Dalsa DALSTAR 6M18, Dalsa DS-4x-06M18 User's Manual And Reference

DALSTAR 6M18

DS-4x-06M18

18 fps 3k x 2k

CCD Camera

User’s Manual and Reference

Document number 03-32-10017

Revision 03

6M18 Camera User’s Manual 2

© 2003 DALSA. All information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. No responsibility is
assumed by DALSA for its use. DALSA reserves the right to make changes to this information without notice.
Reproduction of this manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited without prior permission having been
obtained from DALSA.

About DALSA

DALSA is an international digital imaging solutions company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets high
performance image sensors, electronic cameras, and vision systems. DALSA products are designed to replace human
vision and act as high performance “electronic eyes” in machine visions. DALSA’s continually expanding markets
include Vision for Machines, Life Sciences, Vision Systems, and Digital Cinema. DALSA sells to Original
Equipment Manufactures (OEMs), end users, and to the scientific and research communities in Canada, the United
States, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific. Based in Waterloo, Canada, with operations in Colorado Springs, Tucson,
Munich, and Tokyo, DALSA is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “DSA”.

All DALSA products are manufactured using the latest state-of-the-art equipment to ensure product reliability. All
electronic modules and cameras are subjected to a 24 hour burn-in test.

For further information not included in this manual, or for information on DALSA’s extensive line of image sensing
products, please call:

DALSA Sales Offices

Waterloo Europe Asia Pacific

605 McMurray Rd
Waterloo, ON N2V

2E9
Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Breslauer Str. 34
D-82194 Gröbenzell

(Munich)
Germany
Tel: +49 - 8142 –

46770
Fax: +49 - 8142 –

467746
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Space G1 Building, 4F
2-40-2 Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo

171-0014
Japan
[phone]

(phone)
[phone] (fax)
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

DALSA Worldwide Operations

Waterloo

605 McMurray Rd
Waterloo, ON

N2V 2E9
Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: 519 886

8023
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Camera Link is a trademark registered by PULNiX America Inc., as chair of a committee of industry members
including DALSA.

Colorado
Springs

5055 Corporate Plaza
Drive

Colorado Springs, CO
80919

USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Tucson Europe Asia Pacific

3450 S. Broadmont Dr.
Suite #128

Tucson, AZ 85713-5245
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://lifesciences.dalsa.

com
[e-mail]

Breslauer Str. 34
D-82194 Gröbenzell

(Munich)
Germany
Tel: +49 - 8142 –

46770
Fax: +49 - 8142 –

467746
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Space G1 Building, 4F
2-40-2 Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo

171-0014
Japan
[phone]

(phone)
[phone] (fax)
www.dalsa.com
[e-mail]

Note: The enclosed information details an engineering model camera that has been made available for initial
evaluation and proof of concept for your application. It is not a production model. As such, the current camera
configuration may differ from that of a production model.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 3

Contents

Contents

ContentsContents

Introduction to the 6M18 Camera____________________________________________ 5

1.1 Camera Highlights.......................................................................................................................................................5

1.2 Image Sensor...............................................................................................................................................................6

1.3 Camera Performance Specifications ............................................................................................................................7

Camera Hardware Interface________________________________________________ 11

2.1 Installation Overview...................................................................................................................................................11

2.2 Input/Output................................................................................................................................................................11

2.3 LED Status Indicators...................................................................................................................................................12

2.4 Power Input .................................................................................................................................................................13

2.5 Power Supplies............................................................................................................................................................13

2.6 Data Output.................................................................................................................................................................14

2.7 Serial Communication .................................................................................................................................................16

2.8 Serial Communication Settings....................................................................................................................................18

2.9 TTL Trigger Input and Output .....................................................................................................................................18

2.10 Integration Time........................................................................................................................................................19

2.11 Timing .......................................................................................................................................................................19

Camera Operation ______________________________________________________ 21

3.1 How to Control the Camera .........................................................................................................................................21

3.3 Control Register Reference ..........................................................................................................................................23

3.4 Resetting the ADC boards (“soft” reset) ......................................................................................................................24

3.5 Adjusting User Gain.....................................................................................................................................................24

3.6 Automatic Offset Control (AOC)...................................................................................................................................25

3.7 Reading the Camera Type ...........................................................................................................................................26

3.8 Reading the Firmware Revision ..................................................................................................................................26

3.9 Resetting the Camera (“hard” reset)...........................................................................................................................26

3.10 Controlling Binning ...................................................................................................................................................27

3.11 Flush Before Integrate...............................................................................................................................................28

3.12 Triggering, Integration, and Frame Rate Overview ..................................................................................................28

3.13 Controlling Integration..............................................................................................................................................29

3.14 Controlling Frame Rate .............................................................................................................................................32

Optical and Mechanical Considerations________________________________________ 33

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4.1 Mechanical Interface....................................................................................................................................................33

4.2 Mechanical Tolerances.................................................................................................................................................34

4.3 Mounting the Camera..................................................................................................................................................34

Cleaning and Maintenance ________________________________________________ 35

5.1 Cleaning.......................................................................................................................................................................35

5.2 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................36

Troubleshooting________________________________________________________ 37

Warranty_____________________________________________________________ 39

7.1 Limited One-Year Warranty ........................................................................................................................................39

Index _______________________________________________________________ 41

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 5

1

Introduction to the 6M18

Introduction to the 6M18

Introduction to the 6M18Introduction to the 6M18
Camera

Camera

CameraCamera

1.1 Camera Highlights

Features

• 3072 x 2048 resolution, Full-frame
CCD architecture.

• 18 fps four channel at full resolution,
4 x 40 MHz data rate

• True 12-bit digitization

• Progressive scan readout

• Asynchronous image capture, externally triggerable to within 200ns.

• Available with F-mount or M72x1 mount.

• Selectable binning

• Programmable operation via RS232, including gain (1x and 10x) , binning, and triggering

• 100% fill factor

Description

The 6M18 digital camera provides high-sensitivity 12-bit images with 3k x 2k spatial resolution at
up to 18 frames per second (fps). The 6M18 is a Full Frame CCD camera using a progressive scan
CCD to simultaneously achieve outstanding resolution and gray scale characteristics. A square
pixel format and high fill factor provide superior, quantifiable image quality even at low light
levels.

Applications

The 6M18 is an outstanding performer in fast, very high resolution applications. True 12 bit
performance provides up to 4096 distinct gray levels—perfect for applications with large
interscene light variations. The low-noise, digitized video signal also makes the camera an
excellent choice where low contrast images must be captured in challenging applications.

