First Light C-RED 3 User Manual

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First Light Imaging SAS au Capital de 85 000 euros | 533 716 817 RCS Aix-en-Provence | TVA : FR78 533 716 817

Title: C-RED 3 USER MANUAL

C-RED 3

User Manual

C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

Page : 1 Date : 19/07/2019

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First Light Imaging SAS au Capital de 85 000 euros | 533 716 817 RCS Aix-en-Provence | TVA : FR78 533 716 817

Title: C-RED 3 USER MANUAL

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

Page : 2 Date : 19/07/2019

TABLE:

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 6

Caution ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 6

Symbols and Indications .......................................................................................................................... 6

Disposal - DEEE ....................................................................................................................................... 7

2. WARNINGS .......................................................................................................................... 8

General warnings ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Never open your camera ......................................................................................................................... 8

Power circuitry ......................................................................................................................................... 8

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT ................................. 9

4. CONTENTS OF PACKAGE .................................................................................................. 10

List of items ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Camera serial number ........................................................................................................................... 11

5. DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................... 12

SWIR CMOS sensor ................................................................................................................................ 12

5.1.1. SNAKE-SW TECLESS introduction ................................................................................................. 12

5.1.2. Spectral response .......................................................................................................................... 12

C-RED 3 camera .................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2.1. Mechanical and optical interfaces .................................................................................................. 13

Description and minimum specification accessories ............................................................................ 15

5.3.1. Power input..................................................................................................................................... 15

5.3.2. Thermal management .................................................................................................................... 15

5.3.3. Cooling system ............................................................................................................................... 15

5.3.4. Communication interface ............................................................................................................... 15

5.3.4.1. Camera Link ............................................................................................................................ 16

5.3.4.2. USB 3.0 Type B ........................................................................................................................ 16

6. SETTING UP AND START UP CAMERA ............................................................................. 17

Connecting your camera ........................................................................................................................ 17

6.1.1. Power FISCHER CONNECTORS cable connection ......................................................................... 17

6.1.2. Camera Link

6.1.3. USB connection (for C-RED 3 USB only) ........................................................................................ 18

connection (for C-RED 3 CL only) ........................................................................... 17

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Demo GUI software ................................................................................................................................ 19

Powering up/down ................................................................................................................................. 19

6.3.1. Power ON: ....................................................................................................................................... 19

6.3.2. Power OFF: ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Camera status........................................................................................................................................ 20

7. READOUT MODES ............................................................................................................. 21

Integration/readout function ................................................................................................................. 21

7.1.1. Integrate while read (IWR) .............................................................................................................. 21

7.1.2. Integrate then read (ITR) ................................................................................................................ 22

7.1.3. ITR / IWR consideration .................................................................................................................. 22

Readout mode ........................................................................................................................................ 23

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7.2.1. Single Read ..................................................................................................................................... 23

7.2.2. HDR ................................................................................................................................................. 23

7.2.3. AGC ................................................................................................................................................. 24

Data acquisition mode ........................................................................................................................... 24

7.3.1. Detector geometry .......................................................................................................................... 24

7.3.2. Pixel format (ADU) .......................................................................................................................... 25

7.3.3. Full frame mode ............................................................................................................................. 25

7.3.4. Cropping mode ............................................................................................................................... 26

Conversion gain ..................................................................................................................................... 28

8. OPERATION ....................................................................................................................... 29

Data format ............................................................................................................................................ 29

8.1.1. Camera Link

8.1.2. Camera Link

8.1.3. USB (for C-RED 3 USB only) ........................................................................................................... 30

Internal synchronization ........................................................................................................................ 31

(for C-RED 3 CL only) ............................................................................................. 29

frame grabber ......................................................................................................... 29

Software synchronization ...................................................................................................................... 32

External synchronization ....................................................................................................................... 32

8.4.1. Cable assembly .............................................................................................................................. 33

8.4.2. FPS/Tint_in timing diagrams.......................................................................................................... 35

8.4.2.1. Standard polarity / externally controlled integration time ..................................................... 35

8.4.2.2. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time ...................................................... 35

8.4.2.3. Standard polarity / internally controlled integration time ...................................................... 36

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8.4.2.1. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time ...................................................... 36

8.4.3. Latency ........................................................................................................................................... 37

Bad Pixel Correction .............................................................................................................................. 37

Bias/Flat Correction .............................................................................................................................. 37

8.6.1. Adaptative Bias ............................................................................................................................... 38

8.6.2. HDR Bias/Flat correction additional information ........................................................................... 38

8.6.3. Bias correction file format ............................................................................................................. 39

8.6.4. Flat correction file format .............................................................................................................. 39

Pixel value offset .................................................................................................................................... 40

Dark optimization ................................................................................................................................... 40

Tag generation ....................................................................................................................................... 40

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Thermal protection ................................................................................................................................ 41

Camera presets ..................................................................................................................................... 41

Camera optional features. ..................................................................................................................... 41

Camera advanced settings .................................................................................................................... 42

8.13.1. Dark level adjustment .................................................................................................................... 42

8.13.2. Integration time granularity ........................................................................................................... 43

8.13.3. Anti-blooming ................................................................................................................................. 43

9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FONCTIONS .......................................................................... 44

List of available commands ................................................................................................................... 44

Commands format detail ....................................................................................................................... 50

SSH configuration .................................................................................................................................. 51

10. PRECAUTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................................ 52

Precaution of use ................................................................................................................................... 52

10.1.1. Static / electric shocks: .................................................................................................................. 52

Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................... 52

10.2.1. Never open the camera. ................................................................................................................. 52

10.2.2. Cleaning of window. ........................................................................................................................ 52

10.2.3. Storage. .......................................................................................................................................... 52

10.2.4. Ethernet connection ....................................................................................................................... 52

11. WARRANTY AND LIABILITY ............................................................................................... 53

For the USA ............................................................................................................................................ 53

11.1.1. Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 53

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11.1.2. Conditions ....................................................................................................................................... 53

11.1.3. Warranty Enforcement ................................................................................................................... 53

11.1.4. Returns ........................................................................................................................................... 54

11.1.4.1. Liability Upon Delivery............................................................................................................. 54

11.1.4.2. Products Offered “As Is” ......................................................................................................... 54

11.1.4.3. No Other Warranties ............................................................................................................... 54

11.1.4.4. Limitation of Liability ............................................................................................................... 54

11.1.5. Purchaser Warranties .................................................................................................................... 54

11.1.6. Purchaser Indemnification ............................................................................................................. 54

For the rest of the World ....................................................................................................................... 55

11.2.1. FLI’s legal guarantee and limit to the guarantee ........................................................................... 55

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11.2.2. FLI’s liability ................................................................................................................................... 55

11.2.3. Liability in connection with defective products .............................................................................. 55

12. CONTACTS ......................................................................................................................... 56

For the USA: ........................................................................................................................................... 56

For the rest of the world: ....................................................................................................................... 56

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First Light Imaging SAS au Capital de 85 000 euros | 533 716 817 RCS Aix-en-Provence | TVA : FR78 533 716 817

Title: C-RED 3 USER MANUAL

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

Page : 6 Date : 19/07/2019

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing C-RED 3 !

C-RED 3 features and performances are described in detail within this User Manual. It contains all information and advice needed to get the optimum performance from C-RED 3.

You can also find an up-to-date version of this User Manual on our website:

imaging.com/user-manuals/

Please contact our support for any question at: support@first-light.fr

Caution

https://www.first-light-

Your C-RED 3 camera contains fragile components.

This User Manual describes precisely how to handle your material properly and to avoid accidents.

Please follow the instructions of use to take advantage of all C-RED 3 performances. Please read carefully the warnings (section 2) and follow the safety precautions to avoid any personal injury or damage when using the camera.

Overview

C-RED 3 is a revolutionary ultra-high-speed low noise camera designed for high resolution short wave infrared imaging. It is equipped with an Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) (640 x 512) pixels sensor of 15 µm each. Thanks to its advanced technology in electronics, software, and its innovative mechanics, C-RED 3 is capable of unprecedented performances: up to 600 images per second at full frame. C-RED 3 offers Camera Link® or USB3 interface depending on your camera configuration.

Your C-RED 3 camera contains fragile components, especially the detector. Please always handle your camera with care.

Always follow the instructions of use.

