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use and distribution of the following items provided by Seller: a) the binary and all provided source code fo r any and all device
drivers, software libraries, utilities, and example applications (collectively, “Software”); b) the binary and all provided source code
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Disclaimer. Seller’s Products and Documentation, including this document, are subject to change without notice. Documentation
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The LED....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Configuration and LED Configuration Codes............................................................................................... 7
Power Supply............................................................................................................................................. 18
EDT’s RCX-series remote Camera Link extenders are compact modules that can be used to extend Camera
Link data over fiberoptic or coaxial cabling. All components work just as they do with Camera Link cabling.
This guide covers the following extenders: the RCX C-Link, which works with fiberoptic cable; and the RCX
C-Link Coax2, which works with coaxial cable. Thus, for simplicity, this guide will refer to them as follows:
•RCX C-LinkFiber extender
•RCX C-Link Coax2Coax extender
Two extenders can link a camera to a standard framegrabber via fiber or coaxia l cable; or one extender can
connect a camera to an EDT FOX framegrabber, which has fiberoptic transceivers built in.
Specially configured pairs are available for medium or full mode operation (fiber version only).
NOTEAll EDT extenders and framegrabbers mentioned in this guide are for Camera Link. For details on our
legacy AIA product, RCX LVDS / RS422, see its product page at www.edt.com.
Care and Cautions
Your EDT extender is built to withstand a variety of extreme conditions, as listed in the specifications on its
datasheet (see Related Resources on page 2). However, it is nonetheless a high-performan ce component
which, for optimal results, should be treated with care, as detailed below.
•The extender must be protected from even momentary power spikes over 18 volts.
•The connectors – especially the fiberoptic transceivers – must be kept clean and dry. If you su spect the
presence of moisture or debris in the connectors, you should blast a burst of compressed air:
— directly into the ports to dislodge any debris that has collected there; and
— away from the electronic components to blow out any moisture that has collected in the air nozzle.
CAUTION To avoid damaging your eyesight, never look directly into any transceiver.
EDT, Inc.1
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RCX C-Link SeriesOverview
Related Resources
The resources below may be helpful or necessary for your applications.
•To find complete EDT information on any EDT product, go to www.edt.com and find the appropriate
product page. That page will provide links to the product’s datasheet specifications and user’s guide.
•To find EDT information that is not related to a specific EDT product (for example, installation packages
or cable pinouts for multiple products), go to www.edt.com and look in Product Documentation.
EDT ResourceDetailWeb link
• Application programming interfaceHTML and PDF versionswww.edt.com/manuals.html
• Specifications for EDT productsDatasheetswww.edt.com (find by product name)
• Documentation for EDT productsUser’s guides" (Product Documentation page)
• Cabling and pinout documentationDetails on cabling and pinouts " (Product Documentation page)
Standard / Specification For From Web link
• PCI / PCIePCI / PCIe busPCI Special Interest Group
(PCI SIG)
• Camera LinkCamera LinkMachine Vision Online (MVO) www.machinevisiononline.org
• IRIG-BIRIG-B timestamping Inter Range Instrumentation
Group mod B
www.pcisig.com
irigb.com
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RCX C-Link SeriesConnecting the Extender Assembly
MDR26
power supply connector
thumbscrews
LC duplex fiberoptic
connector:
transmit
receive
LED
SMA coaxial
connectors:
transmit
receive
power supply connector
LED
Connecting the Extender Assembly
Each extender unit is factory-preset and labeled to connect to either a camera or a framegrabber (Figure 1).
Each unit, in order to work properly, must be connected to the device for which it was preset and labeled.
NOTEIf you reconfigure your extender for a different device, relabel the extender to avoid future confusion.
Figure 1. Fiberoptic extender, labeled with factory presets
This label shows the unit’s factory presets, including:
• the end for which the unit was preset (camera end
or framegrabber end);
• the operating mode for which the unit was preset
(see Configuration and LED Configuration Codes
on page 7).
Once you have checked the labeling, you can connect each extender as explained below.
•Device end: Attach the correct device (camera or framegrabber) to the extender’s MDR26 connector.
•Cable end: Attach the correct cable to the extender’s cable connectors.
Figure 2 shows the extender connectors and other features, including the LED (see The LED on page 7).
Figure 2. Connectors and features on EDT extenders
Device end of an extenderAn extender connected to a camera
Cable end of a fiberoptic extenderCable end of a coaxial extender
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Mounting the Extender
To mount an extender, use the thumbscrews or one of the alternative methods detailed in Alternative
Mounting and Connecting Methods on page 21. To mount a coax extender, you must use one of those
alternative methods.
