMOS sensors, binning will not affect image quality. In any case, binning will
reduce the amount of pixel data to be transferred.

Vertical binning
Accumulates vertical pixels.

Fig.: 6-7: Vertical binning

6 Feature description

33

Horizontal binning
Accumulates horizontal pixels.

Fig.: 6-8: Horizontal binning

2×2 Binning
A combination of horizontal and vertical binning.
When DVAL signal is enabled only every third pixel in horizontal direction is
grabbed.

Fig.: 6-9: 2x2 binning

6.1.7

Decimation
For reducing width or height of an image, decimation can be used. Columns orrows can be ignored.

INFO

Refer to "ROI / AOI" on page 61for reducing data rate by reducing the region you
are interested in.

6 Feature description

34

Fig.: 6-10: Horizontal decimation

Fig.: 6-11: Vertical decimation

Decimation on color sensors
The Bayer pattern color information is preserved with 1/3 horizontal and verticalresolution. The frame readout speed increases approx. by factor 2.5.

Fig.: 6-12: Decimation on color sensors

6 Feature description

35

6.1.8GenICamprovides a generic programming interface to control all kinds ofcameras and devices. Regardless of the interface technology (GigE Vision,
USB3 Vision, CoaXPress, Camera Link, etc.) or implemented feature, the application programming interface (API) will always be the same. The SNFC makes
sure the feature names are similar throughout the manufacturers, making it moreeasy to switch camera models.
The GenICamTM standard consists of multiple modules according to the maintasks to be solved:ll

GenApi: configuring the camera
SNFC: Standard Feature Naming Convention, a catalog of standardized
names and types for common device featuresl

GenTL: transport layer interface, grabbing imagesl

GenCP: generic GenICam control protocoll

GenTL SFNC: recommended names and types for transport layer interface.

The GenICam properties are organized as a tree. Manufacturers can add more features.
With your SVCam, the GenICam tree does have some hardware related extensions, especially in the I/O sector. See the Quick guide install for a short introduction into the SVS-Vistek GenICam tree.
The GenICam properties are organized in views. The recommended way to view
and adjust is by using SVCapture. If you want to have a full view of all adjustable
GenICam items, activate the Guru mode. Beginner mode will show only mostcommon attributes.

NOTICE

6 Feature description

All modfications in the GenICam tree will have immediate effect.

36

6.1.9Trigger modes
To start capturing images, the camera has to receive a trigger signal. This trigger
signal can be a software trigger, it might be an electric signal on the hardware I/Oor it can be a timed trigger (sequence of images, Precision Time Protocol).

Software trigger
The camera exposure can be started via software. With some interface types like
GigE and USB3 it is impossible to have a 100% precise software trigger.
CoaXPress and Camera Link permit relatively precise triggering of the camera. If
you need to have a precise trigger, usage of "External hardware trigger" below isrecommended.

External hardware trigger
External trigger with programmable exposure time. In this mode the camera is
waiting for an external trigger pulse that starts integration, whereas exposure timeis programmable via the serial interface and calculated by the internal microcontroller of the camera. Default input is Input1 for trigger.
At the rising edge of the trigger the camera will initiate the exposure.
The software provided by SVS-Vistek allows the user to set exposure time e.g.
from 60 μs to 60 sec (camera type dependent).
Exposure time of the next image can overlap with the frame readout of the current
image (trigger pulse occurs when FVAL is high). When this happens, the start of
exposure time is synchronized to the negative edge of the LVAL signal (see figure)

When the rising edge of trigger signal occurs after frame readout has ended(FVAL is low), the start of exposure time is not synchronized to LVAL and exposure time starts after a short and persistant delay.

6 Feature description

37

Exposure time can be changed during operation. No frame is distorted duringswitching time. If the configuration is saved to the EEPROM, the set exposure
time will remain also when power is removed.

Details of external trigger mode
Diagrams below are equivalent for CCD and CMOS technique.

6 Feature description

38

6 Feature description

39

6.1.10

Shutter modes
CCD and CMOS area cameras consist of pixels, ordered in lines and columns.
All pixel are exposed to light and then read out to camera electronics. There is adifference of reading out the sensor between global and rolling shutter. Especially
flashing and moving objects might need more attention with rolling shutter. Referto specifications to determine whether your camera has global or rolling shutter.
There are 3 modes to operate a camera area sensor:

Global shutter modelGlobal reset of all pixelslAll pixels start light integration at the same timelAll pixels stop integration at same timelReadout line by line after exposure of whole frame is completed

Artifactsl

All pixel show same movement artifactsl

In case of exposure time too long, all pixels blurred

Use short exposure times for preventing blur artifacts. Image of moving object on
sensor must not move more than half pixel width.
Exposure with flash

Flash strobe at any time and length while exposing. With moving objects, lightpulse has to be short enough to prevent blur artifacts.

Rolling shutter modelPixel reset line by linelLine by line light integrationlIntegration starts with different point of time for each linel

All lines stop integration at different timelLine readout immediately after line exposurelNext integration has to wait for finished readout (per line)l

No external exposure control (expose while trigger signal active)

Limitations

Use short exposure times for preventing blur / deforming artifacts. Image of moving object on sensor must not move more than half pixel width. In case of moving
objects, exposure movement on sensor has to be shorter than half a pixel forwhole image.
Make sure your light is ON as long any pixel are going to be exposed. Total imaging time is exposure time plus scanning time.
Minimum scan time in most cases is about 1 frame length.
With rolling shutter the whole sensor has to be read out – always. That means
applying ROI will reduce the amount of final data being transmitted out of the camera (and the frame rate might rise, due to the limited bandwidth of the interface).

6 Feature description

40Nonetheless, the maximum achievable frame rate with applied ROI will be themaximum frame rate of the sensor reading the full sensor area (internal full sensor
speed), please refer to relating sensor specs.
Artifactsl

All pixel show same artifactslDeformed image of moving objects

Exposure with flash

Fig.: 6-13: flash control with rolling shutterlFlash strobe on whole exposure time

- or lFlash strobe only while all lines are sensitive to light at the same time (delay
flash strobe until all lines are sensitive to light)

Make sure to protect from changing environment light (recommendation: flash
strobe in darkness). Short Flash strobe times with moving objects.

6 Feature description

41

Light control with rolling shutter

As being said, not all sensor lines are sensitive to light at the same time. Make
sure your light is ON as long any pixel are going to e exposed. An exo183xGE i.e.
needs about 62ms of minimal scanning time. An exo183xCL i.e. needs about
120ms of minimal scanning time. Minimum scan time in most cases is about 1
frame length.

