Dalsa Spyder3, Spyder3 SC-30-02K80-00-R, Spyder3 SC-30-04K80-00-R User Manual

Spyder3 Color

Bilinear Color Line Scan Camera

9-Nov-10

03-032-20059-01

www.dalsa.com

Camera Link

User’s Manual

SC-30-02K80-00-R
SC-30-04K80-00-R

2 Spyder3 Color Manual

DALSA Sales Offices

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

700 Technology Park Drive
Billerica, MA
USA, 01821
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Breslauer Str. 34
D-82194 Gröbenzell (Munich)
Germany
Tel: +49 - 8142 – 46770
Fax: +49 - 8142 – 467746
[e-mail]

Ikebukuro East 1 3F
3-4-3 Higashi Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Japan
[phone] (phone)
[phone] (fax)
[e-mail]

DALSA Research & Development Facilities

Waterloo

Montreal

Eindhoven

605 McMurray Rd
Waterloo, ON N2V 2E9
Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

7075 Place Robert-Joncas
Suite #142
St. Laurent, Quebec
Canada, H4M 2Z2
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

High Tech Campus 27 (M/S 14)
5656 AE Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

© 2010 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 high performance semiconductor and electronics company
that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets digital imaging products and

solutions, in addition to providing semiconductor products and services. DALSA‘s core

competencies are in specialized integrated circuit and electronics technology, software,
and highly engineered semiconductor wafer processing. Products and services include
image sensor components; electronic digital cameras; vision processors; image processing
software; and semiconductor wafer foundry services for use in MEMS, high-voltage
semiconductors, image sensors and mixed-signal CMOS chips. DALSA is listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DSA. The Company has its corporate offices in
Waterloo, ON and over 1000 employees world-wide.

For further information not included in this manual, or for information on DALSA‘s

extensive line of image sensing products, please call:

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Spyder3 Color Manual 3

Contents

1 Introduction _______________________________________________________ 5

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

1.2 Camera Performance Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 7

1.3 Image Sensor ............................................................................................................................................................... 9

1.4 Responsivity ................................................................................................................................................................. 9

2 Setting Up the Camera ________________________________________________ 11

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

2.2 Input / Output Connectors and LED ............................................................................................................................. 11

2.3 Power Connector .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

2.4 Camera LED ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

2.5 Camera Link Data Connector ...................................................................................................................................... 13

2.6 Camera Link Video Timing .......................................................................................................................................... 16

3 Optical, Mechanical, and Electrical Considerations _____________________________ 19

3.1 Mechanical Interface .................................................................................................................................................... 19

3.2 Optical Interface .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

3.3 Electrical Interface ....................................................................................................................................................... 23

4 Software Interface ___________________________________________________ 25

4.1 Spyder3 Camera Link ASCII Commands ...................................................................................................................... 25

4.2 First Power Up Camera Settings .................................................................................................................................. 26

4.3 Sensor Output Format ................................................................................................................................................. 29

4.4 Exposure Mode, Line Rate and Exposure Time ........................................................................................................... 31

4.5 Color Commands ......................................................................................................................................................... 40

4.6 Data Processing ........................................................................................................................................................... 42

4.7 Analog and Digital Signal Processing Chain ............................................................................................................... 43

4.8 End-of-line Sequence .................................................................................................................................................. 50

4.9 Saving and Restoring Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 52

4.10 Saving and Restoring PRNU and FPN Coefficients .................................................................................................... 53

4.11 Saving and Restoring User Settings Using X-Modem ................................................................................................ 54

4.12 Test Patterns .............................................................................................................................................................. 59

4.13 Returning Video Information .................................................................................................................................... 60

4.14 Temperature Measurement ....................................................................................................................................... 61

4.15 Voltage Measurement ................................................................................................................................................ 61

4.16 Camera Frequency Measurement .............................................................................................................................. 62

4.17 Returning the LED Status .......................................................................................................................................... 62

4.18 Returning Camera Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 62

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4.19 ASCII Commands: Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 65

4.20 Error Handling ........................................................................................................................................................... 69

4.21 Clearing Dark Current ............................................................................................................................................... 71

5 DCT GUI Interface ___________________________________________________ 79

5.1 Getting Help ................................................................................................................................................................ 79

5.2 Operating Tips ............................................................................................................................................................. 79

5.3 GUI Window ................................................................................................................................................................. 80

5.4 Detecting Cameras ....................................................................................................................................................... 80

5.5 User Levels ................................................................................................................................................................... 81

5.6 Camera Parameters ..................................................................................................................................................... 82

6 Appendix A ________________________________________________________ 91

6.1 Camera Link™ Reference, Timing, and Configuration Table ..................................................................................... 91

6.2 Camera Link Bit Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 93

6.3 Camera Link Configuration Tables .............................................................................................................................. 94

7 Appendix B ________________________________________________________ 97

7.1 EMC Declaration .......................................................................................................................................................... 97

8 Appendix C ________________________________________________________ 99

8.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................................... 99

8.2 Specific Solutions ......................................................................................................................................................... 101

8.3 Product Support ........................................................................................................................................................... 103

9 Appendix D ________________________________________________________ 105

9.1 Electrostatic Discharge and the CCD Sensor ................................................................................................................ 105

9.2 Protecting Against Dust, Oil and Scratches .................................................................................................................. 105

4.3 Cleaning the Sensor Window ....................................................................................................................................... 106

10 Appendix E ________________________________________________________ 107

10.1 Revision History ......................................................................................................................................................... 107

11 Index ____________________________________________________________ 109

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Spyder3 Color Manual 5

1 Introduction

The Spyder3 Color camera uses DALSA‘s state-of-the-art dual line scan technology in
order to deliver high color quality, low-cost and ease of use for color imaging. This
camera features 2k and 4k resolutions with a maximum line rate of 18 kHz. The zero gap
between the two sensor lines minimizes image artifact. Customer selectable output
formats, RGB, RG/GB, and G, provides greater flexibility to meet many application
requirements.

1.1 Camera Highlights

Features

 2048 or 4096 pixels, 14 µm x 14 µm (2k) and 10 µm x 10 µm (4k) pixel pitch, 100% fill

factor

 80 mega pixels per second throughput
 Up to 18 kHz (2k) or 9 kHz (4k) line rates
 RGB, RG/GB, or G color output formats
 Dynamic range 60 dB
 Base Camera Link configuration (8 or 12 bit)
 RoHS and CE compliant (pending)
 Pre-calibrated light sources (e.g. white LED)

Programmability

 Serial interface (ASCII, 9600 baud, adjustable to 19200, 57600, 115200), through

Camera Link™.

 Mirroring and forward/reverse control.
 Programmable gain, offset, exposure time and line rate, trigger mode, test pattern

output, and camera diagnostics.

 Flat-field correction—minimizes lens vignetting, non-uniform lighting, and sensor

FPN and PRNU.

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6 Spyder3 Color Manual

Model

Description

SC-30-02K80-00-R

2k resolution, 2 sensor taps. Base Camera Link configuration.

SC-30-04K80-00-R

4k resolution, 2 sensor taps. Base Camera Link configuration.

Accessory

Description

AC-UC-00002-00-R

M42 TO C-MOUNT ADAPTER RH

AC-SU-00113-00-R

TRIPOD MOUNT ROHS SPYDER3

AC-UN-00002-00-R

M42 TO F-MOUNT ADAPTER RH

Applications

The Spyder3 Color camera is ideal for:

 Cotton and textile inspection
 Food, drug and tobacco inspection
 Wood, tile, and steel inspection
 Postal sorting
 Recycling sorting
 100 % print inspection (lottery tickets, stamps, bank notes, paychecks, etc.)
 General web inspection

Camera Models

The Spyder3 Color camera is available in these models.

Table 1: Camera Models Overview

Table 2: Camera Accessories

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Spyder3 Color Manual 7

Feature / Specification

2k

4k

Imager Format

Bilinear CCD

Resolution

2048 pixels (2046

interpolated)

4096 pixels (4094

interpolated)

Pixel Fill Factor

100%

Pixel Size

14 x 14 µm

10 x 10 µm

Antiblooming

100x

Gain Range

0 to 20 dB

Optical Interface

2k

4k

Lens opening

M42 x 1 thread, depth 4.0

mm

62 mm hole,

depth 4.5 mm

Lens mount adapter

M42 x 1, C, F

F, M72 x 0.75

Back Focal Distance

6.56 ± 0.25 mm

Sensor Alignment

x

y

z

z

± 50 µm
± 50 µm

± 0.25 mm

± 0.2°

Mechanical Interface

2k

4k

Camera Size

72(h) x 60(w) x 50(l) mm

85(h) x 65(w) x 50(l) mm

Mass

< 300 g

300 g

Connectors

power connector

data connector

6 pin male Hirose

MDR26 female

Electrical Interface

2k

4k

Input Voltage

+12 to +15 Volts

Power Dissipation

<5 W

<7 W

Operating Temperature

0 to 50 °C (front plate)

Bit Width

8 or 12 bit user selectable Bits

Output Data Configuration

Base Camera Link

Speed

2k

4k

Maximum Line Rate

18 000 Hz

9 000 Hz

Minimum line rate

300 Hz

300 Hz

1.2 Camera Performance Specifications

Table 3: Camera Performance Specifications

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8 Spyder3 Color Manual

Specs

Unit 0 dB

10 dB

+20 dB

Min

Typ

Max

Min

Typ

Max

Min

Typ

Max

Broadband
responsivity

DN /
(nJ / cm²)

2k

— 126.4 — —

400 — —

1264

—

4k

— 64 — —

201.6

— — 784

—

Random noise
rms

DN — 3

6.5 — 9.2

20.5 — 30

65

Dynamic range

DN:DN

—

1300:1

— — 428:1

— — 130:1

—

FPN global

DN p-p

Uncorrected

— —

52.8 — —

169.6 — —

536

Corrected

— —

32 — —

32 — —

64

PRNU ECD

Uncorrected local

% — —

8.5 — —

8.5 — —

11.5

Uncorrected global

% — —

10 — —

10 — —

10

Corrected local

DN p-p — —

80 — —

80 — —

95

Corrected global

DN p-p — —

80 — —

80 — —

95

PRNU ECE

Uncorrected local

% — —

8.5 — —

12 — —

37

Uncorrected global

% — —

10 — —

12 — —

37

Corrected local

DN p-p — —

80 — —

237 — —

752

Corrected global

DN p-p — —

80 — —

208 — —

752

SEE (calculated)

nJ/cm²

2k

— 31 — —

9.8 — —

3.1

—

4k

— 62 — —

20 — —

6.2

—

NEE (calculated)

pJ/cm²

2k

— 23.7 — —

23.7

— — 23.7

—

4k

— 46.8 — —

46.8

— — 46.8

—

Saturation output
amplitude

DN — — — —

3968±80

— — —

—

DC offset

DN — —

32 — — — — — —

Table 4: Camera Operating Specifications (Single Color)

Test conditions unless otherwise noted:

 12-bit values, Flat Field Correction (FFC) enabled.
 CCD Pixel Rate: 40 Megapixels/second per sensor tap.
 Line Rate: 5000 Hz.
 Nominal Gain setting unless otherwise specified.
 Light Source: Broadband Quartz Halogen, 3250 k, with 750 nm high-pass filter and

BG38 filter installed.

 Ambient test temperature 25 °C.
 Unless specified, all values are referenced at 12 bit.
 Exposure mode disabled.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 9

Tap 2Tap 1

CCD Readout Shift Register

CCD Readout Shift Register

N

Pixels (14 µm x 14 µm or 10 µm x 10 µm)

N

Pixels (14 µm x 14 µm or 10 µm x 10 µm)

N

= 2048, 4096

Pixel 1, 1

R R

R

R R RB B B B B B

G G G G G G G

G

G G G G

Spyder 2K Spectral Responsivity

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100

Wavelength [nm]

Responsivity [DN/(nj/cm2)]

Blue
Green
Red

Notes

1. PRNU measured at 50% SAT.

1.3 Image Sensor

The Spyder3 Color bilinear camera is based on DALSA‘s dual line scan CCD sensor. The
bilinear sensor has two lines. The first line has red (R) and blue (B) pixel alternatively,
while the second line has all green (G) pixels. There is no gap in between the two lines
and this minimizes any artifact due to spatial correction. The G channel can be used as a
monochrome output. The sensor has a 2 tap output.

Figure 1: Bilinear sensor used in Spyder3 Color (block diagram)

1.4 Responsivity

Figure 2: Spyder3 Color 2k Responsivity

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Spyder 3 4K Spectral Responsivity

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 950 1000 1050 1100

Wavelength [nm]

Responsivity [DN/(nj/cm2)]

Series1
Series2
Series3

Figure 3: Spyder3 Color 4k Responsivity

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Spyder3 Color Manual 11

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

2 Setting Up the Camera

2.1 Installation Overview

When installing your camera, you should take these steps:

1. Power down all equipment.

2. Follow the manufacturer‘s instructions and 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. Power supplies
must meet the requirements defined in section 2.3 Power Connector.

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

6. Connect Camera Link and power cables.

7. After connecting cables, apply power to the camera.

8. Check the diagnostic LED. See below for an LED description.

2.2 Input / Output Connectors and LED

The camera uses:

 A diagnostic LED for monitoring the camera.
 High-density 26-pin MDR26 connector for Camera Link control signals, data signals,

and serial communications.

 One 6-pin Hirose connector for power.

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12 Spyder3 Color Manual

!

!

C

B

A

Camera Link (Base Configuration)

+12V to +15V DC

Diagnostic LED

A

C

B

2k models 4k model

Hirose 6-pin Circular Male

5

4

6

2

3

1

Mating Part: HIROSE

HR10A-7P-6S

Pin

Description

Pin

Description

1, 2, 3

Min +12 to Max +15V

4, 5, 6

Ground

Figure 4: Input and Output Connectors

WARNING: It is extremely important that you apply the appropriate voltages to your
camera. Incorrect voltages may damage the camera. See section 2.4 for more details.

2.3 Power Connector

Figure 5: Hirose 6-pin Circular Male—Power Connector and Table 5: Hirose Pin Description

The camera requires a single voltage input (+12 to +15 V). The camera meets all
performance specifications using standard switching power supplies, although well­regulated linear supplies provide optimum performance.

WARNING: When setting up the camera‘s power supplies follow these guidelines:

 Apply the appropriate voltages. Ensure +12 V to +15 V at the camera power input

(after the voltage drop across the power cable). This may mean that the power suppy
may have to provide a voltage greater than the required one, in order to adjust for
this loss. For example, to achieve +12 V at the camera, the power supply may need to
supply +12.5 V or greater.

