Pulnix TMC-7, TMC-6 Operation Manual

TMC-7 / TMC-6

HIGH RESOLUTION

CCD COLOR CAMERA

OPERATIONS

MANUAL

REV. 7/6/95

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OPERATION 1

Outline 1
Special Characteristics of a CCD 1

2. SPECIFICATIONS 2

3. THEORY OF OPERATION 2

Operation Principles of the CCD 2
Mechanism of the CCD Electrical Charge Transmission 3
Interline-Transfer Organization of the CCD Image Sensors 4
Instructions for Powering TMC-7/TMC-6 4

4. ALIGNMENT AND ADJUSTMENT 6

Equipment 6
Preparation 7
Adjustment Procedures 7

5. RGB OPERATION (OPTIONAL) 9
CCA-7 RGB "Breakout" Module 9

6. IMAGER COLOR FILTERS 9

Diagram of Complementary Mosaic Filter 9
Spectral Response With Optical Filter (IR Cut Filter) 9

7. TIMING CHART 10

8. MECHANICAL DRAWINGS 11

SECTION 1: OPERATION

1.1 OUTLINE

The TMC-7 (NTSC model) / TMC-6 (PAL model) is a
compact, lightweight color video camera which uses a
high resolution solid state image sensor - the Charge
Coupled Device (CCD). The CCD camera produces
less geometrical distortion and has higher resistance
to vibration and shock when compared with a camera
using a pickup tube. These features make the camera
suitable for both industrial and CCTV surveillance
applications. It is also suitable as an input device in an
image processing system since the TMC-7N offers
superb color reproduction.

The TMC-7 series cameras feature separate outputs
for the RGB signals (when used with CCA-7) and Y/C
output in addition to the standard VBS output.

All models have external access switches to enable or
disable the AGC, and auto-white balance. The
TMC-7 series uses complementary stripe color filters
of Cy, Gr, Ye to generate all color variations. The com­plementary color system has the advantage of better
sensitivity than the primary color system of R, G, B.

All models use C-mount lenses and have a back focus
adjustment and auto iris output. The remote imager
option is designed with a C-mount to achieve a tiny
remote color camera with changeable lenses. Remote
capability up to 2 meters is available.

1.2 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A CCD

Smear phenomenon

This phenomenon occurs when shooting a very bright
object (such as electronic light, fluorescent lamp, the
sun or a strong reflection.) Due to the interline-transfer
organization of the CCD image sensors (Refer to the
"The Interline-Transfer Organization of the CCD Image
Sensors", Section 3.3), this phenomenon is caused by
the electronic charges generated beneath the photo­sensors by a light with a long wavelength, such as an
infrared light.

NOTE: PULNiX color cameras contain a filter to mini­mize smear. Smear should only occur under extremely
bright, and point light source conditions.

Light streak.....Smear

Very bright object

False signal

When vertical stripes or straight lines are shot, they
may look wavy ( Moire effect ).

Blemish-free imagers

CCD photosensor elements generate electronic
charges which ultimately produce horizontal and verti­cal rows in the CCD image sensor. Thus, any malfunc­tioning photosensor element could eventually cause a
blemish on the monitor screen. However, all the
PULNiX TMC-7/TMC-6 cameras have blemish-free
CCDs to avoid this problem.

Consult the specifications in "Comprehensive
Specifications" for details on the blemishes of the
TMC-7/TMC-6.

At room temperature At high temperature

Level of dark current

Patterned noise on the picture at
high temperature

Dark current (thermal noise) is inherent in semicon­ductors. At room temperature, the amount of dark
current in all photosensors is very close. However, as
the temperature rises, the amount of dark current
increases. As a result, the relative difference between
the dark current of each photosensor increases. This dif­ference also causes the patterned noise on the picture.

