Teledyne Falcon4 86M, FA-S0-86M16-01-R, FA-S1-86M16-00-R User Manual
Falcon4 86M
Camera User’s Manual
FA-S0-86M16-01-R and FA-S1-86M16-00-R
sensors |
cameras
| frame grabbers | processors | software | vision solutions
03-032-20220-01
www.teledynedalsa.com
Notice
© 2017 Teledyne DALSA
All information provided in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable. No
responsibility is assumed by Teledyne DALSA for its use. Teledyne DALSA reserves the right
to make changes to this information without notice. Reproduction of this manual in whole or
in part, by any means, is prohibited without prior permission having been obtained from
Teledyne DALSA.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
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Corporation.
All other trademarks or intellectual property mentioned herein belong to their respective
owners.
Document date: April 19, 2017
Document number: 03-032-20220-01
About Teledyne DALSA
Teledyne DALSA is an international high performance semiconductor and electronics
company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets digital imaging products and
solutions, in addition to providing wafer foundry services.
Teledyne DALSA Digital Imaging offers the widest range of machine vision components in
the world. From industry-leading image sensors through powerful and sophisticated
cameras, frame grabbers, vision processors and software to easy-to-use vision appliances
and custom vision modules.
Contents
THE FALCON4 86M CAMERA ........................................................................... 4
DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................ 4
Key Features ......................................................................................... 4
Programmability ..................................................................................... 4
Applications ........................................................................................... 4
MODEL NUMBERS AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................... 5
CAMERA PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................ 5
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................ 7
SENSOR COSMETIC SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................... 7
RESPONSIVITY & QE ........................................................................................ 8
ANGLE OF INCIDENCE ....................................................................................... 9
FLASH MEMORY SIZE ....................................................................................... 9
CERTIFICATIONS & COMPLIANCE ........................................................................ 10
SHOCK & VIBRATION ..................................................................................... 10
SUPPORTED INDUSTRY STANDARDS .................................................................... 11
GenICam™ .......................................................................................... 11
Camera Link HS ................................................................................... 11
Camera Link HS ROI Characteristics ....................................................... 11
SENSOR BLOCK DIAGRAM & PIXEL READOUT ......................................................... 12
CAMERA SETUP ............................................................................................ 13
SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS & CLEANING .................................................................... 13
Precautions ......................................................................................... 13
Cleaning the Device .............................................................................. 13
Electrostatic Discharge and the CMOS Sensor .......................................... 13
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SETUP ............................................................ 14
RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 14
SETUP STEPS: OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 14
Step 1: Install and Configure Frame Grabber and Software ........................ 14
Step 2: Connect Camera Link and Power Cables ....................................... 14
Power Connector .................................................................................. 15
Camera Link Data Connector ........................................................................ 16
Input Signals, Camera Link ........................................................................... 16
Frame Start Trigger (EXSYNC) ...................................................................... 16
LED Indicators ............................................................................................ 17
LED States on Power Up ............................................................................... 17
Step 3: Establish Communication between the frame grabber and the
camera .......................................................................................... 18
1. Power on the camera ............................................................................. 18
2. Connect to the frame grabber ................................................................. 18
3. Connect to the camera ........................................................................... 18
Check LED Status ........................................................................................ 19
Software Interface....................................................................................... 19
USING CAMEXPERT ...................................................................................... 21
CamExpert Panes ................................................................................. 21
CamExpert View Parameters Option .............................................................. 23
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 1
Creating a Camera Configuration File in the Host ...................................... 23
CAMERA OPERATION ................................................................................... 24
Factory Settings ................................................................................... 24
CHECK CAMERA AND SENSOR INFORMATION .......................................................... 24
Verify Temperature ............................................................................... 24
THERMAL MANAGEMENT .................................................................................. 25
Handling ............................................................................................. 25
SAVING AND RESTORING CAMERA SETTINGS ......................................................... 26
ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER CONTROL FEATURES ................................................... 27
TEST PATTERNS ............................................................................................ 28
GAIN AND BLACK LEVEL CONTROL DETAILS ........................................................... 29
EXPOSURE CONTROLS .................................................................................... 30
Internally Programmable Frame Rate and Internally Programmable
Exposure Time (Default) ......................................................................... 31
External Frame Rate and External Exposure Time (Trigger Width) ..................... 31
External Frame Rate, Programmable Exposure Time ........................................ 33
Exposure Time ..................................................................................... 33
Trigger Modes ...................................................................................... 33
Internal Frame Rate ............................................................................. 34
I/O Block Diagram ................................................................................ 34
Opto-Coupled Inputs ............................................................................ 34
Opto-Coupled Outputs .......................................................................... 35
FLAT FIELD CORRECTION AND DEFECTIVE PIXEL DETECTION OVERVIEW ......................... 36
Correction Function Block Diagram ......................................................... 36
Dark Row Subtract Algorithm ................................................................. 36
Flat Field Correction Algorithm Description ............................................... 37
General Notes on FFC calibration ................................................................... 37
An important note on window blemishes ................................................. 38
How to do an FFC Setup in the Camera ................................................... 38
Defective Pixel Detection and Replacement .............................................. 40
Single Pixel Replacement ....................................................................... 40
Defective Columns and Row Replacement ................................................ 40
Median Filter ........................................................................................ 41
File Access via the CamExpert Tool ......................................................... 41
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 43
MECHANICALS.............................................................................................. 43
EC & FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................................ 44
APPENDIX A: GENICAM COMMANDS ............................................................ 45
CAMERA INFORMATION CATEGORY ...................................................................... 45
Camera Information Feature Descriptions ................................................ 45
ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER CONTROL CATEGORY .................................................. 48
Acquisition and Transfer Control Feature Descriptions ............................... 48
SENSOR CONTROL CATEGORY ........................................................................... 48
Sensor Control Feature Descriptions ....................................................... 48
I / O CONTROL CATEGORY ............................................................................... 51
I/O Controls Feature Descriptions ........................................................... 51
ADVANCED PROCESSING CONTROL CATEGORY ........................................................ 55
Advanced Processing Control Feature Descriptions .................................... 55
IMAGE FORMAT CONTROLS CATEGORY ................................................................. 63
CLHS LINK TRANSPORT LAYER CATEGORY ............................................................ 65
Camera Link Transport Layer Feature Description ..................................... 65
2 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
FILE ACCESS CONTROL CATEGORY ..................................................................... 66
APPENDIX B: CAMERA, FRAME GRABBER COMMUNICATION ........................ 68
SETTING UP COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CAMERA AND THE FRAME GRABBER ............... 68
APPENDIX C: CLEANING THE SENSOR WINDOW .......................................... 69
Recommended Equipment ..................................................................... 69
Procedure ............................................................................................ 69
APPENDIX D: INTERNAL FLAT FIELD CALIBRATION ALGORITHMS .............. 70
Dark Row Subtract ............................................................................... 70
Offset (FPN) Calibration ........................................................................ 70
Gain (PRNU) Calibration ........................................................................ 70
Color Camera Gain (PRNU) Calibration .................................................... 71
APPENDIX E: FILE FORMAT ......................................................................... 74
FFC FILE FORMAT ......................................................................................... 75
CAMERA DEFECT MAP ..................................................................................... 76
CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................. 78
SALES INFORMATION...................................................................................... 78
TECHNICAL SUPPORT...................................................................................... 78
REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................... 79
INDEX ......................................................................................................... 80
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 3
The Falcon4 86M Camera
Description
Teledyne DALSA‘s new generation of color and monochrome area scan cameras—the
Falcon4™ 86M—incorporate very large resolutions and fast frame rates, enabling high-speed image
capture with superb spatial resolution and excellent image quality. Global shuttering and correlated
double sampling ensure smear free and low noise images. These features make the Falcon4
cameras the best choices for applications where throughput, resolution and high pixel capacity
matter most.
Inside the Falcon4 camera is our leading-edge, global shutter CMOS sensor, which enables high
speed imaging at very large resolutions. Global shutter technology removes the need for
mechanical shutters which are limited in the number of open / shut operations.
