DFK 37BUR0234
Technical Reference ManualTable of Contents
1.

Quick Facts

4

2.

Dimensional Diagrams

6

2.1

DFK 37BUR0234 C-Mount with Tripod Adapter ........................................................... 6

2.2

DFK 37BUR0234 C-Mount without Tripod Adapter ..................................................... 7

2.3

DFK 37BUR0234 CS-Mount with Tripod Adapter ......................................................... 8

2.4

DFK 37BUR0234 CS-Mount without Tripod Adapter ................................................... 93.

I/O Connector10

3.1
4-pin I/O Connector ..................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1
TRIGGER_IN ........................................................................................................... 10
3.1.2
STROBE_OUT ......................................................................................................... 10

4.

Spectral Characteristics

12

4.1

IR-Cut Filter ................................................................................................................... 12

4.2

Spectral Sensitivity - AR0234CS ................................................................................... 12

5.

Camera Controls

13

5.1
Sensor Readout Control ............................................................................................... 13
5.1.1
Pixel Format .......................................................................................................... 13
5.1.1.1
5.1.1.2
5.1.1.3

8-Bit Bayer Raw ............................................................................................................................. 13
10-Bit Packed Bayer Raw .............................................................................................................. 14
16-Bit Bayer Raw ........................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.2
Resolution ............................................................................................................. 14
5.1.3
Readout Modes ..................................................................................................... 15
5.1.4
Frame Rate ............................................................................................................ 16
5.1.5
Partial Scan Offset ................................................................................................. 17
5.1.6
Image Flipping ....................................................................................................... 18
5.2
Image Sensor Control ................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1
Exposure Time ....................................................................................................... 18
5.2.2
Gain ....................................................................................................................... 19
5.2.3
Black Level ............................................................................................................. 19
5.3
Automatic Exposure and Gain Control ....................................................................... 19
5.3.1
Auto Exposure ....................................................................................................... 20
5.3.2
Auto Gain .............................................................................................................. 20
5.3.3
Auto Reference Value ........................................................................................... 20
5.3.4
Highlight Reduction .............................................................................................. 21
5.3.5
Auto Exposure Limits ............................................................................................ 21
5.3.6
Auto Gain Limits ................................................................................................... 22
5.4
Trigger ........................................................................................................................... 23
5.4.1
Trigger Mode ......................................................................................................... 23
5.4.2
Trigger Polarity ...................................................................................................... 23
5.4.3
Software Trigger .................................................................................................... 23

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual2

Table of Contents
5.4.4
Trigger Overlap ...................................................................................................... 24
5.5
Trigger Timing Parameters ........................................................................................... 24
5.5.1
Trigger Delay .......................................................................................................... 24
5.6
Digital I/O ..................................................................................................................... 25
5.6.1
General Purpose Input ......................................................................................... 25
5.6.2
General Purpose Output ...................................................................................... 25
5.7
Strobe ............................................................................................................................ 26
5.7.1
Strobe Enable ........................................................................................................ 26
5.7.2
Strobe Polarity ...................................................................................................... 26
5.7.3
Strobe Operation .................................................................................................. 27
5.8White Balance .............................................................................................................. 27
5.8.1
Auto White Balance .............................................................................................. 27
5.8.2
White Balance Mode ............................................................................................ 28
5.8.3
Manual White Balance ......................................................................................... 29
5.9
Region of Interest for Auto Functions ......................................................................... 31
5.9.1
Auto Functions ROI Enable ................................................................................... 31
5.9.2
Auto Functions ROI Preset .................................................................................... 31
5.10
User Sets ....................................................................................................................... 32
5.10.1
User Set Selector ................................................................................................... 32
5.10.2
Load User Set ........................................................................................................ 32
5.10.3
Save User Set ......................................................................................................... 32
5.10.4
Default User Set .................................................................................................... 33

6.