1

Imager

Pixel
Cell size
Color filter

Scanning

Sync

TV resolution
S/N ratio
Min. illumination
Video output

Color balance

AGC
Gamma
Lens mount
Power req.
Operating temp.
Vibration & shock
Size (W X H X L)
Weight
Power cable
Power supply
Auto iris connector
Functional options
Accessories

SECTION 3: THEORY OF OPERATION

3.1 OPERATION PRINCIPLES OF THE CCD

A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) consists of MOS
(Metal Oxide-Silicon) capacitors arranged in a regular
array. It performs three functions connected with han­dling electrical charges:

Photoelectric conversion (photo sensor)

Incandescent light generates electrical charges on the
MOS capacitors, with the quantity of charge being pro­portional to the brightness.

Accumulation of electrical charges

When the voltage is applied to the electrodes of the
CCD, an electrical potential well is formed in the silicon
layer. The electrical charge is accumulated in this well.

Transmission of electrical charge

When high voltage is applied to the electrodes, a
deeper well is formed. When low voltage is applied, a
shallower well is formed. In the CCD, this property is
used to transmit electrical charges. When a high volt­age is applied to the electrodes, a deep electric poten­tial well is formed and electrical charge flows in from
the neighboring wells. When this is repeated over and
over among the regularly arranged electrodes, the
electrical charge is transferred from one MOS capaci­tor to another. This is the principle of CCD electrical
charge transmission.

SECTION 2: COMPREHENSIVE SPECIFICATIONS

2

1/2" interline transfer CCD (6.4 x 4.8 mm)

768(H) x 494(V) 752(H) x 582(V)

8.4µm(H) x 9.8µm(V) 8.6µm(H) x 8.3µm(V)
Cy, Ye, Mg, G complementary color filter

2:1 interlaced, field mode scanning

525 lines, 59.94 Hz 625 lines, 50 Hz

Internal sync only
fH = 15.734 KHz fH = 15.625 KHz
fV = 59.94 Hz fV = 50.00 Hz
460(H) x 400(V) TV lines 450(H) x 450(V) TV lines

50 dB (AGC off )

2 Lux F = 1.4 (AGC on)

VBS = 1.0 Vp-p at 75 Ω (NTSC and PAL)

Y (B/W) = 1.0 Vp-p with sync, Chroma = 285 mV at 75 Ω (Y/C or S-VHS )

Through-the-lens auto white balance: memory (std) or
auto-tracking (option) and manual hue adjustment

Max. 32 dB AGC, on-off switchable, manual gain control

0.45

C-mount

12 V DC, 330 mA

-10°C to +50°C
Vibration: 7 G (200Hz to 2000Hz), Shock: 70G
42 x 32 x 133 mm 1.65" x 1.26" x 5.24"

210 grams (7.3 oz)

12P-02 for NTSC/PAL and Y/C, KC-10 for NTSC/PAL only

12VDC, 500mA

Auto iris lens output and shutter control (SC-7)

Up to 16 fields integration output, auto-tracking white balance

SC-7 shutter control, C-mount mini lenses

Model TMC-7 (NTSC) TMC-6 (PAL)

3.2 MECHANISM OF THE CCD ELECTRICAL
CHARGE TRANSMISSION

The TMC-7 uses a 4-phase drive method CCD. For
simplicity, a 2-phase drive method CCD is explained
below.

Figure 1 shows an example of the changes which can
occur in potential wells in successive time intervals.

At t1, the electrode voltages are fH1>fH2, so the
potential wells are deeper toward the electrode at the
higher voltage fH1. An electrical charge accumulates
in these deep wells.

At t2, the clock voltages fH1 and fH2 are reversed;
now the wells toward the electrode at voltage fH2
become deeper while those toward the electrode at
fH1 become shallower. So the wells at fH2 are deeper
than those at fH1 and the signal charge flows toward
the deeper wells.

At t3, the electrode voltages have not changed
because of t2, so the signal charge flows into the wells
toward the electrode at fH2; one transmission of elec­trical charge is completed. This action is repeated over
and over to execute the horizontal transmissions.

Vertical transfer

The vertical shift register transfers charges using a
four-phase drive mode. Figure 2 shows an example of
the changes which can occur in potential wells in suc­cessive time intervals. At tO, the electrode voltages are
(V1 = V2)>(V3 = V4), so the potential wells are deeper
toward the electrode at the higher voltages V1 and V2.
Charges accumulate in these deep wells.