Symbols and Indications

Please read this User Manual and the following definitions carefully to understand the potential dangers and the precautions to take. Please refer to this User Manual if a WARNING symbol is marked on the camera.

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The CE marking indicates the conformity of the camera to the European legislation

This pictogram indicates a direct current operation

This pictogram invites the user to refer to the instructions / user manual

This pictogram refers to indoor use

This pictogram refers to Protection class category 1

This pictogram indicates that the product is compliant with the RoHS limitation

Disposal - DEEE

C-RED 3’s sensor contains specific material such as:

- InAs CAS n° 1303-11-3 / EC n° 215-115-3

- GaAs CAS n° 1303-00-0 / EC n° 215-114-8.

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In case of disposal, do not throw your camera in waste disposal and send it back to First

Light Imaging

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2. WARNINGS

General warnings

The equipment must be plugged on an electrical wiring compliant with the relevant standards in the country (in France: NFC 15-100). This wiring must be protected from overcurrent, overvoltage and ground defaults.

Connected equipment’s must be compliant with the EN 60950-1 Ed.2006 standard, or to their own standards.

The power cable plug serves as a disconnection device and should be easily accessible.

Do not place the equipment close to a heating source or a humidity source.

The security of the system which integrates the equipment is the responsibility of the system assembler only.

For your safety, the equipment must be TURNED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before any technical intervention.

The security provided with this equipment is only guaranteed with a use in accordance with the specified purpose. Only use the provided (MEAN WELL USA Inc, model GST18A12-P1J) power supply.

Never open your camera

Do not ever attempt to open your camera. There are indicators inside the camera, if you try to open it your warranty will be void.

Do not open the camera, your warranty will be void.

Power circuitry

Use the camera with the voltage indicated. Using a different voltage may damage your camera and lead to fire or electric shock.

Always use the supplied power unit.

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Power supply

Voltage

85 – 264 VAC

Frequency

47 – 63 Hz

AC Current

0.5A / 115VAC – 0.3A / 230VAC

Length

60 mm

Width

55 mm

Height

55 mm

Maximum temperature

35°C

Minimum temperature

-10°C

Humidity

80%

Storage conditions

Maximum temperature

60°C

Minimum temperature

-20°C

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3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Camera’s dimensions

Operation conditions

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Title: C-RED 3 USER MANUAL

C-RED 3

Camera

Power supply

Power supply cable (IEC or NEMA)

USB3 cable (if USB version)

C-Mount adapter

Press button tool (cf. rescue software)

Quick Start Manual

USB key containing User manual + Demo software + Test report

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4. CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

When you open the package, please check that all items described below are included.

List of items

On the left, closed Pelicase®.

On the right, opened Pelicase® with dedicated spaces.

Package items description.

Note 1: Cooling unit and personal computer can be bought separately.

Note 2: The latest release of software is available on demand at: support@first-light.fr.

Note 3: A list of C-RED 3’s various accessories are available on demand at: contact@first-light.fr

Note 4: Items may differ from pictures.

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Camera serial number

The camera serial number is available at the rear of the camera. For any support request please indicate the serial number of your camera.

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5. DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SWIR CMOS sensor

SNAKE-SW TECLESS introduction

Designed and fabricated by SOFRADIR, the SNAKE-SW TECLESS sensor is dedicated for flux imaging applications in the SWIR band. On the one hand, it is responding to night vision, airborne tracking, surveillance needs, and on the other hand, on various medical applications in preclinical and clinical such as real-time intra/per/postoperative, oncology, dentistry and neurosciences, for example.

SNAKE-SW TECLESS includes a focal plane array (FPA) composed of a (640 x 512) pixels pitch of 15 µm each. It is made of photovoltaic (PV) Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) on Indium Phosphide (InP) substrate connected by bump bonding to a silicon readout integrated circuit (ROIC).

Standard InGaAs used in SNAKE-SW TECLESS allows to detect wavelength ranges between 0.9 and 1.7 µm.

The digital and analog functions are controlled by a serial interface. The readout of SNAKE-SW TECLESS allows to read windows in cropping mode.

Spectral response

Typical curve (20°C) is represented on Fig. 3 :

InGaAs quantum efficiency between 900 and 1800 nm.

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C-RED 3 camera

Mechanical and optical interfaces

C-RED 3 integrates a SNAKE-SW TECLESS sensor. The camera is designed to deliver the best precision possible regarding the optical alignment of the sensor.

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Description and minimum specification accessories

Power input

C-RED 3 requires a single power input, supplied in the package. Power supply must provide a stable 12 V DC, with at least 1.5 A of current available (18 W) to properly power C-RED 3.

The mating connector is a FISCHER CONNECTORS

S 102 A053-130+.

On the left, C-RED 3 USB back view. The yellow box shows the female power connector cabling.

On the center, C-RED 3 CL back view. The yellow box shows the female power connector cabling.

On the right, the female power connector. 1 and 2 represent the GND power connectors. 3 and 4 represent the +12VDC power connectors.

Always use the provided power supply.

Thermal management

The design of C-RED 3 camera is optimized to dissipate heat by the bottom face. First Light recommend to fastening the camera with thermal grease between the support and the bottom face of the camera.

Cooling system

The camera doesn’t have its own thermal regulation system to maintain a setpoint. To maintain the detector temperature, C-RED 3 can use an external liquid cooling system sold separately. For more information please contact First Light Imaging at support@first-light.fr

Communication interface

Control and data acquisition are done either through Camera Link model of your camera.

or USB 3.0 connection depending on the

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5.3.4.1. Camera Link

The Camera Link as shown in Fig. 5 :

Title: C-RED 3 USER MANUAL

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Full interface requires two data cables with male SDR-26 Mini Camera Link® connectors

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On the left, C-RED 3 back view. The yellow box shows the female Camera Link® connectors.

On the right, a picture of a male SDR-26 Mini Camera Link® connector.

Note: The Camera Link® cables are numbered.

Connector 1 must be plugged to the right, and connector 2 to the left. If the cables are reversed, the camera will not be able to send the data properly, however it doesn’t have any harmful effect on the camera, nor on the grabber.

5.3.4.2. USB 3.0 Type B

The USB3 interface requires a standard USB 3.0 Type B connector.

On the left, C-RED 3 back view. The yellow box shows the USB3 connector.

On the right, a picture of the USB 3.0 Type B connector.

Note : C-RED 3 is compatible with USB-B screw locking cables

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6. SETTING UP AND START UP CAMERA

Connecting your camera

Each step below can be realized independently of one another in any order.

Power FISCHER CONNECTORS cable connection

The provided power supply/FISCHER CONNECTORS cable described in section 5.3.1 is connected to the back of the camera and connected to the line plug.

First, plug the FISCHER CONNECTORS power connector to the camera, then plug the power

unit to the line plug.

C-RED 3 with power supply connected thanks to the FISCHER CONNECTORS connector.

Camera Link® connection (for C-RED 3 CL only)

The Camera Link® connectors can be plugged and fastened in any order but reversing the order will prevent

camera operation. The Camera Link OFF.

connections can be plugged or unplugged either if the camera is ON or

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USB connection (for C-RED 3 USB only)

The USB connection is done using a USB-B connector located on the rear side of the camera. The camera only supports USB 3.0 connection.

Note that USB-A 3.0 compliant connectors are typically blue on standard PC.

SDR-26 Mini Camera Link® connectors plugged in the camera.

To use the camera USB connection, it is strongly recommended to use a Windows ® 10 PC. For convenience, drivers for Windows® 7 OS are provided, but this OS is not officially supported by First Light Imaging.

USB3 cable connected plugged in the camera

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Since Windows® 7 does not support USB 3.0 natively, USB 3.0 support is heterogeneous, and performance is hardly predictable. Please note that First Light Imaging will not provide any support for issues regarding the use of Windows® 7.

Also, before using USB3 connection, the C-RED 3 USB3 drivers must be installed on the PC. The drivers are included in the USB SDK library. By default, this library is installed with the GUI demo software. Please simply install the demo software and the drivers will be installed.

Note: In order to have the full USB3 bandwidth, it is necessary with some PC to disable all the energy saving

settings (cf. C-RED 2-3 AN2 disable power saving for USB3).

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Demo GUI software

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) demo software is provided in the USB key supplied with the C-RED 3 camera, or available on demand at support@first-light.fr It is a dedicated interface developed by First Light Imaging which allows to control almost all the parameters of the camera. This demo software has its own manual.