 Protect the camera with a fast-blow fuse between power supply and camera.
 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.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 13

Priority

Color of Status LED

Meaning

1

Flashing Red

Fatal Error. For example, camera temperature is too
high and camera thermal shutdown has occurred.

Warning. Loss of functionality (e.g. external SRAM
failure).

2

Flashing Green

Camera initialization or executing a long command

3

Solid Green

Camera is operational and functioning correctly

4

Solid Red

Warning. Loss of functionality.

MDR26Female

1

14

13

26

Mating Part

:3M 334-31series

Cable:

3M 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC

**

**3M part 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC is a complete
cable assembly, including connectors.
Unused pairs should be terminated in 100
ohms at both ends of the cable.

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

DALSA offers a power supply with attached 6‘ power cable that meets the Spyder3 Color
camera‘s requirements, but it should not be considered the only choice. Many high

quality supplies are available from other vendors. Visit the http://mv.dalsa.com Web site
for a list of companies that make power supplies that meet the camera‘s requirements.
The companies listed should not be considered the only choices.

2.4 Camera LED

The camera is equipped with a red/green LED used to display the operational status of
the camera. The table below summarizes the operating states of the camera and the
corresponding LED states.

When more than one condition is active, the LED indicates the condition with the highest
priority. Error and warning states are accompanied by corresponding messages further
describing the current camera status.

Table 6: Diagnostic LED

2.5 Camera Link Data Connector

Figure 6: Camera Link MDR26 Connector

The Camera Link interface is implemented as Base Configuration in the Spyder3 Color
cameras. Refer to section on Error! Reference source not found. for details on setting the
Camera Link configuration.

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14 Spyder3 Color Manual

Configuration

8 Bit Ports
Supported

Serializer
Bit Width

Number
of Chips

Number of
MDR26
Connectors

Applicable
Camera
Models

Base

A, B, C

28 1 1

All models

Base Configuration

One Channel Link Chip + Camera
Control + Serial Communication

Camera
Connector

Right Angle
Frame
Grabber

Channel
Link Signal

1 1

inner shield

14

14

inner shield

2 25

X0- 15

12

X0+ 3

24

X1- 16

11

X1+ 4

23

X2- 17

10

X2+ 5

22

Xclk-

18 9 Xclk+

6 21

X3- 19 8 X3+ 7

20

SerTC+

20 7 SerTC-

8 19

SerTFG-

21 6 SerTFG+

9 18

CC1-

22 5 CC1+

10

17

CC2+

23 4 CC2-

11

16

CC3-

24 3 CC3+

12

15

CC4+

25 2 CC4-

13

13

inner shield

26

26

inner shield

Table 7: Camera Link Hardware Configuration Summary

Table 8: Camera Link Connector Pinout

Notes:

*Exterior Overshield is connected to the shells of the connectors on both ends.
**3M part 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC is a complete cable assembly, including connectors.
Unused pairs should be terminated in 100 ohms at both ends of the cable.
Inner shield is connected to signal ground inside camera

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Spyder3 Color Manual 15

Signal

Configuration

CC1

EXSYNC

CC2

PRIN

CC3

Direction

Clocking Signal

Indicates

LVAL (high)

Outputting valid line

DVAL (high)

Valid data (unused, tied high)

STROBE (rising edge)

Valid data

FVAL (high)

Outputting valid frame (unused, tied high)

i

Table 9: DALSA Camera Control Configuration

See Appendix B for the complete DALSA Camera Link configuration table, and refer to
the DALSA Web site for the official Camera Link documents
(http://www.dalsa.com/mv/knowledge/appnotes.aspx).

Input Signals, Camera Link

The camera accepts control inputs through the Camera Link MDR26F connector.

The camera ships in internal sync, maximum exposure time (exposure mode 7).

EXSYNC (Triggers Line Readout)

Line rate can be set internally using the serial interface. The external control signal
EXSYNC is optional and enabled through the serial interface. This camera uses the falling
edge of EXSYNC to trigger pixel readout. See Setting the Exposure Mode, page 32, for
details on how to set line rates, exposure times, and camera modes.

Output Signals, Camera Link

These signals indicate when data is valid, allowing you to clock the data from the camera
to your acquisition system. These signals are part of the Camera Link configuration and
you should refer to the DALSA Camera Link Implementation Road Map for the standard
location of these signals (http://www.dalsa.com/mv/knowledge/appnotes.aspx).

The camera internally digitizes 12 bits and outputs the 8 MSB or all 12 bits depending on
the camera‘s Camera Link operating mode.

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16 Spyder3 Color Manual

2.6 Camera Link Video Timing

Figure 7: Overview Timing Showing Input and Output Relationships

Figure 8: Fixed (Programmed) Integration Timing with External EXSYNC

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Spyder3 Color Manual 17

Symbol

Definition

Min (ns)

twSYNC

The minimum low width of the EXSYNC pulse when not
in SMART EXSYNC mode.

100

twSYNC

(SMART)

*

The minimum low width of the EXSYNC pulse when in
SMART EXSYNC modes to guarantee the photosites are
reset.

3,000

twSYNC_INT

The minimum width of the high pulse when the
―SMART EXSYNC‖ feature is turned off

100

twSYNC_INT

(SMART)

*

Is the integration time when the ―SMART EXSYNC‖

feature is available and turned on. Note that the
minimum time is necessary to guarantee proper
operation.

3,000

tLINE PERIOD
(t LP)

The minimum and maximum line times made up of
tTransfer, tREADOUT plus tOVERHEAD to meet
specifications.

55,550 (2k 2 tap)
11,1100 (4k 2 tap)

tTransfer

The time from the reception of the falling edge of
EXSYNC to the rising edge of LVAL when pretrigger is
set to zero. Pretrigger reduces the number of clocks to

the rising edge of LVAL but doesn‘t change the time to

the first valid pixel. If the fixed integration time mode of
operation is available and selected then the integration
time is added to the specified value.

1, 450 ±50 (2k)
1, 650 ±50 (4k)

twFixed Int.

Fixed Integration Time mode of operation for variable
exsync frequency.

800

tREADOUT

Is the number of pixels per tap times the readout clock
period.

52,975 (2k 2 tap)

104,275 (4k 2 tap)

tOVERHEAD

Is the number of pixels that must elapse after the falling
edge of LVAL before the EXSYNC signal can be
asserted. This time is used to clamp the internal analog
electronics

50 ±12 (2k)
210 ±12 (4k)

twPR_LOW

Minimum Low time to assure complete photosite reset

3,000

tPR_SET

The nominal time that the photo sites are integrating.
Clock synchronization will lead to integration time jitter,
which is shown in the specification as +/- values. The
user should command times greater than these to ensure
proper charge transfer from the photosites. Failure to
meet this requirement may result in blooming in the
Horizontal Shift Register.

3,000

Table 10: Spyder3 Color Input and Output

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18 Spyder3 Color Manual

G21 G25G23 G24G22 G26G21 G25G23 G24G22 G26

R11 B12 B16B14 R15R13

B_in R_in

Interpolated

Native

Camera Output Format

There are several color output formats:

RGB mode (interpolation): camera outputs three colors (two native colors, one
interpolated color) for each pixel.

1) RG/BG mode (native): In this mode the camera outputs two native colors per pixel,

(RG or BG depending on the pixel location)

2) G mode (native): This mode provides 100% fill factor native green color that can be

used as a monochrome channel

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Spyder3 Color Manual 19

(49.6)

(53.9)

6.56

±0.25

TOCCD
IMAGING
SENSOR

(19.4)

(33.7)

(11.6)

42.0

(60.0)

57.0

(7.5)

(72.0)

M42x1THREAD
DEEP4.0

M3x0.5 THREAD
DEEP5.0(4X)

(9.0)

PIXEL1

30.000

±0.050

CCDIMAGING
CENTER

36.000± 0.050
CCDIMAGING
CENTER

(30.1)

M3x0.5 THREAD
DEEP5.0(4X)

(14.0)

32.0

6.0

Units: mm

3 Optical, Mechanical,

and Electrical
Considerations

3.1 Mechanical Interface

Figure 9: SC 2k Mechanical Dimensions

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20 Spyder3 Color Manual

85.0

78.0(2X)

58.0(2X)

3.5

3.5

32.500 ` 0.050
CCDIMAGING
CENTRE

42.500 ` 0.050
CCDIMAGINGCENTRE

65.0

53.7

49.4

14.1

25.9

16.5 32.0

6.0(2X)

M3x0.5THREAD
DEPTH5.0(4X)

7.5

70.0

M3x0.5THREAD
DEPTH5.0(4X)

32.6

40.2

n 62.0-4.5DEEP

M3x0.5THREAD
DEPTH7.0(4X)

6.56 ` 0.25
TOCCD
IMAGING
SURFACE

6.0(2X)

Units: mm

Figure 10: SC 4k Mechanical Dimensions

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Spyder3 Color Manual 21

3.2 Optical Interface

Illumination

The amount and wavelengths of light required to capture useful images depend on the
particular application. Factors include the nature, speed, and spectral characteristics of
objects being imaged, exposure times, light source characteristics, environmental and

acquisition system specifics, and more. DALSA‘s Web site http://mv.dalsa.com, provides
an introduction to this potentially complicated issue. See ―Radiometry and Photo
Responsivity‖ and "Sensitivities in Photometric Units" in the CCD Technology Primer

found under the Application Support link.

It is often more important to consider exposure than illumination. The total amount of
energy (which is related to the total number of photons reaching the sensor) is more
important than the rate at which it arrives. For example, 5 J/cm2 can be achieved by
exposing 5 mW/cm2 for 1 ms just the same as exposing an intensity of 5 W/cm2 for 1s.

Light Sources

Keep these guidelines in mind when setting up your light source:

 LED light sources are relatively inexpensive, provide a uniform field, and longer life

span compared to other light sources. However, they also require a camera with
excellent sensitivity, such as the Spyder3 Color camera.

 Halogen light sources generally provide very little blue relative to infrared light (IR).
 Fiber-optic light distribution systems generally transmit very little blue relative to IR.
 Some light sources age; over their life span they produce less light. This aging may

not be uniform—a light source may produce progressively less light in some areas of
the spectrum but not others.

Blue Clipping: In most photodiodes, including those in the CCD used in the Spyder 3
Color, the blue color is the least responsive. As a result, in order to maintain white
balance the blue color has to be gained up approximately 2 to 3 times more than the red
or the green colors. When the user issues a command, such as scg 20 (i.e. gaining up all
colors to 20 dB), the total blue gain will max out between 15 dB and 19 dB as a result of it
already being gained higher by default (i.e. in the 0 dB gain setting).

Filters

CCD cameras are extremely responsive to infrared (IR) wavelengths of light. To prevent
infrared from distorting the images you scan, use a ―hot mirror‖ or IR cutoff filter that
transmits visible wavelengths but does not transmit wavelengths over 750 nm. Examples

are the Schneider Optics™ B+W 489, which includes a mounting ring, the CORION™ LS­750, which does not include a mounting ring, and the CORION™ HR-750 series hot

mirror.

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22 Spyder3 Color Manual

m

h

h





where m is the magnification, h‘ is the image height

(pixel size) and h is the object height (desired object
resolution size).

m

f

OD











h

hfOD

This is the governing equation for many object and
image plane parameters.

10

100

45

450 0 450

m

mmmOD

OD mm m  ( . )

Lens Modeling

Any lens surrounded by air can be modeled for camera purposes using three primary
points: the first and second principal points and the second focal point. The primary
points for a lens should be available from the lens data sheet or from the lens
manufacturer. Primed quantities denote characteristics of the image side of the lens. That
is, h is the object height and h is the image height.

The focal point is the point at which the image of an infinitely distant object is brought to
focus. The effective focal length (f) is the distance from the second principal point to the
second focal point. The back focal length (BFL) is the distance from the image side of the
lens surface to the second focal point. The object distance (OD) is the distance from the first
principal point to the object.

Figure 11: Primary Points in a Lens System

Magnification and Resolution

The magnification of a lens is the ratio of the image size to the object size:

By similar triangles, the magnification is alternatively given by:

These equations can be combined to give their most useful form:

Example: An acquisition system has a 512 x 512 element, 10 µm pixel pitch area scan
camera, a lens with an effective focal length of 45 mm, and requires that 100m in the
object space correspond to each pixel in the image sensor. Using the preceding equation,
the object distance must be 450 mm (0.450 m).

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Spyder3 Color Manual 23

3.3 Electrical Interface

The Spyder3 Color cameras have been designed for EMC compliance. The test setup has
been verified to the following EMC standards:

 CISPR-11:2004
 EN 55011:2003
 EN 61326:2002

To achieve EMC compliance, follow these specific guidelines:

 Ensure that all cable shields have 360 electrical connection to the connector.
 Fasten and secure all connectors.

The camera has also been tested with shock and vibration according to certain
requirements specified in MIL-810E.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 25

Controlling the Camera: Interfaces

Camera features can be controlled either through the serial interface or through a GUI
interface, see DCT GUI Interface, page 79.

Both options are presented here in the following two sections.

4 Software Interface

4.1 Spyder3 Camera Link ASCII Commands

Serial Interface

All of the camera features can be controlled through the serial interface. The camera can
also be used without the serial interface after it has been set up correctly. Functions
available include:

 Controlling basic camera functions such as gain and sync signal source
 Flat field correction
 Mirroring and readout control
 Generating a test pattern for debugging

The serial interface uses a simple ASCII-based protocol and the PC does not require any
custom software.

Note: This command set may be different from those used by other DALSA cameras. You

should not assume that these commands perform the same as those for older cameras.

Serial Protocol Defaults

 8 data bits
 1 stop bit
 No parity
 No flow control
 9.6 kbps
 Camera does not echo characters

Command Format

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26 Spyder3 Color Manual

Purpose:

Sets the speed in bps of the serial communication port.

Syntax:

sbr m

Syntax Elements:

m

Baud rate. Available baud rates are: 9600 (Default), 19200,

57600, and 115200.

Notes:

Power-on rate is always 9600 baud.
The rc (reset camera) command will not reset the camera to the

power-on baud rate and will reboot using the last used baud rate.

Example:

sbr 57600

When entering commands, remember that:

 A carriage return <CR> ends each command.
 A space or multiple space characters separate parameters. Tabs or commas are

invalid parameter separators.

 Upper and lowercase characters are accepted
 The backspace key is supported
 The camera will answer each command with either <CR><LF> ―OK >" or

<CR><LF>"Error xx: Error Message >" or ―Warning xx: Warning Message >‖. The ">"

is used exclusively as the last character sent by the camera.