Revision History

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual34

3Quick Facts
1

Quick Facts
GeneralVision Standard

USB3 Vision

Dynamic Range

10 bitResolution

1920x1200

Frame Rate at Full Resolution

100

Pixel Formats

8-Bit Bayer (GR)10-Bit Bayer Packed (GR)16-Bit Bayer (GR)

Optical Interface
IR-Cut filter

Yes

Sensor Typeonsemi AR0234CS

Shutter Type

GlobalSensor Format

1/2.6 inch

Pixel Size

3.0 µmLens Mount

C/CS

Electrical Interface
InterfaceUSB 3.1gen1

Supply voltage

4.75 VDC to 5.25 VDC

Current consumption

approx tbd mA @ 5 VDC

I/O Connector

4-pin connector for trigger and strobe or
general purpose input/output

Mechanical Data
Dimensions

H: 36 mm, W: 36 mm, L: 25 mm

Mass

70 g

Adjustments
Shutter

50 µs to 0.25 s

Gain

0 dB to 6,92 dB

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual4Quick Facts
Environmental Conditions
Housing Temperature (operating)-5 °C to 50 °C

Temperature (storage)-20 °C to 80 °C

Humidity (operating)

20 % to 80 % (non-condensing)

Humidity (storage)

20 % to 95 % (non-condensing)

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual5Dimensional Diagrams
2

Dimensional Diagrams

2.1

DFK 37BUR0234 C-Mount with Tripod Adapter

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual6Dimensional Diagrams
2.2

DFK 37BUR0234 C-Mount without Tripod Adapter

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual7Dimensional Diagrams
2.3

DFK 37BUR0234 CS-Mount with Tripod Adapter

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual8Dimensional Diagrams
2.4

DFK 37BUR0234 CS-Mount without Tripod Adapter

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual9I/O Connector
3

I/O Connector

3.1

4-pin I/O Connector

Rear view of camera
Pin

SignalI/O

Remarks

Characteristics
Min

Typ

Max

Unit
-

1

GND_I/O

G3

External Ground

-

-

-

2

STROBE_OUT

O3Open drain--

24.01 V

3

TRIGGER_IN (-)

I3

Optocoupler ground

-

-

-

4

TRIGGER_IN (+)

I3

Optocoupler signal

3.32

-

24.02 V-

1 max. 0.2A (ID) for open drain MOSFET!
2 min. 3.5 mA driver strength required!
3 G: Ground O: Output I: Input

The part number of this Hirose connector is HR10A-7R-4P. To create an I/O cable youneed a Hirose connector HR10A-7P-4S.

3.1.1

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

3.1.2

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual10I/O Connector
The output signal can also be directly controlled through the General Purpose Output
feature.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual11Spectral Characteristics
4

Spectral Characteristics

4.1

IR-Cut Filter

4.2

Spectral Sensitivity - AR0234CS

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual12Camera Controls
5

Camera Controls
This section describes the parameters available for the DFK 37BUR0234 camera.
The actual name of the parameter depends on the driver technology used to access thecamera. Parameter names are listed for the most common ways to access the cameras:· USB3 Vision (cross platform, via 3rd party driver)· UVC/V4L2 (on Linux, via uvcvideo)· IC Imaging Control (on Windows, via Device Driver for The Imaging Source USB 33U, 37U

and 38U Cameras)

5.1

Sensor Readout Control

5.1.1

Pixel Format
The pixel format defines the data type of the pixels transmitted to the computer. The bits
per pixel needed for a particular pixel format influence the required bandwith.
The driver technology used to access the camera significantly impacts the way the pixel
format is controlled:· When using USB3 Vision, the pixel format is controlled through the PixelFormat

GenICam feature.
· When using the uvcvideo driver on Linux, the pixel format is defined by video4linux2.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the pixel format is part of the video format - a parameter
which combines pixel format, resolution and readout mode. For more information, referto the IC Imaging Control documentation sections on VideoFormat andVideoFormatDesc.
The DFK 37BUR0234 color camera supports multiple pixel formats with variable bits-perpixel settings. The names of the pixel formats and the way to select them depends on thedriver used to control the camera. The following table contains a short overview of all
possible formats followed by a more detailed description.