There are 2 general guidelines for flashing with rolling shutter:ll

Make sure your light is ON and stable the whole period of time while scanning / exposing. Minimum flash time is scanning time plus exposure time. In
this case, while flashing you will get geometric distortions as mentioned
above. Exposure will be determined by camera exposure time and lightintensity.
If flash time is less than scanning time then exposure time has to be at least
scanning time + flash time, with a delay of scanning time. In other words,
your exposure time will be scanning time plus flash time, while you use aflash delay of scanning time. Thus flash release will start after the delay ofscanning time, as soon the sensor is fully open. You should keep the object
in total darkness while the first scanning time.
In this case, as all lines are sensitive to light at the same time after the firstscan time, flashing time can be as short as you like. You will not see the typical geometric rolling shutter distortions as shown above. Imaging will be similar to global shutter. Exposure will be determined by flash time / intensity.

Fig.: 6-14: Rolling shutter lines light sensitivity versus time

As shown here, after triggering only part of the sensor is sensitive to light (scanning time). As soon as scanning time has finished, all pixels are sensitive to light,

6 Feature description

42

the sensor is fully open. While being fully open this is the time where flashingshould happen. In the final scanning time, less and less pixels are sensitive tolight until the sensor light sensitivity will finish.
Rolling shutter limitations

Due to the principles of rolling shutter, some standard features of
SVS-Vistek cameras are not applicable.
llExternal exposure control (expose while trigger signal active) does not makesense with rolling shutter
ROI with rolling shutter: With rolling shutter the whole sensor has to be readout – always. That means applying ROI will reduce the amount of final data
being transmitted out of the camera (and the framerate might rise, due to thelimited bandwidth of the interface). Nonetheless, the maximum achievable
framerate with applied ROI will be the maximum framerate of the sensor reading the full sensor area (internal full sensor speed), please refer to relating
sensor specs.

Calculate frame rates

According to the calculation below, the requested times for scanning through alllines of the sensor will affect maximum frame rate calculation as well.
In this example, the camera is an exo183 with 3672 lines and 54 dummy lines.
Each line takes 22.2 ms readout time (depending on CameraLink tap configuration). The camera does have about 300 µs exposure time delay at worst
case.
Frame rate calculation with exo183CCL with rolling shutter
lines

3672

dummy lines+

total lines
readout time 1x3_1Y

54
3726

22,2 µs

exp delay* 3726 =82717,2 µs+

300 µsframe readout time

83017,2 µs

This is minimum time for camera readout with 0s exposure time.
Exposure time has to be added:
frame readout time

83017,2 µs

exposure time2500 µs

total frame time85517,2 µs

maximum sensor acquisition time

1/ frame time

11,6 fps

note: readout time 1x2_1Y = 32,63 µs

6 Feature description

43

Global Reset Release Mode
Global reset release mode is a special mode to operate rolling shutter sensors. All
rolling shutter cameras from SVS-VISTEK GmbH can be operated in Global
Reset Release mode. Global reset release shows advantages when operating
light sources in non-constant light situations.

Fig.: 6-15: setup of global reset release mode in GenICam tree

Benefitsl

All pixel reset all lines same timelLight integration starts with same point of time for each linel

All lines stop integration at different timelReadout line by line

Limitations

ROI limitations apply similar to rolling shutter.
l

Next integration has to wait for finished readout of last active linel

No external exposure control (expose while trigger signal active)l

not useful with constant object illumination

ArtifactslDifferent amount of blur on moving objects (more blur the later the readout)lDeformed image of moving objects (see rolling shutter)lbrighter exposure the later the readout

Global reset mode with flash

The disadvantage of global reset release mode is lines at the end of readout are
exposed to light longer than the lines at readout start, brightness is different.
Using a strobe controller with flashed light will get rid of the issue.
Global reset release mode setuplmake sure of no external (constant) light sourceluse flash only for object illuminationlset camera to global reset release modelstart exposure time together with flash (flash strobe in darkness)

When flashing in global reset mode, the flash time will define the exposure time.
Thus, an very time-stable flash control is essential.

6 Feature description

44

Fig.: 6-16: strobe control in global reset mode

In Global Reset Mode flash is starting together with exposure, all CMOS lines are
sensitive to light. Flash time has to be shorter than exposure time. Exposure timeis determined by flash time.

INFO

Strobe control jitter might be visible in the image as brightness instabilities.
We recommend using the very stable integrated I/O flash control for light control.
Precision is about 1 tic or 15ns.

6.1.11

Exposurell

For various exposure and timing modes in chapter, see "Basic capturemodes" on page 62.
For combining various exposure timings with PWM LED illumination, refer to"Sequencer" on page 80.

Setting exposure time
Exposure time can be set by width of the external or internal triggers or programmed by a given value.

6.1.12

Exposure speed
Frames per second, or frame rate describes the number of frames output per
second (1/ frame time). Especially GigE and USB cameras cannot guarantee predictable maximum frame rates with heavy interface bus load.

Maximum frame rate might depend on:

6 Feature descriptionlPixel clockl

Image sizel

Tap structurelData transport limitationl

Processing time45

Reducing throughput transmission speed
The throttling of the transmission speed is an SNFC-compliant packet-based
traffic shaping and allows e.g. the connection of several cameras to one switch.

If the data rate resulting from the frame rate exceeds the throttle data rate withactivated throttling, the 10GigE interface automatically enters burst mode andstarts filling the memory. The large internal memory allows the camera to buffer
many images. But as soon as the memory is full, frame drops are the result.

6.1.13

Auto exposure
Auto Luminance or auto exposure automatically calculates andadjusts exposure time and gain, frame-by-frame.
The auto exposure or automatic luminance control of the camera
signal is a combination of an automatic adjustment of the camera
exposure time (electronic shutter) and the gain.
The first priority is to adjust the exposure time and if the exposure
time range is not sufficient, gain adjustment is applied. It is possibility to predefine the range (min. / max.-values) of exposure
time and of gain.
The condition to use this function is to set a targeted averaged brightness of thecamera image. The algorithm computes a gain and exposure for each image toreach this target brightness in the next image (control loop). Enabling this functionality uses always both – gain and exposure time.

Limitations
As this feature is based on a control loop, the result is only useful in an averaged,
continuous stream of images. Strong variations in brightness from one image tonext image will result in a swing of the control loop. Therefore it is not recommended to use the auto-luminance function in such cases.

6 Feature description

46

6.1.14Acquisition and processing time
The camera has to read the sensor, process the data to a valid image and transfer
this to the host computer. Some of these tasks are done in parallel. This implies
the data transfer does not end immediately after end of exposure, as the image
has to be processed and transferred after exposure.

Fig.: 6-17: Acquisition and processing timeOn the other hand, while processing and transferring the image the sensor might
capture already the next frame.

6.1.15Bit depth
Values of brightness are internally represented by numbers. The
number of bits for brightness representation is limiting the numberof color values that can be represented. Bit depth defines the maximum unique colors or gray levels in an image.
No of gray values = 2bit depth
All SVCam models support 8-bit format. In most cases, the sensor
itself is limiting maximum bit depth. Refer to specifications
whether your model is supporting higher bit depth.

6 Feature description

47

INFO

Depending on camera model, different bit depths are supported.

