
Application Note:
Interfacing non-standard cameras to Matrox Pulsar
DALSA CA-D1-0256S October 25, 1996
Camera
Interface
Overview
Camera
Interface
Details
• 256 x 256 x 8-bit @ up to 225fps
• Analog video output
• External syncs and pixel clocks
• External exposure control
Continuous mode
Video
MCLK
Dalsa
CA-D1
• 256 x 256 x 8-bit @ up to 225fps
• Analog video output
• External sync
• Matrox Pulsar sending reference clock (MCLK @ 32MHz) and periodic EXPOSURE1
PVAL
EXSYNC
LVAL
FVAL
Matrox Pulsar
(with PLS/TTL/CABLE)
(EXSYNC) signals (both RS-422) to camera. The frequency of the EXPOSURE1 signal
determines both the exposure time and the frame rate; the EXPOSURE1 pulse initiates frame
readout
• Matrox Pulsar receiving RS-422 pixel clock (PVAL @ 16MHz), RS-422 hsync (LVAL) and
RS-422 vsync (FVAL) signals from camera
• DCF used: CAD1.DCF
Cabling
Requirements
Continuous mode
• IMG-7W2-TO-1BNC cable required for video output and PLS/TTL/CABLE required for
digital syncs (RS-422)
• Video input BNC of IMG-7W2-TO-1BNC cable should be connected to VIDEO OUT BNC
connector of camera
• The connections between the DB-25 male connector of the camera and the DB-37 connector
of the PLS/TTL/CABLE are as follows:
DALSA CA-D1-0256S PLS/TTL/CABLE
(DB-25 male connector) (DB-37 connector)
Pin name Pin no. Pin name Pin no.
EXSYNC+ 17 ← EXPOSURE1+21
EXSYNC− 4 ← EXPOSURE1−2
MCLK+ 6 ← CLKOUT+ 24
MCLK− 19 ← CLKOUT− 5
PVAL+ 16 → CLKIN+ 4
PVAL − 3 → CLKIN− 22
LVAL+ 2 → HSYNC+ 16
LVAL− 15 → HSYNC− 34
(Pin-out continued)

Application Note:
The Matrox Pulsar sends the RS-422 reference clock (MCLK @ 32MHz) to the camera,
which divides this frequency by two and returns to the Matrox Pulsar the pixel clock signal
(PVAL @ 16MHz). The camera initiates a frame upon arrival of the EXPOSURE1
Following this charge transfer period, both the readout of the previous frame and the
integration period of the current frame begin simultaneously. The camera sends the RS-422
vsync (FVAL) and hsync (LVAL) signals to the Matrox Pulsar to indicate valid frames of
Interfacing non-standard cameras to Matrox Pulsar
DALSA CA-D1-0256S October 25, 1996
Cabling
Requirements
(continued)
DALSA CA-D1-0256S PLS/TTL/CABLE
(DB-25 male connector) (DB-37 connector)
Pin name Pin no. Pin name Pin no.
FVAL+ 23 → VSYNC+ 29
FVAL− 10 → VSYNC− 10
*GROUND 7 GROUND 3
*GROUND 11 GROUND 6
*GROUND 20 GROUND 7
*GROUND 24 GROUND 23
*POWER SUPPLY GROUND GROUND 33
NOTE: it is very important that all the GROUNDs of the camera be connected together to
the POWER SUPPLY GROUND, which in turn must be connected to the GROUND of the
Matrox Pulsar
• The connections between the DB-25 connector on the rear panel of the camera and the
power supply are as follows:
DALSA CA-D1-0256S
(DB-25 male connector) POWER SUPPLY
Pin no. Pin name
8 +5V +5V
9 +15V
12 −5V
13 +5V
21 +15V +15V
22 −5V −5V
25 −15V −15V
Special
•
Considerations
(EXSYNC) pulse, which is sent to the camera periodically by the Matrox Pulsar. The cycle
begins with the high speed transfer, from the sensing area to the storage area of the CCD, of
the charges that made up the previous frame.
data and valid lines of data, respectively; both signals are active high.
Continued
PUL-CID-029
2

Application Note:
In order to select the exposure time, and consequently the frame rate, the frequency of the
EXSYNC signal supplied to the camera must be altered. The EXPOSURE1 (EXSYNC)
pulse is sent to the camera periodically; to alter the frequency of this signal, the deployment
time of the EXPOSURE1 pulse can be modified using Matrox Intellicam. Consult the
Interfacing non-standard cameras to Matrox Pulsar
DALSA CA-D1-0256S October 25, 1996
Special
Considerations
(continued)
EXPOSURE1 (EXSYNC)
shift
(80µµs)
readout
(4.35ms)
timer1 reaches zeroCTRL_SET1CNT
exposure time
FVAL
previous
current
LVAL
1 2561256
•
Matrox Intellicam User Guide for more information.
IMPORTANT! These instructions must be followed very carefully. Please consult Matrox
Imaging Applications at (514) 822-6061 if assistance is required.
The DCF(s) mentioned in this application note can be found on the MIL and MIL-Lite CD, or our FTP site (ftp.matrox.com). The information furnished by
Matrox Electronics System, Ltd. is believed to be accurate and reliable. Please verify all interface connections with camera documentation or manual.
Contact your local sales representative or Matrox Sales office or Matrox Imaging Applications at 514-822-6061 for assistance.
CorporateCorporate
Headquarters:Headquarters:
Canada and U.S.A.Canada and U.S.A.
Matrox ElectronicMatrox Electronic
Systems Ltd.Systems Ltd.
1055 St.Regis Blvd.
Dorval, Quebec, Canada
H9P 2T4
Tel: (514) 685-7230
Fax: (514) 822-6273
Sales Offices:Sales Offices:
U.K.U.K.
Matrox (UK) Ltd.Matrox (UK) Ltd.
Sefton Park, Stoke Poges
Buckinghamshire
U.K. SL2 4JS
Tel: +44 (0) 1753 665500
Fax: +44 (0) 1753
665599
FranceFrance
Matrox France SARLMatrox France SARL
2, rue de la Couture,
Silic 225
94528 Rungis Cedex
Tel: (0) 1 45-60-62-00
Fax: (0) 1 45-60-62-05
GermanyGermany
Matrox GmbHMatrox GmbH
Inselkammerstr.8
D-82008
Unterhaching
Germany
Tel: 089/614 4740
Fax: 089/614 9743
PUL-CID-029
Asia PacificAsia Pacific
Matrox Asia LiaisonMatrox Asia Liaison
OfficeOffice
Rm. 1901, 19/F, Workington
Tower,
78 Bonham Strand E.,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
Tel: 852.2877.5387
Fax: 852.2537.9530
3