At t1, the electrode voltages are (V1 = V2 = V3)>(V4),
so the charges accumulate in the wells toward the
electrode at V1, V2 and V3.

At t2, the electrode voltages are (V2 = V3)>(V4 = V1),
so the charges accumulate in the wells toward the
electrode at V2 and V3. Electrode voltage states at t3
and after are shown below.

t3(V2 = V3 = V4)>(V1)
t4(V3 = V4)>(V1 = V2)
t5(V4>(V1 = V2 = V3)
t6(V4 = V1)>(V2 = V3)
t7(V4 = V1 = V2)>(V3)
t8(V1 = V2)>(V3 = V4) (Initial state)

These operations are repeated to execute the vertical
transfer.

3

Figure 1

Figure 2

ø2
ø1

N-

N

N- N N- N N- N N-

P - sub

t1

t2

time

t3

potential profile

transfer direction

Operating Pulse Waveforms (ø1, ø2 or øH1, øH2)

V1

ø2

V0

ø1

V1
V0

V1 > VO

t1 t2 t3

(minus) shows lower

* -

impurity concentration

t

potential profile

N, N- * : N type impurity

4 Phase CCD Drive

V1
V2
V3
V4

t0

t1

t2

t3

t4

t5

t6

t7

t8

transfer direction

3.3 THE INTERLINE-TRANSFER
ORGANIZATION OF THE CCD IMAGE SENSORS

The TMC-7 CCD video camera module adopts an
interline-transfer organization in which the precisely
aligned photosensor and vertical transmission section
are arrayed interlinearly.

A horizontal shift register links up with the vertical
transmission section. Light variations are sensed by
the photosensors which generate electronic charges
proportional to the light intensity. The generated
charges are fed into the vertical shift registers all at
once. The charges are then transferred from the verti­cal transmission section to the horizontal shift registers
successively and finally reach the output amplifier to
be read out successively.

3.4 INSTRUCTIONS FOR POWERING
THE TMC-7/TMC-6

Connectors

The TMC-7 requires 12 V DC (330mA). The power is
obtained through the 12-pin connector located at the
rear of the camera. PULNiX offers a 4-conductor
power cable with mating connector (model# C-10).
For Y/C output, use a 12-pin connector to supply the
power.

12-Pin Connector

TMC-7/TMC-6 12P-02 Cable

1. GND Gray

2. +12V DC In Yellow

3. GND Red Shield

4. Video Out (VBS) Red Coax Signal

5. GND Orange Shield

6. N/C Orange Coax Signal

7. Chroma Black Coax Signal

8. GND White Shield

9. Y (B/W) White Coax Signal

10. N/C Brown

11. N/C Blue

12. N/C Black Shield

Optional output

Each pin has to be designated for various options
such as Y/C output, integration control, etc. The cus­tomer will be required to assign option numbers.

Warning

The TMC-7 must use either the 12P Series or C-10
cable. When applying power to the camera, make
sure that none of the exposed leads on the multiple
conductor cable are touching. This may cause dam­age to the camera. Besides the power connector,
there is a standard BNC video connector on the rear of
the camera.

3.4.1 12-PIN CONNECTOR AND POWER
CABLES

56789101112432

1

12-Pin Figure Power Connector

4

Output section

(818 elements)

Horizontal
shift register

odd line

even line

odd line

(513 elements)

Photo senser

Vertical shift register

12P Series cables available:

12P-02 2 meters
12P-05 5 meters
12P-10 10 meters
12P-15 15 meters
12P-25 25 meters
12P-X Custom length
12P-02 8-conductor cable for RGB
12P-02MF RGB separator cable (for use with CCA-7
Signal Separator only)

3.4.2 BACK PANEL ASSEMBLY

Back Panel Assembly

3.4.3 COLOR BALANCE ADJUSTMENT

The TMC-7/TMC-6 cameras feature an advanced
color balancing system which utilizes an internal mem­ory. The camera will automatically determine the best
color balance upon powering up. Special comparator
circuitry will compensate for less than perfect power up
color conditions. The camera then retains color bal­ance without the need to continually adjust. The mem­ory feature will achieve excellent color balance for
most routine shooting conditions. The user may reset
the balance at any time by pushing the RESET button
located on the left side of the camera.