Packed format
Some camera models support “packed” bitformats. Instead of using 16 bit per
pixel (and transferring a lot of zeroes), 2 bytes contain more information than only
1 pixel.
For example, in the image above, “Mono12Packed” is supported. Every pixel hasa bit depth of 12 bit. Information transfer has to be in 8-bit steps (8, 16, 24 etc). By
packing, 2 pixel can be transferred in 3 bytes (24 bit) instead of 2 x 16 bit (4bytes). This increases bandwidth by 25%. This packing does not affect image
quality, but the image needs to be unpacked (with an SVCam SDK function, veryfast) after image acquisition before the image can be processed.
NOTICE

Unpacking has to be done manually, this is not a GenTL function. Thus,
image acquisition in packed formats won’t be supported by most 3 rd party
software products.

Separated bit depth of sensor and camera
Some camera models are supporting separated bit depth adjustment of sensor readout and camera readout. Thus you can readin an image e.g. in 12 bit from the sensor, apply a 12-to-8 bit lookup table and read from the camera as an 8 bit image.

By default, Sensor Pixel Size is SensorBppAuto and should follow the adjustment
of Pixel Size.
The final bit depth exported by the camera (camera readout) is adjusted with Pixel
Size.

Bit depth and brightness with Sony Gen 4 sensors
The FXO series (XGE / CXP) shows different brightness when switching
between 8-bit and 12-bit mode (SensorPixelSize). If you read sensor 8 bit, theupper 4 bits of the sensor range are cut off.

6 Feature description48

8-bit mode sensor pixel size is 50% faster, but the (bit-cut-off) reduced full wellcapacity also results in a higher noise percentage. To use the full dynamic rangeof the sensor, the sensor must be read out 12 bit, the transmission can then bedone with (reduced) 8 or 12 bit, as required.

The red 8 bit curve above is the result of the sensor 12 bit capacity with the used 8
bit range. The black 12 bit curve is an applied linear 12-to-8 bit look-up table.
fxo541 resolutions and bit depth

The fxo541XGE has different resolutions with different bit depths.

6 Feature descriptionlpixelformat mono8: 4504x4504

lpixelformat mono12: 4480x4504

496.1.16

ROI / AOI
In partial scan mode or Area-Of-Interest (AOI) mode (or Region-Of-Interest (ROI)mode) only a certain region of the sensor will be read.

Fig.: 6-18: AOI on area sensor

Selecting an AOI will reduce the number of horizontal lines being read. This will
reduce the amount of data to be transferred, thus increasing the maximum speed
in terms of frames per second.
With CCD sensors, setting an AOI on the left or right side does not affect theframe rate, as lines must be read out completely.
With CMOS Sensors, AOI is sensor dependent. Some CMOS sensors require
the camera to read full horizontal sensor lines internally. Reducing horizontal sizewith AOI might result in limited frame rate gain.

6.2

Camera features
The camera is embedded in its electronics and firmware feature.

6.2.1

Glass filter
The camera is equipped with a glass filter for sensor protection reasons (dust).
Optical length of the glass filter is included in the mount specifications.

6.2.2

Shading correction
The interactions between objects, illumination, and the camera lens might lead toa non-uniform flatfield in brightness. Shading describes the non-uniformity ofbrightness from one edge to the other or center towards edge(s).
Original and shading corrected image

6 Feature description

50This shading can be caused by non-uniform illumination, non-uniform camera
sensitivity, vignetting of the lens, or even dirt and dust on glass surfaces (lens).
Shading correction is a procedure to create a flatfield image out of a non-uniform
image regardless of the reasons of the non-uniformity. Before doing shading correction, make sure your lens is clean and in perfect condition. If the lens is notclean or the lighting not uniform, the algorithm tries to compensate these as well –resulting in a wrong shading table and visible artifacts, loss of details or local
noise in the final image.
In theory, there are several locations of shadinglll

In the host computer: significant loss of dynamic range
In the camera, digital: better (smoother) shading than on computer, still lossof dynamic range
In the camera, analog: set gain/offset locally direct on sensor to get optimum
shading correction with only small changes in dynamic range

It is important to have in mind that shading correction might reduce dynamic rangeof the images taken. By using different gains and offsets on the sensor local noise
might be less uniform. Structures in the reference image might lead to visible
shading artifacts.
In contrary to any shading correction being done after image recording, themethod described here will hardly affect the dynamic range of the image.
The task is done with shading maps. Shading maps are test files containing adescription for the camera how to balance shading control. Shading maps can becreated and uploaded to the camera with SVCapture. The shading map creation
process takes any image with any (!) illumination and creates a shading map outof it. This shading map afterwards will be uploaded into the camera.

6 Feature description

51

How it works
The tool will divide the image into squares of 16x16 pixel. Out of every 16x16 pixel
cluster a set of shading values consisting of specific gain and offset per cluster iscalculated. The resulting map can be uploaded into the camera and will compensate for any shading, lens-based or based on illumination.
Control shading via enabling/disable shading control. Up to 3 different shading
maps can be uploaded and connected with a user preset. Like this by switching
the user set you can use 3 different shadings (use this for example if the illumination in 3 colors is not the same) in sequential shots.
NOTICE

Shading correction is possible with certain models only. See camera
specs whether your model does support this. In case your camera is notsupporting, the assistant will not be selectable.
First, shading reference images have to be taken with shading correction disabled(use 16 images minimum). Save it on disk. Use std .bmp files here, if possible
with more than 8 bit.
1. Run shading assistant->Generate Map

Fig.: 6-19: Shading control disabled

6 Feature description

52

2. With SVCapture load these reference images.

3. See shading in the preview
4. Generate the shading map
5. Save map to disk. This file can be used in programmed environments via
SDK as well.
6. Upload it to the camera and see the result. If lighting did not change fromstart of procedure, you should see a uniform image with enabled shading control.

6 Feature description

53

7. Run camera with same lighting to see corrected image.

6.2.3

Defect pixel correction
All image sensor have defect pixels in a lesser or greater extent. Type and number of defects determine the quality grade (quality classification) of the sensor.
Defect Pixel Correction is using information from neighboring pixels to compensate for defect pixels or defect pixel clusters (cluster may have up to five
defect pixels).
Defect Pixels either be dark pixels, i.e. that don’t collect any light, or bright pixels(hot pixel) that always are outputting a bright signal.
The amount of hot pixels is proportional to exposure time and temperature of thesensor.
By default, all known defect pixels or clusters are corrected by SVS-VISTEK as afactory default.
Under challenging conditions or high temperature environments defect pixel behaviour might change. This can be corrected.
l

l

l
l

A factory created defect map (SVS map), defying known defects, is stored in
the camera.
A custom defect map can be created by the user. A simple *.txt file withcoordinates must be created. The user must locate the pixel defects manually.
The *.txt file can be uploaded into the camera. Beware of possible Offset!
Defect maps can be switched off to show all default defects, and switchedback on to improve image quality.

Unlike shading correction, defect pixel correction suppresses single pixels orclusters and reconstructs the expected value by interpolating neighboring pixel
values. The standard interpolation algorithm uses the pixel to the left or to the rightof the defect. This simple algorithm prevents high runtime losses.
More sophisticated algorithms can be used by software.