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1.2 Image Sensor

Figure 1: Image Sensor Block Diagram

6 black lines

Image Area

3072 active pixels

20 pixels

4

77

Output Amplifier

3120 cells

Output Register

3134 cells

2048
active
lines

6 black lines

2060
lines

20 pixels

4

Table 1: Sensor Characteristics

Sensor characteristics

Optical size 36.864mm (H)x24.576 mm (V)

Chip size 39.148 mm (H)x26.508 mm (V)

Pixel size 12µm x 12µm

Active pixels 3072 (H) x 2048 (V)

Total number of pixels 3120 (H) x 2060 (V)

Optical black pixels Left: 20 Right: 20

Timing pixels Left: 4 Right: 4

Dummy register cells Left: 7 Right: 7

Optical black lines Bottom: 6 Top: 6

Table 2: Sensor Cosmetic Specifications

i

TEST CONDITIONS

Temperature:

Temperature: 35°C

Temperature:Temperature:

Integration Time:

Integration Time: 10 ms

Integration Time:Integration Time:

Type Allowable Blemishes

Columns 1

Clusters 6

Pixels 36

Definition of blemishes

Pixel defect

• Pixel whose signal, at nominal light (illumination at 50% of the linear range), deviates more

than ±30% from its neighboring pixels.

• Pixel whose signal, in dark, deviates more than 6mV from its neighboring pixels (about 1% of
nominal light).

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 7

Cluster defect

• A grouping of pixel defects where within a sub area of 3*3 pixels there are at most 5 present.

Column or row defect

• A column or row which has more than 12 pixel defects.

• Column defects must be horizontally separated by 3 columns.

• Row defects are not allowed.

1.3 Camera Performance Specifications

Table 3: 6M18 Camera Performance Specifications

Physical
Characteristics

Resolution H x V pixels 3072x2048

Pixel Size µm 12x12

Chip Working Area mm 36.86 x 24.57

Pixel Fill Factor % 100

Image Sensor Grade Industrial Grade See Table 2:

Size mm 146x92x105

Mass kg 1.05

Power Dissipation W < 27

Output Data Format LVDS 4 x 12 Bit, LVDS 1

Serial Port Setup 9600 8N1

Serial Data Format Hexadecimal

Lens Mount F-mount

Cooling Fan Present

Units Notes

Sensor Cosmetic
Specifications

and M72x1mm

Operating Ranges Units Min. Max.

Data Rate MHz 4 x 40 4 x 40

Operating Temp °C 10 40

+15 Input Voltage V +14.25 +15.75

+5 Input Voltage V +4.975 +5.25

-5 Input Voltage V - 4.75 - 5.25

Nominal Gain Range X 1x 10x

Binning Modes Default Min Max

Horizontal Binning 1x 2x 4x

Vertical Binning 1x 2x 4x

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 8

Calibration

Units Setting Min. Max. Notes

Conditions

Data Rate MHz 4x40 4x40 4x40

+15 Input Voltage V +15 +14.925 +15.075 2

+5 Input Voltage V +5 +4.975 +5.025 2

-5 Input Voltage V - 5 - 4.975 - 5.025 2

Binning Mode 1x1

Ambient
Temperature

Gain X 1x

Electro-Optical

°C 25

Units Min. Typical Max. Notes

Specifications

Quantum Efficiency
@ 530nm

Dark Current
Generation @ 30C

Dark Offset DN 40 50 60

Dynamic Range 1850:1 2500:1

System Noise DN(rms) 1.5 2.0

Saturation Output
Amplitude

Maximum Full frame
Rate

Integration time at
Max Frame Rate

FPN DN(rms) 1.5 2.0 3

PRNU % 0.5 5 4

Responsivity @
530nm

Notes:

Notes:

Notes:Notes:

% 20 26

e-/pix/sec 305

DN 3700 3800

Fps 18

mSec 1.4

DN/(nj/cm2) 32 36 41

1. Each of the 60 Pin Molex connectors contains 2 12 bit data words synchronized
to 1 set of control signals.

2. Max supply ripple for Performance specs <5mV

3. FPN = Fixed Pattern Noise defined by the following equation:

FPN(DNrms)=Std_dev(Dark_image(i,j))

Dark_image(i,j)= pixel by pixel average of a statistically significant number of data frames in
darkness

Std_dev= Standard deviation

4. PRNU= Photo Response Nonuniformity defined by the following equation:

PRNU(%) = [Std_dev (illuminated_50(i,j)) / (mean(Illuminated_sat(i,j))­mean(Dark_average(i,j)))] x 100

illuminated_50(i,j)= pixel by pixel average image of a statistically significant number of
images at 50% illumination

illuminated_sat(i,j)= pixel by pixel average image a statistically significant number of
saturated frames

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 9

Dark_average(i,j)= pixel by pixel average image of a statistically significant number of data
frames in darkness

Std_dev= standard deviation

mean = mean of all pixels (i,j)

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 11

2

Camera Hardware

Camera Hardware

Camera HardwareCamera Hardware
Interface

Interface

InterfaceInterface

2.1 Installation Overview

In order to set up your camera, you should take these initial steps:

This installation
overview assumes you
have not installed any
system components yet.

1. Power down all equipment.

2. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, install the frame grabber (if applicable). Be sure to
observe all static precautions.

3. Install any necessary imaging software.

4. Before connecting power to the camera, test all power supplies. Ensure that all the correct
voltages are present at the camera end of the power cable (the Camera Performance
Specifications earlier in this document lists appropriate voltages). Power supplies must meet
the requirements defined in section 2.4 Power Input.

5. Inspect all cables and connectors prior to installation. Do not use damaged cables or
connectors or the camera may be damaged.

6. Connect data, serial interface, and power cables.

7. After connecting cables, apply power to the camera. The POST (power on self test) LED on
the back of the camera should glow green after one second to indicate that the camera is
operating and ready to receive commands.

2.2 Input/Output

The camera provides 12-bit LVDS data and synchronization signals through the data output
connector. Camera functions such as integration time, binning and camera gain are all controllable
by the user via RS232 serial port. The camera is capable of free running operation or may be
triggered externally via the input TRIGGER IN. TRIGGER OUT allows the synchronization of
shutters or illumination sources in free running or externally triggered modes.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 12

Figure 2: Camera Inputs/Outputs

Power supply input

Power supply input

Channel C & D Output

ON

P
O
W
E
R

D
A
T
A
2

Channel A & B output

D
A
T
A
1

S/N ________________

LED Status indicators

PST

BIN

MODE

I

T

N

R
I
G
G
E

O
U

R

T

S
E
R
I
A
L

LED Status indicators

Trigger input & output

Serial port

2.3 LED Status Indicators

There are three LED’s visible on the rear cover of the camera that indicate the status of the camera.