The Falcon4 camera is compliant with GenICam™ and CameraLink HS™ (CLHS) specifications—
delivering 12 and 16 bits of data. In addition, the M95 thread opening allows for your choice of
lens.
Key Features
Global shutter and exposure control
Cross-track of 10,720 pixels
Faster frame rates through windowing
Good NIR response
Built-in FPN and PRNU correction
CLHS interface and GenICam compliant
Programmability
Adjustable digital gain and offset
12 and 16 bit output
Adjustable integration time and frame rate
Test patterns and camera diagnostics
Applications
Aerial imaging
Aerial reconnaissance
Surveillance
Machine vision
4 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Model Number
Description
FA-S0-86M16-01-R
86M pixel monochrome, Camera Link HS.
FA-S1-86M16-00-R
86M pixel color, Camera Link HS.
Part Number
Description
AC-MS-00117-00-R
Fan mounting accessory. Allows a fan to be mounted on the camera case to direct air
flow over the heat sink.
Software
Product Number / Version Number
Camera firmware
Embedded within camera
GenICam™ support (XML camera description file)
Embedded within camera
Recommended: Sapera LT, including CamExpert GUI application and
GenICam for Camera Link imaging driver.
Version 7.50 or later
Specifications
Performance
Resolution
10720 (H) x 8064 (V)
Pixel Rate
1.38 Gpixel / s
Frame Rate
16 fps, maximum
Pixel Size
6 µm x 6 µm
Bit Depth
12 and 16 bits, selectable Camera Link HS
Exposure Time
100 µs minimum
Dynamic Range
53 dB (monochrome)
62 dB (monochrome)
Operating Temp
0 °C to +50 °C, front plate temperature
Connectors and Mechanicals
Size
100 mm (H) x 100 mm (W) x 67 mm (D)
Mass
< 1 kg
Data Connector
CLHS—single C2 7M1, CX4 connector
Power Connector
Hirose 12-pin circular
Supply Voltage
+ 12 V to + 24 V DC (± 5 %), 3.5 Amps
Power
< 35 W
Lens Mount
M95 x 1
Sensor Alignment
± 50 µm in X-Y directions
Model Numbers and Software Requirements
This manual covers the Falcon4 camera models summarized below. New models are added to this
manual as they are released by Teledyne DALSA.
Table 1: Camera Models Overview
Table 2: Camera Accessories
Table 3: Software
Camera Performance Specifications
Table 4: Camera Performance Specifications
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 5
Mono Operating Ranges
Units
Value
Notes
Noise and Non-Uniformity Performance
Full Well
e-
> 22, 000, global shutter
> 27, 000, rolling shutter
Dynamic Range
dB
53, global shutter
62, rolling shutter
Random Noise
DN rms
7.0, global shutter
3.2, rolling shutter
Maximum, FFC enabled
FPN (w/o correction), global
DN rms
48
PRNU (w/o correction), global
% rms
2.8
% measured signal level,
nominally 50% output.
FPN removed
Nominal Output Characteristics
Broad Band Responsivity
DN / (nJ / cm²)
137, global shutter mono
117, rolling shutter mono
64, global shutter color
73, rolling shutter color
FFC enabled
SEE
nJ / cm²
30, global shutter mono
35, rolling shutter mono
64, global shutter color
56, rolling shutter color
FFC enabled
NEE
pJ/cm²
64, global shutter mono
30, rolling shutter mono
133, global shutter color
44, rolling shutter color
FFC enabled
Antiblooming
> 600 x saturation
Integral non-linearity
% 3 From 10-90% of camera
saturation
*DN = digital number (12 bit)
Notes:
1) Mono Light source: broadband, quartz halogen, 3250 K with 700 nm IR cut-off filter.
2) Color Light source: broadband, quartz halogen, 3250K with BG38 filter.
3) Responsivity with FFC enabled
4) Mono camera PRNU w/o correction is measured at 50% output with FPN removed.