6 Feature description

54

Fig.: 6-20: Illustration of a defect pixel

Procedure of pixel correction
SVCapture is the tool to generate pixel correction maps. The pixel correction
assistant provides everything to create, load, enable and restore defect pixel creation maps.
Defect pixel correction is possible with certain models only. See camera specs
whether your model does support this. In case your camera is not supporting, theassistant will not be selectable.

6 Feature description

55

l

For easy image processing, it is recommended to have pixel correction activatedl

Pixel correction maps can be saved and loadedl

The std factory map can be selected any timelGenerate your own custom maplSelect your own defect pixel map

The procedure to create a std map is pretty straight forward. Befrore starting generating the map, in the GenICam tree do following:l

Set gain to 0 dBlDisable autogainlSet offset to 0l

Record a set of dark images (put lens cap on)

Defect pixel map generation
SVCapture defect pixel assistant requires a set of images being loaded

6 Feature description

56

1. Load black images (16 images minimum) into generator
2. Generate map
3. Save map to file for later usage
4. Upload the map to the camera.
Make sure pixel correction is activated.

Procedure of pixel correction
SVCapture is the tool to generate pixel correction maps. The pixel correction
assistant provides everything to create, load, enable and restore defect pixel creation maps.
Defect pixel correction is possible with certain models only. See camera specs
whether your model does support this. In case your camera is not supporting, theassistant will not be selectable.

6 Feature description

57

l

For easy image processing, it is recommended to have pixel correction activatedl

Pixel correction maps can be saved and loadedl

The std factory map can be selected any timelGenerate your own custom maplSelect your own defect pixel map

The procedure to create a std map is pretty straight forward. Befrore starting generating the map, in the GenICam tree do following:

6 Feature descriptionl

Set gain to 0 dBlDisable autogainlSet offset to 0l

Record a set of dark images (put lens cap on)

58

6.2.4Look-up table
The look-up table feature (LUT) lets the user define certain values
to every bit value that comes from the ADC. To visualize a LUT a
curve diagram can be used, similar to the diagrams used in photo
editing software.
The shown custom curve indicates a contrast increase by applying an S-shaped curve. The maximum resolution is shifted to the
mid-range. Contrasts in this illumination range is increased while
black values will be interpreted more black and more of the bright
pixels will be displayed as 100 % white.

INFO

For further Information about curves and their impact on the image refer to ourhomepage: Knowledge Base – LUT.

Fig.: 6-21: Custom LUT adding contrast to the mid-tones

INFO

LUT implementation reduces bit depth from 12 bit to 8 bit on the output.

Gamma correction
Using the look-up table makes is also possible to implement a logarithmic correction. This is commonly called “gamma correction”.

6 Feature description

59

Historically gamma correction was used to correct the illumination behavior of
CRT displays, by compensating brightness-to-voltage with a gamma value
between 1,8 up to 2,55.
The gamma algorithms for correction can simplify resolution shifting as shown
seen below.
lInput & output signal range from 0 to 1l

Output-signal = Input-signalGamma

Fig.: 6-22: Several gamma curves comparable to a LUT

INFO

6 Feature descriptionlGamma values less than 1.0 map darker image values into a wider ranger.

lGamma values greater than 1.0 do the same for brighter values.

Gamma algorithm is just a way to generate a LUT. It is not implemented in thecamera directly.

60

6.2.5

ROI / AOI
In partial scan mode or Area-Of-Interest (AOI) mode (or Region-Of-Interest (ROI)mode) only a certain region of the sensor will be read.

Fig.: 6-23: AOI on area sensor

Selecting an AOI will reduce the number of horizontal lines being read. This will
reduce the amount of data to be transferred, thus increasing the maximum speed
in terms of frames per second.
With CCD sensors, setting an AOI on the left or right side does not affect theframe rate, as lines must be read out completely.
With CMOS Sensors, AOI is sensor dependent. Some CMOS sensors require
the camera to read full horizontal sensor lines internally. Reducing horizontal sizewith AOI might result in limited frame rate gain.

6 Feature description

616.2.6

Basic capture modes
The camera has 2 basic operation modes.
Free run (timed) run: The camera will expose anddeliver images on a fixed schedule.

lTriggered: The camera will wait for an externalsignal and start exposure after receiving theexternal trigger signal.

lFree running
Free running (fixed frequency) with programmable exposure time. Frames arereadout continuously and valid data is indicated by LVAL for each line and FVAL
for the entire frame.
There is no need to trigger the camera in order to get data. Exposure time is programmable via serial interface and calculated by the internal logic of the camera.

Fig.: 6-24: Basic capture modes - free running

The fundamental signals are:lLine Valid: LVAL, Frame Valid: FVAL,l

And in case of triggered modes: trigger input.

Triggered mode (pulse width)
External trigger and pulse-width controlled exposure time. In this mode the camera is waiting for an external trigger, which starts integration and readout. Exposure time can be varied using the length of the trigger pulse (rising edge starts
integration time, falling edge terminates the integration time and starts frame readout). This mode is useful in applications where the light level of the scenechanges during operation. Change of exposure time is possible from one frame to
the next.

Fig.: 6-25: Basic capture modes - triggered mode (pulse width with overlap)

6 Feature description

62

Exposure time of the next image can overlap with the frame readout of the current
image (rising edge of trigger pulse occurs when FVAL is high). When this happens: the start of exposure time is synchronized to the falling edge of the LVAL
signal.

Fig.: 6-26: Basic capture modes - triggered mode (pulse width without overlap)

When the rising edge of trigger signal occurs after frame readout has ended(FVAL is low) the start of exposure time is not synchronized to LVAL and exposure time starts after a short and persistent delay.
The falling edge of the trigger signal must always occur after readout of the previous frame has ended (FVAL is low).

Software trigger
Trigger can also be initiated by software or serial interface.

INFO

Software trigger can be influenced by jitter. Avoid software trigger when using
time sensitive applications.

6.2.7

Read-out control
Read-out control defines a delay between exposure and data transfer. Read-out
control is used to program a delay value (time) for the readout from the sensor.
With more than one camera connected to a single computer, image acquisition
and rendering can cause conflicts for data transfer, on CPU or bus system.

Fig.: 6-27: Illustration of physical data stream in time

6.2.8

Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor is installed on the main board of the camera. To avoid overheating, the temperature is constantly monitored and read. Besides software mon-

6 Feature description

63

itoring, the camera indicates high temperature by a red flashing LED (see flashing
LED codes).

6.2.9

System clock frequency
Default system clock frequency in almost every SVCam is set to 66.6 MHz. To
validate your system frequency refer to: specifications.
Using the system clock as reference of time, time settings can only be made insteps. In this example, the transfer rate is 66.7 MHz, thus resulting in steps of
15 ns.

INFO

Use multiples of 15 ns to write durations into camera memory.