Table 4: LED Functions

LED Label Color LED “ON” LED “OFF”

POST Green Camera Power On Self Test

successful

BIN Green Camera is operating in a

binning mode

MODE Green Camera is in an external trigger

mode (uses external signal to
trigger image capture)

Camera failed Power On Self
Test

Camera is operating unbinned
(1x1)

Camera is triggering image
capture internally

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 13

2.4 Power Input

Table 5: Power Connector Pinout

Pin Symbol

1 +5V

2+5V

3 - 5V

4+15V

5 NC

6NC

7 GND

8GND

9 +5V

10 - 5V

11 +15V

12 +15V

13 NC

14 GND

15 GND

(AMP Part # 747236-4 or

(AMP Part # 747236-4 or

(AMP Part # 747236-4 or(AMP Part # 747236-4 or
equivalent)

equivalent)

equivalent)equivalent)

1

9

15

8

DB15M

DB15M

DB15MDB15M

2.5 Power Supplies

When setting up the camera’s power supplies, follow these guidelines:

• Do not connect or disconnect cable while power is on.

• Do not use the shield on a multi-conductor cable for ground.

• Keep leads as short as possible to reduce voltage drop.

• Use high-quality linear supplies to minimize noise.

!

WARNING: It is extremely
important that you apply the
appropriate voltages to your
camera. Incorrect voltages will
damage the camera.

Table 6: 6M18 Power Requirements

V
(DC)

+15 0.5 < 5 0.40

+5 0.5 < 5 3.25

-5 0.5 < 5 0.55

Note: Performance specifications are not guaranteed if your power supply does not meet these
requirements.

Many high quality supplies are available from other vendors. DALSA assumes no responsibility
for the use of these supplies.

±%

Max Ripple mV I (A)

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 14

A

2.6 Data Output

Data channel outputs represent the CCD per the following (Image viewed from the front of the
CCD). Arrows indicate channel read out direction.

Figure 3: Sensor tap read out direction

B

C

The camera back panel output connectors DATA1 and DATA2 utilize differential LVDS signals
with pin assignments as follows:

D

Connector and Pinout

Figure 4: DATA1 Connector Pinout

Table 7: DATA1 Connector Pinout

Pin Symbol Pin Symbol Pin Symbol Pin Symbol

1 DA0+ 16 Reserved 31 DB8- 46 GND

2 DA0- 17 DA7+ 32 DB8+ 47 DB11-

3 DA1+ 18 DA7- 33 DB7- 48 DB11+

4 DA1- 19 DA8+ 34 DB7+ 49 DB10-

5 DA2+ 20 DA8- 35 DB6- 50 DB10+

6 DA2- 21 DA9+ 36 DB6+ 51 DB9-

7 DA3+ 22 DA9- 37 DB5- 52 DB9+

8 DA3- 23 DA10+ 38 DB5+ 53 Reserved

9 DA4+ 24 DA10- 39 DB4- 54 Reserved

10 DA4- 25 DA11+ 40 DB4+ 55 VSYNC-

11 DA5+ 26 DA11- 41 DB3- 56 VSYNC+

12 DA5- 27 DB0+ 42 DB3+ 57 HSYNC-

13 DA6+ 28 DB0- 43 DB2- 58 HSYNC+

14 DA6- 29 DB1+ 44 DB2+ 59 PIXCLK-

15 Reserved 30 DB1- 45 GND 60 PIXCLK+

15

16

45

46

60

31

30

1

(Molex Part # 70928-2000 or equivalent)

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 15

Figure 5: DATA2 Connector

15

16

45

46

60

31

30

1

(Molex Part # 70928-2000 or equivalent)

Table 8: DATA2 Connector Pinout

Pin Symbol Pin Symbol Pin Symbol Pin Symbol

1 DC0+ 16 Reserved 31 DD8- 46 GND

2 DC0- 17 DC7+ 32 DD8+ 47 DD11-

3 DC1+ 18 DC7- 33 DD7- 48 DD11+

4 DC1- 19 DC8+ 34 DD7+ 49 DD10-

5 DC2+ 20 DC8- 35 DD6- 50 DD10+

6 DC2- 21 DC9+ 36 DD6+ 51 DD9-

7 DC3+ 22 DC9- 37 DD5- 52 DD9+

8 DC3- 23 DC10+ 38 DD5+ 53 Reserved

9 DC4+ 24 DC10- 39 DD4- 54 Reserved

10 DC4- 25 DC11+ 40 DD4+ 55 VSYNC-

11 DC5+ 26 DC11- 41 DD3- 56 VSYNC+

12 DC5- 27 DD0+ 42 DD3+ 57 HSYNC-

13 DC6+ 28 DD0- 43 DD2- 58 HSYNC+

14 DC6- 29 DD1+ 44 DD2+ 59 PIXCLK-

15 Reserved 30 DD1- 45 GND 60 PIXCLK+

WARNING. Care must be taken when connecting Data cables to the camera to insure proper

!

connection and to prevent damage to the connector.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 16

Data Signals

Table 9: Data Signal Definition

Signal Description

D*0+, D*0- Data bit 0 true and complement--Output. (Least significant

bit)

D*1+, D*1- Data bit 1 true and complement--Output.

IMPORTANT:

This camera uses the

falling

falling edge of the

falling falling

pixel clock to register
data.

D*2+, D*2- Data bit 2 true and complement--Output.

D*3-D*10+,­etc.

D*11+,
D*11-

Digitized video data is output from the camera as LVDS differential signals using two Molex 60­pin connectors on the rear panel (labeled “DATA1” and “DATA2”). The data is synchronous and
is accompanied by a pixel clock and clocking signals.

Note:

Note: Data frequency is dependent on binning mode. Reference section 3.12 – Triggering,

Note:Note:

Integration, and Frame Rate Overview.

Etc.

Data bit 11 true and complement--Output. (Most significant
bit)

Data Clocking Signals

Table 10: Clock Signal Descriptions

Signal Description

PIXCLK+, PIXCLK- Pixel clock true and complement. 40MHz (unbinned) -- Output.

Data is valid on the falling edge. Note that data and PIXCLK
frequency is dependent on binning mode. Reference section 3.12 –
Triggering, Integration, and Frame Rate Overview

HSYNC+, HSYNC- Horizontal sync, true and complement--Output.

HSYNC high indicates the camera is outputting a valid line of
data. The number of valid lines in a frame depends on binning
mode. Reference section 3.12 – Triggering, Integration, and Frame
Rate Overview.