For users wishing the more conventional AUTO
TRACKING mode, a solder jumper at W2

located
inside the camera will convert the camera to auto
tracking. This function allows the camera to continually
balance the color based on the prevailing scene, and
not in reference to the memory. (See page 7)

3.4.4 AUTO IRIS CONNECTOR

The TMC-7 has a 6-pin auto iris connector located on
the back of the camera. A mating 6-pin connector (PC­6P) may be obtained from PULNIX. The lens mount of
the camera is a standard C-mount, and most standard
1/2" auto iris lenses may be used with the TMC­7/TMC-6.

135

6

2

4

6-Pin Connector (Auto
Iris Lens connector)

1. D2

2. GND

3. Iris (Video)

4. +12V DC out

5. D0

6. D1

D0, D1, D2 are used for shutter speed control. The
SC-7 provides external manual shutter speed control.

W

arning:

Do not unplug the auto iris lens from the camera while
the camera is powered. This may damage the lens.

3.4.5 SC-7 SHUTTER CONTROL

The SC-7 is the controller for the shutter speed. It con­nects to the 6-pin connector of the TMC-7/TMC-6.
(Note: The TMC-7 uses a different controller than all
other PULNiX shutter cameras).

5

S
P
E
E
D

C
O
N
T
R
O
L

LENS

AWB

VIDEO OUT

PWR IN

D0

D1

D2

Shutter
speed

Integ-
ration

(option)

1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/10000

2FLD 4FLD 6FLD 8FLD 10FLD 12FLD 14FLD 16FLD

123456

0

L

L

L

H

H

LL

L

L

HHH

LLLL

H

L

H

HH

7

H

H

H

4.1 EQUIPMENT

1. Light source for test chart.

Pattern Box PTB-500 (90-130V)
PTB-220 (190-240V--not used in U.S.)

2. For video level and gamma adjustment.

3. For color adjustment.

(Use color bar chart)

4. For signal adjustment.

Vector scope
Waveform monitor
Oscilloscope

5. Standard Pattern Frame

SECTION 4 : ALIGNMENT AND ADJUSTMENT

Grayscale Chart

White Window Chart

Color Bar Chart

6

YL CY

G

W

MG R

B

4.3 TMC-7 ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES

4.3.1 PRESET

Note: The following controls for the external control
board can be accessed by removing the access port on
the left side of the TMC-7. All other presets and
adjustments are accessed by removing camera cover.

Preset each potentiometer as follows:

Matrix board

VR1 MGC = 2.5 V
VR2 W/B (Hue) = 4.0 V

Driver Board

VR2 AGC = 2.0 V
VR1 AGC MAX = 3.0 V

Auto-White Balance Board

VR6 B LEVEL = 3.4 V
VR7 SHP LEVEL = 3.4 V
VR1 CHR LEVEL = 2.3 V
VR2 R-Y HUE = 3.5 V
VR3 B-Y HUE = 3.0 V
VR4 B-Y GAIN = 2.4 V
VR5 R-Y GAIN = 3.2 V
VR14 Y1 GAIN = 2.0 V
VR8 Y LEVEL = 3.0 V
VR9 SET UP = 3.0 V
VR12 C1 GAIN = 3.4 V
VR11 B GAIN = 4.0 V
VR10 R GAIN = 4.0 V
VR15 YH GAIN = 3.2 V
VR16 VAP GAIN = 1.8 V
VR17 VAP SLICE = 1.5 V

VR18 HOLE = 2.0 V

Jumper setting

W2 Open (factory setting)

4.3.2 FUNCTION TEST

With above settings, the camera will output a good
picture and you can proceed to the fine tuning process.

4.3.3 WHITE BALANCE

Equipment: Color bar chart (3200°K),

Vector scope, Wave form monitor.