5) Integral non linearity = Deviation from best fit line 10 to 90%/4096
6 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Specifications
Ranges
Storage temperature range
-20 °C to +80 °C
Humidity (storage and operation)
15% to 85% relative, non-condensing
MTBF (mean time between failures)
>100,000 hours, typical field operation
Description
Definition
# of Defects
Column defect
A group of more than 20 contiguous pixels along a single column that deviate from the
neighboring columns by:
More than ±15% at 50% saturation with Flat-field correction ON and 1x gain.
More than 20% of saturation in dark and 1x gain.
6
Row defect
A group of more than 20 contiguous pixels along a single row that deviate from the
neighboring columns by:
More than ±15% at 50% saturation with Flat-field correction ON and 1x gain.
More than 20% of saturation in dark and 1x gain.
6
Cluster defect
A grouping of 2 to 16 inclusive defective pixels at a given test condition. A defective
pixel is defined as 20% of saturation output when sensor is dark and ± 15% away from
the average of the neighboring pixels of the same color measured at 20% to 80% of
maximum output in steps of 10%.
The maximum cluster defect size is 16.
34
Uncorrectable
single defective
pixel
At dark: Pixel level is elevated beyond 20% of saturation.
At 50% saturation: Pixel level is ±15% away from its neighboring pixels with FFC on.
15,000
Environmental Specifications
Table 5: Environmental Specifications
Sensor Cosmetic Specifications
The following table lists the current cosmetic specifications for the Teledyne DALSA sensor used in
the cameras.
Table 6: Blemish Specifications
1. Cluster defects are separated by no less than one good pixel in any direction.
2. Column and row defects are separated by no less than two good columns and rows respectively.
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 7
Responsivity & QE
The responsivity graph describes the camera‘s response to different wavelengths of light (excluding
lens and light source characteristics).
The image sensor includes micro lenses to improve the collection efficiency of the active pixel area.
The drawback to this is that the light collected varies with the angle of incidence, as shown in the
Angle of Incidence figure, below. Pixel Response Non Uniformity (PRNU) can be calibrated in the
field and takes into account the lighting and lens effects, and results in a more uniform output
level.
Figure 1: Camera Spectral Responsivity
8 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Camera
Flash Memory Size
FA-S0-86M16-01-R
500 MByte program storage
8,000 MByte correction coefficients
FA-S1-86M16-00-R
500 MByte program storage
8,000 MByte correction coefficients
Angle of Incidence
Flash Memory Size
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 9
Figure 2: Angular Response
Table 7: Memory
Compliance
EN 55011, CISPR 11, EN 55022, EN 55032, CISPR 22, CISPR 32, FCC Part 15, and ICES-003 Class A Emissions
Requirements.
EN 55024, and EN 61326-1 Immunity to Disturbance.
Certifications & Compliance
Table 8: Radiated Emissions
Shock & Vibration
The cameras meet or exceed the following specifications:
Random vibration per MIL-STD-810F at 25 G
Shock testing 75 G peak acceleration per MIL-STD-810F
2
/HZ [Power Spectral Density] or 5 RMS
10 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
RXC
TXC
TX1
TX2
TX3
TX4
TX5
TX6
TXC
RXC
RX1
RX2
RX3
RX4
RX5
RX6
Data Lane 6
Data Lane 0
Command
Channel
Video
Channel
Link
Camera
(C2,7M1)
Frame Grabber
(C2,7M1)
Supported Industry Standards
GenICam™
The camera is GenICam compliant and implements a superset of the GenICam Standard Features
Naming Convention specification V1.5.
This description takes the form of an XML device description file using the syntax defined by the
GenApi module of the GenICam specification. The camera uses the GenICam Generic Control
Protocol (GenCP V1.0) to communicate over the Camera Link HS command lane.
For more information see www.genicam.org.
Camera Link HS
The camera is Camera Link HS version 1.0 compliant. Camera Link HS is the next generation of
high performance communications standards and is used where a digital industrial camera
interfaces with single or multiple frame grabbers with data rates exceeding those supported by
Camera Link. The camera includes a Camera Link HS connector capable of supporting data rates up
to 2.1 Gbytes / sec per second.