Base Mode
For this setup, you’ll need two extenders (one at the camera end and one at the framegrabber end) or, if
you use an EDT FOX framegrabber, just one extender (at the camera end).
In base mode, each pixel clock transfers 24 bits of video data from the camera’s X channel. The extender
can transfer four camera control signals and has a bidirectional serial interface between framegrabber and
camera.
NOTEThe extender generates its own pixel clock, so th e clock rate into the framegrabber may exceed the rate
of the camera. Thus, the amount of time spent in blanking will vary from line to line and frame to frame.
With a standard framegrabber
For a base-mode system with a standard framegrabber, you will need two extenders: one at the camera
end and one at the framegrabber end (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Base mode: multiple extenders + standard framegrabber
To set up this system:
1. Install the framegrabber according to its user’s guide (for EDT user’s guides, see Related Resources
on page 2).
2. Verify the extenders are configure d prop e rly (se e Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on
page 7) – one for the camera end, and the other for the frame grabber end.
3. Turn off power to all devices.
4. Connect the extender labeled “Camera End” to the MDR26 connector on the camera (see Figure 2).
5. Connect the extender labeled “Framegrabber End” to the MDR26 connector on the framegrabber.
6. Connect the two extenders to each other with the appropriate fiberoptic or coaxial cable.
7. Connect the power supply to the power connector on the back of the extender.
8. Turn on power to all devices.
9. Verify each LED shows a steady light (see Status and LED Status Codes on page 11).
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RCX C-Link SeriesConnecting the Extender Assembly
With a FOX framegrabber
A FOX framegrabber has fiberoptics built in, so a base-mode system with a FOX framegrabber requires only
one extender per camera (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Base mode: one extender + FOX framegrabber
To set up this system:
1. Install the framegrabber according to its EDT user’s guide (see Related Resources on page 2).
2. Verify the extender is configured properly (see Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on page 7).
3. Turn off power to all devices.
4. Connect the extender to the MDR26 connector on the camera (see Figure 2).
5. Connect the extender to the desired transceiver o n the framegrabber (channe l 0 is the transceiver physically closest to the PCI bus) with fiberoptic cable.
6. Connect the power supply to the power connector on the back of the extender.
7. Turn on power to all devices.
8. Verify each LED shows a steady light (see Status and LED Status Codes on page 11).
Medium or Full Mode
A medium- or full-mode system requires multiple extenders, as explained below.
On a medium- or full-mode Camera Link camera, there are two MDR26 connectors.
•The primary connector operates the same way as the base-mode interface: ea ch pixel clock transfers
24 bits of video data from the camera’s X channel. The primary connector also can transfer four camera
control signals, and it has a bidirectional serial interface between framegrabber and camera.
•The secondary connector transfers video data for the Y and Z channels:
— Medium-mode cameras transfer 24 bits of video data for the Y channel.
— Full-mode cameras transfer an additional 24 bits for the Z channel.
Thus, the standard full-mode configuration transfers 72 bits of video data — 24 bits each for the X, Y, and
Z camera channels.
The X-channel extenders (one at the camera end and one at the framegrabber end) operate as a basemode extension cord, with one fiber for video data from camera to framegrabber, and the other for control
signals from framegrabber to camera. The YZ-channel extender at the camera end has two fiberoptic
transmitters, with both fibers carrying video data to the framegrabber.
Many framegrabbers require that the video data presented at the pr imary an d secon dary connector s must
be synchronized to within a fraction of a pixel clock. The section entitled Cable assembly – Lemo resync on
page 18 describes a common pixel clock for both extenders at the framegrabber end, and other
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RCX C-Link SeriesConnecting the Extender Assembly
synchronizing signals to ensure that the starting pixel of each raster lines up across the X, Y and Z channels.
The resync cable also supplies power to the extenders.
CAUTION To avoid damaging your components, you should verify that the entire system is connected properly
before you apply power to any component. In particular, do not apply power to the resync cable while
you are connecting it to, or disconnecting it from, an extender.
With a standard framegrabber
For medium- or full-mode operation with a standard framegrabber, you will need four extenders: two at the
camera end, and two at the framegrabber end (see Figure 5).
NOTEEach extender unit is physically different from the others, so you cannot simply change the configuration
codes and use the units interchangeably.