Set AGC and White balance switches to Manual side
(push down ).
Use standard Fujinon lens (Calibrated ) and set the iris
to F=8.

Burst level

Adjust VR6 so that burst level on Vector scope is on the
75 % line or 286±15mV. If Burst vector is not stable, add
a 22pf capacitor to crystal capacitor. Make sure to select
the right value of C5 located at Driver board.

4.2 PREPARATION

4.2.1 MECHANICAL BACK FOCUS
ADJUSTMENT

Subject: Resolution chart

1. Mount the manual lens (i.e. Cosmicar 25mm,
F=1.4).

2. Open the lens iris completely and set lens focal
length to minimum for the lens used (e.g. 2 ft.).

3. If image is not focused properly, set back focus as
follows.

4. Unscrew the M2x3 hex screw on the Front Panel
until the focus ring is loose.

5. Adjust the silver back focus ring until the image is
focused.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 if needed.

Back Focus Ring

Back Focus
2 Feet

7

AGC

AGC MAX

VR2 VR1



L
E
V
E
L

C

VR8

VR9



P
U

T
E

S


L
E
V
E

L

Y

VR6

VR7

29





L

L

E

E

V

V

E

E

L

L
P

B

H
S

VR18

W2



2
T
N
O
C

B



2
T
N
O
C

B



T
E
S

­B

W

A





L

D
V

T



IN
A

G
Y

-

B

VR2



E
U

H
Y

-

B

VR1

VR10







E

IN

IN

U

A

A
H
Y

G

G

-

R

B
R

VR5



IN
A

G
H

Y



IN
A
G

P
A
V

VR17



E
IC

L
S

P
A

V



IN
A

G
Y

-

R

VR3

VR4



2
P
L

C



D
N

W

20

VR12 VR11

VR16

VR13

VR14

VR15

J1A1

10











T

T

V
5

U

U

O

O

+

-

­Y

Y

R

B

D
N
G



D

IN

N

A

G

G
2

Y



IN
A

G
1

Y



IN
A

G
1

C

WHITE
BALANCE

AUTO

SW3

MANU

VR2

HUE

VR1

GAIN

ON

SW2

OFF

AGC

R gain, B gain

Adjust VR10 and VR11 so that the white spot on Vector
scope is in the center.

C1 gain

Adjust VR12 so that each color dot on the Vector scope
combines into one spot.

4.3.4 Y LEVEL, SETUP LEVEL

Use Waveform monitor.
Observe the waveform and adjust VR8 to set the white
level to 95 IRE.
Put lens cap on and adjust VR9 so that setup (Pedestal
level) is 5 IRE.

4.3.5 R-Y GAIN, B-Y GAIN, R-Y HUE, B-Y HUE

Use Vector scope.
Adjust VR5 (R-Y gain), VR4 (B-Y gain),
VR2 (R-Y Hue), VR3 (B-Y Hue) to set each vector as
shown below

4.3.6 AUTO WHITE BALANCE

Make sure lens is closed. Probe TP2 and adjust VR18
so that the level is at 5V. Now turn lens to F/16, and
make sure DC level goes down to zero. Optimize VR18
so that the above two conditions are satisfied.

4.3.7 AGC

Switch on to AGC side.
Adjust lens to see if AGC is functioning.
Observe the AGC threshold level and adjust AGC
potentiometer if necessary.

4.3.8 SHUTTER CONTROL AND INTEGRATION
CONTROL

1. WEN: Write enable output

2. SMD2: Select integration mode (Jumper to
GND)

3. SMD1: Select shutter mode (Factory set)

4. SW MODE: Auto shutter pulse width mode

Shutter control

Select SMD1 low (GND) and SMD2 high (open).