Figure 3. Single CLHS Connector Configuration
The command channel is used by the frame grabber to send command, configuration, and
programming data to the camera and to receive command responses, status, and image data from
the camera.
The designation C2, 7M1 defines the use of a SFF-8470 connector (C2) and up to 7 lanes of data
with 1 command channel using M-Protocol (8b/10b) at the default speed of 3.125 Gb/sec.
Camera Link HS ROI Characteristics
The single ROI is customer entered and transmitted across all seven data lanes. There is a
minimum of 96 pixels per data lane used.
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 11
CLHS limits the start and stop location of the ROI to a multiples of 32 pixels. The maximum line
rate is limited by the sensor when not limited by the CLHS cable or by the PCIe transfer. The sensor
is limited to a 125 kHz maximum line rate.
The CLHS cable has approximately 2.1 GByte / sec bandwidth for seven lanes. The XTIUM X8 frame
grabber has about 3.2 GByte / sec across the PCIe bus and can support the full frame rate of the
camera.
Sensor Block Diagram & Pixel Readout
Pixels are read from left to right, top to bottom. The data for each line is transferred from the
sensor to 7 CLHS data lanes. CLHS is a packet-based protocol therefore the concept of taps or tap
geometry does not apply; the frame grabber reconstructs the images based on the information
contained in the packet, regardless of which data lane is used for the transfer.
Figure 4: Pixel Readout of the Falcon 4 camera.
Note:
As viewed looking at the front of the camera without a lens. (The Teledyne DALSA logo on
the side of the case will be right-side up.)
12 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Do not open the housing of the camera. The warranty is voided if the housing is
opened.
Camera Setup
System Precautions & Cleaning
Precautions
Read these precautions and this manual before using the camera.
Confirm that the camera‘s packaging is undamaged before opening it. If the packaging is
damaged please contact the related logistics personnel.
Keep the camera‘s front plate temperature in a range of 0 °C to 50 °C during operation. The
camera has the ability to measure its internal temperature. Use this feature to record the
internal temperature of the camera when it is mounted in your system and operating under
the worst case conditions. The camera will stop outputting data if its internal temperature
reaches 70 °C. Refer to section Verify Temperature for more information on the
‗Temperature‘ feature and thermal management.
Do not operate the camera in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields. In addition, avoid
electrostatic charging, violent vibration, and excess moisture.
Though this camera supports hot plugging, it is recommended that you power down and
disconnect power to the camera before you add or replace system components.
Cleaning the Device
To clean the device, avoid electrostatic charging by using a dry, clean absorbent cotton cloth
dampened with a small quantity of pure alcohol. Do not use methylated alcohol.
To clean the surface of the camera housing, use a soft, dry cloth. To remove severe stains use a
soft cloth dampened with a small quantity of neutral detergent and then wipe dry. Do not use
volatile solvents such as benzene and thinners, as they can damage the surface finish.
Electrostatic Discharge and the CMOS Sensor
Image sensors and the camera bodies housing are susceptible to damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Electrostatic charge introduced to the sensor window surface can induce charge
buildup on the underside of the window. If this occurs, the charge normally dissipates within 24
hours and the sensor returns to normal operation.
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 13
Note: the use of cables types and lengths other than those specified may result in
increased emission or decreased immunity and performance of the camera.
Software and Hardware Setup
Recommended System Requirements
To achieve best system performance, the following minimum requirements are recommended:
High bandwidth frame grabber. For example, Teledyne DALSA Xtium PX8 CLHS series frame
grabber: http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging/products/fg/#digital-cameralink.
Operating systems: Refer to frame grabber documentation for supported platforms.
Setup Steps: Overview
Take the following steps in order to setup and run your camera system. They are described briefly
below and in more detail in the sections that follow.
1. Install and Configure Frame Grabber and Software.
2. Connect Camera Link and Power Cables.
3. Establish communication with the camera.
Step 1: Install and Configure Frame Grabber and Software
Teledyne DALSA recommends its Xtium PX8 CLHS series frame grabber or equivalent. Follow the
manufacturer‘s installation instructions.
A GenICam™ compliant XML device description file is embedded within the camera firmware
allowing GenICam™ compliant application to know the camera‘s capabilities immediately after
connection.