Powering up/down

Power ON:

When the power FISCHER CONNECTORS is connected to the camera, and the power supply to the line plug, the camera is ON.

Power OFF:

Please use the CLI command “shutdown” from a simple terminal before turning off the camera. First unplug the power supply from the line plug, then unplug the FISCHER CONNECTORS cable from the camera. The shutdown command is recommended (especially to store the latest logs), however, the direct switch off of the camera doesn’t damage it.

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Camera status

Camera’s led color

Description

Starting

Blue

Camera starting

Configuring

Blue

Camera configuration is applied

Operational

Purple

Camera is operational

Safe

Red double blink

The camera detects an error. The detector is turned off. To be able to reuse the camera, you must restart it.

Prevsafe

Yellow

Locked

Red

The camera detects a critical error. The camera is unusable, please contact First Light Imaging for support.

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Camera status

Once the camera is properly powered up by following the steps of section 6, the system boots and C-RED 3 is ready to operate.

A purple diode signal, visible through the camera’s body holes, confirms the operability.

Safe (rescue FW) Orange double

blink

Note: turned off led does not necessary mean that there is an issue with the camera. Indeed, the camera can be configured to switch off the led automatically once boot is completed.

The camera detects a critical error. The camera is unusable, please contact First Light Imaging for support.

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7. READOUT MODES

Integration/readout function

The acquisition speed can be set to any value from 0.0001 to 600 fps. The integration time can also be set. The normal integration time range is [50µs - ~1/fps]. However, integration time of less than 50µs is possible up to 165 ns with degraded performance (more noise).

Integration time granularity must be set to off to be able to set very small integration times.

Please contact First Light Imaging at support@first-light.fr exposure time.

Integrate while read (IWR)

For maximum integration time, the camera integrates the signal in IWR mode.

for more information regarding very short

IWR mode overview.

(1) Variable time: This time (1) is either reset time, or integration time, depending of the FPS and Tint set

by the user.

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Integrate then read (ITR)

In this mode, the integration of the next image is done when the readout of the current image is fully completed. Light integration is lost for the frame readout time. So, for an identical fps, the integration time is always shorter than in IWR mode.

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ITR mode overview.

ITR / IWR consideration

The mode is determined by the integration time only. If you set an integration time small enough to have the time to readout the frame, the camera will work in ITR mode. Otherwise the camera will work in IWR mode. In IWR mode, the camera starts the integration of a new frame while the readout of the current frame is still running. Depending of the integration time, it can have a small impact on the image. A kind of noisy line can be observed at the integration starting point of the next frame. This issue can be mitigated using bias correction. In ITR, with small integration time, the noisy line can’t be seen because it is below the last line of the current image. Same in IWR with the maximum integration time, because it is above the first line of current image. However, between these two integration times, you may see it.

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Readout mode

Single Read

The entire frame is read once before a reset period. The particularity of C-RED 3 readout mode allows to adjust the integration time (Tint) independently of the frame rate. Depending of these two parameters, the camera will run in ITR or IWR mode, please refer to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 for further information. By default, in single read readout, the images are acquired in correlated double sampling (CDS) mode. An internal CDS is done directly on the sensor.

HDR

Note: Please note that this feature is an option and requires a specific license file into the camera. For more information please contact us: contact@first-light.fr

HDR mode is a readout mode that provides high dynamic range images by combining successive images acquired using high and low conversion gain of the sensor.

Two different options are available:

- HDR mode standard: output dynamic is 83.2 dB, pixels are sent in 16 bits signed format

- HDR mode extended: output dynamic is 89.2 dB, pixels are sent in 16 bits unsigned format

The HDR standard mode exists to maintain the compatibility with CDS mode where pixels are output as signed 16 bits numbers.

For more information about HDR: theory of operation, system gain, restrictions and limitations, please read the specific technical note dedicated to HDR mode: C-RED 2-3 TN1 HDR Mode.

In order to operate properly, the HDR mode needs a proper bias correction. If the HDR mode is enabled without bias correction, or with invalid bias correction (for example bias correction file made at different temperature, different integration time,...) the resulting combined image will not be correct. Flat correction improves even more the images but remains optional.

To build the bias correction cf.

To enable the hdr mode use the command: “set hdr on” To disable it: “set hdr off” To enable/disable the extended mode (unsigned 16 bits pixels). “set hdr extended on” or “set hdr extended off”

You can get the current status of the previous parameters with the commands: “hdr” “hdr extended”

8.6 Bias/Flat correction with the HDR mode enabled.

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NOTE: There is a limitation for the cropping geometry in HDR mode. The range is from 96*72 pixels up to full sensor geometry.

AGC

The Auto Gain Control is not a readout mode but a functionality of the camera. In CDS mode, the camera can automatically switch of gain in order to eliminate saturation or under exposure on the detector.

If enabled, the camera can switch:

- From High Gain to Medium Gain if over-exposition is detected on High Gain frame

- From Medium Gain to Low Gain if over-exposition is detected on Medium Gain frame

- From Low Gain to Medium Gain if under-exposition is detected on Low Gain frame

- From Medium Gain de High Gain if under-exposition is detected on Medium Gain frame

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Possible gain switch when AGC is enabled

For every transition, the user can set 3 parameters:

- Level of over or under-exposition

- Number of pixels over or under-exposed per frame

- Number of consecutives frames with pixels over or under-exposed

In Medium Gain, the user can adjust priorities of AGC algorithm:

- none: if saturation and under exposure are detected at the same time, no change

- over-exposed: if saturation and under exposure are detected at the same time, the camera switches to Low Gain

- under-exposed: if saturation and under exposure are detected at the same time, the camera switches

to High Gain

Data acquisition mode

Detector geometry

The SNAKE-SW TECLESS sensor has a (640 x 512) diode array and 8 buffered analog outputs (see Fig. 13).

The pixel clock of the sensor is set to 18.2 MHz, which implies a read-out speed peak about 292 Mpix/s At 600 fps, the average rate is 196.6 Mpix/s (~=393Mbytes/s).

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Sensor geometry

Pixel format (ADU)

C-RED 3 digitizes the signal from the sensor with 14-bits precision. However, the pixel values are sent as 16 bits signed format. Indeed, after embedded bias subtraction, some pixels may have negative value.

Full frame mode

Pixels are read from left to right and up to down (see Fig. 14 and Fig. 15) starting from the left top corner.

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Detector geometry and read out pixels scheme.

Sensor outputs. Pixels are read from left to right and up to down.

Cropping mode

On the sensor, it is possible to select one region of interest and acquire data from this selected window only. Column granularity is 32 and line granularity is 4. So, the starting column and line must be a multiple of 32 and 4 pixels, respectively. In the same way, the width and the height of the window must also be a multiple of 32 and 4 (see Fig. 16). The intersection of both lines and columns forms the readout window. Pixels are sent like in full frame mode, from left to right and up to down (see Fig. 18).

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Descriptive scheme of a cropping window.

Note: To set a cropping window using the command line interpreter, the user must indicate the starting column, the ending column, the starting row and the ending row. Please refer to the camera commands for more detail.

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Cropping example on geometry detector.

Sensor Output in cropping mode. Pixels are read from left to right and up to down.

Conversion gain

Signal can be integrated in low, medium or high gain corresponding to high, medium and small integration capacity, respectively. The modification of the integration capacity impacts the dynamic of the signal and thus implies a change of the noise level. It is possible to modify the integration capacity using “set sensibility low”, “set sensibility medium” or “set sensibility high” commands in the command line interpreter.

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8. OPERATION

Data format

Camera Link® (for C-RED 3 CL only)

C-RED 3 CL uses the Camera Link a standard protocol using 4 taps of 16 bits width. With this configuration, pixels are sent 4 by 4 through the

Camera Link

, and the Camera Link® Pixel Clock is 72.9 MHz.

Full interface which requires two data cables. Data are transmitted with

Print screen of Intellicam software from Matrox

Note: When a Matrox acquisition board is used, the user needs to set x to 160(=640/4).

Camera Link® frame grabber

The camera is compliant with Camera Link However, please note that our cameras have been developed and tested with specific grabbers, and we highly recommend using these grabbers. Any malfunctions related to the use of a non-certified grabber will not be supported by First Light Imaging

List of tested and recommended grabbers:

- MATROX Radient eV-cl full (drivers available for Linux® and Windows ®)

- DALSA/TELEDYNE X64 Xcelera-CL (drivers available for Windows ® only)

standard.