6.2.10Predefined configurations (user sets)
The camera starts with default values for all features when turned on. Settings
made during operation will expire when the camera is turned off.
All preset adjustments are located in the GenICam tree in the “User Set Control”
property. It is possible to save up to 8 user sets. Each of these setups consists ofa complete configuration set including exposure time, delays, I/O configuration forthe camera. These user sets can be loaded at runtime. In addition, you can specify which setup is loaded as default when the camera is switched on.

Load a user set
With UserSetSelector a user set can be selected. Select the desired user set andpress UserSetLoad (command) twice to load the user set. The following example
loads user set 2.

Save user sets
Select the user set to be saved in the UserSetSelector and save it with the UserSetSave command.

6 Feature description

64Set a user set as default
Use User Set Default to select the user set that is to be loaded when the camera
is started. Save this setting with UserSetSave (In the example below, user set 5
is saved as default).

Reset to factory default
User sets can be reset to factory settings. This is a two-step process. First, thefactory settings must be loaded:

Afterwards this factory default user set must be saved again as user set (in theexample below, user set 2 is overwritten with the factory settings).

6.2.11Burst mode
The hardware interface (GigE, USB3, etc.) of your camera may often limit the
maximum frame rate of the camera to the maximum frame rate of the interface ofthe camera. Inside the camera, the sensor speed (internal frame rate) might behigher than the external interface speed (e.g. GigE).
In triggered mode, trigger frequency might be higher than the external interface
speed. The triggered images will stay in the internal memory buffer and will bedelivered one after the other with interface speed. If trigger frequency is higher
than interface max fps frequency, more and more images will stick in the internal
image buffer. As soon as the buffer is filled up, frames will be dropped.
This internal-save-images and deliver-later thing is called “burst mode”.
Due to internal restriction in the image request process of the camera, on USB
cameras the maximum sensor speed is limited to the maximum interface speed.
This means the maximum trigger frequency cannot be higher than camera freerun frequency. The image buffer will protect against breaking data-rates of theUSB line.

Usage of burst mode
Burst mode has two main purposes:

6 Feature description

65

l

l

If transfer speed breaks down (e.g. Ethernet transfer rate due to high networkload), tolerate low speed transfer for a short time and deliver frames later on(buffering low speed interface performance for a short time without breaking
the average frame rate of camera). This applies in particular to 10 GigE networks.
For several frames (up to full internal memory) images can be taken withhigher frame rate than camera specs are suggesting (as soon as there isenough time later on to deliver the images) (not applicable to USB cameras)

INFO

As soon as the internal memory buffer is filled up, frames will be dropped. Due tothis, SVS-Vistek cameras provide up to 512 MB image buffer memory.

6 Feature description

66

6.3

I/O Features
The SVCam cameras are equipped with several inputs and outputs, providing
state-of-the-art control regarding input and output channels. All I/O functions are
realized as modules. These functions can be connected in the GenICam tree.

6.3.1

GenICamprovides a generic programming interface to control all kinds ofcameras and devices. Regardless of the interface technology (GigE Vision,
USB3 Vision, CoaXPress, Camera Link, etc.) or implemented feature, the application programming interface (API) will always be the same. The SNFC makes
sure the feature names are similar throughout the manufacturers, making it moreeasy to switch camera models.
The GenICamTM standard consists of multiple modules according to the maintasks to be solved:ll

GenApi: configuring the camera
SNFC: Standard Feature Naming Convention, a catalog of standardized
names and types for common device featuresl

GenTL: transport layer interface, grabbing imagesl

GenCP: generic GenICam control protocoll

GenTL SFNC: recommended names and types for transport layer interface.

The GenICam properties are organized as a tree. Manufacturers can add more features.
With your SVCam, the GenICam tree does have some hardware related extensions, especially in the I/O sector. See the Quick guide install for a short introduction into the SVS-Vistek GenICam tree.
The GenICam properties are organized in views. The recommended way to view
and adjust is by using SVCapture. If you want to have a full view of all adjustable
GenICam items, activate the Guru mode. Beginner mode will show only mostcommon attributes.

NOTICE

6 Feature description

All modfications in the GenICam tree will have immediate effect.

676.3.2

Assigning I/O Lines – IOMUXThe IOMUX is best described as a switch matrix. It connects inputs, and outputs
with the various functions of SVCam I/O. It also allows combining inputs with
Boolean arguments.

Fig.: 6-28: "IN0" connected to "debouncer"

Now the debounced signal can be taken from Debouncer (line 8) in the next module as source.

6 Feature description

LineSelector

Translation

Line0

Output0

Line1

Output1

Line2

Output2

Line3

Output3

Line3

Output4

Line5

Uart In

Line6

Trigger

Line7

Sequencer

Line8

Debouncer

Line9

PrescalerLine10

Input0

Line11

Input1

Line12

Input2

Line13

Input3

Line14

Input4

Line15

LogicA

Line16

LogicB

Line17

LensTXD

Line18

Pulse0

Line19Pulse168

LineSelector

Translation

Line20

Pulse2

Line21

Pulse3

Line22

Uart2 In

The input and output lines for Strobe and Trigger impulses can be arbitrarily
assigned to actual data lines. Individual assignments can be stored persistently
to the EPROM. Default setting can be restored from within the Camera.

INFO

6 Feature description

Refer to pin-out in input / output connectors when physically wiring.

69

Input vector to switch matrix*

6 Feature description

No.

Name

Description0

io_in(0)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *1

io_in(1)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *2

io_in(2)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *3

io_in(3)trigger input 0 – 24 Volt / RS-232 / opto *4

io_rxd input

5

txd_from_uart1

input

6

strobe(0)output from module iomux_pulseloop_0

7strobe(1)output from module iomux_pulseloop_1

8

rr_pwm_out_a

output from module iomux_sequenzer_09

rr_pwm_out_b

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

10expose input

11

readout input

12

r_sequenzer_pulse_a

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0(pulse)13

rr_pwm_out_c

output from module iomux_sequenzer_014

rr_pwm_out_d

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

15

r_sequenzer_active

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0

16

r_debouncer

output from module iomux_dfilter_0

17r_prescaler

output from module iomux_prescaler_0

18

r_sequenzer_pulse_b

output from module iomux_sequenzer_0 (pwmmask)

19

r_logic

output from module iomux_logic_0

20

strobe(2)output from module iomux_pulseloop_2

21

strobe(3)output from module iomux_pulseloop_3

22

mft_rxd input

23

trigger_feedback

input

24

txd_from_uart2

input

refer to pinout or specifications

70Output vector from switch matrix

INFO

6 Feature description

No.

Name / register

Description0

io_out(0)output open drain1

io_out(1)output open drain2

io_out(2)output open drain *3

io_out(3)output open drain *4

io_txdoutput, when debug='0'

5

rxd_to_uart1

output (uart_in)6

trigger

output7

sequenzer_hw_trigger

input to module iomux_sequenzer_0

8debounce input

input to module iomux_dfilter_0

9prescale input

input to module iomux_prescaler_0

10logic inputa

input to module iomux_logic_0

11logic inputb

input to module iomux_logic_0

12

mft_txd

output13

pulseloop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_0

14pulseloop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_1

15pulseloop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_2

16pulseloop hw_trigger

input to module iomux_pulseloop_3

17

rxd_to_uart2

output (uart2_in)

For physical number of open drain outputs refer to pinout or specifications.