The following parameter conventions are used in the manual:

• i = integer value

• f = real number

• m = member of a set

• s = string

• t = tap id

• x = pixel column number

• y = pixel row number

Example: to return the current camera settings

gcp <CR>

Baud Rate

4.2 First Power Up Camera Settings

When the camera is powered up for the first time, it operates using the following factory
settings:

 Forward CCD shift direction
 RGB color output mode (clm 5)
 Exposure mode 7 (Programmable line rate & max exposure time, 625 µs)
 1600 Hz line rate

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Spyder3 Color Manual 27

Syntax:

h

Syntax:

gh

Notes:

For more information on the camera‘s ―get‖ commands, refer to

section 4.18 Returning Camera Settings.

Parameters
i = integer
f = floating point number
m = member of a set
s = string
t = tap
x = pixel column number
y = pixel row number

 Readout mode: Auto
 Mirroring mode: 0, left to right
 Factory calibrated analog gain and offset
 8 bit output

Camera ASCII Command Help

For quick help, the camera can return all available commands and parameters through
the serial interface.

There are two different help screens available. One lists all of the available commands to
configure camera operation. The other help screen lists all of the commands available for
retrieving camera parameters (these are called ―get‖ commands).

To view the help screen listing all of the camera configuration commands, use the
command:

To view a help screen listing all of the ―get‖ commands, use the command:

The camera configuration command help screen lists all commands available. Parameter
ranges displayed are the extreme ranges available. Depending on the current camera
operating conditions, you may not be able to obtain these values. If this occurs, values are
clipped and the camera returns a warning message.

Some commands may not be available in your current operating mode. The help screen
displays NA in this case.

Example ASCII Command Help Screen

OK>h
ccf correction calibrate fpn
clm camera link mode m 0/1/2/3/5/6/9/10
cpa calibrate PRNU algorithm i 1024-4055
css correction set sample m 256/512/1024/
cwb calibrate white balance i 1024-4055
dpc display pixel coeffs
efc enable FPN coefficients i 0-1
eil enable input lut i 0-1
els end of line sequence m 0/3/7
epc enable PRNU coefficients i 0-1
gcl get command log
gcm get camera model
gcp get camera parameters
gcs get camera serial
gcv get camera version
get get values s
gh get help

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gl get line
gla get line average
gsf get signal frequency i 1-3
gsl get status led

28 Spyder3 Color Manual

h help
? single command help s
lpc load pixel coefficients
lus load user settings
rc reset camera
rpc reset pixel coeffs
sbr set baud rate m 9600/19200/57600/115200/
scc set color correction i -8192-8191
scd set ccd direction i 0-2
scg set colour gain f -20.0-20.0
scl set colour index m rgb/r/g/b/
sct set current tap t 0-2
scx set color correction X m o/r/g/b
scy set color correction Y m r/g/b/y
sec set exposure control m t/w/m
sem set exposure mode m 2/3/4/6/7/8/
set set exposure time f NA
sfs set ffc selector m 0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/99
slm set line mode m i/e
sls set light source i 0-4
slt set lower threshold i 0-4095
smm set mirroring mode i 0-1
spw set pixel x window width x 1-2048 or 1-4096
spx set pixel x postion x 1-2048 or 1-4096
srm set readout mode i 0-2
srw set roi width x 1-2048 or 1-4096
srx set roi x x 1-2048 or 1-4096
ssb set subtract background i 0-4095
ssf set sync frequency f 300-18000
ssg set system gain i 0-65535
sus set user set selector m 0/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/99
sut set upper threshold i 0-4095
svm set video mode i 0-2
ucr update color reference
vt verify temperature
vv verify voltage
wfc write FPN coefficients
wpc write PRNU coefficients
wus write user settings

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Spyder3 Color Manual 29

4k camera orientation

Camera should operate in
reverse shift direction
scd 1

Camera should operate in
forward shift direction
scd 0

Arrows denote
direction of
object movement

4.3 Sensor Output Format

Sensor Shift Direction

You can select either forward or reverse CCD shift direction. This accommodates object
direction change on a web and allows you to mount the camera ―upside down.‖ The scan
direction has no effect on the color output format.

Figure 12: Object Movement and Camera Direction Example using an Inverting Lens

Note: You can control the CCD shift direction through the serial interface. Use the
software command scd to determine whether the direction control is set via software
control or via the Camera Link control signal on CC3. Refer to the CCD Shift Direction
section of this manual, page 29, for details.

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30 Spyder3 Color Manual

Purpose:

Selects the forward or reverse CCD shift direction, internally or
externally controlled. This accommodates object direction change
on a web and allows you to mount the camera ―upside down.‖

Syntax:

scd i

Syntax Elements:

i

Shift direction. Allowable values are:

0 = Internally controlled, forward CCD shift direction.

1 = Internally controlled, reverse CCD shift direction.

2 = Externally controlled CCD shift direction via Camera

Link control CC3 (CC3=1 forward, CC3=0 reverse).

Notes:

 To obtain the current value of the exposure mode, use the

command gcp or get scd.

 Refer to Figure 12: Object Movement and Camera Direction

Example using an Inverting Lens, page 29, for an illustration
of when you should use forward or reverse shift direction.

Example:

scd 0

CCD Shift Direction

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Spyder3 Color Manual 31

Purpose:

Sets the camera‘s Camera Link configuration, the number of Camera
Link taps, and the data bit depth. Refer to the tables on the previous
page to determine which configurations are valid for your camera
model and how this command relates to other camera configuration
commands.

Syntax:

clm m

Syntax Elements:

m

Output mode to use:

0: G only, 8 bit, output as monochrome

1: G only, 10 bit, output as monochrome

2: 2 taps (RG/BG), 8 bit output
3: 2 taps (RG/BG), 12 bit output

5: 3 taps (RGB), 8-bit output
6: 3 taps (RGB), 12-bit output (time multiplexed)

9: 4 taps (RGBY), 8-bit output (time multiplexed)
10: 4 taps (RGBY), 12-bit output (time multiplexed)

Notes:

 To obtain the current Camera Link mode, use the command

gcp or get clm.

 The bit patterns are defined by the DALSA Camera Link

Roadmap, available from http://mv.dalsa.com.

 RGBY is RGB output plus the luminance (set with scx and scy

commands)

Example:

clm 1

How to Configure Camera Output

Using the camera link mode and pixel readout direction commands

Use the camera link mode (clm) command to determine the camera‘s Camera Link
configuration, the number of output taps, and the bit depth. Use the pixel readout
direction (smm) command to select the camera‘s pixel readout direction.

Setting the Camera Link Mode

4.4 Exposure Mode, Line Rate and Exposure Time

Overview

You have a choice of operating in one of seven modes. The camera‘s line rate
(synchronization) can be generated internally through the software command ssf or set
externally with an EXSYNC signal, depending on your mode of operation. To select how
you want the camera‘s line rate to be generated:

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32 Spyder3 Color Manual

1. You must first set the camera mode using the sem command.

2. Next, if using mode 2, 7 or 8 use the commands ssf and/or set to set the line rate and

exposure time.

Purpose:

Sets the camera‘s exposure mode allowing you to control your

sync, exposure time, and line rate generation.

Syntax:

sem i

Syntax Elements:

i

Exposure mode to use. Factory setting is 7.

Notes:

 Refer to Table 11: Spyder3 Color Exposure Modes for a quick

list of available modes or to the following sections for a more
detailed explanation.

 To obtain the current value of the exposure mode, use the

command gcp or get sem.

Related Commands:

ssf, set

Example:

sem 3

Mode

SYNC

PRIN

Description

2

Internal

Internal

Yes

Yes

Internal line rate and exposure time.
Exposure control enabled (ECE).

3

External

Internal

No

No

Maximum exposure time. Exposure
control disabled (ECD).

4

External

Internal

No

No

Smart EXSYNC. ECE.

6

External

Internal

No

Yes

Fixed integration time. ECE.

7

Internal

Internal

Yes

No

Internal line rate, maximum exposure
time. ECD.

8

Internal

Internal

No

Yes

Maximum line rate for exposure time.
ECE.

Setting the Exposure Mode

Table 11: Spyder3 Color Exposure Modes

Programmable Line Rate Programmable Exposure Time

Note: When setting the camera to external signal modes, EXSYNC and/or PRIN must be
supplied.

Exposure Modes in Detail

Mode 2: Internally Programmable Line Rate and Exposure Time (Factory
Setting)

Mode 2 operates at a maximum line rate and exposure time.

 When setting the line rate (using the ssf command), exposure time will be reduced,

if necessary, to accommodate the new line rate. The exposure time will always be set

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Spyder3 Color Manual 33

Readout

Waiting

Exposure Time

Readout

Waiting

CR

Exposure Time

Programmable Period (set command)

Programmable Period

CR

Line Period

Line Period

Programmable Period (ssf command)

Programmable Period

CR = Charge Reset

Line Period

Line Period

ReadoutReadout

Exposure Time

Exposure Time

EXSYNC

Falling edge ignored
during readout

Falling edge ignored
during readout

Line Period

Line Period

Readout

WaitingExposure Time

CR

Waiting

Readout

Exposure Time

CR

EXSYNC

CR = Charge Reset

EXSYNC falling edge
ignored during readout

EXSYNC falling edge
ignored during readout

to the maximum time (line period – line transfer time – pixel reset time) for that line
rate when a new line rate requiring reduced exposure time is entered.

 When setting the exposure time (using the set command), line time will be

increased, if necessary, to accommodate the exposure time. Under this condition, the
line time will equal the exposure time + line transfer time.

Example 1: Exposure Time Less than Line Period

Mode 3: External Trigger with Maximum Exposure

Line rate is set by the period of the external trigger pulses. The falling edge of the external
trigger marks the beginning of the exposure.

Example 2: Line Rate is set by External Trigger Pulses.

Mode 4: Smart EXSYNC, External Line Rate and Exposure Time

In this mode, EXSYNC sets both the line period and the exposure time. The rising edge of
EXSYNC marks the beginning of the exposure and the falling edge initiates readout.

Example 3: Trigger Period is Repetitive and Greater than Read Out Time.

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34 Spyder3 Color Manual

Line Period Line Period

Readout

WaitingExposure Time

CR

Waiting

Readout

Exposure Time

CR

EXSYNC

CR = Charge Reset

Programmable period
using set command

Programmable period
using set command

Line Period Line Period

Exposure Time

Exposure Time

Readout

Readout

EXSYNC falling edge
ignored during
readout

EXSYNC falling edge
ignored during

Internal SYNC set
using the ssf command

Programmable Period

Frame Period

Readout

CR

Exposure Time

CR=Charge Reset

Frame Period

Programmable Period

CR Exposure Time

Readout

Mode 6: External Line Rate and Internally Programmable Exposure Time

Figure 13: EXSYNC controls Line Period with Internally controlled Exposure Time

Mode 7: Internally Programmable Line Rate, Maximum Exposure Time

In this mode, the line rate is set internally with a maximum exposure time.

Figure 14: Mode 7 Camera Timing

Mode 8: Maximum Line Rate, Programmable Exposure Time

In this mode, the exposure time is set internally with a maximum line rate.

Figure 15: Mode 8 Timing

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Spyder3 Color Manual 35

Purpose:

Sets the camera‘s line rate in Hz. Camera must be operating in

exposure mode 2 or 7.

Syntax:

ssf f

Syntax Elements:

i

Desired line rate in Hz. Allowable values are:
2k 2 tap: 300 - 18000 Hz

4k 2 tap: 300- 9000 Hz

Notes:

 To read the current line frequency, use the command gcp or

get ssf.

 If you enter an invalid line rate frequency, an error message is

returned.

Related Commands:

sem, set

Example:

ssf 10000

i

Applies to Modes 2 and
7

Setting the Line Rate

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36 Spyder3 Color Manual

Purpose:

Sets the camera‘s exposure time is µs. Camera must be operating in

exposure mode 2, 6, or 8.

Syntax:

set f

Syntax Elements:

i

Desired exposure time in µs. Allowable range is 3 to 3300 µs.*

Notes:

 To read the current line frequency, use the command gcp or

get set.

 If you enter an invalid line rate frequency, an error message is

returned.

 *The exposure time range is based on the current line rate.
 To determine the maximum exposure time allowed for the

current line rate, use the command get ger.

Related Commands:

sem, ssf

Example:

set 400.5

Purpose:

Sets the tap readout from left to right or from right to left. This
command is especially useful if the camera must be mounted
upside down.

Syntax:

smm i

Syntax Elements:

i

Readout direction. Allowable values are:

0 = All pixels are read out from left to right.

1 = All pixels are read out from right to left.

Notes:

 To obtain the current readout direction, use the command gcp

or get smm.

 This command is available in both TDI and Area Mode.
 Refer to the following figures and tables for an explanation of

pixel readout and mirror direction.

 Refer to the section below for the sensor architecture diagrams

that illustrate the sensor readout direction.

Example:

smm 1

i

Applies to Modes 2 and
8

Setting the Exposure Time

Setting the Pixel Readout Direction (Mirroring
Mode)

Figure 16: Left to Right Readout (smm 0) Forward Direction Example Output

Figure 17: Right to Left Readout (smm 1) Forward Direction Example Output

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Spyder3 Color Manual 37

Note: In clm 2 and clm 3, the output will be R/B/R/B … for smm 0 and B/R/B/R… for
smm 1. The green ouput remains the same except mirrored.

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38 Spyder3 Color Manual

Camera model

Readout direction

Command

Tap 1

Tap 2

SC-30-02K80

Left to Right

smm 0

1-1024

1025-2048

Right to Left

smm 1

2048-1025

1024-1

SC-30-04K80

Left to Right

smm 0

1-2048

2049-4096

Right to Left

smm 1

4096-2049

2048-1

Figure 18: Camera Pixel Readout Direction Example using 2k Model with Inverting Lens

Table 12: Forward or Reverse Pixel Readout

Setting the Readout Mode

See also, the Clearing Dark Current section in Appendix A for more information on this
mode.

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Purpose:

Use this command to clear out dark current charge in the vertical
transfer gates immediately before the sensor is read out.

Syntax:

srm

Syntax Elements:

i

0: Auto. Clears dark current below ~ 45% of the maximum line

rate.

1: Dark current clear. Always clears dark. Reduces the
maximum line rate.

2: Immediate readout. Does not clear dark current. (Default
mode.)

Notes:

 The vertical transfer gates collect dark current during the line

period. This collected current is added to the pixel charge. The
middle two red taps have more vertical transfer gates and,
therefore, more charge. This additional charge is especially
noticeable at slower line rates.