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The C-RED 3 firmware communicates with the user through the serial line embedded in the Camera Link® cables. Usually the driver for the frame grabber exposes the serial line of the Camera Link as a virtual COM port on the acquisition system. To communicate both ways with the camera, the COM port must be configured with the following settings:

115200 Bauds, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control.

USB (for C-RED 3 USB only)

C-RED 3 USB uses a USB 3.0 interface. It is detected as a composite USB device (control interface + acquisition interface). The control interface is exposed as a standard serial port whereas the data acquisition interface is exposed as a proprietary USB device.

So, as for Camera Link The configuration interface is also a pseudo COM port (USB virtual COM port).

Before using USB interface, the C-RED 3 USB driver must be installed on the acquisition computer. (cf. doc install C-RED 3 demo software).

When the camera is detected on the USB 3.0 port, Windows ® automatically installs the C-RED 3 drivers.

Under Linux, the Firstlight USB SDK manages the frame acquisition frame using the standard libusb directly. The USB virtual COM port is also managed directly by the standard Linux driver and is exposed as /dev/ttyACMx.

, both image and configuration interfaces are available.

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Windows device manager illustration

The COM port settings are the same as Camera Link

115200 Bauds, 8 bits, No parity, 1 Stop bit, no flow control

A USB SDK for windows 10 and Linux is provided in both binary and source forms to perform frame grabbing.

Proper operation of the camera has been tested when using common one-meter long USB 3.0 cables, and with up to five-meters industrial grade USB 3.0 cables.

serial port interface:

Internal synchronization

In this mode, the camera generates frames according to the configured acquisition framerate. Each image is integrated during the configured integration time.

This is the default configuration of the camera.

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Software synchronization

Software synchronization allows to trigger image acquisition using a command sent to the camera using CLI interface.

It is like internal synchronization since framerate and integration times are controlled through software, but the acquisition will start only after the reception of an acquisition start command and will automatically stop after the acquisition of a preconfigured number of images.

If a new acquisition start command is received whereas the previous acquisition has not been completed, the current acquisition sequence will be aborted, and a new acquisition sequence will take place.

The software synchronization mode is enabled using the command “set swsynchro on” and is disabled using the “set swsynchro off” command using the CLI interpreter.

You can check if the software synchronization is on or off using the “swsynchro” command.

The number of frames to be acquired when a software trigger is generated is configured using the “set

nbframesperswtrig <n>” command. The current value can be read using the “nbframesperswtrig” command.

The generation of the software trigger is done using the “swtrig” command.

External synchronization

In this mode, acquisition frame rate is configured using an external signal.

The integration duration can either be controlled using the same signal (external) or configured by software (internal).

The selection between external or internal configuration of the integration duration is done using “set extsynchro exposure external” and “set extsynchro exposure internal” commands.

The polarity of the control signal can be inverted if required.

The inversion of the signal is enabled or disabled using “set extsynchro polarity inverted” or “set extsynchro polarity standard” commands.

It is also possible to configure an extra delay when processing synchronization signal, allowing to synchronize different devices with the same signal. The granularity of this extra delay is the camera master clock rate (18214 kHz).

The synchronization extra delay can be set using the “set syncdelay” command. Current extra delay value can be read using “syncdelay” command. Setting extra delay value to 0 disables the generation of an extra delay during external synchro signal processing, requesting the camera to process the synchro signal as fast as possible.

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“minsyncdelay” and “maxsyncdelay” commands allow to retrieve the valid range of extra synchronization delay parameter.

The camera is equipped with one sync connector on its rear side (see Fig. 21).

C-RED 3 USB on the left and C-RED 3 CL on the right from the back. The yellow box shows the sync connectors C1.

To be connected on the external synchronization, use the command “set extsynchro on” in the command line interpreter. If not, you will stay connected to the internal synchronization.

You can check if external synchro is on or off using the “extsynchro” command.

Note: Proper connection of external synchronization signals must be done before issuing the “set extsynchro on” signal.

Cable assembly

You can make your own synchronization cables using FGG.00. 304.CLAD35 LEMO Male connectors in association with a four-wire cable.

It is strongly advised to use shielded cable to respect Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) recommendations.

These cables will allow you to use all the functionalities of the external synchro.

Wiring is detailed below:

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Input signals (Trigger_in and FPS_Tint_in) are 5V compatible.

The maximum voltage value is 5.5V. Applying higher voltage will result in a permanent

On the left, a C-RED 3 synchro female connector.

On the right, wire cables corresponding to connector.

damage of the camera.

Output signals (LVAL_out and FSYNC_out) are in LVCMOS 3.3V.

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Non-integrating time. Start of

Start of

Integration time

Non-integrating time.

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FPS/Tint_in timing diagrams

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8.4.2.1. Standard polarity / externally controlled integration time

When external signal polarity is set to standard, and integration duration is controlled externally, the falling edge triggers the start of integration, the rising edge triggers the frame readout and the time between the falling edge and the rising edge is the integration time

Integration time

FPS/tint_in

Start of integration

Start of reading

Min value: 3µs

FPS/tint_out

8.4.2.2. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time

When external signal polarity is set to inverted, and integration duration is controlled externally, the rising edge triggers the start of integration, the falling edge triggers the frame readout and the time between the rising edge and the falling edge is the integration time

FPS/tint_in

integration

reading

Min value: 3µs

FPS/tint_out

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Start of

Configured Configured

FPS/tint_out

Configured

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8.4.2.3. Standard polarity / internally controlled integration time

When external polarity is set to standard and integration time is controlled by software, the falling edge triggers the start of the integration time. The readout starts automatically once the configured integration time has been elapsed. The rising edge of the signal is ignored.

FPS/tint_in

Start of integration

Integration time

Start of reading

Integration time

reading

8.4.2.1. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time

When external polarity is set to inverted and integration time is controlled by software, the rising edge triggers the start of the integration time. The readout starts automatically once the configured integration time has been elapsed. The falling edge of the signal is ignored.

Integration time

FPS/tint_in

integration

FPS/tint_out

Start of reading

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Latency for tlsydel = 324 (default)

22.2 µs

Latency for tlsydel = 54 (min)

7.4 µs

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Latency

Camera latency is the delay between the rising edge of fps/int signal and the first valid data on camera link. This delay depends on the tlsydel parameter value.

The table below contains typical camera latency in normal (CDS) readout mode full frame.

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Bad Pixel Correction

Bad pixel correction can be made on the fly by the camera.

During the production/characterization of the camera, First Light Imaging computes a map of the bad pixels and upload it into the camera.

When enabled, bad pixel correction is the first correction applied on pixel values received from the sensor. The bad pixels’ value is replaced by the value of an adjacent pixel (left or right)

Bias/Flat Correction

Bias/Flat correction can be done on the fly by the camera.

Building bias correction requires to put the camera in the dark. Building flat correction requires to put the camera in front of a flat field.

Flat and Bias correction files can be computed automatically by the camera (operation triggered using “exec buildbias” or “exec buildflat”, “exec buildflat hdr_c1” and “exec buildflat hdr_c2” on the command line interpreter).

Alternatively, custom correction files can be uploaded to the camera using serial connection (either USB or CL) or using TCP/IP connection.

The bias correction is the second correction applied on pixel values read from the sensor. The flat correction is the third correction applied on pixel values read from the sensor.

Even if it is possible to activate the different corrections independently from each other, it is important to understand that the correction will depend from all previous corrections applied.

For example, a bias correction file generated with bad pixels correction enabled will not be valid if bad pixels correction is disabled.

Flat correction should always be used with bias correction enabled.

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Bias and flat corrections also depend from the acquisition parameters (frame rate, integration time, sensor temperature…). It is highly recommended to rebuild them when acquisition parameters are modified.

The frames used to compute the bias and flat correction are grabbed for 2s up to 128 frames. With low framerate, not enough frames are grabbed, and the embedded bias/flat computation mustn’t be used. Bias/Flat frames must be computed outside the camera and uploaded on the camera. Automatic computation of bias and flat correction files is only possible if the frame rate is above 5 fps.

Adaptative Bias

On uncooled cameras, the sensor temperature vary with the environment temperature. The bias file initially built will be obsolete if the temperature changes.

To keep a good corrected image whatever the temperature is, the C-RED 3 camera embeds an automatic system which recalculates the bias file applied according to the sensor’s temperature.