5.1.1.1

Pixel Format

Bits Per Pixel

USB3 VisionUVC

TIS UVC Driver

8-Bit Bayer (GR)8

BayerGR8

GRBG

RGB32, Y800

10-Bit Packed
Bayer (GR)10

BayerGR10p

GRAp

RGB64, Y16

16-Bit Bayer (GR)16

BayerGR16

GR16

RGB64, Y16

8-Bit Bayer Raw
This format transmits data using one byte for each pixel.
USB3 Vision drivers see this pixel format as one of the 8-bit bayer raw formats (BayerGR8,
BayerRG8, BayerGB8, BayerBG8).
UVC drivers see it with the FourCC GRBG, RGGB, GBRG or BA81.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual13Camera Controls
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source USB 33U, 37U and 38U Cameras simplifies thisvariety of possible pixel formats and offers two video formats instead: RGB32 and Y800.
The RGB32 format results from the driver's automatic debayering of the raw image data,
while the Y800 format contains the raw data which is reinterpreted as monochrome.

5.1.1.2

10-Bit Packed Bayer Raw
This format transmits data using 5 bytes for each group of 4 consecutive pixels.
USB3 Vision drivers see this pixel format as one of the 10-bit packed bayer raw formats(BayerGR10p, BayerRG10p, BayerGB10p, BayerBG10p).
UVC drivers see it with the FourCC GRAp, RGAp, GBAp or BGAp.
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source USB 33U, 37U and 38U Cameras simplifies thisvariety of possible pixel formats and offers two video formats instead: RGB64 and Y16. The
RGB64 format results from the driver's automatic debayering of the raw image data, while
the Y16 format contains the raw data which is reinterpreted as monochrome. Since the DFK
37BUR0234 camera offers both 10-bit packed and 16-bit bayer raw pixel formats, the driveruses the 10-bit packed format when the RGB64 or Y16 video format is selected.

5.1.1.3

16-Bit Bayer Raw
This format transmits data using 2 bytes for each pixel.
The sensor of the DFK 37BUR0234 camera is not able to provide 16-bit data output. The
pixel data is transmitted in the most significant bits. This allows application programs toignore the sensor-specific data type and to treat the data as if the sensor outputs 16 bits.
USB3 Vision drivers see this pixel format as one of the 16-bit packed bayer raw formats(BayerGR16, BayerRG16, BayerGB16, BayerBG16).
UVC drivers see it with the FourCC GR16, RG16, GB16 or BA16.
The Device Driver for The Imaging Source USB 33U, 37U and 38U Cameras simplifies thisvariety of possible pixel formats and offers two video formats instead: RGB64 and Y16. The
RGB64 format results from the driver's automatic debayering the raw image data, while theY16 format contains the raw data which is reinterpreted as monochrome.

5.1.2

Resolution
The DFK 37BUR0234 allows the user to specify which rectangular region of the image
sensor to read out during camera operation. The size of this rectangle determines thenumber of pixels that have to be transferred for each frame and has a significant influenceon the required USB bandwidth.
Lowering the resolution also often allows the image sensor to operate at a higher frame
rate. Changes in the vertical resolution have more effect on the maximum frame rate thanchanges in the horizontal direction.
The way the resolution is controlled varies greatly between the driver technology used toaccess the camera:

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual14

Camera Controls· When using USB3 Vision, the resolution is controlled through the GenICam features Widthand Height.
· When using the uvcvideo on Linux, the resolution is selected from a list of fixed formats.
Dynamic frame sizes are not available.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the resolution is part of the video format, a parameterthat combines pixel format, resolution and readout mode. For more information, refer tothe IC Imaging Control documentation sections on VideoFormat andVideoFormatDesc.

5.1.3

Parameter

Horizontal Resolution

Minimum

256

Maximum

1920

USB3 Vision: GenICam

WidthParameter

Vertical Resolution

Minimum

16

Maximum

1200

USB3 Vision: GenICam

HeightReadout Modes
The DFK 37BUR0234 camera offers different sensor readout modes.
By default, the camera outputs all pixels of the image sensor.
In skipping modes, the image sensor regularly skips a number of rows and/or columns
during readout. The resulting output image is smaller but contains the same field of viewthan the image produced by default readout mode.
In binning modes, a number of neighboring pixels is merged into one output pixel during
readout. The nature of this merge operation is sensor-specific, most sensors either add the
pixel values or average them.
Generally, binning modes provide better image quality than skipping modes. However,skipping modes usually provide a higher maximum frame rate.
The way the readout modes are controlled depends greatly upon which driver technology isused to access the camera:· When using USB3 Vision, the readout mode is controlled through the GenICam features