 If the user is in sem 2 or 7 and srm 2, with ssf at 45% of the

maximum, and then srm 1 is selected, the following warning
will be displayed, but the ssf value will not be changed:
Warning 09: Internal line rate inconsistent with readout time>
The effect in both internal and external line rate modes is that
an EXSYNC is skipped and, therefore, the output will be at
least twice as bright.

 This value is saved with the camera settings.
 This value may be viewed using either the gcp command or

the get srm command.

Related Commands:

sem, ssf

Example:

srm 0

Purpose:

Turning off line delay may result in a better image when you are
imaging a web that is moving extremely fast.

Syntax:

eld

Syntax Elements:

i

0: Off.

1: On.

Example:

eld 0

Enabling Line Delay

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40 Spyder3 Color Manual

Purpose:

Adjust color digital gain in order to make the color output be a
given value while imaging a white reference.

Syntax:

cwb i

Syntax Elements:

i

color output in a range 1024 to 4055.

Example:

cwb 1024

Purpose:

Set the value in the color matrix that is multiplied at the end of the
digital processing. This matrix corrects the digital output in order
to achieve accurate colors.

Syntax:

scc i

Syntax Elements:

i

-8192 to 8191

Related Commands

scx, scy

Example:

scc 4323

Purpose:

Set color gain for the current color in a range of 0 to 20 dB. The
current color is set using the scl command.

Syntax:

scg i

Syntax Elements:

i

0 to 20 dB.

Related Commands

scl

Example:

scg 10

Purpose:

Used to select the color for a gain application.

Syntax:

scl m

Syntax Elements:

m

rgb/r/g/b

Related Commands

scg

Example:

scl b

4.5 Color Commands

Calibrate White Balance

Setting Color Correction

Setting Color Gain

Setting Color Selector

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Spyder3 Color Manual 41

Purpose:

Set the current color correction X index. This command is used to
assist the scc command.

Syntax:

scx m

Syntax Elements:

m

o / r / g / b

Related Commands

scc

Example:

scx b

Purpose:

Set the current color correction Y index. This command is used to
assist the scc command.

Syntax:

scy m

Syntax Elements:

m

r/g/b/y

Related Commands

scc

Example:

Setting Color Correction X Index

Setting Color Correction Y index

The following is how the gcp table entries look for the scx and scy commands:

Color Correction: O r g b

r 0 4096 0 0

g 0 0 4096 0

b 0 0 0 4096

y 0 0 0 0

scx selects the column in the above table (either o/r/g/b), scy selects the row (either
r/g/b/y) in the above table.

The scc command is what sets the value at the select x and and y position in the table

R_IN, G_IN and B_IN below in the equations are the already digitally processed data.

RED PIXEL OUTPUT = R_IN*(scc # in position [scx r, scy r])/4096 + G_IN*( scc # in
position [scx g, scy r])/4096 + B_IN*( scc # in position [scx b, scy r])/4096 + scc # in
position [scx o, scy r]

GREEN PIXEL OUTPUT = R_IN*(scc # in position [scx r, scy g])/4096 + G_IN*( scc # in
position [scx g, scg r])/4096 + B_IN*( scc # in position [scx b, scy g])/4096 + scc # in
position [scx o, scg r]

BLUE PIXEL OUTPUT = R_IN*(scc # in position [scx r, scy b])/4096 + G_IN*( scc # in
position [scx g, scy b])/4096 + B_IN*( scc # in position [scx b, scy b])/4096 + scc # in
position [scx o, scy b]

Y PIXEL OUTPUT = R_IN*(scc # in position [scx r, scy y])/4096 + G_IN*( scc # in position
[scx g, scy y])/4096 + B_IN*( scc # in position [scx b, scy y])/4096 + scc # in position [scx
o, scy y]

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42 Spyder3 Color Manual

Purpose:

Sets the pixel range used to collect the end-of-line statistics and
sets the region of pixels used in the gl, gla, and ccf commands.

In most applications, the field of view exceeds the required object
size and these extraneous areas should be ignored. It is
recommended that you set the region of interest a few pixels inside
the actual useable image.

Syntax:

srx i
srw i

Syntax Elements:

srx i

Starting x position of the ROI, in a value of 1 to sensor
resolution.

srw i

Width of the ROI, in a value of 1 to sensor resolution.

Notes:

 To return the current region of interest, use the commands

gcp or get srx, get srw.

Related Commands

gl, gla, ccf, cpa, els

4.6 Data Processing

Setting a Region of Interest (ROI)

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Analog Processing

Digital Processing

Analog video

Analog

gain

FPN

coefficients

PRNU

coefficients

Background

subtract

Digital system

gain

sag,ccg

ccf

ccp

ssb

ssg

eil

LUT

addition

edc, sdc

Pixel defect
correction

sgr, cwb

Gain

relative

scc

Color

correction

Digital video

4.7 Analog and Digital Signal Processing Chain

Please note: description is preliminary and subject to change.

Processing Chain Overview and Description

The following diagram shows a simplified block diagram of the camera‘s analog and

digital processing chain. The analog processing chain begins with an analog gain
adjustment, followed by an analog offset adjustment. These adjustments are applied to
the video analog signal prior to its digitization by an A/D converter.

The digital processing chain contains the FPN correction, the PRNU correction, the
background subtract, and the digital gain and offset. Non-linearity look-up table (LUT)
correction is available for the 4k model of camera.

All of these elements are user programmable.

Figure 19: Signal Processing Chain

Analog Processing

Optimizing offset performance and gain in the analog domain allows you to achieve a
better signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range than you would achieve by trying to
optimize the offset in the digital domain. As a result, perform all analog adjustments
prior to any digital adjustments.

1. Analog gain is multiplied by the analog signal to increase the signal strength before

the A/D conversion. It is used to take advantage of the full dynamic range of the
A/D converter. For example, in a low light situation the brightest part of the image
may be consistently coming in at only 50% of the DN. An analog gain of 6 dB (2x)
will ensure full use of the dynamic range of the A/D converter. Of course the noise is
also increased. Note: To maintain valid LUT calibration, use the ssg command.

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where

V

output

=

digital output pixel value

V

input

=

digital input pixel value from the CCD

PRNU( pixel)

=

PRNU correction coefficient for this pixel

FPN( pixel )

=

FPN correction coefficient for this pixel

Background Subtract

=

background subtract value

System Gain

=

digital gain value

Digital Processing

To optimize camera performance, digital signal processing should be completed after any
analog adjustments.

1. Fixed pattern noise (FPN) calibration (calculated using the ccf command) is used to

subtract away individual pixel dark current.

2. Photo-Response Non-Uniformity (PRNU) coefficients (calculated using the cpa

command) are used to correct the difference in responsivity of individual pixels (i.e.
given the same amount of light different pixels will charge up at different rates) and
the change in light intensity across the image either because of the light source or due
to optical aberrations (e.g. there may be more light in the center of the image). PRNU
coefficients are multipliers and are defined to be of a value greater than or equal to 1.
This ensures that all pixels will saturate together.

3. Background subtract (ssb command) and system (digital) gain (ssg command) are

used to increase image contrast after FPN and PRNU calibration. It is useful for
systems that process 8-bit data but want to take advantage of the camera‘s 12 bit
digital processing chain. For example, if you find that your image is consistently
between 128 and 255 DN (8 bit), you can subtract off 128 (ssb 2048) and then
multiply by 2 (ssg 0 8192) to get an output range from 0 to 255 DN.

V

output

Calibrating the Camera to Remove Non-Uniformity
(Flat Field Correction)

Please note: description is preliminary and subject to change.

Flat Field Correction Overview

This camera has the ability to calculate correction coefficients in order to remove non­uniformity in the image. This video correction operates on a pixel-by-pixel basis and
implements a two-point correction for each pixel. This correction can reduce or eliminate
image distortion caused by the following factors:

 Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN)
 Photo Response Non Uniformity (PRNU)
 Lens and light source non-uniformity

Correction is implemented such that for each pixel:

=[(V

- FPN( pixel ) - black level offset) * PRNU(pixel) – Background Subtract] x System Gain

input

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3>

Darkest Pixel (per tap)
Brightest Pixel (per tap)

Note: If your
illumination or white
reference does not
extend the full field of
view of the camera,
the camera will send a
warning.

The algorithm is performed in two steps. The fixed offset (FPN) is determined first by
performing a calibration without any light. This calibration determines exactly how much
offset to subtract per pixel in order to obtain flat output when the CCD is not exposed.

The white light calibration is performed next to determine the multiplication factors
required to bring each pixel to the required value (target) for flat, white output. Video
output is set slightly above the brightest pixel (depending on offset subtracted).

Flat Field Correction Restrictions

It is important to do the FPN correction first. Results of the FPN correction are used in the
PRNU procedure. We recommend that you repeat the correction when a temperature
change greater than 10°C occurs or if you change the analog gain, integration time, or line
rate.

PRNU correction requires a clean, white reference. The quality of this reference is
important for proper calibration. White paper is often not sufficient because the grain in
the white paper will distort the correction. White plastic or white ceramic will lead to
better balancing.

For best results, ensure that:

 50 or 60 Hz ambient light flicker is sufficiently low not to affect camera performance

and calibration results.

 For best results, the analog gain should be adjusted for the expected operating

conditions and the ratio of the brightest to darkest pixel in a tap should be less than 3
to 1 where:

 The camera is capable of operating under a range of 8 to 1, but will clip values larger

than this ratio.

 The brightest pixel should be slightly below the target output.
 When 6.25% of pixels from a single row within the region of interest are clipped, flat

field correction results may be inaccurate.

 Correction results are valid only for the current analog gain and offset values. If you

change these values, it is recommended that you recalculate your coefficients.

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Set up the camera operating environment

(i.e. line rate, exposure, offset, gain, etc.)

Set the calibration sample size using

the command css. It is recommended that

you use the default setting.

Perform FPN calculation

Perform PRNU calculation

1. Stop all light from entering the camera. (Tip: Cover lens with a lens cap.)

2. Verify that the output signal level is within range by issuing the command
or . If there are too many zeros in the output data (more than 6.25%

of output data within the roi) , use the automated algorithm .cao 0 i
If the average of the pixels is too high for your application, reduce the
analog offset or gain level ( ).sag

3. Issue the command . .The camera will respond with OK> (if no error occurs).

FPN calculation automatically calibrates FPN coefficients and digital offset.

4. After the calibration is complete, you should save these settings to non-volatile

memory so they be reusable on reboot. To do so, issue the commands and

.

5. To verify output, enable the FPN coefficients using the command

You should see close to zero output.

gl gla

ccf

wfc

wus

efc 1.

1. Place a white reference in front of the camera.

2. Verify that the output signal level is within range by issuing the command

or . If the signal level is too low, increase your light level, adjust the analog

gain ( ) or use the automated algorithm .
DALSA recommends a target value of about 80% of saturation. If you change
the gain, FPN coefficients should be recalculated.

3. Issue the command . The camera will respond with OK>( if no error occurs).

4. After the calculation is complete, you can save these settings to non-volatile
memory so they will be remembered after power-down and direction change.

To do so, issue the commands and
5

gl

gla

sag ccg i 0 i

ccp

wpc wus.

. Enable the coefficients using the command, epc 1.

Perform PRNU calculation next to determine the multiplication
factors required to bring each pixel to the required value (balance target) for
flat, white output.

Set the region of interest to include all

of the image’s pixels of importance using

the command roi x1 y1 x2 y2. You can use

the default if you want to calibrate all pixels.

Digital system gain and background subtract values should be set to zero
( ).ssg 0 0, ssb 0 0

Note: The commands listed above are described in detail in the following sections.

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Syntax:

Performs FPN correction and eliminates FPN noise by removing
individual pixel dark current.

Syntax:

ccf

Notes:

 Perform all analog and digital adjustments before

performing FPN correction.

 Perform FPN correction before PRNU correction.
 Refer to Calibrating the Camera to Remove Non-Uniformity

(Flat Field Correction) on page 44 for a procedural overview
on performing flat field correction.

 To save FPN coefficients after calibration, use the wfc

command. Refer to section 4.10 Saving and Restoring PRNU
and FPN Coefficients for details.

Related Commands:

wfc

Example:

ccf

Analog Signal Processing

Black Level Offset Algorithm: Inherent to the A/D is an offset that is added to the video
in order to eliminate video clipping in dark (the offset is also affected by temperature).
The Spyder3 Color Cameras have an automatic subtraction of this offset, which is called
the Black Level Offset Algorithm. This subtraction helps prevent any unwanted color
shift. For example, if the offset is 15 DN in 12-bit multiplying by max gain (20 dB) will
give 300 DN (12-bit) offset in the final value. With Black Level Offset digital gain only
affects the color signal and not the underlining analog offset. The sole job of the Black
Level Offset Algorithm is to keep the offset around 0 DN regardless of analog offset
setting or the change in dark current (temperature). 0 DN offset is desirable because you
do not want your color gains changing your offsets for each color.

Digital Signal Processing

To optimize camera performance, digital signal processing should be completed after any
analog adjustments.

FPN Correction

Performing FPN Correction

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Purpose:

Performs PRNU calibration to user entered value and eliminates the
difference in responsivity between the most and least sensitive pixel,
creating a uniform response to light. Using this command, you must
provide a calibration target.

Executing these algorithms causes the ssb command to be set to 0
(no background subtraction) and the ssg command to 4096 (unity
digital gain). The pixel coefficients are disabled (epc 0 0) during
the algorithm execution but returned to the state they were in prior
to command execution.

Syntax:

cpa i i

Syntax Elements:

i

PRNU calibration algorithm to use:
2 = Calculates the PRNU coefficients using the entered target

value as shown below:

PRNU Coefficient =

Target

(AVG Pixel Value )

i

i

The calculation is performed for all sensor pixels but warnings
are only applied to pixels in the region of interest. This
algorithm is useful for achieving uniform output across multiple
cameras. It is important that the target value (set with the next
parameter) is set to be at least equal to the highest pixel across
all cameras so that all pixels can reach the highest pixel value
during calibration.

i

Peak target value in a range from 1024 to 4055DN. The target
value must be greater than the current peak output value.

Notes:

 Perform all analog adjustments before calibrating PRNU.
 Calibrate FPN before calibrating PRNU. If you are not

performing FPN calibration then issue the rpc (reset pixel
coefficients) command.

Example:

cpa 1 600

Purpose:

Use the background subtract command after performing flat field
correction if you want to improve your image in a low contrast
scene. It is useful for systems that process 8 bit data but want to
take advantage of the camera‘s 12 bit digital processing chain.
You should try to make your darkest pixel in the scene equal to
zero.

Syntax:

ssb i

Syntax Elements:

i
Subtracted value in a range in DN from 0 to 4095.