Figure 5. Full mode: multiple extenders + standard framegrabber
To set up this system:
1. Install your Camera Link framegrabber and software as instructed by its manufacturer.
2. Verify extenders are configured properly (see Configura tion a nd LED Configura tion Cod es on page 7).
3. Turn off power to all devices.
4. Connect the extender labeled X Channel Camera to the camera's primary MDR26 connector.
5. Connect the extender labeled YZ Channel Camera to the camera’s secondary MDR26 connector.
6. Connect the extender labeled X Channel FG to the framegrabber’s primary MDR26 connector.
7. Connect the extender labeled YZ Channel FG to the framegrabber’s secondary MDR26 connector.
8. Connect the two power supplies with coaxial power connectors to the two camera-end exten ders.
9. Verify that you have the correct resync cable for your camera (see Figure 5) and connect the cable to
both extenders at the framegrabber end. The two ends of the resync cable are interchangeable.
10. Connect the power supply with the 9-pin D-shell connector to the resync cable connector.
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RCX C-Link SeriesThe LED
11. Connect an LC duplex fiber from the X-channel extender at the camera end to the X-ch annel extender
at the framegrabber end.
12. Connect an LC duplex fiber from the YZ-channel exten der at the camera end to the YZ-chann el extender at the framegrabber end.
13. Turn on power to all devices.
14. Verify each LED shows a steady light (see Status and LED Status Codes on page 11).
With a FOX framegrabber
A FOX framegrabber for medium and full mode is currently in development.
Eighty-bit packing
Certain full-mode cameras, such as the Basler A04k and Mikrotron MC1310 and MC1311, will reassign the
Spare, Data-valid, and Frame-valid control signals to allow a tr ansfer of up to 80 bits of data per pixel clock.
Your extender can be configured with a configuration code to accommodate these cameras. Configuration
codes of 1-5 (at the camera end) and 2-5 (at the framegrabber end) allow 80-bit packing at frequencies of
60–72 MHz. The 72 MHz upper limit is determined by the bandwidth available over the fiber, but is sufficient
to support all modes currently available on the cameras specified above.
The LED
Each extender has a light-emitting diode (LED), as in Figure 2. By displ aying various patterns of blinks (blink
codes), the LED communicates information about the extender’s configuration and status, as follows.
At power-on, the LED blinks a configuration code (indicating the operating mode for which the extender is
configured) one time, and then blinks rapidly as the firmware loads. After power-on, the LED continuously
displays a status code (indicating whether the unit is working properly or has errors). The LED also is used
when resetting or changing the operating mode.
The two types of LED codes are explained more fully in Configuration and LED Configuration Code s on
page 7 and Status and LED Status Codes on page 11.
Configuration and LED Configuration Codes
Your EDT extender can support a wide range o f camer a models and data tran sfer rates, d epending on the
extender model and operating mode selected. For fiber extenders, standard firmware will support most
base-mode cameras from 20 to 80 MHz, with UART data rates of up to 19.2 KBaud, and full-mod e operation
at 60–80 MHz. For coax extenders, standard firmware will support most base-mode cameras from 20 to 60
MHz, with UART data rates of up to 19.2 KBaud.
Each extender is factory-preset for the operating mode that was specified in the product order . The
operating mode is selected and indicated through LED configuration codes, as explained below.
Each extender is configured for the desired operating mode through a pattern of blinks called the LED
configuration code. This code, displayed once at power-on, consists of two digits, each represented by a
certain number of blinks. The two digits are separated by a pause, shown in this guide as a hyphen. For
example, a configuration code of “one blink, pause, one blink” is shown in this guide as 1-1.
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RCX C-Link SeriesConfiguration and LED Configuration Codes
A first digit of 1 indicates that the unit is configured for the camera end; a first digit of 2 indicates that the unit
is configured for the framegrabber end. The second digit must be the same for both ends (camera and
framegrabber). With a FOX framegrabber, there is no extender at the framegrabber end, so the
configuration code is set at the camera end only.
For a typical base-mode system, a configuration code of 1-1 at the camera end and 2-1 at the fr amegrabber
end permits standard base-mode operation at clock frequencies of 20–40 MHz. For a typical full mode
system, a configuration code of 1-4 on both extenders at the camera end, and a configuration code of 2-4
on both at the framegrabber end, allows standard full-mode operation at clock freq uencies of 60–80 MHz.
On the configuration code label for a medium- or full-mode system, X Channel refers to the primary MDR26
connnector on the camera or framegrabber, and YZ Channel refers to the secondary connector.
Base Mode
Table 1 shows the operating modes of an extender in base mode (EDT firmware revsion 11 or higher).
Table 1. LED configuration codes – base mode
CodeEndCamera Clock Rate ConstraintsLink RateExtender Type
Cameras operating between 40 and 60 MHz are usually best served by configuration codes 1-3 and 2-3. If
the camera needs only 16 data bits or fewer transferred per clock cycle (instead of all 24), it is possible to
use configuration codes 1-2 and 2-2 instead, and thus operate the link at 1.25 GBaud for longer range and
lower power dissipation. The selection of 16-bit mode is made only at the framegrabber end through
configuration code 2-2, or through the directive
mode16: 1 in a FOX configuration file; this information is
communicated over the fiber to the extender at the camera end. (At the camera end, configuration codes
1-1 and 1-2 are identical.)