It is not necessary to be in dark conditions to rebuild the bias files because the correction system is factory calibrated for each camera, and so is fully autonomous.

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Note: The bias evolution calibration is factory built with factory settings. If the sensor settings are modified using the advanced ‘set snake xxx’ command, it is not guarantee that the adaptative bias still work properly. Also, the value set with the ‘darkoptimlevel’ command is ignored when the adaptative bias is on. The factory value is used instead. When the adaptative bias is disabled, the darkoptimlevel is restored.

HDR Bias/Flat correction additional information

The HDR mode must be enabled before using buildbias and HDR buildflat commands.

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Also, in HDR mode, for flat embedded computation, it is recommended to use the “set hdr calibration c1 (or c2)” command before using HDR buildflat commands. In ‘calibration c1 (or c2)’ specific modes, the camera operating in HDR mode will send images composed of pixels acquired using C1 (small) and respectively C2 (large) integration capacitor. These modes are useful for controlling the level of the flat field applied for flat file correction.

To build manually, externally, the bias and/or flat correction files the use of the “hdr calibration” is mandatory to get the dark and flat images from the high and low gain capacities used in HDR mode.

Reminder: The correct operation of HDR readout mode requires the activation of the bias correction.

Using bias/flat correction is easier with the demo software. Furthermore, additional details are provided in the software demo user manual, notably the use of custom correction files.

Bias correction file format

The bias correction file contains an image to be subtracted from the frame sent by the sensor. The bias correction allows to counterbalance the difference of offsets between the different pixels.

Bias correction file geometry must match the actual sensor geometry and must contain pixels values in the range [0-16383].

Pixels must be stored in left-to-right/top-to bottom order (the same order than the pixels in a received frame from the sensor). Each pixel value is stored on 16-bits, as for frames received from the sensor.

Flat correction file format

The flat correction file contains an array of fixed-point real values that are used to counterbalance the difference of integration ramp slopes between the different pixels. Flat correction file geometry must match the actual sensor geometry. Values are stored in left-to-right/topto-bottom order (the same order than the pixels in a received frame from the sensor). When flat correction is active, pixel values read from the sensor are multiplied by the corresponding value in the flat correction file.

Values are stored using fixed-point representation. Bits 15-13 are used to store the integral part of the multiplication factor. Bits 12-0 are used to store the decimal part of the multiplication factor.

Examples of values:

- 00100000000000000b / 0x02000000 is the representation of value 1.0

- 01000000000000000b / 0x04000000 is the representation of value 2.0

- 00010000000000000b / 0x01000000 is the representation of value 0.5

- 00110000000000000b / 0x01000000 is the representation of value 1.5

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Bits 31-3

Bit 2-1

Bit 0

2: low gain, large capacitor size

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Pixel value offset

It is possible to add an offset to the pixel value. It can be used to keep the pixel values strictly positive. Indeed, the camera pixel format is 16bits signed but some acquisition software cannot manage signed pixel. In this case, adding an offset can be useful to avoid negative pixels. To add an offset, please use the command: “set aduoffset <aduOffsetValue>” You can read the currently applied offset using the command: “aduoffset”.

Note: It is possible to have negative pixels value when the bias correction is used.

Dark optimization

A parameter optimizes the dark current. There is a tradeoff to do between the readout noise and the dark current, with the command: “set darkoptimlevel [0-100]” It is possible to arbitrate between the readout noise and the dark level. Usually for short integration time, this parameter must be set to 0 and for long integration time to 100. To read the current dark optimization value, use the command: “darkoptimlevel”

Tag generation

The C-RED 3 camera offers the possibility to replace the first 4 pixels of acquired images by information generated by the camera.

This function is controlled by the “set imagetags on” and ”set imagetags off” commands.

When enabled, the first and second pixels of the camera are used to store a frame counter that increments by one for each frame acquired from the sensor. This counter can be used to check if some frames are lost during acquisition. When the USB3 interface is used (for C-RED 3 USB only), the USB3 acquisition software uses this information to check the frame grabbing and eventually resynchronize the flow. So, when the USB3 interface is used, it is strongly advised to keep the image tags on.

The third pixel value depends on the current readout mode of the camera.

In CDS mode and in HDR mode, it is set to 0x0000.

The forth pixel of the image is used to reflect the Trigger_in signal value, described in 1.1.1.1 and the integration capacitor used to acquire the image.

RFU (set to 1) Integration capacitor

0: high gain, small capacitor size 1: medium gain, medium capacitor size

TRIGGER_IN

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CPU

-20

BACKEND

-20

INTERFACE

-20

AMBIANT

-20

SENSOR

-20

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Thermal protection

In case of overheating or too cold temperature depending on external operating conditions, the camera will automatically shut down itself to protect electronic components.

Please note that it is not possible to switch off this functionality.

The internal firmware monitors at each time the temperatures on different parts and boards. Each temperature must be in the accepted range described in the following table.

Temperature Min temperature (°C) Max temperature (°C)

To recover the use of the camera, after the camera went back in the authorized range of temperature, the user must reboot the camera by unplugging/plugging the power, as described in paragraph “

FISCHER CONNECTORS cable connection”.

6.1.1 Power

Camera presets

C-RED 3 allows to store up to ten different user configurations, called presets.

Presets contain all parameters settable by user, plus corresponding bias and file correction files. Using presets allow to switch easily from one configuration to another, without need to rebuild correction files.

A specific preset is selected using the “preset <n>” command. After loading a preset, the user is free to change any parameter. Changes can then be saved in the current present using the “save” command. At any time, the current preset can be reloaded by using the “preset” command. All changes in the running configuration not previously saved will then be lost.

Factory camera presets can be restored using the “restorefactory” command.

Camera optional features.

C-RED 3 camera is provided with HDR optional feature. This extra feature is enabled through license file uploaded into the camera during the production, or later directly by the customer.

The transfer of a license file into the camera is done using serial link connection, using either “sendfile license” or “xsendfile license” command.

A license file previously uploaded into a camera can be removed using the “exec dellicense” command.

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For convenience, it is possible to enable/disable optional features without removing the corresponding license file.

Disabling of a license is done using the “exec disablelicense” command. Reenabling is done using the “exec enablelicense” command.

Note: When a license file is uploaded into the camera, it is enabled by default.

List of the currently installed licenses files and their status can be retrieved using the ‘licenses’ command.

Note: uploading, enabling, disabling or removing a license require a camera reboot to be effective.

Below are some examples of license management commands:

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fli-cli>licenses hdr.lic OK

fli-cli>exec disablelicense hdr.lic OK

fli-cli>licenses hdr.lic.disabled OK

fli-cli>exec enablelicense hdr.lic OK

fli-cli>licenses hdr.lic OK fli-cli>

Camera advanced settings

Dark level adjustment

Vref adjustment parameter is used to set automatically the best black level. However, it is possible to set it manually.

To do so, set vrefadjust parameter to off ‘set vrefadjust off’ and use the command ‘set voltage vref [1.9-2.3]’ to manually set the black level.

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Integration time granularity

Integration time granularity is set to a value providing the best performances by default. However, for very short integration time, this granularity can be too large.

It is possible to increase the integration time granularity to the max possible value using the command ‘set tintgranularity off’. Then, the granularity will be only 1 pixel clock. For comparison, in full frame with tintgranularity on, it is ~50 pixels clocks.

Anti-blooming

The anti-blooming feature is activated by default. The anti-blooming feature ensures that bad pixels do not disturb their neighbors. However, when enabled, the saturation occurs earlier, and a kind of grey speckling can be seen instead of white saturation. For low light, it is advised to leeave the anti-blooming on, but to disable it for strong light. It is possible to disable the anti-blooming feature using the command:

‘set snake blm_en 0’

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COMMANDS

DESCRIPTION

temperatures

Get temperatures

temperatures backend

Get back-end board temperature

temperatures snake

Get sensor temperature

tlsydel

Get tlsydel delay

minfps

Get the minimum acquisition frame rate according to current camera configuration

current camera configuration (USB)

tint

Get integration time

configuration

maxtint

Get the maximum integration time regarding current camera configuration

overlap regarding current camera configuration

in IWR mode

tcdsadjust

Get TCDS automatic adjustment status for low integration times

bias

Get bias correction status

flat

Get flat correction status

imagetags

Get tag generation status

sendfile bias <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5>

Upload a bias correction file into the camera through serial link

HDR mode through serial link

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9. DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FONCTIONS

The list of available commands of the camera can be displayed using ‘help’ command in the terminal of the demo GUI software. The available commands are listed below.