VSYNC+, VSYNC- Vertical sync, true and complement--Output.

VSYNC high indicates the camera is outputting a valid frame of
data.

2.7 Serial Communication

Connector and Pinout

The serial interface provides control of integration time,
video gain, pixel binning, external trigger and external
integration (for information on how to control these
functions, see section 3.1 How to Control the Camera on page

21). The remote interface consists of a two-wire (plus

ground) full duplex RS-232 compatible serial link, used for
camera configuration, and two back panel SMA coax
connectors used for external trigger input and output

RXDTXDGND

RJ-11

View into female jack

6-position with 4 conductors

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 17

The camera uses an RJ-11 telephone-style connector for serial communications, with four
conductors installed in a six-position connector. Note that both four- and six- conductor plugs may
be used interchangeably with the RJ-11 jack.

IMPORTANT: Both the PC/AT and the camera are configured as “DTE” (Data Terminal Equipment)

!

devices requiring the TXD and RXD lines to be swapped when interconnecting the two (note that
pin 4, normally the yellow wire, is not used on the RJ-11.) That is, the TXD pin represents DATA
OUT and the RXD pin represents DATA IN on both devices, so that one device’s TXD line must
connect to the other device’s RXD line and vice-versa.

Figure 6: 25 Pin Serial Port Connector to Camera RJ-11 Connector

Figure 7: 9 Pin Serial Port Connector to Camera RJ-11 Connector

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 18

2.8 Serial Communication Settings

The serial interface operates at RS-232 levels with
fixed parameters of 9600 baud, 1 start bit, 8 data bits,
1 stop bit, and no parity. The interface uses only three
wires, for received data, transmitted data, and ground.
In general writing data must start with a write
command byte and be followed by a data byte.
Reading a camera register requires only a single read
command byte.

WARNING: Due to initialization sequencing after power-

!

up, no commands should be sent to the camera for a
minimum of 1 second after power up.

The remote interface connector, on the cameras rear panel,
is specified as a low-profile RJ-11 modular connector. The
connector is a 6-position model, but only the center four
positions are populated with contacts. It will mate with
either the 4-position or 6-position cable plugs. This type of
connector typically requires special assembly tools;
complete cable assemblies are available from suppliers
such as Digi-Key:

DALSA provides serial cables in 3 lengths: 10’, 20’ and 50’. Part number CL-31-00004-xx

(where xx refers to the cable length in feet).

Serial Port
Configuration

Baud 9600, fixed

Start bits 1

Data bits 8

Stop bits 1

Parity None

Serial Cable Source

Digi-Key

701 Brooks Ave. South
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
1-800-344-4539
cable part number:
H2643-14-ND (14 feet)

2.9 TTL Trigger Input and Output

Connector

The camera uses an SMA connector (labeled TRIGGER IN) to allow the user to provide a standard
TTL signal to control camera integration and readout. The input is high impedance (>10K)
allowing the user to terminate at the SMA input as needed. The camera has another SMA
connector (TRIGGER OUT) that provides a standard TTL output which is high whenever the
camera is integrating.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 19

Figure 8: Trigger Timing Description

Min. 10 µs

TTL Trigger Input

175ns

+/- 25

2.10 Integration Time

The minimum integration time is 10 µs. As with any full frame imager, the camera will continue to

integrate during read out unless externally shuttered or strobed.

2.11 Timing

VSYNC

HSYNC

PIXEL
CLOCK

IMPORTANT:

This camera uses the

falling

falling edge of the pixel

falling falling

clock to register data.

The 6M18 pixel clock runs at 40 MHz, so each pixel clock cycle will be 1/40,000,000 or 25 Ns.
The following diagram and tables describe the correct timing requirements for the 6M18 camera.

Figure 9: 6M18 Timing
Table 11: HSYNC Pixel Timing

A

Horizontal
Binning
Mode

1x 11 26 1536 13 518 0

2x 5 16 768 4 539 0

4x 3 6 384 3 550 0

B

1

A B C D E F

C

23

C

D

E

F

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 20

Table 12: VSYNC Pixel Timing (HSYNC falling edges/VSYNC falling edge)

Vertical
Binning
Mode

1x 6 1024 0

2x 3 512 0

4x 2 256 0

“A” represents the number of falling clock edges from the rising edge of VSYNC to the rising

edge of HSYNC.

“B” represents the number of falling clock edges prior to the first word. (Pre-Scan pixels)

“C” represents the number of words per line.

“D” represents the number of falling clock edges between the last word and the falling edge of

HSYNC. (Post-Scan pixels)

“E” represents the number of falling clock edges between a falling HSYNC and a rising HSYNC.

“F” represents the number of falling clock edges from the falling edge of HSYNC to the falling

edge of VSYNC

Pre-Scan
Lines/Frame

Active
Lines/Frame

Post Scan
Lines/Frame

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 21

3

Camera Operation

Camera Operation

Camera OperationCamera Operation

3.1 How to Control the Camera

The 6M18’s RS-232-compatible serial interface allows you to control its configuration and
operation, including:

• Triggering Mode

• Binning

• Integration Time

•Gain

• Reset

Command Protocol Overview

The camera accepts 8-bit command/value pairs via its
RJ-11 serial port using RS-232 compatible signals.

Camera commands are divided into two basic sets:

• “ADC” commands, which apply to the
electronics that process and digitize the video.
These include gain and offset. ADC commands
are board specific, and changing all four
channels requires commands to be sent to both
ADC boards.

• “Control Register” commands which apply to the electronics that drive the image sensor.
These include clock generation, frame rate, integration time, and binning. A single control
register command effects the entire camera.

Each set of commands includes read and write variants. With the exception of reset commands, all
8-bit write commands must be followed by an 8-bit data byte. The commands are interpreted as
follows:

Serial Port
Configuration

Baud 9600, fixed

Start bits 1

Data bits 8

Stop bits 1

Parity None

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 22

3.2 ADC Commands

!

WARNING:

WARNING: Any

WARNING:WARNING:

commands not listed
should be considered
invalid. Writing to
invalid addresses may
overwrite camera
calibration information,
requiring the camera to
be returned for
recalibration.

WARNING:

WARNING: Due to

WARNING:WARNING:

initialization
sequencing after
power-up, no
commands should be
sent to the camera for a
minimum of 1 second
after power up.

The following table defines the ADC command format.