At reset (and whenever the extender cannot lock to the camera clock), the extender initializes to assume
that the Camera Link Data-Valid signal is never asserted, and ignores it. Many Pulnix cameras do not assert
Data-Valid, so this behavior is useful for those using such cameras. The first occurrence of Data-Valid true
from the camera causes the extender to use Data-Valid to qualify video data from that point on.
In the case of a dual-tap camera, the Camera Link p ixel clock is half the camera’s pixel rate. For example,
a dual-tap 12-bit camera with a 40 MHz Camera Link clock sends 80 million pixels per second. This camera
is compatible with the extender in configuration code 1-1.
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RCX C-Link SeriesConfiguration and LED Configuration Codes
Medium or Full Mode
Table 2 shows the operating modes of an extender in medium or full mode (EDT firmware rev. 11 or higher).
NOTEThis table is for the fiberoptic extender only, as the coaxial extender is available for base mode only.
Table 2. LED configuration codes – medium or full mode
CodeEndCamera Clock Rate ConstraintsLink Rate
1-1camera20–40 MHz72 bits1.25 GBaud
1-2[undefined]–––
1-3camera20–60 MHz72 bits2.5 GBaud
1-4camera60–80 MHz72 bits2.5 GBaud
1-5camera60–72 MHzfor 80-bit full-mode cameras2.5 GBaud
2-1framegrabber20–40 MHz*72 bits1.25 GBaud
2-2[undefined]–––
2-3framegrabber20–60 MHz*72 bits2.5 GBaud
2-4framegrabber60–80 MHz*72 bits2.5 GBaud
2-5framegrabber60–72 MHz*for 80-bit full-mode cameras2.5 GBau d
3-3firmware update (see Firmware on page 12)1.25 GBaud
2 fast, 2 slow, 2 fastError: unsupported configuration code entered
* For camera clock rate, the resync cable determines the actual frequency.
For full-mode cameras, which typically operate at 60 to 80 MHz, configuration codes of 1-4 (camera end)
and 2-4 (framegrabber end) should work. For full-mode camera s that transfer 80 bits per clock cycle, use
configuration codes of 1-5 (camera end) and 2-5 (framegrabber end).
For medium-mode cameras, which typically operate at 40 MHz, configuration codes of 1-1 (camera end)
and 2-1 (framegrabber end) should work.
For instructions on verifying and updating the firmware, see
Firmware on page 12.
Resetting or Changing the Operating Mode
Your extender is factory-preset for the operating mode that was specified in the product order. However, if
you need to reset or change the operating mode, you can do so by setting the LED configuration code.
NOTEIf you change the operating mode, be sure to relabel the extender to prevent future confusion.
To reset or change the operating mode (configuration code ):
1. Turn off the power to the extender, and disconnect the extender from everything except a power supply.
NOTEEDT recommends connecting the power supply to a po wer strip or some other device that allows e asy
access to both the power and the extender at the same time. This is because, as you follow the steps
below, it may become necessary to turn off the power and restart the process (see step 4).
2. Press the recessed button on the bottom of the extender with a fine, blunt point – such as the tip of a
ballpoint pen – as in Figure 6.
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RCX C-Link SeriesConfiguration and LED Configuration Codes
Figure 6. Pressing the recessed button
3. Still pressing the button, turn on the power; the LED will turn on.
4. Release the button within two seconds (if you press the button longer than two seconds, the LED will
start blinking diagnostically and you will need to restart the process from step 1).
5. Release the button; the LED will turn off.
NOTEBefore proceeding, be sure you know which configuration code you want (see Configuration and LED
Configuration Codes on page 7), because you’ll need to enter it quickly when the LED starts blinking.
6. Press the button, let the LED start blinking, and release the button after the correct number of blinks for
the first digit; then repeat for the second digit. For example, for a configuration code of 2-1, press the
button for two blinks, and release; then press the button for one blink, and release.
As soon as you enter the second digit, the extender saves your selection into flash memory and the LED
starts blinking in that pattern. If the pattern is not what you wanted, start over from Ste p 1.
NOTEIf an unsupported code is entered, the LED will display two fast, two slow, and two fast blinks, indicating
that an error has occurred and the code has not been saved to memory.
7. Cycle power to the extender without pressin g the bu tt on .
When the extender is powered on without the button pressed, the LED blinks the configuration code once
and blinks rapidly as the firmware loads; then it continuously displays the extender’s status (see Stat us and
LED Status Codes on page 11).