List of available commands

temperatures CPU Get CPU temperature

temperatures interface Get interface board temperature

temperatures ambiant Get ambient temperature

fps Get acquisition frame rate (fps)

maxfps Get the maximum acquisition frame rate according to

current camera configuration (Camera Link)

maxfpsusb Get the maximum acquisition frame rate according to

mintint Get minimum integration time according to current camera

maxtintitr Get the maximum integration time without integration/read

tintgranularity Get the integration time granularity status when operating

vrefadjust Get VREF automatic adjustment status

adaptbias Get adaptative bias status

badpixel Get bad pixel correction status

led Get current LED status

sendfile bias_hdr_c1 <sendfileSize>

Upload a bias correction file to be used with C1 capacitor in

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link

sendfile flat_hdr_c1 <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5>

Upload a flat correction file to be used with C1 capacitor in HDR mode through serial link

HDR mode through serial link

sendfile license <sendfileName> <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5>

Upload a license file into the camera through serial link. <sendfileMD5>

HDR mode through serial link using X-MODEM protocol

xsendfile bias_hdr_c2 <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5>

Upload a bias correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR mode through serial link using X-MODEM protocol

MODEM protocol

xsendfile flat_hdr_c1 <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5>

Upload a flat correction file to be used with C1 capacitor in HDR mode through serial link using X-MODEM protocol

using X-MODEM protocol.

getflat <url>

Download a flat correction file from URL

in HDR mode from URL

getflat_hdr_c2 <url>

Download a flat correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR mode from URL

getbias_hdr_c1 <url>

Download a bias correction file to be used with C1 capacitor in HDR mode from URL

getbias_hdr_c2 <url>

Download a bias correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR mode from URL

extsynchro

Get usage of external synchronization status

configuration

extsynchro exposure

Get external synchronization exposure configuration

nbframesperswtrig

Get the number of frames acquired for each software trigger

cropping

Get cropping status

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

sendfile bias_hdr_c2 <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5> sendfile flat <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5> Upload a flat correction file into the camera through serial

Upload a bias correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR mode through serial link

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sendfile flat_hdr_c2 <sendfileSize>

xsendfile bias <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5> Upload a bias file into camera through serial link using X-

xsendfile bias_hdr_c1 <sendfileSize>

xsendfile flat <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5> Upload a flat file into camera through serial link using X-

xsendfile flat_hdr_c2 <sendfileSize> <sendfileMD5> xsendfile license <sendfileName>

getflat_hdr_c1 <url> Download a flat correction file to be used with C1 capacitor

Upload a flat correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in

MODEM protocol Upload a bias correction file to be used with C1 capacitor in

Upload a flat correction file to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR through serial link using X-MODEM protocol Upload a license file into the camera through serial link

getbias <url> Download a bias correction file from URL

events Get camera events sending activation status

extsynchro polarity Get external synchronization polarity inversion

swsynchro Get usage of software synchronization status

swtrig Generate software trigger

cropping columns Get cropping columns

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version

Get product versions

version firmware detailed

Get detailed firmware version

version fpga

Get FPGA version

status

Get camera status

continue

Continue camera starting even if at the last use, the camera was in error

save

Save current camera settings into the current active preset

preset

Get current preset id

cameratype

Display camera information

shutdown

Shutdown the camera

remotemaintenance

Get remote maintenance status

snake <parameter>

Get snake configuration parameter

hwuid

Get camera unique identifier

licenses

Get currently configured license list

adu offset

Get ADU offset applied on all pixel of the image

ip address

Get static IPv4 address

ip dns

Get static primary DNS IPv4 address

ip alternate-dns

Get static alternate DNS IPv4 address

hdr extended

Get HDR extended (16 bits unsigned pixels) status

agc

Get AGC status

agc param level_pix_high_hg

Get overexposed pixel level in high gain

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

cropping rows Get cropping rows

version firmware Get firmware version

version firmware build Get build version

version hardware Get hardware version

status detailed Get last status change reason

restorefactory Restore factory parameters and reboot the camera

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ipaddress Get IP address of the camera telnet Get telnet status

reboot Reboot the camera

password Get current password for telnet/ssh connections sensibility Get camera sensibility value

syncdelay Get current delay for external synchronization minsyncdelay Get minimal delay for external synchronization maxsyncdelay Get maximal delay for external synchronization stepsyncdelay Get granularity for external synchronization delays

ip mode Get network configuration mode

ip netmask Get static IPv4 netmask ip gateway Get static IPv4 gateway

hdr Get HDR status

hdr calibration Get HDR calibration status darkoptimlevel Get tradeoff between dark current and noise (in percent)

agc param level_pix_low_mg Get underexposed pixel level in medium gain

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agc param level_pix_low_lg

Get underexposed pixel level in low gain

agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_mg_to_hg

Get underexposed pixel ratio in medium gain

agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_lg_to_mg

Get underexposed pixel ratio in low gain

from high gain to medium gain

from medium gain to high gain

agc param trigger_nb_frames_mg_to_lg

Get the number of overexposed images before transition from medium gain to low gain

from low gain to medium gain

agc roi

Get ROI for AGC

present in medium gain

exec upgradefirmware <url>

Upgrade the firmware with a new release located at the specified URL

exec uploadfirmware

Upgrade the firmware

exec buildflat

Build the flat correction image

in HDR mode

exec buildflat hdr_c2

Build the flat correction image to be used with C2 capacitor in HDR mode

exec enablelicense <license>

Activates a license file. Will be active on next reboot

exec logs

Collect and serve logs through http

set voltage vref <vrefValue>

Set VREF voltage

set fps <fpsValue>

Set acquisition framerate

set tintgranularity on

Enable exposure time granularity in IWR mode

set tcdsadjust on

Enable TCDS value adjustment for small integration times

set vrefadjust on

Enable VREF value adjustment

set bias on

Enable bias correction

set adaptbias on

Enable adaptative bias

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

agc param level_pix_high_mg Get overexposed pixel level in medium gain

agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_hg_to_mg Get overexposed pixel ratio in high gain

agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_mg_to_lg Get overexposed pixel ratio in medium gain

agc param trigger_nb_frames_hg_to_mg Get the number of overexposed images before transition

agc param trigger_nb_frames_mg_to_hg Get the number of underexposed images before transition

agc param trigger_nb_frames_lg_to_mg Get the number of overexposed images before transition

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agc priority Get priority when underexposed and overexposed pixels are

exec buildbias Build the bias correction image

exec buildflat hdr_c1 Build the flat correction image to be used with C1 capacitor

exec dellicense <license> Delete a license file. Will be active on next reboot

exec disablelicense <licence> Deactivates a license file. Will be active on next reboot

exec logs <from> Collect and serve logs through http

set temperatures snake <snakeValue> Set sensor temperature setpoint

set tint <intValue> Set integration time

set tintgranularity off Disable exposure time granularity in IWR mode

set tcdsadjust off Disable TCDS value adjustment for small integration times

set vrefadjust off Disable VREF value adjustment

set bias off Disable bias correction

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set flat on

Enable flat correction

set badpixel on

Enable bad pixel correction

set imagetags on

Enable tags generation

set led on

Turn on the status led

set events on

Enable camera events

set extsynchro on

Enable external synchronization

set extsynchro polarity standard

Selects standard synchronization signal polarity

set extsynchro exposure external

Configuration of exposure duration done through synchronization signal

set extsynchro exposure internal

Configuration of exposure duration done internally

set swsynchro off

Disable software synchronization

trigger

set cropping on

Enable cropping

set cropping columns <columnsValue>

Set cropping columns (0-639, granularity 32)

set password <password>

Change password for telnet/ssh connections

set ip mode automatic

Select dynamic network configuration using DHCP

set ip netmask <mask>

Set camera's IPv4 netmask

set ip dns <dns>

Set primary DNS IPv4 address

set ip refresh

Reconfigure camera IP address

set telnet disable

Disable control of the camera through telnet connection

set remotemaintenance off

Disable remote maintenance

set sensibility low

Select lowest camera sensibility

set sensibility high

Set highest sensibility

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

Set adaptbias off Disable adaptative bias

set flat off Disable flat correction

set badpixel off Disable bad pixel correction

set imagetags off Disable tags generation

set led off Turn off the status led

set events off Disable camera events

set extsynchro off Disable external synchronization

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set extsynchro polarity inverted Selects inverted synchronization signal polarity