71

Example of an IOMUX configuration

Fig.: 6-29: Example of an IOMUX configuration
l
l

l

l

l

l

l

6 Feature description

The trigger signal comes in on line 0
Debounce it.
connect line 0 to 8:
1000000000000000000000000
signal appears again on line 15 – debouncer out
Use the prescaler to act only on every second pulse.
connect line 16 to 9.
0000000000000000100000000
signal appears again on line 17 – debouncer out
Configure a strobe illumination with pulseloop module 0
connect line 17 to 13
signal from pulse loop module 0 appears on line 6
connect line 6 to 0 (output 0)
Set an exposure signal with pulseloop module 1.
connect line 17 to 6
Tell another component that the camera is exposing the sensor.
connect line 17 to 14
signal from pulse loop module 1 appears on line 7
connect line 7 to 1 (output 1)
Turn of a light that was ON during the time between two pictures.
connect line 17 to 15
invert signal from pulse loop module 2
it appears on line 20
connect line 20 to 2 (output 2)

72

Inverter
The inverter enabled at a certain line provides the reverse signal to orfrom a module.
Set to “1”With set to “1” enabled in a certain line, this line will provide a high signal no matter what signal was connected to the line before.
Set to “1” – inverse

The inverse of a set to “1” line will occur as a low signal, regardless of the actual
signal that enters the inverter module.

Easy overview with the I/O assistant
The easiest approach for an overview of current I/O connections is to use the I/O
assistant of SVCapture. Every function or module has a source.

I/O assistant of SVCapture with activated debouncer and logic input
With the example above

NOTICE

6 Feature descriptionlInput 1 will be debounced at firstlThen input 1 is combined via logic module with the logic value of input 2l

The logic result signal finally is the input for trigger.

This assistant view is showing the module connection only. The propertiesof each module are visible in std GenICam view only (e.g. what kind oflogic operation)736.3.3PWM
During Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), a duty cycle is modulated by a fixed frequency square wave. This describes the ratio of ON to OFF as duty factor or duty
ratio.

Why PWM?
Pulse width modulation is an extremely efficient way (in terms of power dissipation) to provide/regulate electrical power to consumers as long as they do notneed uninterrupted supply (such as diodes or LEDs). The interruption times might
be as short as nano seconds.

LED characteristics
Since LEDs have a bounded workspace, the PWM ensures a variable intensity ofillumination at a constant current on the diodes. The constant current guarantees
a linear light emission response curve of the LED from 0-100% PWM intensity.
Running LED lighting in flash mode will increase LED lifetime because of reduced
LED heat dissipation.

Implementation of PWM
The basic frequency of the modulation is defined by the cycle duration "T".

Duty cyle "T" is written into the registry by multiple of the inverse of camera frequency in 15 ns steps (refer to "System clock frequency" on page 64).

The intensity of a PWM
The duty ratio is calculated as: Δ% = t / T. It is written above the value of "t" as
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] per sequence into the registry.
PWMChange0-3[SeqSelector] unit is percentage value.

6 Feature description

74

Fig.: 6-30: PWM intensity

Examples of PWMs
The integrals over both periods

andare equal.

An equal amount of Photons will be emitted. The intensity of light is the same.

The periods

6 Feature description

andare equal in length.

75

Fig.: 6-31: Example: 25% PWM load

Fig.: 6-32: Example: 50% PWM load

6 Feature description

76Fig.: 6-33: Example: 75% PWM load

The PWM module

Fig.: 6-34: The PWM module

6 Feature description

77

6.3.4LED strobe control
The SVCam 4I/O concept contains an integrated strobe controller. Its controls areintegrated into the GenICam tree. With LED lights attached to the outputs, thisenables the user to control the light without external devices. Being controlled via
GenICam, any GenICam-compliant 3rd party software is able to control the light
as well. Maximum ON-time is 100ms. Depending on the camera model, up to 4(see specifications) independent channels are supported with a max current of
3A@40ms 1A@40ms. Maximum continuous current is 0.3 A. Despite internal protections, higher current peaks might be able to damage the camera.

Fig.: 6-35: Attach LED lights to camera outputs

NOTICETo avoid destruction of your LED light or camera, make sure to use theright dimension of shunt resistor. If not done so, LEDs and/or Camera
might be damaged.

Calculate LED shunt resistors
Shunt resistors are used to limit the LED current. Make sure, neither shunt nor
LED run above specs.

LEDs in continuous mode
Voltage drop al 5 LEDs, 2,2V per LED (see spec. of
LED)

11 V

Max. continuous current (see spec. of LED)

250 mA

Voltage supply

24 V

Voltage drop at resistor (24 V – 11 V)

13 V

Pull up Resistor R =52 Ω

Table: 6-2: LEDs in continuous mode

6 Feature description

78

Total power (6W)

Power at LEDs (Power loss at resistor (2,75 W))

3,25 W

Table: 6-3: Example Calculation “No Flash” (CW Mode)

LEDs in flash mode
Most LED lights can cope with currents higher than specs. This gives you higher
light output when light is ON. Refer to your LED specs if LED overdrive is permitted.
By controlling the duty cycle the intensity of light and current can be controlled.
See sequencer example how to adjust the values in the GenICam tree for strobe
control.

INFO

The shorter the „time on“ – the higher current can be used when driving LEDs
with current higher than spec
As a rule of thumb, make sure your PWM lighting frequency is at least double or
triple the bit-depth of your image (e.g. 8 bit image = 256, this means your PWM
has to be switched at least 256*2=512 times) while exposing. If exposure time is
5 ms, the required minimum PWM freq = 5 ms / 512 ~ 10 µs ~ 100 kHz.

Strobe vocabulary
For an example how to enable and adjust the integrated strobe controller refer tosequencer (see "Sequencer" on the facing page). Times and frequencies are set
in tics. 1 tic = 15 ns.

Exposure delay
A tic value, representing the time between the (logical) positive edge of trigger
pulse and start of integration time.

Strobe polarity
Positive or negative polarity of the hardware strobe output can be selected.

Strobe duration
The exposure time of LED lights can be set in tics. The min duration is 1 µs. The
longest time is 1 second.

Strobe delay
The delay between the (logical) positive edge of trigger pulse and strobe pulse output.

6 Feature description

796.3.5

Sequencer
The sequencer is used when different exposure settings and illuminations areneeded in a row.
Values to set

Description

Sequencer interval Duration of the interval
Exposure start

Exposure delay after interval start

Exposure stop

Exposure stop related to interval Start

Strobe start

Strobe delay after interval start

Strobe stop

Strobe stop related to interval Start

PWM frequency

Basic duty cycle ( 1 / Hz ) for PWM

PWM change

Demodulation results

In the current GenICam implementation, all values have to be entered in tic values.
1 tic = 15 ns
Every adjustment (times, frequencies) has to be recalculated into tics and done intics. See the example below.
When setting “Exposure Start” and “Stop” consider ‘read-out-time’ of the sensor. It
has to be within the Sequencer interval.
For physical input and output connections refer to pin-out or specifications or see
example below. After trigger signal all programmed intervals will start. Up to 16
intervals can be programmed.
Sequencer settings can be saved to camera EEPROM.