Backward Compatibility
For details on backward compatibility, see Firmware on page 12.
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RCX C-Link SeriesStatus and LED Status Codes
Status and LED Status Codes
As previously discussed, at power-on the LED blinks the extender’s configura tion code o ne time, and then
blinks rapidly as the firmware loads. After power-on, the LED continuously displays the extender’s status
code, which indicates whether the unit is working properly or has errors (see Table 3).
Table 3. LED status codes
If LED shows... It means...
Steady lightAll OK – everything is working properly.
Slow blinks
(1Hz)
Fast blinks
(10Hz)
Both slow and
fast blinks
2 fast + 2 slow +
2 fast blinks
No lightThe extender has no power or is faulty.
There is an error from the other end. The typical causes are:
• The extender at the other end has no power, or its operating mode does not match the operating
mode on this extender (see Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on page 7).
• The cable connection is compromised, either by incorrect or damaged cabling, or by moisture or
debris in the extender’s cable connectors (see Care and Cautions on page 1).
There is an error from the camera to the extender, related to the camera’s pixel clock.
If the fast blink is on the camera-end extender: either the camera has no power, or the operating
mode on the extender does not match the operating mode on the camera (see Configuration and
LED Configuration Codes on page 7).
If the fast blink is on the framegrabber-end extender: either the extender or the resync cable is faulty.
There is at least one slow-blink error and at least one fast-blink error.
The extender is configured with an unsupported operating mode (see Configuration and LED
Configuration Codes on page 7).
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RCX C-Link SeriesFirmware
Firmware
To avoid version problems, EDT recommends against doing a firmware u pdate unless you are convinced it
is necessary. If it is necessary, you can use the utility
provided firmware file, and update the firmware.
Versions
EDT extenders are factory-preset with the files shown in Table 4.
Table 4. FPGA configuration files for RCX-series extenders (as of February 2009)
Operating modeChannelFPGA configuration file
Base[no channels]rgb11.rcx
MediumXmx11.rcx
YZmy11.rcx
FullXfx11.rcx
YZfyz11.rcx
If your extender unit is using standard firmware older than revision 11, the unit will support camera speeds
of only 20–40 MHz at 1.25 GBaud, using a configuration code of 1-1 (ignore Data-Valid), 1-2 (use DataValid), or 2-1 (framegrabber end).
rcxload to query the firmware, verify it against a
For backward compatibility, firmware revisions of 11 or later will behave identically for configuration codes
1-1 and 1-2. As of firmware revision 11, Data-Valid is automatically detected. If you use configuration code
2-2 at the framegrabber end for 16-bit mode, you can use the corresponding configuration code of 1-2 at
the camera end.
NOTETo determine whether your firmware is revision 11 or later, you can enter configuration code 3-5 (see
Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on page 7). If the LED then blinks two fast, two slow, two
fast (indicating an unsupported configuration code), then you have firmware of revision 11 or later.
Querying, Verifying, and Updating
For base or medium mode, follow the steps below to query, verify, and update the firmware.
NOTEThis procedure works only if you are using EDT FOX or PCI Express framegrabbers and fiber extenders
in base or medium mode. If you are using anything else, contact EDT to update the firmware.
CAUTION To avoid corrupting the firmware on the extender, do not interrupt the update by pressing Ctrl-C or
turning off the power while the update is in progress.
1. Set up your system as instructed in this guide (see Connecting the Extender Assembly on page 3).
2. Run
pciload with no arguments to ensure that the system recognizes the EDT framegrabber. Typical
3. Configure the extender with code 3-3 (see Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on page 7).
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RCX C-Link SeriesFirmware
4. Power-cycle the extender.
5. If you are using a FOX framegrabber, ensure the fibe roptic cable is connected to channel 0 (the channel
physically closest to the PCI bus). The extender need not be connected to a camera.
6. Query the extender, to ensure it is there and recognized, by entering
you start
rcxload, the LEDs on both devices will be lighted and not blinking.
If your output appears faulty, check the configuration code, cables, and connections. If you still have
problems, email the output to tech@edt.com.
7. Assuming correct output from step 6 above, you can perform either or both of the following oper ations.
— To verify (compare) the firmware in your EDT installation package against the firmware already
loaded on your extender via flash memory, run...
rcxload -u 0 -v flash/rcx/file.rcx
...replacing file.rcx with the filename of the current firmware revision. The utility compares the
firmware in the extender with the firmware in the specified firmware file. If they are the same, the
utility reports
verified and 0 errors; if not, it reports not verified and lists the errors.
— To update the firmware, if you determine that an update is necessary, run...