DecimationHorizontal, DecimationVertical, BinningHorizontal andBinningVertical.
· When using IC Imaging Control, the readout mode is part of the video format - aparameter that which combines pixel format, resolution and readout mode. For more
information, refer to the IC Imaging Control documentation sections on VideoFormat
and VideoFormatDesc.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual15

Camera Controls
The following readout modes are supported:· Default· Skipping 2X· Binning 2X

5.1.4

Frame Rate
The frame rate is specified in frames per second and determines the camera's operating
speed.
The way the frame rate is controlled depends greatly upon which driver technology is used
to access the camera:· When using USB3 Vision, the frame rate is controlled through the GenICam feature

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

Frame Rate

Minimum

Depending on Pixel Format, Resolution, and Readout Mode

Maximum

Depending on Pixel Format, Resolution, and Readout Mode

USB3 Vision: GenICam

AcquisitionFrameRate

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

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

1920

1200

100

1920

1080

110

640

480

242

10-Bit Packed Bayer Raw

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual16Camera Controls
Width

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

1920

1200

100

1920

1080

110

640

480

242

Width

HeightMaximum Frame Rate

1920

1200

81

1920

1080

90

640

480

242

16-Bit Bayer Raw

5.1.5

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

Partial Scan Offset X

Minimum

0

Maximum

1664

USB3 Vision: GenICam

OffsetX

Video4Linux2

ROI Offset X

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanOffsetX

Parameter

Partial Scan Offset Y

Minimum

0

Maximum

1184

USB3 Vision: GenICam

OffsetY

Video4Linux2

ROI Offset Y

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanOffsetY

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual17Camera Controls
Parameter

Partial Scan Auto Center

On
True

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

OffControl Partial Scan Offset X/Y manually

False

5.1.6

USB3 Vision: GenICam

OffsetAutoCenterVideo4Linux2

ROI Auto Center

VCD Property

VCDID_PartialScanOffset\VCDElement_PartialScanAutoCenter

Image Flipping
The DFK 37BUR0234 camera allows flipping of the image data horizontally, vertically, orboth. The Flip Horizontal and Flip Vertical parameters can be used to control this sensor
feature.
Parameter

Flip Horizontal

True

Image data is flipped horizontally

False

Image data is not flipped horizontally

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ReverseX

Video4Linux2

Flip Horizontal

VCD Property

VCDID_FlipHorizontal\VCDElement_Value

Parameter

Flip Vertical

True

Image data is flipped vertically

False

Image data is not flipped vertically

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ReverseY

Video4Linux2

Flip Vertical

VCD Property

VCDID_FlipVertical\VCDElement_Value

5.2

Image Sensor Control

5.2.1

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual18Camera Controls

5.2.2

Parameter

Exposure Time

Minimum

50 µs

Maximum

0.25 sDefault

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureTime

Video4Linux2

Exposure Time (us)VCD Property

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

5.2.3

Parameter

Gain

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

6,92 dB

Default

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

Gain

Video4Linux2

Gain (db/100)

VCD Property

VCDID_Gain\VCDElement_Value

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

5.3

Parameter

Black Level

Minimum

0

Maximum

1023

Default

42

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BlackLevel

Video4Linux2

Brightness

VCD Property

VCDID_Brightness\VCDElement_Value

Automatic Exposure and Gain Control
The DFK 37BUR0234 camera can automatically control gain and exposure time. These
automatic functions are enabled by default.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual19Camera Controls
In order to optimize image parameters, a region of interest can be specified for automaticfunctions. Specifying a region of interest enables fine-grained control over the image area
for which the image parameters are optimized. A selection of pre-defined area presets isavailable, but the user can also specify the coordinates of a custom rectangle.
In certain situations, it is desirable to limit the range of the auto-controlled parameters. For
example, one might want to avoid high gain settings in order to keep noise levels low.
Other applications require limiting the maximum exposure time so that movements do not
get blurred. Therefore, the ranges of the gain and exposure parameter can be limited.
If both auto exposure and auto gain are active, the camera tries to lower the gain value inorder to reduce noise and improve the image quality.