ExampleFor demonstration, imagine following task to be done:
Scenario

An object should be inspected with a monochrome camera. For accentuating different aspects of the image, 4 images should be taken in a row with 4 different colours of light: Red, Green, Blue, White. White light should be generated from the
RGB lights being activated at the same time. Basis is a dark environment without
other light sources.
Camera wiringll

6 Feature description

3 LED lights are physically connected to the camera on out 0-2 (red, green,blue)
Out 3 is not used80

I/O matrixll

4 images to be taken (RGBW) result in 4 sequences
RGB PWM change with different intensities (duty cycle) taking care for differences in spectral response of the camera sensorl

PWM change 0-2 is connected to out 0-2l

Seq pulse A is driving the exposure (trigger)l

Seq pulse B is driving the strobel

Seq pulse B in WHITE sequence is reduced down to 33% as light intensitiesof 3 lights (RGB) will add up

Notes
l

l

l

l

Different exposure / strobe timings are used for illustration. In most cases
they will show values same as exposure
The resulting exposure time shows the period of sensor light exposure.
("masking" of exposure time by creating strobe light impulses shorter than
exposure time). This value is not adjustable at the camera
PWM change is shown with reduced height for demonstrating reduced intensity. In reality though, PWM change will be full height (full voltage, shunt resistor might be necessary) with the adjusted duty cycle
Use a PWM frequency high enough not to interfere with your timings (here:
1000 Hz)Scenario values

Interval 0(RED)

Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

Interval 3(WHITE)

Sequencer Interval

1000 ms

1000 ms

1000 ms

1000 ms

Seq pulse A start

0 ms

0 ms

100 ms0 ms

Seq pulse A stop

100 ms

300 ms

300 ms

100 msSeq pulse B start

0 ms

100 ms200 ms0 ms

Seq pulse B stop

100 ms200 ms

300 ms

33 ms

PWM Frequency f1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 Hz

1000 HzPWM change 0 (RED)

100%

0%

0%

100%

PWM change 1(GREEN)

0%

70%

0%

70%

PWM change 2 (BLUE)

0%

0%

80%

80%

PWM change 3

-

-

-

-

As stated before, all these values have to be entered into the camera’s GenICam
tree as tic values.
The timing values translate like this into tics:

6 Feature description

81Values to set in GenICam prop- Interval 0
erties(RED)

Interval 1(GREEN)Interval 2(BLUE)

Interval 3(WHITE)

Sequencer Interval

66666667 tic(1000 ms)

66666667 tic(1000 ms)

66666667 tic(1000 ms)

66666667 tic(1000 ms)

0 tic
(0 ms)

0 tic(0 ms)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

0 tic(0 ms)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

20000000 tic(300 ms)

20000000 tic(300 ms)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

0 tic(0 ms)

6666667 tic(100 ms)

13333333 tic(200 ms)

0 tic(0 ms)

Seq pulse B stop

6666667 tic(100 ms)

13333333 tic(200 ms)

20000000 tic(300 ms)

2200000 tic(33 ms)

Effective exposure time

100 ms

100 ms

100 ms

33 ms

PWM Frequency f

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)

66667 tic
(1000 Hz)PWM change 0 (RED)66667 tic
(100% of 1000
Hz)

0 tic

0 tic

66667 tic
(100% of 1000
Hz)

PWM change 1 (GREEN)

0 tic

46667 tic
0 tic
(70% of 1000 Hz)

PWM change 2 (BLUE)

0 tic

0 tic

53333 tic
(80% of 1000
Hz)53333 tic
(80% of 1000
Hz)

PWM change 3

-

-

-

-

Seq pulse A start
Seq pulse A stop

Seq pulse B start

46667 tic
(70% of 1000
Hz)

In a timings diagram, the sequence values above will look like the following diagram.

Fig.: 6-36: Sequencer timing diagram

6 Feature description

82Sequencer setup with SVCapture
Starting with SVCapture 2.5.2, there is a sequencer assistant, providing easy
setup of the sequencer settings. The assistant will help you to setup timings forstart exposure and lighting and so on. The PWMs are connected to the physicaloutputs (e.g. for driving LED lights)..
For making the sequencer work in general, have a look into the GenICam tree oreven more simple into the I/O assistant. Connect the I/O lines as below.

You may start the sequence with a hardware trigger input signal (sequencer isconnected to Input 1). As an alternative you might use a software trigger. For software trigger setup, adjust as below:

6 Feature description

83Feature nameFeature value

Acquisition Control Acquisition Mode

Continuous

Acquisition Control –Trigger Selector - Trig- On
ger Mode
Acquisition Control – Line 1
Trigger Selector - Trigger Source
Acquisition Control –Trigger Selector –Exposure Mode
Enhanced IO –PWMEnable

Trigger WidthOn

Enhanced IO – SeqEnOn
able
The Exposure mode „trigger width“ makes exposure start at a certain timing (Seqpulse A) and stop at Seq pulse B. In the GenICam tree this will reflect as following:

6 Feature description

846.3.6

Optical input
In many trigger signals you find noise, transients and voltage spikes. These areable to damage components in the camera and trigger signal interpretation might
be difficult.
An optical input separates the electrical trigger and camera circuits. The benefit ofsuch an optical input is to avoid all these kinds of interaction from power sourcesor switches. The disadvantage of an optical input is that it is slower in terms of signal transmission and slew rate than a direct electrical connection.
If you need super fast response from the camera, direct electrical access is yourchoice. If your camera trigger is in the ms range or slower, we recommend to use
the optical input.
An optical input needs some current for operation. The SVS-Vistek optical input isspecified to 5-24 V, 8 mA.

Fig.: 6-37: Optical input

The optocoupler galvanically separates electrical circuits by emitting light on one
side and interpreting light in the other. There is no direct electric interaction
between both electrical circuits.

6.3.7

PLC / Logical operation on inputs
The logic input combines trigger signals with Boolean algorithms. The camera
provides AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, XNOR as below. You might combine
combine true/false states of the inputs to determine camera actions. The result
can be connected to a camera trigger signal or it may be source for the next
logical operation with another input. It is possible to connect it to an OUT line aswell.

6 Feature description85

Do it in the GenICam tree

The logic function always combines the values of Digital IO InputA/LogicA and
InputB/LogicB. In case of the Trigger enable logic function, LogicB is the trigger
enable signal and will be combined with LogicA value.
AND

NAND

OR

NOR

XOR

XNOR

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

ABY

|0|0|0||0|0|1||0|0|0||0|0|1||0|0|0||0|0|1||0|1|0||0|1|1||0|1|1||0|1|0||0|1|1||0|1|0||1|0|0||1|0|1||1|0|1||1|0|0||1|0|1||1|0|0||1|1|1||1|1|0||1|1|1||1|1|0||1|1|0||1|1|1|

Table: 6-4: Truth table of logic function

NOTICE

6 Feature description

Expert view of the GenICam tree has to be activated to see logic functions.