NOTEIf
rcxload -u 0 flash/rcx/file.rcx
...replacing file.rcx with the filename of the current firmware revision.
The filename must be a valid
flash/rcx subdirectory. The README file in the package has information about any .rcx file updates,
.rcx file. EDT software packages ship with the current .rcx files in the
including the specific filename of the current revision.
After a successful update, configure the extender for the desired operating mode (see Configuration
and LED Configuration Codes on page 7).
rcxload reports an error within a section flagged as “critical,” do not power-cycle the extender;
instead, repeat the procedure. If you still get errors, leave the extender powered on and contact EDT.
You can turn off the power to the computer and came ra, and leave the extender powered on in definitely.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2913
Page 18
RCX C-Link SeriesTransceivers
Transceivers
The fiberoptic extender supports various types of transceivers and fiber, as shown in Table 5.
Alternatively, the following transceivers are available as options.
•Single fiber transceivers (distances up to 60 km): These have an integrated passive op tical multiplexer
and transmit data in each direction over one fiber using different colors of light – especially useful when
going through an optical rotary joint.
•CWDM transceivers (extended range of 5 km or more, 1310 nm, single-fiber PON) – These use up to
16 different colors of light, with the light split and combined by passive optical multiplexers that are external to the extender. They support up to twelve different cameras simultaneously over a single fiber.
•DualTX and DualRX transceivers – In full mode, these are used on the secondar y Camera Link connector because it must carry twice as much data as the primary connector.
Coaxial Cable
The coaxial extender has two SMA connectors – one for data in, and one for data out. The cable used must
have a corresponding SMA connector at each end.
WavelengthMaximum length (meters)
(microns)
50.08 50 nm50 0250
at 1.25 GBaudat 2.5 GBaud
The maximum range is determined by the dB of loss at 625 MHz. EDT recommends using a cable that
keeps the amount of loss under 20 dB at 625 MHz.
The cabling must have an impedance of 50 ohms.
One cable type that meets all of these requirements is 50-ohm RG58, which has an SMA connector a t each
end and a typical loss of 11 to 15 dB per 100 feet.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2914
Page 19
RCX C-Link SeriesPinouts
Pinouts
This section provides pinout information for the Camera Link and power connectors.
Camera Link
Table 6 shows the MDR26 connector pinout for Camera Link signals (base, medium, and full mode).
Pins 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
(defined by firmware used
in extender) typically are
used at CMOS +3.3 V
signal levels, although
pins 1,6 and 3,4 can be
configured as LVDS pairs.
Pin 2 is power to
extender (+4.75
to +18 V DC).
Key in connector
barrel (at top)
Pin 7 is ground
(for signals and power).
Outer ring is ground.
Pin 1 is power to
extender (+4.75
to +18 V DC).
Power
The power connector on the extender is either a standard coaxial Switchcraftor an optional Lemo. Pin
information for both is shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Pinout – Standard Switchcraft Connector and Optional Lemo Connector
With the Lemo, you can use various cables that allow auxiliary signals. (On medium- and full-mode systems
using the resync cable option, the extenders at the framegrabber end must use Lemo connectors.)
Cable assembly – Lemo to loose wire
The Lemo to loose wire (EDT part #016-02650) can be wired as needed or connected to various types of
connectors, depending on what you need for your application.
Table 7. Pinout – Lemo to loose wire
Lemo
Pin Color
1greenAUX_TX, primary auxiliary transmit UARTCMOS +3.3 V
2redpower to extender+4.75 to +18 V
3orangeAUX2_TX, secondary auxiliary transmitCMOS +3.3 V
4brownAUX2_RX, secondary auxiliary receiveCMOS +3.3 V
5whiteSYNC, can be configured as an outgoing
6blueAUX_RX, primary auxiliary receive UARTCMOS +3.3 V
7blackgroundground
Standard Firmware (rgb11.rcx)
copy of the camera’s frame-valid signal
Signal LevelComments
All five CMOS 3.3 V
signals go to FPGA I/O
3.3V pins using series
100-ohm resistors.
CMOS +3.3 V
Custom firmware can be
used to configure these
pins as input or output.
Cable assembly – Lemo to male DB9
The male DB9 (EDT part #016-02718) supports signals that can be used as an auxiliary signaling system
for a variety of purposes.
For example, custom firmware could allow the auxiliary signals to be used to control the camera’s pan and
servo motors. It is also possible to set up a hardware trigger that is local to either end. If you wish to explore
these options, contact EDT.
Unlike the DB9 in the female assembly, this DB9 has no looped-back signals or integrated level conver sion.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2916
Page 21
RCX C-Link SeriesPinouts
Table 8 shows the pinout and how the standard firmware uses each wire.