PRNU Correction

Performing PRNU to a user entered value

Subtracting Background

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Notes:

 When subtracting a digital value from the digital video signal

the output can no longer reach its maximum. Use the ssg
command to correct for this where:

ssg value =

max output value

max output value - ssb value

Related Commands:

ssg

Example

ssb 25

Purpose:

Improves signal output swing after a background subtract. When
subtracting a digital value from the digital video signal, using the
ssb command, the output can no longer reach its maximum. Use
this command to correct for this where:

ssg value =

max output value

max output value - ssb value

Syntax:

ssg i

Syntax Elements:

i

Gain setting. The gain ranges are 0 to 65535. The digital
video values are multiplied by this value where:

Use this command in conjunction with the ssb command.

Related Commands:

ssb

Example:

ssg 15

Purpose:

Returns all the current pixel coefficients in the order FPN, PRNU,
FPN, PRNU… for the range specified by spx and spw. The camera
also returns the pixel number with every fifth coefficient.

Syntax:

dpc

Notes:

 This function returns all the current pixel coefficients in the

order FPN, PRNU, FPN, PRNU… The camera also returns the
pixel number with each coefficient.

Digital Gain=

4096

i

Setting Digital System Gain

Returning Calibration Results and Errors

Returning All Pixel Coefficients

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Purpose:

Enables and disables FPN coefficients.

Syntax:

efc i

Syntax Elements:

i

FPN coefficients.

0 = FPN coefficients disabled

1 = FPN coefficients enabled

Example:

efc 1

Purpose:

Enables and disables PRNU coefficients.

Syntax:

epc i

Syntax Elements:

i

PRNU coefficients.

0 = PRNU coefficients disabled

1 = PRNU coefficients enabled

Example:

epc 0

Purpose:

Produces an end-of-line sequence that provides basic calculations
including "line counter," "line sum," "pixels above threshold,"
"pixels below threshold," and "derivative line sum" within the
region of interest. These calculations can be used to perform aoc
algorithms or indicate objects of interest.

To further aid in debugging and cable/data path integrity, the
first three pixels after Line Valid are "aa", "55", "aa". (Refer to the
following table.) These statistics are calculated for the pixels
within the region of interest.

Syntax:

els i

Syntax Elements:

i 0

Disable end-of-line sequence

3 LVAL extended by 16 (stat) pixels

7 LVAL shifted by 16 pixels to encompass stat pixels

Notes:

 LVAL is high during the end-of-line statistics.

Example:

els 1

Enabling and Disabling Pixel Coefficients

Enable FPN coefficients

Enable PRNU coefficients

4.8 End-of-line Sequence

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Location

Value

Description

1

A‘s

By ensuring these values consistently
toggle between "aa" and "55", you can
verify cabling (i.e. no stuck bits)

2

5‘s 3 A‘s

4

4 bit counter LSB justified

Counter increments by 1. Use this value to
verify that every line is output

5

Line sum (7…0)

Use these values to help calculate line
average and gain

6

Line sum (15…8)

7

Line sum (23…16)

8

Line sum (31…24)

9

Pixels above threshold (7…0)

Monitor these values (either above or
below threshold) and adjust camera
digital gain and background subtract to
maximize scene contrast. This provides a
basis for automatic gain control (AGC)

10

Pixels above threshold
(15…8)

11

Pixels below threshold (7…0)

12

Pixels below threshold (15…8)

13

Differential line sum (7..0)

Use these values to focus the camera.
Generally, the greater the sum the greater
the image contrast and better the focus.

14

Differential line sum (15…8)

15

Differential line sum (23…16)

16

Differential line sum (31…24)

Purpose:

Sets the upper threshold limit to report in the end-of-line
sequence.

Syntax:

sut i

Syntax Elements:

i

Upper threshold limit in range from 0 to 4095.

Notes:

 LVAL is not high during the end-of-line statistics.

Related Commands:

 els, slt

Example:

sut 1024

Table 13: End-of-Line Sequence Description

Setting Thresholds

Setting an Upper Threshold

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Purpose:

Sets the lower threshold limit to report in the end-of-line
sequence.

Syntax:

slt i

Syntax Elements:

i

Upper threshold limit in range from 0 to 4095.

Notes:

 LVAL is not high during the end-of-line statistics.

Related Commands:

 els, sut

Example:

slt 1024

Setting a Lower Threshold

4.9 Saving and Restoring Settings

For each camera operating mode the camera has distinct factory settings, current settings,
and user settings. In addition, there is one set of factory pre-calibrated pixel coefficients
and up to four sets of user created pixel coefficients for each operating mode.

Factory Settings

On first initialization, the camera operates using the factory settings. You can restore the
original factory settings at any time by setting the user set number to the factory setting
(sus 0) and then loading the user set (lus).

User Settings

You can save or restore your user settings to non-volatile memory using the following
commands. Pixel coefficients and LUTs are stored separately from other data.

 To save all current user settings to non-volatile memory, use the command wus. The

camera will automatically restore the saved user settings when powered up. Note:
While settings are being written to nonvolatile memory, do not power down camera
or camera memory may be corrupted.

 To restore the last saved user settings, use the command rus.
 To save the current pixel coefficients, use the command wpc and wfc.
 To restore the last saved pixel coefficients, use the command lpc.

Current Session Settings

These are the current operating settings of your camera. To save these settings to non­volatile memory, use the command wus.

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Purpose:

Saves the current FPN coefficients set using the sfs command.

Syntax:

wfc

Related command:

sfs

Purpose:

Loads a saved set of pixel coefficients.

Syntax:

lpc

Related commands:

wpc, wfc, sfs

Purpose:

Resets the current pixel coefficients to zero. This command does
not reset saved coefficients.

Syntax:

rpc

Notes:

The black level offset is not reset.

Purpose:

Saves the current PRNU coefficients set using the sfs command.

Syntax:

wpc

Related command:

sfs

4.10 Saving and Restoring PRNU and FPN
Coefficients

Saving the Current PRNU Coefficients

Saving the Current FPN Coefficients

Loading a Saved Set of Coefficients

Resetting the Current Pixel Coefficients

Rebooting the Camera

The command rc reboots the camera. The camera starts up with the last saved settings
and the baud rate used before reboot. Previously saved pixel coefficients are also
restored.

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Select a proper COM port.

4.11 Saving and Restoring User Settings Using X­Modem

Use the X-modem feature to save user settings and FPN/PRNU coefficients to a host PC,
and vice-versa.

1. HyperTerminal settings

HyperTerminal supports the X-modem communications protocol that is used to upload
and download the files. HyperTerminal is the recommended application to use.

Open HyperTerminal by clicking:

StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesCommunicationsHyperTerminal.

Give your HyperTerminal application a name and click OK. The Connect To dialog box appears.

Select a proper COM port and click OK. A COM Properties dialog box appears.

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Select each item as shown in the figure above, click Apply, and then OK. The
HyperTerminal main dialog box appears.

Select File  Properties, or click on the Properties icon and select the Settings tab.

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Select each item as shown in the figure above, and click the ASCII Setup…button.

Set each item as shown in above figure and click OK. Click OK again in the Properties

dialog box.

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Make sure to select
the Xmodem.

2. Transfer User Settings

2-1 Save Settings

OK > sus 99
OK > lus
X-Modem Transfer to Host. Camera is ready for sending...
Click Receive file… in the Transfer menu to save a settings.

Note that the sus 99 and sfs 99 commands are only communicating to the load
commands (lpc and lus) to use the X-Modem transfer. The contents to be transferred are
whatever is in the current camera memory (lus) or whatever is transferred to the current
camera memory (wus).

For example, if you want to send setting 5 to the host, you communicate: "sus 5", " lus" (
these 2 commands load set 5 to memory), and then "sus 99", "lus" (these 2 commands
send current set (5) to host). Similarly, if you want to load a settings from a host to set
number 5, you communicate: “sus 99”, “wus” (these 2 commands load a settings to

current camera memory), and then “sus 5”, “wus” (these to commands transfer settings in

current memory to set number (5)).
The same theory is applied to saving and restoring FPN and PRNU coefficients.

2-2 Restore Settings

OK > sus 99
OK > wus
X-Modem Transfer from Host.
Click Send file… in the Transfer menu to load a settings.

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Make sure to select the
Xmodem

3. Transfer FPN & PRNU Coefficients

3-1 Save FPN & PRNU Coefficients

OK> sfs 99
OK > lpc
X-Modem Transfer to Host. Camera is ready for sending...
Click Receive file… in the Transfer menu to save a settings.

3-2 Restore FPN & PRNU Coefficients

OK > sfs 99
OK > wpc
X-Modem Transfer from Host.

Click Send file… in the Transfer menu to load a settings.
OK>

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Purpose:

Generates a test pattern to aid in system debugging. The test
patterns are useful for verifying camera timing and connections.
The following tables show each available test pattern.

Syntax:

svm i

Syntax Elements:

i

svm 0 Video. Raw.

svm

1

12-bit test pattern.

svm 1 8-bit test pattern

svm 2 12-bit test pattern

svm 2 8-bit test pattern

Related Commands

smm

Use the set mirror mode (smm) command to establish
the direction of the pixel readout.

4.12 Test Patterns

Generating a Test Pattern

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Purpose:

Returns a complete line of video (without pixel coefficients
applied) displaying one pixel value after another. After pixel
values have been displayed it also displays the minimum,
maximum, and mean value of the line sampled within the region
of interest (the region of interest command is explained in section
Setting a Region of Interest (ROI)).

Use the gl command, or the following gla command, to ensure
the proper video input range into the processing chain before
executing any pixel calibration commands.

Syntax:

gl

Notes:

 Range defined using the spx and spw commands.
 Default settings: spx 1 and spw 2.
 Values returned are in 12-bit DN.

Related Commands

spw, spx

Example:

gl

Purpose:

Sets the number of lines to sample when using the gla command
or when performing FPN and PRNU calibration.

Syntax:

css m

Syntax Elements:

m

Number of lines to sample. Allowable values are 256, 512,
or 1024 (factory setting).

Notes:

 To return the current setting, use the gcp command or get

css.

Related Commands:

gla, ccf, cpa

Example:

css 1024

4.13 Returning Video Information

The camera‘s microcontroller has the ability to read video data. This functionality can be

used to verify camera operation and to perform basic testing without having to connect
the camera to a frame grabber. This information is also used for collecting line statistics
for calibrating the camera.

Returning a Single Line of Video

Returning Averaged Lines of Video

Setting the Number of Lines to Sample

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Purpose:

Returns the average for multiple lines of video data (without pixel
coefficients applied). The number of lines to sample is set and
adjusted by the css command. The camera displays the Min.,
Max., and Mean statistics for the pixels in the region of interest (the
region of interest command is explained in section Setting a Region
of Interest (ROI)).

Syntax:

gla

Notes:

 Range defined using the spx and spw commands.
 Analog gain, analog offset, digital offset, background subtract,

and digital system gain are applied to the data. FPN and
PRNU coefficients are not included in the data.

 Values returned are in 12 bit DN.

Related Commands:

spw, spx

Example:

gla

Returning the Average of Multiple Lines of Video

4.14 Temperature Measurement

The temperature of the camera can be determined by using the vt command. This
command will return the internal chip case temperature in degrees Celsius. For proper
operation, this value should not exceed 75°C.

Note: If the camera reaches 75°C, the camera will shutdown and the LED will flash red. If

this occurs, the camera must be rebooted using the command, rc or can be powered
down manually. You will not be able to restart the camera until the temperature is less
than 65°C. You will have to correct the temperature problem or the camera will shutdown
again. The camera allows you to send the vt (verify temperature) command while it is in
this state.

4.15 Voltage Measurement

The command vv displays the camera‘s input voltage. Note that the voltage
measurement feature of the camera provides only approximate results (typically within
10%). The measurement should not be used to set the applied voltage to the camera but
only used as a test to isolate gross problems with the supply voltage.

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Purpose:

Returns the frequency for the requested Camera Link control
signal

Syntax:

gsf i

Syntax Elements:

i

Camera Link control signal to measure:

1: CC1 (EXSYNC)

2: CC2 (PRIN)

3: CC3 (CCD Direction)

Note:

 Camera operation may be impacted when entering the gsf

command (i.e., poor time response to direction change or
video may have artifacts (gain changes) for several lines
while the camera returns signal information)

 This command is not available when operating the camera

with external CCD direction control (scd 2)

Example:

gsf 1
Purpose:

Returns the status of the camera‘s LED.

Syntax:

gsl

The camera returns one of the following values:

1 = red (loss of functionality)

2 = green (camera is operating correctly)

5 = flashing green (camera is performing a function)

6 = flashing red (fatal error)

Notes:

 Refer to section 2.4 Camera LED for more information on

the camera LED

GCP Screen

GENERAL CAMERA SETTINGS

Camera Model
No.:

SC-30-0xK80-00-R

Camera model number

4.16 Camera Frequency Measurement

4.17 Returning the LED Status

4.18 Returning Camera Settings

Returning All Camera Settings with the Camera
Parameter Screen

The camera parameter (gcp) screen returns all of the camera‘s current settings. The table
below lists all of the gcp screen settings.

To read all current camera settings, use the command: gcp

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Camera Serial
No.:

xxxxxxxx

Camera serial number

Firmware
Version:

xx-xxx-xxxxx-xx

Firmware design revision number

CCI Version:

xx-xxx-xxxxx-xx

CCI version number

FPGA Version:

xx-xxx-xxxxx-xx

FPGA revision number

Set Number:

1

Last user set loaded, set with sus command

UART Baud Rate:

9600

Serial communication connection speed set with the
sbr command

Camera Link
Mode:

clm:2 (2 taps,
8 bits)

Current bit depth setting set with the clm command

Mirroring Mode:

0, left to right

Tap readout direction: left to right, or right to left. Set
with the smm command

Readout Mode:

Off

Current readout mode status. Set using the srm
command

Exposure Mode:

7

Current exposure mode value set with the sem
command

SYNC Frequency:

1600.00 Hz

Current line rate. Value is set with the ssf command

Exposure Time:

200.00 uSec

Current exposure time setting. Value is set with the
set command

CCD Direction:

internal/forward

Current direction setting set with scd command

Video Mode:

video

Current video mode value set with the svm command

Region Of
Interest X:

1

The starting horizontal position of Region Of Interest.
Set with srx command

Region Of
Interest Width:

2048 or 4096

Width of Region Of Interest in pixel. Set with srw
command

End-Of-Line
Sequence:

off

States whether an end of line sequence is turned on or
off. Set using the els command

FFC Coefficient
Set:

1

Current pixel coefficient set loaded, set with sfs
command

FPN
Coefficients:

on

States whether FPN coefficients are on or off. Set with
the epc command

PRNU
Coefficients:

on

States whether PRNU coefficients are on or off. Set
with the epc command.