Table 13: ADC Command bit definition

Bit Function

0:3 ADC Command (Reference Table 12)

4:5 ADC Board Address

00 = ADC Board 1 (Channels A & B)
01 = ADC Board 2 (Channels C & D)

6 Command Type

0 = Write
1 = Read

7 Board Type

0 = ADC Board
1 = Clock Board

The following table lists all valid ADC Commands available to the user. Any commands not listed
should be considered invalid to the 6M18 user.

Table 14: Summary of ADC Commands

Control Write Command Read Command Channel Function

Hex Binary Hex Binary

ADC *0h 00** 0000 NA NA A&B or Resets ADC

Gain

*2h 00** 0010 *2h 01** 0010 A or C LS byte of 16 bit

(*) indicates actual value is
dependent on the selected
channel

*3h 00** 0011 *3h 01** 0011 A or C MS byte of 16 bit

*6h 00** 0110 *6h 01** 0110 B or D LS byte of 16 bit

*7h 00** 0111 *7h 01** 0111 B or D MS byte of 16 bit

AOC

*Ah 00** 1010 *Ah 01** 1010 A&B or

*Bh 00** 1011 *Bh 01** 1011 A&B or

*Ch 00** 1100 *Ch 01** 1100 A&B or

*Dh 00** 1101 *Dh 01** 1101 A&B or

The following sections discuss these commands in detail.

C&D

C&D

C&D

C&D

user controllable
gain

AOC Set Point

LS byte of AOC
initial value

MS byte of AOC
initial value

AOC Loop Gain

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 23

3.3 Control Register Reference

A number of functions and modes depend on the control register settings. These settings are
detailed in the following sections.

The “Write Control Register” command is used to write a register that controls specific camera
triggering and test functions. This command must be followed by a data byte with bits defined as
shown in the following table.

The “Read Control Register” command allows interrogation of the camera to determine current
configuration of the control register.

Table 15: Control Register Bit Definitions

Register

Write
Command

Reset 80h NA 7:0 Resets all registers to

Read
Command

Bit Function Default

NA

default values

Camera
Type

Firmware
Rev

Register 1 82h C2h

NA C3h 7:0 Read camera type 4Dh

NA C5h 7:0 Read firmware

Fxh

revision

7 Integration Mode

0=Internal
1=External

6:4 Always 0 00

3 Trigger Mode

0=Internal
1=External

2 Flush Before

Integrate
0 = Charge is flushed

between frames
1 = Flushing disabled

(bit [7] must =1)

1 Always 0 0

0 Serial Syn Bit 0

0

0

0

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 24

Register Write

Command

Register 2 85h NA

Write
Integration
Time LS

Write
Integration

nd

Time 2

Write
Integration
Time MS

8Ah NA 7:0 LS byte of 24 bit

8Bh NA 7:0 2nd byte of 24 bit

8Ch NA 7:0 MS byte of 24 bit

Read
Command

Bit Function Default

7Always 0 0

6:4 Vertical Binning

001 = 1x
010 = 2x
100 = 4x

3Always 0 0

2:0 Horizontal Binning

001 = 1x
010 = 2x
100 = 4x

integration time

integration time

integration time

001

001

2Bh

FCh

00b

3.4 Resetting the ADC boards (“soft” reset)

When this command is issued, the microprocessor on the ADC board will jump to the beginning of
code and start execution as if the micro was just powered up. This causes the dark reference
control loop to restart at its initial values before settling in to the calibrated dark reference level of
approximately 50 counts. This is useful because under some conditions, issuing a soft reset to the
ADC board’s microprocessor after camera operating conditions have changed will improve the rate
at which the offset control loop pulls into the calibrated level. The reset will effect both channels
on a single board.

This is one of only two “write” commands that are not followed by a data byte.

Example

Use this command to reset ADC Board 2 (Channels C & D):

Command Value

Binary 0001 0000 -

Hex 10h -

3.5 Adjusting User Gain

Video gain is adjustable from 1x to10x by writing a 16 bit value as an MS and LS byte (only the
14 most significant bits of this value are actually used). The gain for a single channel on an ADC

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 25

board can be adjusted with a single command set. Adjusting all four ADC channels requires four
command sets. The value is calculated according to the following equation:

Value ≅≅≅≅ 32768 ×××× log10(Gain)
Where 1 ≤≤≤≤ Gain ≤≤≤≤ 10

Example: Set ADC Channel B to 5x Gain

Use these command/value pairs set the camera to 5x gain (you must write both MSB and LSB
values).

Value ≅≅≅≅ 32768 ×××× log10(5)
Value = 22903

= 5977h

Write MSB Write LSB

Command Value Command Value

Binary 0000 0111 0101 1001 0000 0110 0111 0111

Hex 07h 59h 06h 77h

Reading User Gain from ADC Channel C

To read the gain setting from the camera, use these commands:

Read
MSB

Binary 0101 0011 0101 0010

Hex 53 52

Note: At any gain setting, the CCD imager is subject to blooming when it is over illuminated. To
remedy over illumination, reduce the integration time or select a higher f-stop value

Read LSB

3.6 Automatic Offset Control (AOC)

The AOC defines the digitized value of black for the camera. An ideal camera (no dark current, no
shot noise, etc.) in total darkness produces an image with all pixels equal to the AOC set point
value. This command allows you to control the AOC set point of the ADC video board. The two
ADC video boards in the 6M18 can each be controlled independently. Both channels on the single
board will be affected. Normally both boards are controlled with the same set point value. The
default value is 50 DN, or counts.

Example: Set ADC Board 1 (Channel A & B) AOC Set Point to 32
DNs

Value = 32

= 20h

Binary 0000 1010 0010 0000

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Command Value

6M18 Camera User’s Manual 26

Hex 0Ah 20

3.7 Reading the Camera Type

This read command returns an 8-bit value unique to the type of camera interrogated. A 6M18 will
return a value of 4Dh when this command is issued. This is useful for applications that need to
function with multiple DALSTAR camera types.

Example: Read the camera type

Command Value Returned

(6M18)

Binary 1100 0011 0100 1101

Hex C3h 4Dh

3.8 Reading the Firmware Revision

This command returns a byte in which the lower nibble is the revision number for the clock board
firmware and the upper nibble is undefined. The ability to read this value may assist in customer
support issues.

Example: Read the firmware version

Command

Binary 1100 0101

Hex C5h

3.9 Resetting the Camera (“hard” reset)

This is the only other “write” command that is not followed by a data byte. This command resets
all clock board and ADC board registers to their default values (the values used at power-up).