5.3.1

Auto Exposure
Parameter

Auto Exposure

Continuous

Enable Auto Exposure

True
Off

Disable Auto Exposure

False

5.3.2

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAuto

Video4Linux2

Auto Shutter

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_Auto

Auto Gain
Parameter

Auto Gain

Continuous

Enable Auto Gain

True
Off

Disable Auto Gain

False

5.3.3

USB3 Vision: GenICam

GainAuto

Video4Linux2

Auto Gain

VCD Property

VCDID_Gain\VCDElement_Auto

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual

20Camera Controls

5.3.4

Parameter

Auto Reference Value

Minimum

0

Maximum

255

Default128

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoReferenceVideo4Linux2

ExposureAutoReference

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoReference

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

5.3.5

Parameter

Highlight Reduction

True

Try to reduce overexposed areas

False

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

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoHighlightReduction

Video4Linux2

Highlight Reduction

VCD Property

VCDID_HighlightReduction\VCDElement_Value

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

Auto Exposure Lower Limit

Minimum

50 µs

Maximum

1s

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoLowerLimit

Video4Linux2

Exposure Auto Lower Limit

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual21Camera Controls
Parameter

Auto Exposure Upper Limit

Minimum

50 µs

Maximum

1s

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoUpperLimit

Video4Linux2

Exposure Auto Upper Limit

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoMaxValue

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

5.3.6

Parameter

Auto Exposure Upper Limit AutoOn

Select Auto Exposure Upper Limit automaticallyOff

Let the user control Auto Exposure Upper Limit

USB3 Vision: GenICam

ExposureAutoUpperLimitAuto

Video4Linux2

Exposure Auto Upper Limit Auto

VCD Property

VCDID_Exposure\VCDElement_AutoMaxValueAuto

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

Auto Gain Lower Limit

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

6,92 dB

USB3 Vision: GenICam

GainAutoLowerLimit

Video4Linux2

Gain Auto Lower Limit

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

Auto Gain Upper Limit

Minimum

0 dB

Maximum

6,92 dB

USB3 Vision: GenICam

GainAutoUpperLimit

Video4Linux2

Gain Auto Upper Limit

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual22Camera Controls
5.4

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

5.4.1

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

Trigger ModeOn

Enable Trigger Mode

True
Off

Disable Trigger Mode

False

5.4.2

USB3 Vision: GenICam

TriggerMode

Video4Linux2

Trigger Mode

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_Value

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

Trigger Polarity

RisingEdge

Accept rising edge as trigger signal

True
FallingEdge

Accept falling edge as trigger signal

False

5.4.3

USB3 Vision: GenICam

TriggerActivation

Video4Linux2

Trigger Polarity

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_Polarity

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual23Camera Controls

5.4.4

Parameter

Software Trigger

ExecuteSimulate one trigger pulse

USB3 Vision: GenICam

TriggerSoftware

Video4Linux2

Software Trigger

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_SoftwareTrigger

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

5.5

Parameter

Trigger Overlap

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

Readout

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

USB3 Vision: GenICam

TriggerOverlap

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerOverlap

Trigger Timing Parameters
The 37U series camera series offers several options for dealing with bad trigger signals. By
using the Debounce Time, Denoise Time and Mask Time parameters, the camera can be
configured to ignore pulses on its TRIGGER_IN line under certain conditions.
Useful values for these parameters are application-specific. They depend on the expected
trigger frequency, the exposure time and assumptions about the input signal quality.
The default values for all these parameters is 0 µs, assuming perfect signal quality.

5.5.1

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual24Camera Controls

5.6

Parameter

Trigger Delay

Minimum

0s

Maximum

0.1 s

Default

0s

USB3 Vision: GenICam

TriggerDelay

Video4Linux2

Trigger Delay

VCD Property

VCDID_Trigger\VCDElement_TriggerDelay

Digital I/O
The 37U series has one digital input and one digital output. The digital input can be used asa Trigger input but the current status can also examined directly.
The digital output can be configured as a Strobe output to signal the exact moment when
the image sensor is sensitive to light so that external light sources can be synchronized toits operation cycle.