Input LUT:

off

States whether LUT correction is on or off. Set with eil
command

Input LUT
Coefficients
Set:

0

Current LUT coefficient set loaded

Number Of Line
Samples:

1024

Number of lines samples set with the css command

Upper Threshold:

3600

Upper threshold value set with the sut command

Lower Threshold:

400

Lower threshold value set with the slt command

Current Tap:

0

Current tap, set with sct command

Colour:

RGB

Current color, set with scl command

Current Light:

unadjusted

Current light source, set with sls command

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64 Spyder3 Color Manual

Color Gain(dB):

Red 7.36

7.48

Current color gain, set with scl, sct, scg commands

Green 17.23

17.37

Blue 18.56

21.19

Color
Reference(dB):

Red 0.00

0.00

Current color reference level, update with ucr
command

Green 0.00

0.00

Blue 0.00

0.00

Total Color
Gain(dB):

Red 7.36

7.48

Total color gain in DB, read only value

Green 17.23

17.37

Blue 18.56

21.19

Total Color
Gain(DN):

Red 9563
9689

Total color gain in DN, read only value

Green 29778
30276

Blue 34704
46988

Color
Correction:

O r g b

Color correction matrix, set with scx, scy and scc
commands.

r 0 4096 0 0

g 0 0 4096 0

b 0 0 0 4096

y 0 0 0 0

Black Level
Offset:

12 11

Current amount of black level correction

Background
Subtract:

0

Background subtract settings set with the ssb
command

System Gain
(DN):

4096

Digital gain settings set with the ssg command

Returning Camera Settings with Get Commands

You can also return individual camera settings by inserting a ―get” in front of the
command that you want to query. If the command has a tap or pixel number parameter,
you must also insert the tap number or pixel number that you want to query. To view a
help screen listing the get commands, use the command gh.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 65

Mnemonic

Syntax

Parameters

Description

Help, single
command

?

s

Returns help on a single command

correction calibrate
fpn

ccf

Performs FPN calibration and eliminates
FPN noise by subtracting away individual
pixel dark current

Camera Link mode

clm

i

Sets the camera‘s bit width where:

0 = GREEN, 8 bits, 1 tap, monochrome

1 = GREEN, 12 bits, 1 tap, monochrome

2 = Mono, 8 bits, 2 taps

3 = Mono, 12 bits, 2 taps

5 = RGB, 8 bit, 3 taps

6 = RGB, 12 bits, 3 taps

9 = RGBY, 8 bits, 4 taps
10 = RGBY, 12 bits, 4 taps

calculate PRNU
algorithm

cpa

i i

Performs PRNU calibration according to
the selected algorithm.
The parameter is the target value to use in
a range from 1024 to 4055 DN.

PRNU Coefficient =

Target

(AVG Pixel Value )

i

i

The calculation is performed for all sensor
pixels but warnings are only applied to
pixels in the region of interest. This
algorithm is useful for achieving uniform
output across multiple cameras.

correction set
sample

css

m

Sets the number of lines to sample when
using the gla command or when
performing FPN and PRNU calibration
where m is 256, 512, or 1024

calibrate white
balancing

cwb

i

Adjust color digital gain to make the color
output to the given value while imaging a
white reference

display pixel coeffs

dpc

Displays the pixel coefficients in the order
FPN, PRNU, FPN, PRNU, …

enable FPN coeffs

efc

i

Sets whether FNU coefficients are enabled
or disabled. Where i is:

0 = FPN coefficients disabled

1 = FPN coefficients enabled

enable input LUT

eil

i

Enable input LUT, where:

0: Off

1: On

Parameters:

t = tap id
i = integer value
f = float
m = member of a set
s = string

x = pixel column number
y = pixel row number

4.19 ASCII Commands: Reference

The following table lists all of the camera‘s available ASCII commands. Refer to
Appendix A for detailed information on using these ASCII commands.

Table 14: Command Quick Reference

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66 Spyder3 Color Manual

Mnemonic

Syntax

Parameters

Description

end of line
sequence

els

i

Sets the end-of-line sequence:

0: Off

3: LVAL extended by 16 (stat) pixels

7: LVAL shifted by 16 pixels to encompass
stat pixels

enable PRNU
coefficients

epc

i

Sets whether PRNU coefficients are
enabled or disabled. Where i is:

0 = PRNU coefficients disabled

1 = PRNU coefficients enabled

get command log

gcl

Returns list of commands sent.

get camera model

gcm

Reads the camera model number.

get camera
parameters

gcp

Reads all of the camera parameters.
get camera serial

gcs

Read the camera serial number.

get camera version

gcv

Read the firmware version and FPGA
version.

get value

get

s

Returns the value of the parameter
specified.

get help

gh

Returns all of the available ―get‖

commands.

get line

gl

Gets a line of video (without pixel
coefficients applied) displaying one pixel
value after another and the minimum,
maximum, and mean value of the
sampled line.

get line average

gla

Read the average of line samples.

get signal
frequency

gsf

i

Reads the requested Camera Link control
frequency.

1 = EXSYNC frequency

2 = Spare

3 = Direction

get status led

gsl

Returns the current state of the camera‘s
LED where:

1 = Red

2 = Green

5 = Blinking green

6 = Blinking red

Help

h

Display the online help. Refer to the Select
Cable Camera ASCII Command Help for
details.

load pixel
coefficients

lpc

Loads the previously saved pixel
coefficients from non-volatile memory

Load user settings

lus

Load the settings saved using the lus
command at set specified in sus
command

reset camera

rc

Resets the entire camera (reboot). Baud
rate is not reset and reboots with the value
last used.

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Mnemonic

Syntax

Parameters

Description

reset pixel coeffs

rpc

Resets the pixel coefficients to 0.

set baud rate

sbr

i

Set the speed of camera serial
communication port. Baud rates: 9600,
19200, 57600, and 115200. Default:

9600.

set color correction

scc

i

Set the values in the color matrix that is
multiplied at the end of the digital
processing.

set ccd direction

scd

i

Sets the CCD shift direction where:

0 = Forward CCD shift direction.

1 = Reverse CCD shift direction.

2 = Externally controlled direction

control via CC3. (CC3=1 forward, CC3=0
reverse.)

set color gain

scg

i

Set color gain for current color in a range
of 0 to 65535. The current color is set from
scl command.

set color selector

scl

m

Selects color for gain application. Used
prior to the scg command

Set current tap

sct

t

Selects tap for color gain application. Used
prior to the scg command.

set color correction
matrix X index

scx

m

Set current color correction x index in a
range of o/r/g/b.

set color correction
matrix Y index

scy

m

Set current color correction y index in a
range of r/g/b/y.

Set exposure
control

sec

m

This command combined with the slm
command is equivalent to the sem
command.

Set exposure control mode.

If input is t, this mode uses the value set

by the ―set‖ command for the exposure

time

If input is w, this mode uses the width of
the line trigger pulse.

If the user tries to set this mode while

―slm‖ is set to internal, then they will

receive an error: not available in this
mode.

If the user sets the ―slm‘ to internal while
the ―sec‖ value is set to width. The camera

will return a warning message and change
the exposure control to maximum.

If input I is m. The camera uses the
maximum possible exposure time for the

given line rate.

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Mnemonic

Syntax

Parameters

Description

set exposure mode

sem

m

Sets the exposure mode:
2 = Internal SYNC, internal PRIN,

programmable line rate and exposure
time using commands ssf and set

3 = External SYNC, internal PRIN,
maximum exposure time

4 = Smart EXSYNC

6 = External SYNC, internal PRIN,

programmable exposure time
7 = Internal programmable SYNC,

maximum exposure time. Factory setting.
8 = Internal SYNC, internal PRIN,

programmable exposure time. Maximum
line rate for exposure time.

set exposure time

set

f

Sets the exposure time. Refer to the
camera help screen (h command) for
allowable range.

set FFC set number

sfs

i

Set to load/save using the lpc, wpc, wfc
commands.

set line mode

slm

m

Set the line trigger mode as either
external or internal:

e—external line trigger
i—internal line trigger.

set light source

sls

i

Set current light source in a range of 0 to

5.

set lower threshold

slt

i

The pixels below the lower threshold are
checked for and reported in the end-of­line sequence in a range from 0-4095.

set mirroring
mode

smm

i

Set tap readout direction: left to right, or right
to left

set pixel window
width

spw

i

Set horizontal width used in gl, gla, dpc
commands.

set pixel X position

spx

i

Set horizontal starting position used in gl,
gla, dpc commands.

set readout mode

srm

i

Set the readout mode in order to clear out
dark current charge in the vertical transfer
gates before the sensor is read out.

0 = Auto.

1 = Dark current clear.

2 = Immediate readout. Does not clear

dark current.

set ROI width

srw

i

Specify the width of the ROI.

set ROI X

srx

i

Specify the starting X position of the ROI.

set subtract
background

ssb

i

Subtract the input value from the output
signal.

i = Subtracted value in a range from 0 to

4095.

set sync frequency

ssf

i

Set the frame rate to a value from 300 Hz
to 18000 Hz (2k model). Value rounded
up/down as required.

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Mnemonic

Syntax

Parameters

Description

set system gain

ssg

i

Set the digital gain.

i = Digital gain in a range from 0 to

65535. The digital video values are

multiplied by this number.

set user set
number

sus

i

set upper
threshold

sut

i

The pixels equal to or greater than the
upper threshold are checked for and
reported in the end-of-line sequence in a
range from 0-4095.

set video mode

svm

i

Switch between normal video mode and
camera test patterns:

0: Normal video mode

1: Camera test pattern

2: Camera test pattern

Update color
reference

ucr

Set the color reference value to the current
color gain value.

verify temperature

vt

Check the internal temperature of the
camera.

verify voltage

vv

Check the camera‘s input voltages and

return OK or fail.

write FPN
coefficients

wfc

Write all current FPN coefficients to non­volatile memory.

write PRNU coeffs

wpc

Write all current PRNU coefficients to
non-volatile memory.

write user settings

wus

Write all of the user settings to non­volatile memory.

Message

Description

OK>

SUCCESS

Warning 01: Outside
of specification>

Parameter accepted was outside of specified operating range (e.g. gain
greater than 0 to +20 dB of factory setting).

Warning 02: Clipped
to min>

Parameter was clipped to the current operating range. Use gcp to see
value used.

Warning 03: Clipped
to max>

Parameter was clipped to the current operating range. Use gcp to see
value used.

4.20 Error Handling

The following table lists warning and error messages and provides a description and
possible cause. Warning messages are returned when the camera cannot meet the full
value of the request; error messages are returned when the camera is unable to complete
the request.

Table 15: Warning and Error Messages

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70 Spyder3 Color Manual

Message

Description

Warning 04: Related
parameters
adjusted>

Parameter was clipped to the current operating range. Use gcp to see
value used.

Warning 07:
Coefficient may be
inaccurate A/D
clipping has
occurred>

In the region of interest (ROI) greater than 6.251% single or 1% of
averaged pixel values were zero or saturated.

Warning 08: Greater
than 1% of
coefficients have
been clipped>

A FPN/PRNU has been calculated to be greater than the maximum
allowable 511 (8).

Warning 09: Internal
line rate inconsistent
with readout time>

Message

Description

Error 02:
Unrecognized
command>

Command is not available in the current access level or it is not a valid
command.

Error 03: Incorrect
number of
parameters>

Error 04: Incorrect
parameter value>

This response returned for

· Alpha received for numeric or vice versa

· Not an element of the set of possible values. E.g., Baud Rate

· Outside the range limit

Error 05: Command
unavailable in this
mode>

Command is valid at this level of access, but not effective. Eg line rate
when in smart Exsync mode

Error 06: Timeout>

Command not completed in time. Eg FPN/PRNU calculation when no
external Exsync is present.

Error 07: Camera
settings not saved>

Tried saving camera settings (rfs/rus) but they cannot be saved.

Error 08: Unable to
calibrate - tap
outside ROI>

Cannot calibrate a tap that is not part of the region of interest.

Error 09: The
camera's
temperature exceeds
the specified
operating range>

Indicates that the camera has shut itself down to prevent damage from
further overheating.

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0Hz

Watchdog

Frequency

Max. Line Rate in

Immediate

Readout Mode

Increasing Line Rate

Frequency

Dark Current

Clear

Immediate

Readout

Dark
Current
Clear to

Immediate

Readout

Transition

Frequency

Immediate

Readout to

Dark

Current

Clear
Transition
Frequency

Max. Line Rate in

Dark Current Clear

Mode

Mode

Model

Dark Current Clear to
Immediate Readout
Transition

Immediate Readout to Dark
Current Clear Transition

SC-30-02k80

6767 Hz

8176 Hz

SC-30-04k80

800 Hz

3600 Hz

4.21 Clearing Dark Current

Gate Dark Current Clear

Image sensors accumulate dark current while they wait for a trigger signal. If the readout
is not triggered in a reasonable amount of time, then this dark current accumulation may
increase to an excessive amount. The result of this happening will be that the first row,
and possibly additional rows (frames), of the image will be corrupt.

The sensor used in this camera contains two sources of dark current that will accumulate
with time: 1) in the photo sensitive area, and 2) in the gates used to clock-out the charge.

The gate dark current can account for approximately 20% of the total dark current
present. While the exposure control has direct control over the amount of dark current in
the photo sensitive area, it has no control over the charge accumulated in the gates. Even
with exposure control on, at low line rates, this gate charge can cause the camera to
saturate.

Using the Set Readout Mode (srm) command, the camera user can control the
camera's behavior in order to minimize the dark current artifact.

The modes of operation selected by the srm command are: Auto, On, or Off.

Figure 20: Gate Dark Current Clear

Table 16. Transition Frequencies

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Immediate read out mode (srm 2)

In this mode the image is read out, including accumulated dark current, immediately
following the trigger or the EXSYNC falling edge.

72 Spyder3 Color Manual

Max. Line Rate

Model

Immediate Readout
Mode

Dark Current Clear
Mode

SC-30-02k80

18000 Hz

9000 Hz

SC-30-04k80

9000 Hz

4500 Hz

Model

Exposure Delay and Max Exposure Time in Auto
Mode

SC-30-02k80

55.5 µs

SC-30-04k80

111 µs

There are no line rate limitations other than the amount of gate dark current that can be
tolerated at low line rates.

There are no timing or exposure anomalies other than situations where EXSYNC is
removed from camera. In this case, the camera will operate in a "watchdog" state.