Table 16: Default values in effect after reset

Feature

Frame Rate (fps) 18

Integration Time (ms) 5

Resolution (pixels) 3072x2048

Video Gain 1x

Binning Mode 1x1

Pixel Offset 50

Synchronization INTERNAL

Integration Control INTERNAL

Data Rate (MHz) 4x40

6M18
Default

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Example

Use this command to reset the camera:

Command Value

Binary 1000 0000 -

Hex 80h -

3.10 Controlling Binning

Binning increases the camera’s light sensitivity by decreasing horizontal and vertical resolution—
the charge collected by adjacent pixels is added together.

Figure 10: 2x2 Binning

More charge

brighter pixel

q3

q1

Charge in

4 adjacent pixels

=

q4

q2

2

q1

+

q2

+

q3

+

q4

1

Charge binned:

1 pixel output

a

Normal image Binned image

a

The 6M18 is capable of 1x, 2x, or 4x binning in the horizontal dimension, and 1x, 2x and 4x
binning in the vertical dimension. Horizontal and vertical binning can be controlled independently
(e.g. this allows combinations such as 2v x 1h or 1v x 4h). The default value for the binning is 1x1.

To enable binning, you must write a command (85h) to Register 2, followed by a data byte that
defines how many horizontal and vertical pixels to bin.

The binning command must be followed by a data byte where bits 0 through 2 (H nibble) define
the vertical binning mode and bits 4 through 6 (V nibble) define the horizontal binning mode. Bits
3 and 7 are unused. Reference Table 13 for valid data bits. All invalid commands will default to
1x1 binning.

Example: Setting the camera to 2x2 binning mode

H nibble = 2 = 010

V nibble = 2 = 010

∴ data byte =

Command Value

Binary 1000 0101 0010 0010

Hex 85h 22h

0010 0010

V nibble

H nibble

unused

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 28

Whenever the camera is in binning mode, the BIN LED on the right side of the rear cover will
light to indicate other than 1x1 binning.

Lines per image

Vertical binning affects the number of lines per image. The following table summarizes the total
number of lines per frame versus the total number of usable lines per frame as a function of the
vertical binning mode.

Table 17: Lines per Frame Versus Vertical Binning

Vertical binning 1x 2x 4x

Total lines per frame 1030 515 258

Usable image lines per frame 1024 512 256

The difference between the total number of lines and the uesable image lines is a result of 6
masked (dark) lines at the top of each channel the CCD array. These lines must be read out to
completely clear the CCD for the next integration. In all cases the first lines read out are the valid
image lines and the remainder are invalid.

3.11 Flush Before Integrate

There is no way to prevent the CCD imager from integrating (accumulating charge due to light
falling on the imager). Under some conditions this will cause the image to show smearing in the
vertical direction unless something is done to prevent this. In order to prevent this, by default, the
camera flushes the image area clean by performing a rapid transfer of the charge out of the
imaging area of the CCD immediately before the start of each integration period. This transfer
requires approximately 1.2 mS of time.

Under some conditions, this 1.2 mS time delay before the start of the integration period is
undesirable. An example would be when the user desires to synchronize the integration to an
external event. This mode is only functional when in External Integration mode. In external
Integration Modes, the user can disable the Flush Before Integrate Mode by setting bit 2 in
Register 1 = 1.

3.12 Triggering, Integration, and Frame Rate
Overview

Image capture triggering, integration, and frame rate are closely related.

• You can program fixed integration and frame rates (or use defaults) and let the camera “free

run.”

• You can program fixed integration time and supply a (asynchronous) trigger signal to control

frame rate by supplying a TTL pulse on the SMA connector. This is referred to as
“Programmed Integration/External Trigger Mode.”

• You can also have the camera integrate as long as an asynchronous TTL pulse is held high.

This pulse will therefore control both integration time and frame rate. This is also known as
“External Integrate Mode.”

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For a given frame rate, the maximum integration time is limited to the frame period less an
overhead factor required for proper operation of the CCD. Maximum integration time is defined
by this equation:

Integration Time < (1/Frame Rate) – Readout Time

This equation is valid for all binning modes, free running, external trigger and external integrate
modes.

Note that binning mode impacts the Read Time and limits Integration Time.

!

WARNING: Do not set integration time higher than the limits of the equation above. Unpredictable
operation may result

Table 18: Integration/Frame Rate Limits

Vertical
Binning

1 x 53.8 18 4 x 40

2 x 34.2 28 4 x 20

4 x 24.2 39 4 x 10

The default integration time was chosen to give a frame rate of 18 fps (see section 3.14
Controlling Frame Rate). Changing the integration time involves writing to the three integration
time registers.

Read out Time
(mS)

Max Frame Rate Data Rate (MHz)

3.13 Controlling Integration

The 6M18 allows you to control integration (also known as exposure time) in five ways.

• Programmed Integration/Free Running: (default) The camera free runs with the internally

programmed integration time and frame rate

• Programmed Integration/SMA Trigger: The camera will integrate for the internally

programmed time when triggered by a TTL high pulse on the SMA connector.

• Programmed Integration/Serial trigger: The camera will integrate for the internally

programmed time when triggered by high signal on the serial interface.

• External Integration/SMA Trigger: The camera will integrate as long as the TTL pulse on

the TRIGGER IN SMA connector is high. The integration time is effectively the input pulse
width. In this mode, TRIGGER IN also controls the frame rate.

• External Integration/Serial Trigger: The camera will integrate as long as the serial bit is

held high. The integration time is effectively the input pulse width. In this mode, the serial
signal also controls the frame rate. Due to variation in the host operating system, this mode is
generally used only for camera setup and functional testing.

The register settings required for each mode are defined in the following table.

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Table 19: Integration/Trigger Modes

Mode Control

Register
Bit [7]
INTEGRATE

Programmed Integration/Free Running 0 0

Programmed Integration/SMA Trigger 0 1

Programmed Integration/Serial Trigger 0 1

External Integration/SMA Trigger 1 1

External Integration/Serial Trigger 1 1

Whenever the Integrate Mode or External Trigger Mode bits are set the MODE LED on the right
side of the rear cover will light to indicate that an externally synchronized mode is active.

Control
Register

Bit [3]
EXT Trigger

Free Running (Programmed Integration):

This mode is the camera’s default. The camera speed is controlled by writing a 3-byte integration
time value (in µs) to the three Integration Time registers. These three bytes are then combined to
form a 24 bit integration time. The number represents the integer number of microseconds the
camera will collect light. The number programmed in the three registers should not be below 10

µS (0000Ah). The camera will run at maximum speed for the programmed integration time.

The camera’s default integration time value is 5 ms which achieve 18 fps.

Example: Set integration time to 1000ms

1. Using the command 82h, set bit [7] of the data byte to 0 (Integration Mode = Internal) and bit

[3] of the data byte to 0 (Trigger Mode = Internal).