set swsynchro on Enable software synchronization

set nbframesperswtrig <nbframes> Set the number of frames acquired for each software

set cropping off Disable cropping

set cropping rows <rowsValue> Set cropping rows (0-511, granularity 4)

set ip mode manual Select manual network configuration

set ip address <ip> Set camera's IPv4 address

set ip gateway <gateway> Set camera's IPv4 gateway address

set ip alternate-dns <dns> Set alternate DNS IPv4 address

set telnet enable Enable control of the camera through telnet connection

set remotemaintenance on Enable remote maintenance

Set tlsydel <value> Change tlsydel value

set sensibility medium Select medium camera sensibility

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set preset

Reload currently active camera settings preset

set preset 1

Load camera settings preset #1

set preset 3

Load camera settings preset #3

set preset 5

Load camera settings preset #5

set preset 7

Load camera settings preset #7

set preset 9

Load camera settings preset #9

frames

set hdr off

Disable HDR (FW 3.1.1 or above)

set hdr extended on

Enable extended HDR (unsigned pixels) (FW 3.1.1 or above)

set hdr calibration c1

Force usage of C1 in HDR (used for bias/flat computation) (FW 3.1.1 or above)

set hdr calibration off

Disable HDR calibration (FW 3.1.1 or above)

(FW 3.1.1 or above)

set agc on

Enable AGC

set agc param level_pix_high_hg <value>

Set overexposed pixel level in high gain

set agc param level_pix_high_mg <value>

Set overexposed pixel level in medium gain

set agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_hg_to_mg <value>

Set overexposed pixel ratio in high gain <value>

set agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_lg_to_mg <value>

Set underexposed pixel ratio in low gain <value>

from high gain to medium gain

set agc param trigger_nb_frames_mg_to_hg <value>

Set the number of underexposed images before transition from high gain to medium gain

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

set snake <parameter> <value> Set snake config parameter

set preset 0 Load camera settings preset #0

set preset 2 Load camera settings preset #2

set preset 4 Load camera settings preset #4

set preset 6 Load camera settings preset #6

set preset 8 Load camera settings preset #8

set aduoffset <aduOffsetValue> Set ADU offset value applied to each pixel in the acquired

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set syncdelay <delay> Set delay for external synchronization signal set hdr on Enable HDR (FW 3.1.1 or above)

set hdr extended off Disable extended HDR (unsigned pixels) (FW 3.1.1 or above)

(FW 3.1.1 or above)

set hdr calibration c2 Force usage of C2 in HDR (used for bias/flat computation)

set darkoptimlevel <value> Set tradeoff between dark current and noise (in percent)

set agc off Disable AGC

set agc param level_pix_low_mg <value> Set underexposed pixel level in medium gain

set agc param level_pix_low_lg <value> Set underexposed pixel level in low gain

set agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_mg_to_hg <value> set agc param trigger_ratio_pixels_mg_to_lg

set agc param trigger_nb_frames_hg_to_mg

Set underexposed pixel ratio in high gain

Set overexposed pixel ratio in medium gain

Set the number of overexposed images before transition

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<value>

from low gain to medium gain

set agc roi <value>

Set ROI for AGC

overexposed pixels in medium gain

set agc priority underexposed

Prioritize underexposed pixels when in presence of underexposed and overexposed pixels in medium gain

underexposed and overexposed pixels in medium gain

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

set agc param trigger_nb_frames_mg_to_lg <value> set agc param trigger_nb_frames_lg_to_mg

set agc priority none No preference when in presence of underexposed and

set agc priority overexposed Prioritize overexposed pixels when in presence of

Set the number of overexposed images before transition from medium gain to low gain Set the number of underexposed images before transition

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Basically, there are three kinds of commands: ‘get’, ‘set’ and ‘exec’. The ‘get’ commands can be used to retrieve some values from the camera, ‘set’ to set parameters and ‘exec’ to ask the camera to do a task.

For example: type ‘fps’ to get in return ‘Frames per second: 600’. ‘set fps 100’ gives ‘Result: OK’ when the request is implemented. By default, commands are verbose. However, it is possible to get the parameter value only. To do so, you can add the keyword ‘raw’ at the end of the command.

For example: ‘fps raw’ gives ‘600’.

Another example: Type ‘exec buildbias’ to ask the camera to compute a bias file.

You will get ‘Compute bias image........Done’ when the operation is completed.

Note: the camera must be rebooted after using the command ‘set password’, and after using every command ‘set IP’.

For details on some advanced commands like “snake command”, please contact First Light Imaging at

support@first-light.fr

Commands format detail

C-RED 3’s command line interpreter (aka CLI) on the CL or USB serial link is simple:

Commands are only composed of ascii characters. Each command must be ended with line feed character: ‘\n’ There is no echo of character. There is no escape sequence, only simple ascii characters. After each answer of the camera, you get the following additional sequence of character: CR LF “fli-cli>”

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( ‘\r’ ‘\n’ ‘f’ ‘l’ ‘i’ ‘-‘ ’c’ ‘l’ ‘i’ ‘>’ )

For example: With the command “temperatures CPU raw”, you could get the following sequence of hexadecimal characters:

00000000 33 33 2e 35 30 0d 0a 66 6c 69 2d 63 6c 69 3e |33.50..fli-cli>|

Note: Since the configuration of the camera is done using serial interface, not only the "CRED3 DEMO" software can be used to communicate with the camera but also any terminal software like putty for example.

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SSH configuration

The configuration of the camera can also be done using a ssh connection. To be more human friendly, on ssh, the camera interpreter behaves differently. It can manage character echo and escape sequences. To use this improved mode, the ssh login is ‘adminnc’. The same behavior as on the serial link is also available using the login ‘admin’. The default password is “flicred1”, it can be changed using the ‘set password’ command.

Note: There is no authentication on the serial links. So, an interpreter running on this kind of interface can be used to run the command ‘password’ and retrieve the password.

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10. PRECAUTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Precaution of use

Your C-RED 3 is a high-end scientific instrument, if this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired and the warranty will not be applicable. Your C-RED 3 is an electronic equipment that requires precaution regarding static shocks. As any scientific instrument, your C-RED 3 camera is fragile and should not be exposed to shocks, extreme temperatures, humidity and dusty environment.

Your C-RED 3 camera is an expensive and fragile product, handle it with care!

Static / electric shocks:

Any electronic equipment that must be connected to C-RED 3 should be fitted with appropriate protection on all power lines. Any connected equipment should be powered off before removing any connection between the computer and C-RED 3.

Maintenance

Never open the camera.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside your camera, do not ever attempt to open it. There are some indicators inside the camera, if you try to open it your warranty will be void.

Do not open the camera, your warranty will be void.

Cleaning of window.

Never use an unclean cloth to wipe the window of the camera. The window should be cleaned with a dry and soft cloth. You can also use a clean cloth dampened with ethanol and gently wipe the window. Please avoid touching the glass window.

Storage.

When not in use, please store your camera in a dry place, in its box.

Ethernet connection

Maintenance can be done using Ethernet connection, to upgrade the embedded firmware or for remote assistance. The Ethernet cable is not provided in the C-RED 3 camera package. It is strongly advised to use shielded cable to respect Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) recommendations.

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11. WARRANTY AND LIABILITY

For the USA

Limited Warranty

Subject to the limitations set forth herein, FLI represents and warrants that the Products (including the Sensor, if applicable) will correspond, at the time of delivery, to the specifications provided to FLI by Purchaser, and shall be free from defects in material and workmanship (the “Limited Warranty”). Such Limited Warranty shall remain in effect for a period of two (2) years from the date Purchaser takes delivery of such Products; provided, however, that such Limited Warranty as it relates exclusively to the Sensor (which shall be supplied by a third party manufacturer), if and as included in a Product, shall remain in effect for such length of time as the original manufacturer’s warranty shall be in effect. Therefore, for example purposes only, if there shall be eight months remaining on the original manufacturer’s warranty for the Sensor at the time Purchaser takes delivery of a Product which incorporates such Sensor, then the Limited Warranty hereunder as it relates exclusively to the Sensor shall be in effect for eight months. FLI shall inform Purchaser of the length of time remaining on the original manufacturer warranty for the Sensor at the time the applicable Product is delivered to Purchaser.