For information on artifacts that may be experienced while using this mode, see the
Artifacts section below.

Gate dark current clear mode (always on, srm 1)

In this mode the gate dark current will be cleared continuously.

After the trigger (EXSYNC) is received, the dark current is cleared from the image sensor
before the image is acquired. The line rate is limited to ½ the maximum line rate available
for that model of camera.

For information on artifacts that may be experienced while using this mode, see the
Artifacts section below.

Table 17. Maximum Line Rates

When operating in the dark current clear mode, there will be a slight delay,
equivalent to one readout time, before the actual exposure is implemented. The
actual exposure time will not be altered.

Table 18. Exposure Delay and Maximum Exposure Time in Auto Mode

Auto Mode (default, srm 0)

In this mode the line rate from the camera will automatically cause a switch between
the gate dark current clear mode and non gate dark current clear mode.

The frequency of when this mode switchover occurs depends on the camera model.

In cases where the line rate is rapidly increased from below the Dark Current Clear
to Immediate Readout Transition Frequency to above the Immediate Readout to
Dark Current Clear Transition Frequency, the first line following this transition will
likely be corrupted.

The table below outlines the artifacts that may be seen during this transition period.
All subsequent lines after this occurrence will be as expected.

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SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Dark Current Dump state

T1 Immediate Readout state

SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Immediate Readout state

T1 Dark Current Dump state

In the case of a slow transition (that is, when the EXSYNC line rate increases by less
than 10% of the previous line rate) a line readout will not become corrupt.

There are also limitations on the exposure time when operating in auto mode: If the
line rate exceeds half the maximum line rate, then the exposure time cannot exceed
the time stated in Table 18.

Note: DALSA recommends Auto mode for most users.

For information on artifacts that may be experienced while using this mode, see the
Artifacts section below.

Please note: The graphic below explains the relationship between the following
tables and the preceding figure, Gate Dark Current Clear.

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout: Multi-Line Artifacts.

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74 Spyder3 Color Manual

T2 Immediate Readout state

SRM 2, Immediate Readout Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Dark Current Dump state

T1 Immediate Readout state

EXSYNC

T

DUMP

T

INT

LVAL

Valid

F

DUMP

F

IMM EDIATE

T

VERT_TRANS

F

DUMP

LVAL

F

IMM EDIATE

Valid

EXSYNC

T

DUMP

T

INT

SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Dark Current Dump state

T1 Immediate Readout state

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout (T

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout (T

INT

INT

< #)

> #)

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout: Multi-Line Artifacts

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SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Immediate Readout state

T1 Dark Current Dump state

T2 Immediate Readout state

SRM 2, Immediate Readout Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Dark Current Dump state

T1 Immediate Readout state

Valid

T

VERT_TRANS

LVAL

EXSYNC

T

DUMP

T

INT

F

DUMP

> DU MP (MAX)

F

Valid

EXSYNC

T

DUMP

T

INT

T

VERT_TRANS

LVAL

F

DUMP

> DU MP (MAX)

F

SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Immediate Readout state

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout (T

Dark Current Dump to Immediate Readout (T

INT

INT

< #)

> #)

Immediate Readout to Dark Current Dump: Hysteresis Artifacts

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76 Spyder3 Color Manual

T1 Dark Current Dump state

SRM 0, Auto Mode.

Time Period

Operating Region

Operating Mode

T0 Dark Current Dump state

T1 Immediate Readout state

T2 Dark Current Dump state

F

DUMP

F

IMM EDIATE

Valid

EXSYNC

T

DUMP

T

INT

T

VERT_TRANS

LVAL

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Spyder3 Color Manual 77

Purpose:

Use this command to clear out dark current charge in the vertical
transfer gates immediately before the sensor is read out.

Syntax:

srm

Syntax Elements:

i

0: Auto. Clears dark current below ~ 45% of the maximum line

rate. (Default mode.)

1: Dark current clear. Always clears dark. Reduces the
maximum line rate.

2: Immediate readout. Does not clear dark current.

Notes:

 Modes 0 and 1 are not available to the 4k camera model.
 The vertical transfer gates collect dark current during the line

period. This collected current is added to the pixel charge. The
middle two red taps have more vertical transfer gates and,
therefore, more charge. This additional charge is especially
noticeable at slower line rates.

 If the user is in sem 2 or 7 and srm 2, with ssf at 45% of the

maximum, and then srm 1 is selected, the following warning
will be displayed, but the ssf value will not be changed:
Warning 09: Internal line rate inconsistent with readout time>
The effect in both internal and external line rate modes is that
an EXSYNC is skipped and, therefore, the output will be at
least twice as bright.

 This value is saved with the camera settings.
 This value may be viewed using either the gcp command or

the get srm command.

Related Commands:

sem, ssf

Example:

srm 0

Setting the Readout Mode

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Spyder3 Color Manual 79

5 DCT GUI Interface

You can interact with the camera either through the ASCII command interface or through
the DCT GUI. Either option gives you extensive control over the camera.

The GUI is explained here. For a description of the ASCII interface, see the Software
Interface section, page 25.

System requirements and software installation

The readme.txt that comes with the installation package describes the system
requirements, software installation steps, and software components installed.

5.1 Getting Help

The application provides searchable help file describing the GUI windows, providing
descriptions of specific features as well as conceptual information related to those
features.

You can find help from the accompanying user guide or directly from the GUI Help.

5.2 Operating Tips

In case that parameter window is empty:

 Check if the frame grabber serial port is mapped.
 Check if the hyper terminal and/or DALSA terminal is open. If so, close them first

and then reopen the GUI.

 Check if the camera power is on.

Use the hyper terminal or DALSA terminal to diagnose if there are issues with the
camera. Use DALSA CamExpert or a third party frame grabber tool to diagnose if there
are issues with the frame grabber. If there are no issues with either the camera or the
frame grabber, then close those applications, and re-open the GUI.

Camera should always operate in user mode.

On start-up, DCT will automatically connect to a camera. If the connection is successful,
all parameters are retrieved from the camera and displayed in the parameter window.
Otherwise the parameter window will be empty. DCT can detect a camera manually
using the DALSA Camera Detection menu item under the CameraLink Port menu. DCT
will not automatically detect the loss of a connection due to a power loss or a loose cable.

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80 Spyder3 Color Manual

5.3 GUI Window

Figure 21: Main GUI Window

From the main DCT GUI window, select from the Parameters list to access the camera
features.

5.4 Detecting Cameras

Figure 22: Camera Detect

To manually detect a camera, under the CameraLink Port menu, click Dalsa Camera
Detect.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 81

5.5 User Levels

Figure 23: User Levels

The features in the GUI parameter windows are grouped into the following user levels:
Beginner, Expert, Guru.

By selecting Beginner from the menu View > Parameters Options, only parameters
belonging to the beginner level will be displayed in parameter windows. However, when
selecting the higher levels (Expert and Guru), parameters below these levels will also be
included. At the GURU level all parameters are displayed to the user.

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82 Spyder3 Color Manual

Name

Visibility

Description

ASCII
Comman
d

Command
Range

Additional
Information

Camera Model

Beginner

Camera model name.

gcm

Read-only

NA

Device Serial
Number

Beginner

A unique identifier of the
camera. This number
matches the serial number
on the camera‘s label.

gcs

Read-only

NA

Firmware version

Beginner

Firmware version.

gcv

Read-only

NA

Camera CCI version

Beginner

Camera CCI (Camera
Configuration Information)
version.

gcv

Read-only

NA

FPGA version

Beginner

FPGA version.

gcv

Read-only

NA

Baud Rate

Beginner

Camera Baud Rate. The

sbr

9600/19200/

Baud Rate,

5.6 Camera Parameters

Figure 24: Camera Information

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Spyder3 Color Manual 83

DCT automatically changes
the camera‘s baud rate to

115200. The Baud rate is
switched back to the
previous setting after
closing DCT.

57600/115200

page 26.

Device Temperature

Beginner

The camera's temperature,
in Celsius.

vt

Read-only

NA

Device Voltage

Beginner

The camera‘s DC voltage

(V).

vv

Read-only

NA

Name

Visibility

Description

ASCII
Command

Command
Range

Additional
Information

Pixel Format

Beginner

Format of the image
pixels.

clm

raw8, raw12,
rgb8, rgb12,
rgba8, rgba12

Setting the
Camera Link
Mode, page 31.

Square Pixel
Enable

Guru

Enables the square pixel
shape (line delay).

eld

True, False

Enabling Line
Delay, page 39.

Sensor Mirror

Expert

Controls the horizontal

smm

Left to Right (0),

Setting the Pixel

Figure 25: Image Format Control

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84 Spyder3 Color Manual

Mode

direction of the image.

Right to Left (1)

Readout
Direction, page

36.

Video Mode

Guru

Video mode. Raw is real
image. Ramp and Fixed
data are built-in test
patterns.

svm

Video, ramp,
fixed data

Generating a Test
Pattern, page 59.

Name

Visibility

Description

ASCII
Command

Command
Range

Additional
Information

Line Rate (Hz)

Expert

Line rate of the camera.

ssf

300 ~ 18,000
Hz

Setting the Line
Rate, page 35.

CCD Drection

Expert

CCD sensor direction.

scd

Internal
Forward (0),
Internal
Reverse (1),

External (2)

CCD Shift Direction,
page 30.

Exposure Time

Guru

Exposure Time in
microseconds. This feature

set

3 ~ 3,300 µs

Setting the Exposure
Time, page 36.

Figure 26: Acquisition and Trigger Controls

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is only configurable if
Camera Internal Exposure
mode is set to 2 and 6.

Internal Exposure
Mode

Guru

Camera Internal Exposure
Mode. This is set by the
Trigger Mode and the
Exposure Mode.

sem

Read-only

Setting the Exposure
Mode, page 32.
Trigger Mode

Expert

The operation mode of the
trigger for the acquisition.

slm

Internal,
External

NA

Exposure Mode

Expert

The operation mode of the
exposure control.

sec

Timed,
Trigger
Width,
Maximum
Exposure
Time

NA

Name

Visibility

Description

ASCII
Command

Command
Range

Additional
Information

Color

Beginner

Selects the color to control.

scl

All, Red,

Setting Color

Figure 27: Digital Controls

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This feature has an affect on
the color gains and color
reference values.

Green, Blue

Selector, page 40.

Color gain (DB)

Beginner

Color gain (DB) relative to
color gain reference (DB) at
the current tap and color
setting.

scg

-20.00 ~ 20
DB

Setting Color Gain,
page 40.

Color gain
reference

Beginner

Color Gain Reference in DB
at current tap and color
setting.

Read-only

NA
Update Color
Gain Reference

Beginner

Sets the current color gain
value to 0.0 dB.

ucr

NA

NA

Digital Gain

Beginner

The digital gain in device
units (DN).

ssg

0 ~ 65535 DN

Setting Digital
System Gain, page

49.

Background
Subtract

Beginner

Subtracts a background
value from digitized image
data.

ssb

0 ~ 4095 DN

Subtracting
Background, page

48.

Calibrate White
Balance

Expert

Adjusts the color gains so

that each color‘s average is

equal to the target specified
in Calibrate White Balance
Target.

cwb

NA

Calibrate White
Balance, page 40.
Calibrate White
Balance Target

Expert

The target value for the
Calibrate White Balance
command.

cwb

1024~4055
DN

Calibrate White
Balance, page 40.

Light Source

Beginner

Specify the adjustment to the
color gain values for a given
light source.

sls

Unadjusted
(5200K)
White LED.
Halogen,
Fluorescent,
Tungsten

NA

Color
Correction
Input

Guru

Specifies the index for the
color correction input value.

scx

Offset, Red,
Green, Blue

Setting Color
Correction X Index,
page 41.

Color
Correction
Output

Guru

Specifies the color to correct
using the color correction
matrix.

scy

Red, Green
Blue,
Luminance

Setting Color
Correction Y Index,
page 41.

Color correction
Factor

Guru

The color correction value for
the given indices specified in
Color Correction Input Color
and Color Correction Output
Color commands.

scc

-32000~32000

Setting Color
Correction, page 40.

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Name

Visibility

Description

Camera
Comman
d

Comman
d Range

Additional
Information

User Set
Selector

Beginner

This feature selects which
User Set to load, save or
configure.

The default is reserved for
factory user to save factory
calibrated data, and can only
be read. If the user wants to
save another setting, they
need to set the user selector
to a value other than default.

sus Default,
set1, set2,
set3, set4,
set5, set6,
set7, set8

Saving and Restoring
Settings, page 52.

User Set
Load

Beginner

Loads the User Set specified
by User Set Selector to the
device, and makes it active.

rus

NA

Saving and Restoring
Settings, page 52.

User Set
Save

Expert

Save the User Set specified by
User Set Selector to the non-

wus

NA

Saving and Restoring
Settings, page 52.

Figure 28: User Sets

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volatile memory of the
device.

Name

Visibility

Description

ASCII
Command

Command
Range

Additional
Information

Pixel Set Selector

Beginner

This feature selects which
pixel set to load and save.

The default is reserved for
factory user to save factory
calibrated data, and can only
be read. If they want to save
another set of coefficients,
they need to set Pixel Set
Selector to a value other than
the default.

sfs

Default,
set1, set2,
set3, set4,
set5, set6,
set7, set8

Saving and
Restoring PRNU
and FPN
Coefficients, page

53.

Load Pixel
Coefficient

Beginner

Loads the Flat Field
Correction Coefficients
(specified by the Pixel Set
Selector) from the cameras

lpc

NA

Saving and
Restoring PRNU
and FPN
Coefficients, page

Figure 29: Flat Field Correction

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non-volatile memory.

53.

Save PRNU
Coefficient

Expert

Saves the PRNU Correction
Coefficients (specified by the
Pixel Set Selector) to the
camera‘s non-volatile
memory.

wpc

NA

Saving and
Restoring PRNU
and FPN
Coefficients, page

53.

Save FPN
Coefficient

Expert

Saves the FPN Correction
Coefficients (specified by the
Pixel Set Selector) to the
camera‘s non-volatile
memory.

wfc

NA

Saving and
Restoring PRNU
and FPN
Coefficients, page

53.

Calibrate FPN

Guru

Calibrate FPN. Ensure that
you cover the sensor
completely.

ccf

NA

FPN Correction,
page 47.

Calibrate PRNU

Guru

Calibrate PRNU coefficient.
Ensure proper light, and
target specified in the PRNU
calibration target.

cpa

NA

PRNU Correction,
page 48.
PRNU Calibration
Target

Guru

PRNU calibration target

cpa

1024 ~
4055

PRNU Correction,
page 48.