Table 8. Pinout – Male DB9 Cable
Lemo
Pin
––1[unused]–
––6[unused]–
1green2AUX_TX, primary auxiliary transmit UARTCMOS +3.3 V
2red9power to extender+4.75 to +18 V
3orange 7AUX2_TX, secondary auxiliary transmitCMOS +3.3 V
4brown8AUX2_RX, secondary auxiliary recei v eCMOS +3.3 V
5white4SYNC, can be configured as an outgoing
6blue3AUX_RX, primary auxiliary receive UARTCMOS +3.3 V
7black5groundground
ColorDB9
Pin
Standard Firmware (rgb11.rcx)
copy of the camera’s frame-valid signal
Signal LevelComments
All five CMOS 3.3 V
signals go to FPGA I/O
3.3V pins using series
100-ohm resistors.
Custom firmware can be
used to configure these
pins as input or output.
CMOS +3.3 V
Cable assembly – Lemo to female DB9 RS232
The female DB9 (EDT part #016-02445) supports integrated CMOS +3.3 V to RS232 level converters on a
small circuit board inside the DB9 connector shell.
This cable is designed to plug in directly to a host computer serial port. The cable offers an auxiliary UART
connection over the fiber, in addition to the UART normally associated with the Camera Link standard. This
auxiliary UART can be used, for example, to control the camera’s pan and zoom servo motors from the host
at 19.2 KBaud or less. Alternatively, it can be used for other low bandwidth signals.
Unlike the DB9 in the male assembly, this DB9 does not supply power to the extender. Instead, a r ed wire
(power) and a black wire (ground), both 24 inche s long, are left loose so you can hook up your own power
source. The required power is 4.75 to 18 V DC.
Table 9 shows the pinout and how the standard firmware (in
rgb11.rcx) uses each wire. DB9 pins 1, 4, and
6 are wired together and unconnected, 7 and 8 also are wired together, and 9 also is unconnected; these
signals are not otherwise used.
Table 9. Pinout – Female DB9 Cable
Lemo
Pin
––1[unused]–
––6[unused]–
1green2AUX_TX, primary auxiliary transmit UARTRS232 (at DB9) to CMOS +3.3 V (at Lemo)
2red9power to extender+4.75 to +18 V (red wire out)
3orange 7reserved–
4brown8reserved–
5white4reserved–
6blue3AUX_RX, primary auxiliary receive UARTRS232 (at DB9) to CMOS +3.3 V (at Lemo)
7black5groundground (black wire out)
ColorDB9
Pin
Standard Firmware (rgb11.rcx)
Signal Level
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2917
Page 22
RCX C-Link SeriesPower Supply
Cable assembly – Lemo resync
The resync cable, for medium or full mode, sends a common clock signal from an oscillator inside the DB9
shell to each of the two extenders at the framegrabber end. This cable also allows the X channel extender
to signal the YZ channel extender when to start each raster.
The two Lemo connectors on the resync cable are interchangeable.
The resync cable must have an oscillator frequency greater than or equal to the camera pixel clock rate.
The pixel clock re-created for the framegrabber is asynchronous to that generated by the camera; thus, the
amount of time spent in horizontal blanking varies from one raster lin e to the next. If the camera's clock rate
is slower than that of the resync cable, a greater percentage of time will be spent in horizontal blanking at
the framegrabber. Resync cables for 40, 60, and 80 MHz are available (see Related Resources on page 2).
From the tables under Configuration and LED Configuration Codes on page 7, select a configuration code
with a frequency range that is included in the frequency generated by the cable assembly.
Table 10 shows the pinout for this cable with a male DB9 connector.
Table 10. Pinout – Resync Cable with Male DB9
Lemo
Pin
1START_RASTER+, LVDS signal from X to YZ extender[unconnected] —
2powerpower9
3CLOCK+, LVDS pixel clock into X and YZ extenders[unconnected] —
4CLOCK-, LVDS pixel clock into X and YZ extenders[unconnected] —
5reserved[unconnected] —
6START_RASTER-, LVDS signal from X to YZ extender[unconnected] —
7groundground5
Lemo SignalDB9 SignalDB9
Pin
If you use the resync cable, you will need a power source as well (see Power Supply, below).
Power Supply
Each extender has an internal switching regulator that supports voltages of 4.75 to 18 volts DC. For pin
information and polarity on the standard Switchcraft and the optional Lemo connector, see Power on
page 16.
CAUTION To avoid damage to the extender, EDT recommends that you protect it from power spikes over 18 V,
use voltages at the lower end of the range, and never reverse the polarity of the power connector.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2918
Page 23
RCX C-Link SeriesPower Supply
Table 11 shows the base-mode power supply requirements for an extender at the camera end.