Conditions

The Limited Warranty specified above is subject to the following conditions:

• FLI shall be under no liability with respect to defects arising in the Products as a result of any incorrect drawing, design, or specification supplied by Purchaser;

• FLI shall have no liability with respect to any defect which arises from wear and tear, willful damage, negligent or abnormal use of the Product, mishandling of the Product, Force Majeure Events, or failure to comply with FLI’s instructions regarding the use and maintenance of the Product, including, but not limited to, all written instructions, and all instructions contained in the Documentation;

• the Limited Warranty shall be limited to the Products themselves, and FLI shall have no liability with respect to any damages whatsoever which are caused to, or by, third party (or Purchaser’s) parts, materials, or systems, as a result of or in connection with the integration or use of the Products.

Warranty Enforcement

To avail itself of the rights provided under the Limited Warranty, the Purchaser must submit, in writing, a detailed report regarding the defect exhibited by the particular Product (a “Defect Report”). Such Defect Report shall be submitted to FLI at contact@first-light.fr mail, or regular mail with return receipt requested, at the address listed below.

Purchaser shall have the burden of proving the defect is covered by the Limited Warranty. FLI shall have sole discretion to determine whether the Limited Warranty applies to any defect reported by Purchaser.

, with a copy of such Defect Report furnished to FLI by certified

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Returns

In the event the Limited Warranty applies, Purchaser shall return the Product to FLI within thirty (30) days of receiving written authorization from FLI to do so, in the same condition as the Product was originally delivered to Purchaser. Purchaser shall assume all costs, risk and liability in connection with the shipment and return of the Product. In the event the Product is not returned within the requisite time period, the Limited Warranty shall be void and of no further effect.

Purchaser agrees to the following limitations on FLI’s liability in connection with the Products:

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11.1.4.1. Liability Upon Delivery

Except as otherwise provided herein, FLI disclaims any and all liability in connection with purchaser’s use of any products, including without limitation liability to third parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law, as of the date such product is delivered to purchaser.

11.1.4.2. Products Offered “As Is”

Except as provided in these terms, FLI provides the products “as is” and on an “as available” basis. Accordingly, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, FLI makes no warranties, express or implied, that the products will be uninterrupted, error-free or free of harmful components.

11.1.4.3. No Other Warranties

Except as expressly set forth in these terms, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, FLI does not make any warranty regarding the products or any other subject matter of these terms. Any implied warranty, including without limitation any implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall be limited in scope to the extent permitted by applicable law, and shall be limited in duration to the duration of the limited warranty set forth above, or to such period of time as permitted by applicable law, whichever shall be shorter.

11.1.4.4. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, in no event will FLI, its affiliates, suppliers or distributors be liable for (a) any indirect, special, incidental, punitive, exemplary or consequential damages however caused, on any theory of liability, including but not limited to loss of use, loss of actual or anticipated profits or benefits, or the cost of procuring a replacement product, whether or not FLI has been advised of the possibility of such damages, arising in any way out of these terms or in connection with the products, or any undertaking or performance that may be promised, performed, or executed to implement these terms.

Purchaser Warranties

In addition to the other warranties, representations and covenants set forth in these terms, by using the products or placing an order, purchaser warrants and represents that purchaser has the right and authority to agree to these terms and to use the products, that purchaser’s use of the products shall not violate the rights of any third party or any contract with any third party, and that purchaser’s use of the products, FLI’s fulfillment of any orders, and the delivery of any products, shall not violate any applicable laws.

Purchaser Indemnification

Purchaser agrees to defend, indemnify and hold FLI harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, penalties, forfeitures, and associated costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) that FLI may incur as a result of any breach by purchaser of any warranty, representation or covenant set forth in these terms.

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For the rest of the World

FLI’s legal guarantee and limit to the guarantee

FLI hereby exclusively guarantees the Product’s compliance with the specifications agreed to within the limits of the legally applicable provisions. FLI’s guarantee is exclusively limited to repairs or replacement of any parts that are not in compliance. If after reasonable efforts, FLI is not able to replace the non-compliant Product, the guarantee will be limited exclusively to the reduction of the purchase price or reimbursement of the price (after deduction of depreciation for wear and tear), after the Product is returned by the Purchaser. FLI will not be liable for any indemnification of the Purchaser for specific or indirect damage, opportunity cost, loss of income, loss of enjoyment, damage to individuals or goods not related to the purpose of the contract. For parts or supplies that are not manufactured by FLI, the guarantee is limited to those to which FLI is entitled from its own suppliers. This guarantee does not cover the defects of the Product resulting from any cause external to the Product, such as:

• Failure to comply with FLI’s recommendations;

• Mishandling by the Purchaser;

• Intervention by a third party involving the Product;

• Poor maintenance or misuse of the Product;

• Wear and tear;

• Damage caused by elements external to the Product or attributable to a case of

lightning, water damage, external accident, etc.

FLI’s liability

The Products are sold by FLI in compliance with French laws in effect. FLI cannot be held liable for any failure to comply with the laws in the countries where the Product will be used. In the event where FLI is held liable due to its failure to satisfy any of its contractual obligations, the Purchaser may not seek any indemnification for loss of income or opportunity cost, loss of enjoyment, specific, accessory or indirect damage to individuals or to goods or assets, caused by any failure in the performance of its obligations. The total amount of the indemnities that FLI may be required to pay to the Purchaser in remedy for the prejudice it suffers may not exceed the amounts paid by the Purchaser for such Product, regardless of the legal grounds for the claim and the procedure employed to resolve it.

Liability in connection with defective products

FLI’s liability in connection with defective products excludes remedy for any damage caused to the products through commercial use.

force majeure

: fire,

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12. CONTACTS

For the USA:

185 Alewife Brook Parkway, Ste 210

Document: C-RED 3 User Manual_20190719 Issue: 001 Classification: PUBLIC

FIRST LIGHT IMAGING Corp.

Cambridge, MA 02138

USA

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For the rest of the world:

Phone: + 33 4 42 61 29 20

E-mail: support@first-light.fr

Website: www.first-light.us

FIRST LIGHT IMAGING SAS

Europarc Sainte Victoire, Bât. 6

Route de Valbrillant, Le Canet

13590 Meyreuil

France

Tel.: + 33 4 42 61 29 20

E-mail: support@first-light.fr

Website: www.first-light-imaging.com

First Light C-RED 3 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

Caution

Overview

Symbols and Indications

Disposal - DEEE

2. WARNINGS

General warnings

Never open your camera

Power circuitry

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

4. CONTENTS OF PACKAGE

List of items

Camera serial number

5. DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SWIR CMOS sensor

SNAKE-SW TECLESS introduction

Spectral response

C-RED 3 camera

Mechanical and optical interfaces

Description and minimum specification accessories

Power input

Thermal management

Cooling system

Communication interface

5.3.4.1. Camera Link

5.3.4.2. USB 3.0 Type B

6. SETTING UP AND START UP CAMERA

Connecting your camera

Power FISCHER CONNECTORS cable connection

Camera Link® connection (for C-RED 3 CL only)

USB connection (for C-RED 3 USB only)

Demo GUI software

Powering up/down

Power ON:

Power OFF:

Camera status

7. READOUT MODES

Integration/readout function

Integrate while read (IWR)

Integrate then read (ITR)

ITR / IWR consideration

Readout mode

Single Read

HDR

AGC

Data acquisition mode

Detector geometry

Pixel format (ADU)

Full frame mode

Cropping mode

Conversion gain

8. OPERATION

Data format

Camera Link® (for C-RED 3 CL only)

Camera Link® frame grabber

USB (for C-RED 3 USB only)

Internal synchronization

Software synchronization

External synchronization

Cable assembly

FPS/Tint_in timing diagrams

8.4.2.1. Standard polarity / externally controlled integration time

8.4.2.2. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time

8.4.2.3. Standard polarity / internally controlled integration time

8.4.2.1. Inverted polarity / externally controlled integration time

Latency

Bad Pixel Correction

Bias/Flat Correction

Adaptative Bias

HDR Bias/Flat correction additional information

Bias correction file format

Flat correction file format

Pixel value offset

Dark optimization

Tag generation

Thermal protection