FPN Enable

Beginner

The state of the FPN
Correction.

efc

False, True

Enable FPN
Coefficients, page

50.

PRNU Enable

Beginner

The state of the PRNU
Correction.

epc

False, True

Enable PRNU
Coefficients, page

50.

Reset Coefficient

Guru

Reset Pixel FPN and PRNU
coefficients to zero.

rpc

NA

Resetting the
Current Pixel
Coefficients, page

53.

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6 Appendix A

6.1 Camera Link™ Reference, Timing, and
Configuration Table

Camera Link is a communication interface for vision applications. It provides a
connectivity standard between cameras and frame grabbers. A standard cable connection
will reduce manufacturers‘ support time and greatly reduce the level of complexity and
time needed for customers to successfully integrate high speed cameras with frame
grabbers. This is particularly relevant as signal and data transmissions increase both in
complexity and throughput. A standard cable/connector assembly will also enable
customers to take advantage of volume pricing, thus reducing costs.

The camera link standard is intended to be extremely flexible in order to meet the needs
of different camera and frame grabber manufacturers.

The DALSA Camera Link Implementation Road Map (available at from
http://mv.dalsa.com) details how DALSA standardizes its use of the Camera Link
interface.

LVDS Technical Description

Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) is a high speed, low power, general purpose
interface standard. The standard, known as ANSI/TIA/EIA-644, was approved in March

1996. LVDS uses differential signaling, with a nominal signal swing of 350mV differential.
The low signal swing decreases rise and fall times to achieve a theoretical maximum
transmission rate of 1.923 Gbps into a loss-less medium. The low signal swing also means
that the standard is not dependent on a particular supply voltage. LVDS uses current­mode drivers, which limit power consumption. The differential signals are immune to ±1
V common volt noise.

Camera Signal Requirements

This section provides definitions for the signals used in the Camera Link interface. The
standard Camera Link cable provides camera control signals, serial communication, and
video data.

Video Data

The Channel Link technology is integral to the transmission of video data. Image data
and image enable signals are transmitted on the Channel Link bus. Four enable signals
are defined as:

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CC1

EXSYNC, negative edge active

CC2

PRIN

CC3

Direction

• FVAL—Frame Valid (FVAL) is defined HIGH for valid lines.

• LVAL—Line Valid (LVAL) is defined HIGH for valid pixels.

• DVAL—Data Valid (DVAL) is defined HIGH when data is valid.

• Spare— A spare has been defined for future use.

All four enable signals must be provided by the camera on each Channel Link chip. All
unused data bits must be tied to a known value by the camera. For more information on
image data bit allocations, refer to the official Camera Link specification located at
http://mv.dalsa.com.

Camera Control Signals

Four LVDS pairs are reserved for general purpose camera control. They are defined as
camera inputs and frame grabber outputs. Camera manufacturers can define these signals
to meet their needs for a particular product. The signals are:

• Camera Control 1 (CC1)

• Camera Control 2 (CC2)

• Camera Control 3 (CC3)

The camera uses the following control signals:

Table 19: DALSA Camera Control Configuration

Communication

Two LVDS pairs have been allocated for asynchronous serial communication to and from
the camera and frame grabber. Cameras and frame grabbers should support at least 9600
baud. These signals are

• SerTFG—Differential pair with serial communications to the frame grabber.

• SerTC—Differential pair with serial communications to the camera.

The serial interface will have the following characteristics: one start bit, one stop bit, no
parity, and no handshaking. It is recommended that frame grabber manufacturers supply
both a user interface and a software application programming interface (API) for using
the asynchronous serial communication port. The user interface will consist of a terminal
program with minimal capabilities of sending and receiving a character string and
sending a file of bytes. The software API will provide functions to enumerate boards and
send or receive a character string.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 93

BASE Configuration
Mode

T0

T1 (Note: Entries imply double frequency pixel

rate data transmission)

Mode

PORT A
Bits 0 thru 7

PORT B
Bits 0 thru 7

PORT C
Bits 0 thru 7

PORT A
Bits 0 thru 7

PORT B
Bits 0 thru 7

PORT C
Bits 0 thru 7

Mode 0, 1

G

G

1 Tap n bit
Where
Mode 0 = 8 bit
Mode 1 = 12 bit

LSB….Bit 7

Bit 8….MSB xxxx

xxxxxxx

x= don’t care for

unused bits

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mode 2

2 Tap 8 bit

RBRBRB…

LSB..Bit 7

GGGGGG…

LSB..Bit 7

xxxxxxx

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mode 3

2 Tap n bit
Where n= 12

RBRB…

LSB.. Bit 7

RBRB…

Bits 8,9,10,11,

G

Bits 8,9,10,11

G

LSB..Bit 7

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mode 5

RGB 8 bit

R

LSB…Bit 7

G

LSB…Bit 7

B

LSB…Bit 7

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mode 6

RGB 12 bit

R

LSB.. Bit 7

R

Bits 8,9,10,11,

B
Bits 8,9,10,11

B

LSB...Bit 7

G

LSB... Bit 7

G

Bits 8,9,10,11

xxxx

xxxxxxxx

Mode 9

Color
RGBY 8 bit

R

LSB..Bit 7

B

LSB..Bit 7

xxxxxxxx

G

LSB..Bit 7

Y
LSB..Bit 7

xxxxxxxx

Mode 10

Color
RGBY 12 bit

R

LSB..Bit 7

R

Bits 8, 9,10, 11

B

Bits 8, 9,10, 11

B

LSB..Bit 7

G

LSB...Bit 7

G

Bits 8, 9,10, 11

Y
Bits 8, 9,10, 11

Y
LSB..Bit 7

Power

Power will not be provided on the Camera Link connector. The camera will receive
power through a separate cable. Camera manufacturers will define their own power
connector, current, and voltage requirements.

6.2 Camera Link Bit Definitions

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Item (when programmable configuration
the options are separated with a | )

SC-30-02k80

SC-30-04k80

Imager Dimension <1,2 or 1|2>

1 1 Imager Columns<number of active columns, X>

2048

4096

Imager Rows<number of active rows, Y> Line
Scan/TDI are defined as 1

1

1
Number of CCD Taps <1,2,3…..>

2 2 Sensor Tap Clock Rate <xx MHz>

40

40

Camera Standard <NTSC, PAL, VS, VW, MW>

VS

VS

Variable Window
<Column Start, Column End, Row Start, Row End>

(0,0,0,0)
All zeros

indicates an
unsupported
feature

(0,0,0,0)
All zeros

indicates an
unsupported
feature

Multiple Window
Number of Windows (Column Start 1, Column End

1, Row Start 1, Row End 1) (Column Start 2, Column
End 2,...)

0, (0,0,0,0)
All zeros

indicates an
unsupported
feature

0, (0,0,0,0)
All zeros

indicates an
unsupported
feature

Number of Camera Configurations<1,2,3,…>

2

2

Configuration Definition
Cx= HDW, Number of Output Taps, Bit Width,

Number of Processing Nodes where
Cx is the configuration ID x is <1,2,3…>
HDW is <Base, Medium, Full>
Number of Output Taps is <1,2,3…>
Bit width is <8, 10, 12…>
Number Processing Nodes is <1 or 2>

C1 = Base, 2, 8, 1
C2 = Base, 2, 12, 1

C1 = Base, 2, 8, 1
C2 = Base, 2, 12, 1

6.3 Camera Link Configuration Tables

The following table provides tap reconstruction information. DALSA is working with the
machine vision industry to use this table as the basis for auto configuration. Visit the Web
site and view the DALSA Camera Link Implementation Road Map document for further
details (http://www.dalsa.com/mv/knowledge/appnotes.aspx).

SC-30-0xk80 Interface Parameters

Note: PRELIMINARY

Table 20: Framegrabber Interface Parameters

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Item (when programmable configuration
the options are separated with a | )

SC-30-02k80

SC-30-04k80

Tap Reconstruction.
In some configurations the reconstruction may

change. C0 is the default output format and must

be listed. Output configurations that don‘t conform

are listed separately.
<Cx,Tn (Column Start, Column End, Column

Increment, Row Start, Row End, Row Increment>

Horizontal
mirroring is
supported.

Mirror ―on‖

changes the
following
unmirrored
values to:

 The sign of

the column
increment is
inverted.

 Column

Start
becomes the
Column
End value

 Column

End
becomes the
Column
Start value

Direction left to
right readout

C0, T1 (1, 1024,
1, 1, 1, 1)

C0, T2 (1025,
2048, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Horizontal
mirroring is
supported. Mirror

―on‖ changes the

following
unmirrored
values to:

 The sign of

the column
increment is
inverted.

 Column Start

becomes the
Column End
value

 Column End

becomes the
Column Start
value

Direction left to
right readout

C0, T1 (1, 2048, 1,
1, 1, 1)

C0, T2 (2049,
4096, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Camera Color
<Hybrid, Mono, Pattern, Solid>

Mono

Mono

RGB Pattern Size
< (T1, Columns*Rows) (T2, Columns*Rows) (T3,

Columns*Rows….>

(T0, 1*1) where 0
is reserved for
the default case
and individual
taps don‘t need
to be articulated

(T0, 1*1) where 0
is reserved for the
default case and
individual taps

don‘t need to be

articulated

Color Definition
(Column, Row, Color)
Where color is R,G,B

T0 = (1, 1, M)
where 0 is
reserved for the
default case and
individual taps

don‘t need to be

defined

T0 = (1, 1, M)
where 0 is
reserved for the
default case and
individual taps

don‘t need to be

defined

Row Color Offset <0,1,2,3…>

0 0 Column Color Offset <0,1,2,3…>

0 0 Row Binning Factor <1,2,3 or 1|2|3>

1 1 Column Binning Factor <1,2,3 or 1|2|3>

1| 2

1| 2

Pretrigger Pixels <0,1,2…or 0..15>

0 0 Pretrigger Lines <0,1,2.. or 0..15>

0 0 Frame Time Minimum <xx µs>

55.55

111.1

Frame Time Maximum <xx µs>

3333

3333

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Item (when programmable configuration
the options are separated with a | )

SC-30-02k80

SC-30-04k80

Internal Line/Frame Time Resolution
<xx ns> 0 if not applicable

25

25

Pixel Reset Pulse Minimum Width
<xx ns> 0 if not applicable

3000

3000

Internal Pixel Reset Time Resolution
<xx ns> 0 if not applicable

25

25
Pixel Reset to Exsync Hold time <xx ns>

BAUD Rate <9600….>

9600, 19200,
57600, 115200

9600, 19200,
57600, 115200

CC1 <Exsync>

EXSYNC

EXSYNC

CC2 <PRIN>

PRIN

PRIN

CC3 <Forward, Reverse>

Forward/
Reverse

Forward/
Reverse

CC4 <Spare>

Spare

Spare

DVAL out <Strobe Valid, Alternate>

Strobe Valid

Strobe Valid

Spare out <Spare>
(For future use)

Spare

Spare

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Spyder3 Color Manual 97

Model: SC-30-02K80-00R

Evaluation Date: October 5, 2010

The Emissions Evaluation of the DALSA SC-30-02K80-00-R Camera, which is
manufactured by DALSA Inc., meets the following requirements:

FCC Class A, ICES-003 Class A, CISPR 22 Class A, and CISPR 11 Class A.

This camera meets the requirements outlined above which will satisfy the requirements
for all applications (including residential) in Canada and the U.S., as well as many
countries which use similar standards.

Model: SC-30-04K80-00R

Evaluation Date: June 29, 2009

The FCC, ICES-003, and CE Mark Evaluation of the DALSA SC-30-04K80-00-R Camera,
which is manufactured by DALSA Inc. produced the following results:

EN 55022 Class A, EN 55011 Class A, and FCC Part 15 Class A emissions requirements;
EN 55024, and EN 61326-1 immunity to disturbances

This camera meets the requirements outlined above which will satisfy the regulations
for the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia/New Zealand for both Class A (margin
11 dB) and Class B (margin 1 dB) equipment.

Name and Signature of authorized person

Hank Helmond
Quality Manager, DALSA Corp.

7 Appendix B

7.1 EMC Declaration

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by DALSA could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

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Spyder3 Color Manual 99

 power supplies

 cabling

 software

 host computer

 light sources

 optics

 operating environment

 encoder

8 Appendix C

8.1 Troubleshooting

The information in this chapter can help you solve problems that may occur during the
setup of your camera. Remember that the camera is part of the entire acquisition system.
You may have to troubleshoot any or all of the following:

LED

When the camera is first powered up, the LED will glow on the back of the camera. Refer
to section 2.4 for information on the LED.

Connections

The first step in troubleshooting is to verify that your camera has all the correct
connections.

See the section detailing the camera connections, section 2.2 Input / Output Connectors
and LED, page 11.

Equipment Requirements

Ensure that you are using compatible equipment.

Power Supply Voltages

Check for the presence of all voltages at the camera power connector. Verify that all
grounds are connected. Verify input voltage with the camera‘s ‗vv‘ serial command.

EXSYNC

When the camera is received from the factory, it defaults (no external input required) to
exposure mode 7 (1600 Hz line rate, internal Sync to trigger readout). After a user has
saved settings, the camera powers up with the saved settings.

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100 Spyder3 Color Manual

If you change to an exposure mode that requires an external sync, ensure that you
properly providing an external sync

Camera Operation and Test Patterns

Have the camera send out a test pattern and verify it is being properly received.

Communications

To quickly verify serial communications send the help command. The h command
returns the online help menu. If further problems persist, review Appendix C for more
information on communications.

Verify Parameters

To verify the camera parameters, send the gcp command. A complete explanation of the
camera parameters screen follows.

Verify Timing and Digital Video Path

Use the test pattern feature to verify the proper timing and connections between the
camera and the frame grabber and verify the proper output along the digital processing
chain. See below.

Generating Test Patterns

The camera can generate a test pattern to aid in system debugging. Use the command

svm 1 to activate the test pattern. The test pattern is a ramp from 0 to 255DN, then starts

at 0 again. Use the test pattern to verify the proper timing and connections between the
camera and the frame grabber.

 No test pattern or bad test pattern— May indicate a problem with the camera (e.g.

missing bit) or a system setup problem (e.g. frame grabber or timing). Verify the
presence of the LVAL and STROBE signals.

 Test pattern successful— Run the svm 0 command to activate video. Then run the

gl command under both dark and light conditions to retrieve a line of raw video (no

digital processing). Under dark conditions, with factory settings, the analog offset
value should be within the specified range (refer to the user specifications).

Verify Voltage

Use the vv command to display the camera's input voltage.

03-032-20059-01 DALSA