5.6.1

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

General Purpose Input

True

TRIGGER_IN line status is low

1
False

TRIGGER_IN line status is high

0

5.6.2

USB3 Vision: GenICam

GPIn

Video4Linux2

GPIN

VCD Property

VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIORead
VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOIn

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual25

Camera Controls
Parameter

General Purpose Output

True

Drive the STROBE_OUT line high

1
False

Drive the STROBE_OUT line low

0

5.7

USB3 Vision: GenICam

GPOut

Video4Linux2

GPOUT

VCD Property

VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOWrite
VCDID_GPIO\VCDElement_GPIOOut

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

5.7.1

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

Strobe Enable

On

Strobe enabled

True
Off

Strobe disabled

False

5.7.2

USB3 Vision: GenICam

StrobeEnable

Video4Linux2

Strobe Enable

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_Value

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual26

Camera Controls
Parameter

Strobe Polarity

ActiveHigh

The STROBE_OUT pin is logically high during the exposure
time

True
ActiveLow

5.7.3

False

The STROBE_OUT pin is logically low during the exposuretime

USB3 Vision: GenICam

StrobePolarity

Video4Linux2

Strobe Polarity

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobePolarity

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

Strobe Operation

Exposure

Output pulse duration is equal to the current exposure time

True

5.8

USB3 Vision: GenICam

StrobeOperation

Video4Linux2

Strobe Exposure

VCD Property

VCDID_Strobe\VCDElement_StrobeMode

White Balance
The DFK 37BUR0234 color camera can perform white balance by digital multiplication of
the appropriate raw pixel values.

5.8.1

Auto White Balance
DFK 37BUR0234 can perform Auto White Balance. It can be enabled continuously whenchanges in lighting conditions are expected. Under controlled lighting conditions, however,
one-time white balance calibration is the recommended approach.
To perform one-time white balance calibration, place a reference white sheet in front of thecamera and set BalanceWhiteAuto to Once. The camera will then find the correct whitebalance settings for the current light conditions and keep them active until instructed
otherwise.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual27

Camera Controls
Parameter

Auto White BalanceContinuous

Enable automatic white balance

True
Once
One Push

Enable automatic white balance until the color channels
have been balanced once

Off

Disable automatic white balance

False

5.8.2

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceWhiteAuto

Video4Linux2

White Balance Component, Auto

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_Auto
VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_OnePush

White Balance Mode
The default auto white balance algorithm is Gray World. It is selected by setting the White
Balance Mode accordingly. The Gray World algorithm operates under the assumption thatthe average color of a scene is near gray and adjusts the white balance coefficients so theaverage color of the resulting image is gray as well. In the case where this assumption iswrong (e.g. the camera is pointing at a blue carpet), the auto white balance algorithm will
select coefficients that do not result in a visually accurate image.
To avoid the problems posed by the Gray World algorithm, the Temperature mode can beused. This mode operates by trying to determine the color temperature of the light source.
Parameter

White Balance Mode

Gray WorldUse the Gray World model

Temperature

Use the Temperature modelUSB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceWhiteMode

Video4Linux2

Whitebalance Mode

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceMode

To assist the automatic white balance temperature detection, White Balance Auto Preset canbe used to limit the range of valid color temperatures.

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual28

Camera Controls

5.8.3

Parameter

White Balance Auto Preset

Any

Allow any color temperature

Auto Warm White

Limit color temperature to approximately 2500-4000 K

Auto Cool White

Limit color temperature to approximately 4000-5800 K

Auto Daylight

Limit color temperature to approximately 5700-7500 K

Auto Deep Shade

Limit color temperature to approximately 7500-10000 K

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceWhiteAutoPreset

Video4Linux2

Whitebalance Auto Preset

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceAutoPreset

Manual White Balance
If Auto White Balance is not enabled, the amplifiers for the red, green and blue channels
can be controlled manually.
Parameter

White Balance Red

Minimum

0

Maximum

3.984375

Default

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceRatio[BalanceRatioSelector=Red]

Video4Linux2

White Balance Red Component

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceRed

Parameter

White Balance Green

Minimum

0

Maximum

3.984375

Default

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceRatio[BalanceRatioSelector=Green]

Video4Linux2

White Balance Green Component

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceGreenDFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual29Camera Controls
Parameter