This is factory set mode. If external control is required,

8

100

WEN

SMD2

SMD1

SW MODE

80

60

40

20

75

-20

-40

10°

0°

10°

100

80

60

40

20

75

10°

0°

10°

Driver board input/output

OE

OOOO

EEEE

VD

2 FIELD INTEGRATION

SG1, SG2

OOO O

EEEE

-20

-40

WEN

4 FIELD INTEGRATION

SG1, SG2

WEN

WEN: write enable

Speed control

Continuous shutter

By applying a negative going TTL pulse to pin #8 TRIG
input, the TMC-7 can operate with continuous shutter
speed change. The input pulse must move within a field
timing and the shutter speed is between the pulse edge
and SG1, SG2. In order to activate this function, D0, D1,
D2 must all be low (GND). Unless the TRIG pulse is
applied, CCD charges are kept discharging and when
the pulse is input, the discharge stops and integration
starts up to the transfer gate timing (SG1, SG2).

SECTION 5: RGB OPERATION (Option)

5.1 CCA-7 RGB “BREAKOUT” MODULE

CCA-7 is a compact device designed to accept cam­era outputs via the 12P-02MF (2 - meter) cable from
the camera, and then output the signals (R, G, B,
Sync, and Video) via standard BNC connectors. It also
accepts 12V DC input via a terminal for power.

Note: RGB option is only available when TMC-7 is

modified for use with CCA-7. Contact PULNiX for
further assistance.

SECTION 6: IMAGER COLOR FILTERS

6.1 DIAGRAM OF COMPLEMENTARY STRIPE

FILTER

6.2 SPECTRAL RESPONSE WITH COMPLE-

MENTARY MOSAIC FILTER

R G B Sync Video

GND +12V

To Camera

(Connect 12P-02MF here)

9

123456

0

D0

D1

D2

Shutter
speed

Integ-

2FLD 4FLD 6FLD 8FLD 10FLD 12FLD 14FLD 16FLD

ration
(option)

L

L

L

1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/10000

H

H

LL

L

HHH

L

L

HH

7

LLLL

H

H

H

H

H

COMPLEMENTARY MOSAIC FILTER

V SHIFT REGISTER

CY

YE

MG

G
CY

YE
MG

G

G

MG

CY

YE

G

MG

OUTPUT

CYGYE

CY
G

G

CY
G

HORIZONTAL SHIFT REGISTER

MG

YE
MG

MG

YE

MG

CY

G
CY
G

G

CY
G

YE

MG

YE
MG

MG

YE

MG

CCA-7

1.0

.9

.8

.7

.6

.5

.4

.3

Relative Response

.2

.1

.0

400 500 600 700

Ye

Cy G

Mg

Wavelength (nm)

SECTION 7: TIMING CHART FOR TMC-7/TMC-6

10

HD

CCE photo sensors
allocation

69.8nSec

CCD output
signal

Composite video
output

763

6

764

765

22

1.54µSec

6.7µSec

96

45 70 22 5

766

767

768

B1

B45

H register
stop period

Optical
black period

154

H BLK 10.7µSec

68

H SYNC

4.75µSec

D1

D22

Optical
black period

Dummy
H register

910

63.56µSec (1 horizontal line)

B1B2B3B4B5

64

4.47µSec

123456789

Image sensing period

Effective picture
period

818

768

10

756

52.81µSec

45

757

758

759

760

761

762

763

764

765

766

767

768B1B45

SECTION 8: MECHANICAL DRAWINGS

8.1 STANDARD & REMOTE CONFIGURATIONS

11

146

133

PULNiX

42

32

M2 (2x)

1/4 - 20 UNC -2B

25

35

48

29

M2.6 x 7mm. deep (4x)

25

8

50

Notice

The material contained in this manual consists of information that is proprietary to Pulnix America, Inc., and may only
be used by the purchasers of this product. Pulnix America, Inc. makes no warranty for the use of its products and
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear or for damages resulting from the use of the information
contained herein. Pulnix America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes without notice.

Warranty

All our solid state cameras have a full three year warranty. If any such product proves defective during this warranty
period, Pulnix America, Inc. will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor or will provide a
replacement in exchange for the defective product. This warranty shall not apply to any damage, defect or failure
caused by improper use or inadequate maintenance and use.

Revised Printing: July 1995

Pulnix America, Inc.

1330 Orleans Drive,
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Tel: [phone]

[phone]

Fax: [phone]