866.3.8

Serial data interfaces(ANSI EIA/) TIA-232-F
RS-232 and RS-422 (from EIA, read as Radio Sector or commonly as Recommended Standard) are technical standards to specify electrical characteristics ofdigital signaling circuits. Serial connection might be used to control SVCams.
These signals are used to send low-power data signals to control exposure, lightor lenses (MFT). Usage scenario is a control possibility without network. Be
aware of low connection speed.
Serial interface parameter

RS-232

RS-422

Maximum open-circuit voltage

±25 V

±6 V

Max differential voltage

25 V

10 V

Min. signal range

±3 V

2V

Max. signal range

±15V

10 V

Table: 6-5: Serial interface parameters – RS-232 and RS-422

INFO

See your camera data sheet regarding its serial capabilities.
Data transport is always asynchronous. Synchronization is implemented by fist
and last bit of a package. Data rate (bits per second) must be defined before transmission.

RS232
RS232 is split into 2 lines receiving and transferring data.
l

RXD: receive datal

TXD: transmit data

Signal voltage values are:

INFO

l

Low: -3 … -15 Vl

High: +3 … +15 V

For restrictions, refer to table of serial interface parameter above.
Packaging data into containers (adding start and stop bits) is implemented by the
UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter).

Fig.: 6-38: UART encoding of a data stream

6 Feature description

876.3.9Trigger-edge sensitivity
Trigger-edge sensitivity is implemented by a “Schmitt trigger”. Instead of triggering to a certain value, the Schmitt trigger provides a threshold.

Fig.: 6-39: Schmitt trigger noise suppression

6 Feature description

886.3.10

Debouncing trigger signals
Bounces or glitches caused by a switch can be avoided by software within the
SVCam.

Fig.: 6-40: Bounces or glitches caused by a switch

Therefore the signal will not be accepted until it lasts at least a certain time.
> Use the IO Assignment tool to place and enable the debouncer module inbetween the “trigger” (Schmitt trigger) and the input source (e.g.: line 1).
The “DebouncDuration” register can be set in multiples of 15 ns (implement of system clock), e.g. 66 666 ≈ 1 ms

Fig.: 6-41: Debouncer between the trigger source and trigger

6 Feature description

89Input 1 debounce time here is about 1ms.

The debouncer module

Fig.: 6-42: The debouncer module

6 Feature description

906.3.11

Prescale
The Prescale function can be used for masking off input pulses by applying adivisor with a 4-bit word, resulting in 16 unique settings.
lReducing count of interpreted trigger signall

Use the prescale function to ignore a certain count of trigger signals.

l

Divide the amount of trigger signals by setting a divisor.

lMaximum value for prescale divisor: is 16 (4 bit)Fig.: 6-43: Prescale values and their result on trigger signal

The prescale module

Fig.: 6-44: The prescale module

6 Feature description

91

7

Dimensions

INFO

All length units in mm.
Find the technical drawings in the web download area athttps://www.svs-vistek.com/en/support/svs-support-download-center.php
CAD step files available with valid login at SVS-VISTEK.com

7.1

C-mount
C-mount back focus distance from sensor to lens is 17.526 mm. The camera is fitted with a standard C-mount threading.
lDiameter: 1 inchl

Screw threading: 1/32 inch

C-mount cameras only accept C mount lenses as the flange to sensor distancedoes not allow a CS mount lens close enough to the Sensor to achieve a focused
image.
Optical path length is calculated including IR or dust protection glass. Removing
the glass will affect optical path length.

Fig.: 7-1: C-mount

7 Dimensions

92

7.2

7 Dimensions

fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo547

93

Fig.: 7-2: fxo540, fxo541, fxo542, fxo545, fxo547 top view

7 Dimensions94

7 Dimensions

95

8

Appendix

8.1

I/O driver circuit schematics
Camera power supply and power supply for PWM out is 25V max. Power for
PWM out has to be supplied via Hirose connector. The open drain outputs areledged to ground, that means you connect your LED on the positive side to your(light-)power source, the negative LED connector goes to the camera out. This
setup requires common ground.

Fig.: 8-1: I/O driver circuit schematics

8 Appendix

96

8.2

8 Appendix

IP protection classes

97

IP Protection Classes is a classification system regarding the kindof environment influences which might do harm to your product.

8 Appendix

98

FirstDigit

SecondDigit

Brief description

Definition0

Not protected-

1

Protected against
solid foreign
objects,

A probing object, a ball of 50mm in diameter, must not enter or penetrate theenclosure

50 mm and larger
Protected against
solid foreign
objects, 12.5 mm
and larger

2

3

Protected against
solid foreign
objects,

A probing object, a ball of 12.5mm indiameter, must not enter or penetrate
the enclosure
A probing object, a ball of 2.5mm indiameter, must not penetrate at all

2.5 mm and larger
4

Protected against
solid foreign
objects,

A probing object, a ball of 1mm in diameter, must not penetrate at all

1.0 mm and larger
5

Protected against
dust

The ingress of dust is not completly
prevented. The quantity of dust thatenters not impair the safety or satisfactory operation of the equipment

6

Dustproof

No ingress of dust

Not protectedagainst liquids

-

0

1

2

3
4

5

8 Appendix

Protected against
water dropletsProtected against
water dropletsProtected against
spray water
Protected against
water splashes

Protected against
water jets

Vertically falling droplets must nothave any harmful effect when theenclosure is at an angle of 15° eitherside of the vertical
Droplets falling vertically must nothave any harmful effect with enclosure at an angle of 15° either side of thevertical
Water sprayed at any angle of up to
60° either side of the vertical must nothave any harmful effect
Water splashing against the enclosure from any angle must not have any
harmful effect
Water jets directed at the enclosure
from any angle must not have any
harmful effect99

FirstDigit

Second
Digit
6

7

8

Brief description

Definition

Protected against
powerful water
jets

Powerful water jets directed against
the enclosure from any angle must
not have any harmful effectProtected against
the effect of brief
submersion in
water

Water must not enter the equipmentin amounts that can have a harmful
effect if the enclosure is briefly submerged in water under standardisedpressure and time conditions

Protected against
the effect of continuous submersion in water

Water must not enter the equipmentin amounts that can have a harmful
effect if the enclosure is continuously
submerged in water.
The conditions must be agreed
between the manufacturer and theuser. The conditions must, however,be more severe than code 7

9K

8 Appendix

Protected against Water directed at the enclosure fromwater from highany angle under high pressure mustpressure andnot have any harmful effectsteam jet cleaning

100SVS-VISTEK GmbH
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82229 Seefeld
Phone: +49 (0) 81 52 9985-0
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