Table 11. Base-mode power supply for extender at camera end
5 V, 2 A (DC); power supply
includes four international
power plug adapters.
100–240 V, 50–60 Hz
from AC mains
5 V, 2 A (DC); power supply
includes four international
power plug adapters.
In full mode with a standard framegrabber, the power requ ired for each end (cam era and framegrabb er) is
always under 6 watts – and typically closer to 4 watts – per en d. This power is spr ead across two extender
(typically 1.5 watts for the X channel unit, and 2.5 watts fo r th e YZ channel unit). The two extenders at the
camera end can use either of the two power supplies with the Switchcraft connectors, while the two
extenders at the framegrabber end can receive power from the EDT resync cable through a female DB9
connector. The resync cable connects to the extenders through two interchangeable Lemo connectors.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2919
Page 24
RCX C-Link SeriesAppendix A
Dimensions
This section covers the dimensions for EDT extenders.
Figure 8 shows the dimensions of a typical extender. The power connector dimension of 0.31 inch is for the
standard power connector; the optional Lemo connector on the fiber version is approximately 0.35 inch.
NOTEConnector dimensions are approximate; for precise dimensions, see the manu facturer’s specifications.
Figure 8. Extender Dimensions
Figure 9 shows a typical value for cable clearance; the exact value is dependent upon the cable used.
Figure 9. Cable Clearance
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2920
Page 25
Appendix
mounting holes
Alternative Mounting and Connecting Methods
Your setup may require an alternative method to mount an extender to a device. For example, to mount a
coax extender (which has no thumbscrews), you’ll need to use one of these methods.
Mounting Holes
You can mount the extender via its mounting holes, as in Figure 10, and a custom (user-provided) bracket.
Figure 10. Mounting Holes
CAUTION To avoid damage to the extender,
mounting screws must not extend
more than 0.2" into the case. See
Dimensions on page 20.
Adapter Cabling
If you cannot mount your extender directly to your device, you can u se an EDT adapter cable or an optional
third-party cable. Figure 11 shows EDT’s half-meter cables, with part numbers and instructions.
Figure 11. EDT extenders with EDT half-meter adapter cables
With this cable, screw the fiber extender’s
thumbscrews through the end of the EDT cable and
firmly into the MDR26 connector on the cable.
Also, for devices with SDR (mini Camera Link) connectors, EDT offers a 3M MDR26 female to SDR26 male
cable in two lengths: 1 meter (EDT part #016-013779); or 2 meters (EDT part #016-13740).
With this cable, screw the screws (with washers) on
the EDT cable through the cable backshell, and firmly
into the MDR26 connector on the coax extender.
Page 26
RCX C-Link SeriesAlternative Mounting and Connecting Methods
Revision Log
Below is a history of modifications to this guide for EDT’s RCX C-Link Series.
DateRevByPpDetail
20110629 03dRH,CH,
TL,PH
20110624 03cRH,PH 14• Added Coaxial Cable main section (with 50- and 75-ohm information).
20110624 03cRH,PH 14• Deleted Options main head and moved its two subsections as follows:
20110624 03cRH,PH 16• Made Camera Link pinout its own subsection (Camera Link) under Pinouts.
20110624 03cRH,PH 16,18• In sections entitled Pinouts and Power Supply, added clarifying details and a fig-
20110523 03bCH,PH 18• Under Power Supply, expanded the opening verbiage to: “Each extender has an
20110307 03bPH16-17• Under Options - Power Connector:
20110216 03aPH20• Added to Appendix: information about SDR cable connectors.
20110211 03PHAll• Added information about new products (coax extender and PCIe framegrabber).
20100000 02PHAll• Updated guide with new page layout and formats.
20000000 01LWAll• Created new guide.
14• Revised Coaxial Cable main section to include more 50-ohm information and no
75-ohm information (not part-numbered).
- made Transceivers a main section (moved above Pinouts);
- renamed Power Connector (re. Lemo cable options) to Power and moved it under Pinouts.
ure showing the standard Switchcraft vs. the optional Lemo power connector.
internal switching regulator that supports voltages of 4.75 to 18 volts DC. The
polarity for the power connector is center pin positive (+), outer collar negative
(-). CAUTION - To avoid damage to the extender, EDT recommends that you
protect it from power spikes over 18 V, use voltages at the lower end of the
range, and never reverse the polarity of the power connector.”
- Loose wire – added new section and table for this option.
- Male and female – reformatted tables to match loose wire assembly table.
EDT, Inc.2011 June 2922
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