NOTE: All bits within the register are written at one time. Ensure the correct value for all
bits are used when changing camera modes.

2. Use commands 8Ah, 8Bh, 8Ch to set the 24-bit integration time value.

Value = 1000ms

= 1000000µs

= 0F4240h.

Write Integration LS
Byte

Command Value Command Value Command Value

Binary 1000 1010 0100 0000 1000 1011 0100 0010 1000 1100 0000 1111

Hex 8Ah 40h 8Bh 42h 8Ch 0Fh

Write Integration
Center Byte

Write Integration
MS Byte

Programmed Integration/SMA Trigger

For external SMA controlled triggering with a programmed integration time, a TTL rising edge on
the TRIGGER IN (or SYNC) signal triggers the camera to acquire one frame of data. Integration
begins within 200ns after the rising edge and stops when the programmed integration time has
completed. After that single frame acquisition, the camera outputs the just acquired frame and “re­arms”, thus waiting for a new External Trigger signal to trigger a new frame acquisition. The

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 31

camera is “armed” when the read out of the acquired frame is completed. No additional rising
edges, or triggers, should be allowed during the image acquisition or frame read out.

When the camera is in External Trigger Mode, the Frame LED will be illuminated on the camera
back to indicate the camera is expecting a signal on the SMA connector or serial bit [0] of register

1.

Because this signal is internally OR’ed with the Serial Trigger input, care must be taken to ensure
the serial bit [0] of register 1 is equal to a logic 0 while in SMA Trigger mode.

Programmed Integration/Serial Trigger

For external serial controlled triggering with a programmed integration time, a TTL rising edge on
bit [0] of serial register 1 triggers the camera to acquire one frame of data. Integration begins
within 200ns after the rising edge and stops when the programmed integration time has completed.
After that single frame acquisition, the camera outputs the just acquired frame and “re-arms”, thus
waiting for a new External Trigger signal to trigger a new frame acquisition. The camera is
“armed” when the read out of the acquired frame is completed. No additional rising edges, or
triggers, should be allowed during the image acquisition or frame read out.

When the camera is in External Trigger Mode, the Frame LED will be illuminated on the camera
back to indicate the camera is expecting a signal on the SMA connector or serial bit [0] of register

1.

Because this signal is internally OR’ed with the TRIGGER IN Sync input, care must be taken to
ensure the TRIGGER IN signal is equal to a logic 0 while in Serial Trigger mode.

External Integration/SMA Trigger

When in External Integrate/SMA mode, a TTL rising edge on the TRIGGER IN (or SYNC)
signal triggers the camera to acquire one frame of data. Integration begins within 200 ns after the
rising edge and stops within 550 ns after the falling edge. After that single frame acquisition, the
camera outputs the just acquired frame and “re-arms”, thus waiting for a new External Trigger
signal to trigger a new frame acquisition. The camera is “armed” when the read out of the
acquired frame is completed. No additional rising edges, or triggers, should be allowed during the
image acquisition or frame read out. This means in this mode TRIGGER IN necessarily controls
both integration and frame rate.

When the camera is in External Trigger Mode, the Frame LED will be illuminated on the camera
back to indicate the camera is expecting a signal on the SMA connector or serial bit [0] of register

1.

Because this signal is internally OR’ed with the Serial Trigger input, care must be taken to ensure
the serial bit [0] of register 1 is equal to a logic 0 while in SMA Trigger mode.

External Integration/Serial Trigger

When in External Integration/Serial mode, a TTL rising edge on serial bit [0] of register 1 triggers
the camera to acquire one frame of data. Due to variation in the host operating system, this mode is
generally used only for camera setup and functional testing. Integration begins within 200 ns after
the rising edge and stops within 550 ns after the falling edge. After that single frame acquisition,
the camera outputs the just acquired frame and “re-arms”, thus waiting for a new External Trigger
signal to trigger a new frame acquisition. The camera is “armed” when the read out of the
acquired frame is completed. No additional rising edges, or triggers, should be allowed during the
image acquisition or frame read out.

This means in this mode TRIGGER IN necessarily controls both integration and frame rate.

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When the camera is in External Trigger Mode, the Frame LED will be illuminated on the camera
back to indicate the camera is expecting a signal on the SMA connector or serial bit [0] of register

1.

Because this signal is internally OR’ed with the TRIGGER IN Sync input, care must be taken to
ensure the TRIGGER IN signal is equal to a logic 0 while in Serial Trigger mode.

3.14 Controlling Frame Rate

The 6M18 allows you to control frame rate in three ways.

• Free Running: (default) The camera free runs with the internally programmed integration

time.

• External Trigger/Internal Integration: The camera frame rate will be controlled by the

TTL pulse on the TRIGGER IN SMA connector. The camera will integrate for the
programmed integration time. (Reference section 3.13 Controlling Integration Mode)

• External Integration: The camera frame rate will be controlled by the TTL pulse on the

TRIGGER IN SMA connector. The camera will integrate fas long as the pulse is held high. In
this mode, TRIGGER IN also controls integration. (Reference section 3.13 Controlling
Integration Mode)

Free Running

This mode is the camera’s default. The camera will operate at the maximum frame rate for the
programmed integration time. Reference section 3.13 – Controlling Integration.

External Trigger/Programmed Integration

This is the same as External Integrate/SMA Trigger Mode. Reference to section 3.13 Controlling
Integration Mode.

Example: Set the Frame Rate to 2.5 fps

1 . Reference section 3.12 Triggering, Integration, and Frame Rate Overview to ensure the desired

frame rate can be supported for the selected binning and integration modes.

2. Using the command 81h, set bit [0] of the data byte to 0 (Integration Mode = Internal) and bit

[3] of the data byte to 1 (Trigger Mode = External).

NOTE: All bits within the register are written at one time. Ensure the correct value for all
bits are used when changing camera modes.

3 Set the desired integration time per section 3.13 – Controlling Integration.

4 Each TTL rising edge on the SMA connector will initiate a new frame of data, using the

programmed integration time. To achieve 2.5 fps, a TTL pulse must be sent to the camera
every 400 ms (1/2.5).

External Trigger/Serial Connector

This is the same as External Integrate/External Trigger Mode. Refer to section 3.13 Controlling
Integration Mode.

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4

Optical and Mechanical

Optical and Mechanical

Optical and MechanicalOptical and Mechanical
Considerations

Considerations

ConsiderationsConsiderations

4.1 Mechanical Interface

An M72-F mount adapter
is available from DALSA.
Contact DALSA sales for
more information.