White Balance Blue

Minimum

0

Maximum

3.984375

Default

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceRatio[BalanceRatioSelector=Blue]

Video4Linux2

White Balance Blue Component

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceBlue

If White Balance Mode is set to Temperature, the color temperature can be set directly.
Additionally, a light source can be selected from a list of presets.
Parameter

White Balance Temperature

Minimum

2500 K

Maximum

10000 K

Default

auto

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceWhiteTemperature

Video4Linux2

White Balance Temperature

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_WhiteBalanceTemperature

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual30

Camera Controls

5.9

Parameter

White Balance Temperature Preset

Sodium-Vapor Lamp

2500 K

Warm Light

2700 K

Halogen Light

3000 K

Neutral White

3500 K

Cool White
Fluorescent Light

4000 K

Cool White/Daylight(CFL)

5000 K

Daylight

6000 K

Cool White LED

7500 K

Blue Sky

10000 K

USB3 Vision: GenICam

BalanceWhiteTemperaturePreset

Video4Linux2

Whitebalance Temperature Preset

VCD Property

VCDID_WhiteBalance\VCDElement_TemperaturePreset

Region of Interest for Auto Functions
The 37U series cameras allow for the setting of a region of interest that is used while
controlling the Auto Exposure, Auto Gain and Auto White Balance functions.

5.9.1

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

5.9.2

Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Enable

True

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

False

Auto functions look at the whole image

USB3 Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIEnable

Video4Linux2

Auto Functions ROI Enable

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_Value

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual31Camera Controls
Parameter

Auto Functions ROI Preset

Center 50%

Select a rectangular area in the center of the output image

USB3 Vision: GenICam

AutoFunctionsROIPreset

Video4Linux2

Auto Functions ROI Preset

VCD Property

VCDID_AutoRoi\VCDElement_AutoRoiPreset

5.10 User Sets
The 37U series cameras can store their complete configuration into built-in non-volatilememory. The camera configuration can be saved into and restored from one of two
available memory slots upon user's request. Additionally, the camera can be configured toload one of the user's camera configurations at startup.

5.10.1

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

5.10.2

Parameter

User Set Selector

UserSet1

First of the two memory slots for user configurations

UserSet2

Second of the two memory slots for user configurations

Default

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

USB3 Vision: GenICam

UserSetSelector

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

5.10.3

Parameter

Load User Set

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

USB3 Vision: GenICam

UserSetLoad

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

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual32Camera Controls

5.10.4

Parameter

Save User Set

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

USB3 Vision: GenICam

UserSetSave

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

Default User Set

UserSet1

Load configuration from the first memory slot

UserSet2

Load configuration from the second memory slot

Default

Load factory default configuration

USB3 Vision: GenICam

UserSetDefault

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual

33

Revision History
6

Revision History
Date

VersionDescription

2019/07/02 Firmware 1069

Add support for User Sets

2023/07/19

Update environmental section in quick facts chapter

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual34

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference ManualAll product and company names in this document may be trademarks and tradenames of their respective owners and are
hereby acknowledged.
The Imaging Source Europe GmbH cannot and does not take any responsibility or liability for any information contained inthis document. The source code presented in this document is exclusively used for didactic purposes. The Imaging Source
does not assume any kind of warranty expressed or implied, resulting from the use of the content of this document or thesource code.
The Imaging Source Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications, function or design at any time andwithout prior notice.
Last update: August 2023
© 2023 The Imaging Source
All rights reserved. Reprint, also in parts, only allowed with permission of The Imaging Source Europe GmbH.
All weights and dimensions are approximate. Unless otherwise specified, the lenses shown in the context of cameras are
not shipped with these cameras.

Headquarters:
The Imaging Source Europe GmbHÜberseetor 18, D-28217 Bremen, Germany
Phone: +49 421 33591-0
North & South America:
The Imaging Source, LLC
4600 Park Road, Suite 470, Charlotte, NC 28209, United States
Phone: +1 877-462-4772
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The Imaging Source Asia Co., Ltd.
3F., No. 43-7/8, Zhongxing Road
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www.theimagingsource.com

DFK 37BUR0234 Technical Reference Manual35