Figure 11: Camera Dimensions

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 34

4.2 Mechanical Tolerances

Table 20: Mechanical Tolerances

Additional Dimensions

Center of sensor with respect to
lens mount

Planarity of lens flange to
sensor

Rotation of sensor

<.025

<.010

<.3°

4.3 Mounting the Camera

The 6M18 can be mounted via the3/8” deep, 1/4”-20 threaded tripod mount located on the bottom
of the camera.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 35

5

Cleaning and

Cleaning and

Cleaning andCleaning and
Maintenance

Maintenance

MaintenanceMaintenance

5.1 Cleaning

Electrostatic Discharge and the CCD Sensor

Charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors are metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices and
are susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Although many sensor pins have
ESD protection circuitry, the ESD protection circuitry in CCDs is typically not as effective as
those found in standard CMOS circuits.

Electrostatic charge introduced to the sensor window surface can induce charge buildup on the
underside of the window that cannot be readily dissipated by the dry nitrogen gas in the sensor
package cavity. When charge buildup occurs, surface gated photodiodes (SGPDs) may exhibit
higher image lag. Some SGPD sensors may also exhibit a highly non-uniform response when
affected by charge build-up, with some pixels displaying a much higher response when the sensor
is exposed to uniform illumination. The charge normally dissipates within 24 hours and the sensor
returns to normal operation.

Preventing ESD Damage

To prevent ESD damage, DALSA advises you to take the following handling precautions.

1. Ground yourself prior to handling CCDs.

2. Ensure that your ground and your workbench are also properly grounded. Install conductive

mats if your ground or workbench is non-conductive.

3. Use bare hands or non-chargeable cotton gloves to handle CCDs. NOTE: Rubber fingercots

can introduce electrostatic charge if the rubber comes in contact with the sensor window.

4. Handle the CCD from the edge of the ceramic package and avoid touching the sensor pins.

5. Do not touch the window, especially in the region over the imaging area.

6. Ground all tools and mechanical components that come in contact with the CCD.

7. DALSA recommends that CCDs be handled under ionized air to prevent static charge buildup.

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 36

8. Always store the devises in conductive foam. Alternatively, clamps can be used to short all

the CCD pins together before storing.

The above ESD precautions need to be followed at all times, even when there is no evidence of
CCD damage. The rate which electrostatic charge dissipates depends on numerous environmental
conditions and an improper handling procedure that does not appear to be damaging the CCDs
immediately may cause damage with a change in environmental conditions.

Protecting Against Dust, Oil, and Scratches

The CCD window is part of the optical path and should be handled like other optical components,
with extreme care.

Dust can obscure pixels, producing dark patches on the sensor response. Dust is most visible when
the illumination is collimated. The dark patches shift position as the angle of illumination changes.
Dust is normally not visible when the sensor is positioned at the exit port of an integrating sphere,
where the illumination is diffuse.

Dust can normally be removed by blowing the window surface using clean, dry, compressed air,
unless the dust particles are being held by an electrostatic charge, in which case either an ionized
blower or wet cleaning is necessary.

Oil is usually introduced during handling. Touching the surface of the window barehanded will
leave oily residues. Using rubber fingercots and rubber gloves can prevent contamination.
However, the friction between rubber and the window may produce electrostatic charge that may
damage the sensor. To avoid ESD damage and to avoid introducing oily residues, only hold the
sensor from the edges of the ceramic package and avoid touching the sensor pins and the window.

Improper handling, cleaning or storage of the sensor can cause scratches. Vacuum picking tools
should not come in contact with the window surface. CCDs should not be stored in containers
where they are not properly secured and can slide against the container.

Scratches diffract incident illumination. When exposed to uniform illumination, a sensor with a
scratched window will normally have brighter pixels adjacent to darker pixels. The location of
these pixels will change with the angle of illumination.

Cleaning the Sensor Window

1. Use clean, dry, compressed air to blow off loose particles. This step alone is usually sufficient

to clean the sensor window.

2. If further cleaning is required, use a lens wiper moistened with alcohol.

3. We recommend using lint free, ESD safe cloth wipers that do not contain particles that can

scratch the window.

4. Wipe the window carefully and slowly.

5.2 Maintenance

There are no user serviceable parts on this camera. Please contact DALSA service.

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6

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting

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7

Warranty

Warranty

WarrantyWarranty

7.1 Limited One-Year Warranty

What We Do

This product is warranted by DALSA for one year from date of original purchase. Please refer to
your Purchase Order Confirmation for details.

What is Not Covered

This warranty does not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse, or as a result
of service or modification by other than DALSA, or by hardware, software, interfacing or
peripherals not provided by DALSA. DALSA shall have no obligation to modify or update
products once manufactured. This warranty does not apply to DALSA Software Products.

Note: if the camera has a non-standard cover glass (e.g. taped) the warranty is void on the CCD.

How to Obtain Service for Your Equipment

If you want to return your product for repair, contact DALSA Technical Support in order to obtain
a Return Goods Authorization form. Repair cannot begin until the form is issued, completed, and
returned to DALSA.

DALSA Technical Support

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

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6M18 Camera User’s Manual 41

Index

Index

IndexIndex

Image Sensor, 6

A

About DALSA, 2
ADC board, 24
Aperture, 7
Applications, 5

Installation Overview, 11
Integration Mode, 30

L

LED Status Indicators, 12

B

baud, 18
BIN LED, 12
Binning, 27

C

Clocking Signals, 16
Command Protocol Overview, 21
Connector, 16, 18
connectors, 13
Connectors, 14
Control Register, 23

D

data bits, 18
Data Rate, 7
DTE, 17
Dynamic Range, 8

E

External Integrate Mode, 32, 33

F

M

Mass, 7
MODE LED, 12

O

Operating Ranges, 7
Operating Temp, 7

P

parity, 18
Physical Characteristics, 7
Pinout, 13, 15, 16
PIXCLK, 16
Pixel Size, 7
POST LED, 12
Power Dissipation, 7

R

Resetting, 24
Resolution, 7
RJ-11, 17

S

Features, 5
Firmware Revision, 26
Frame Rate, 32

G

Gain

adjusting, 25

Gain Range, 7

H

hard reset, 26
HSYNC, 16

I

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Serial Communication, 16
Size, 7
soft reset, 24
start bit, 18
State diagrams, 19
stop bit, 18

T

Technical Support, 43
telephone-style connector, 17
Temperature, 7
Timing diagrams, 19
Triggering, 29
TTL Trigger, 18

6M18 Camera User’s Manual 42

V

Video Timing, 19
VSYNC, 16

W

Warranty, 43

DALSA 03-32-10017-03