Installing Sapera LT gives you access to the CamExpert GUI, a GenICam™ compliant application.
Sapera LT is available free of charge for download from the Teledyne Dalsa website.
Step 2: Connect Camera Link and Power Cables
The camera uses a Camera Link HS SFF-8470 (CX4) cable and a Hirose connector for power and IO
connections.
Connect the required Camera Link HS cable from the camera to the frame grabber installed
on the computer.
Connect a power cable from the camera to a power supply that can provide a constant
voltage from +12 V to +24 V DC.
14 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
WARNING! Grounding Instructions
Static electricity can damage electronic components. It‘s critical that you discharge
any static electrical charge by touching a grounded surface, such as the metal
computer chassis, before performing handling the camera hardware.
WARNING: It is extremely important that you apply the appropriate voltages to
your camera. Incorrect voltages may damage the camera. Input voltage
requirement: +12 V to +24 V DC (± 5 %), 3.5 Amps. Before connecting power to
the camera, test all power supplies.
Figure 5: Input and Output, trigger, and Power Connectors
Power Connector
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 15
Pin
Description
Pin
Description
1
GND
7
OUT2+
2
+12 V to +24 V DC
8
OUT2-
3
OUT1-
9
NC 4 OUT1+
10
NC 5 IN1-/Trigger
11
IN2+/Trigger
6
IN1+/Trigger
12
IN2-/Trigger
WARNING: When setting up the camera‘s power supplies follow these guidelines:
Apply the appropriate voltages.
Protect the camera with a 3.5 amp slow-blow fuse between the power supply
and the camera.
Do not use the shield on a multi-conductor cable for ground.
Keep leads as short as possible in order to reduce voltage drop.
Use high-quality linear supplies in order to minimize noise.
Note: If your power supply does not meet these requirements, then the camera
performance specifications are not guaranteed.
1 2 3 4 6 7 8
9
10
11
12
Figure 6: 12-pin Hirose Circular Male Power Plug—Power Connector
Table 9. Power Plug Pinout
Camera Link Data Connector
The camera uses a Camera Link HS SFF-8470 (CX4) cable.
Input Signals, Camera Link
The camera accepts control inputs through the Camera Link HS SFF-8470(CX4) connector.
The camera ships (factory setting) in internal sync, and internally triggered integration.
Frame Start Trigger (EXSYNC)
The EXSYNC signal tells the camera when to integrate and readout the image. It can be either an
internally generated signal by the camera, or it can be supplied externally by a CLHS Pulse
Message software command or camera GPIO pin.
16 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Color of Camera Status LED
Meaning
Off
No power or hardware malfunction
Red slow blinking
Camera in temporary shutdown (e.g. temperature). The communication channel is
maintained but imaging is disabled
Red solid
Fatal error state. Device is not functional
Blue fast blinking
Firmware upgrade, file transfer
Blue slow blinking
Camera waiting for warm up to complete (Camera initialization)
Blue solid
Upgrading internal firmware, when acquisition is disabled. This happens when changing a
camera feature that effects the image output (e.g. AOI, bit depth, etc.)
Green solid
Free-running acquisition
Green slow blinking
Calibration in progress
Orange slow blinking
Camera initializing
Color of CLHS Status LED
Meaning
Off
No power or hardware malfunction
Orange solid
The frame grabber is holding this device in reset preventing any communication
Orange slow blinking
The devices have established communication and determined that they are not
interoperable, and camera is initializing
Red solid
Fatal error state. Device is not functional.
Red slow blinking
Camera in temporary shutdown (e.g. temperature). The communication channel is
maintained but imaging is disabled
Red fast blinking
Camera has CLHS link error.
Green solid
Link established and data transfer may take place.
Green fast blinking
Camera is losing trigger
Green slow blinking
Looking for Link
Status
LED
CLHS
Status
LED
Initial power up
Camera initializing
(slow blinking)
Link established
Camera waiting for trigger
(fast blinking)
Initial power up
Camera initializing
(slow blinking)
Camera in free-running mode
Waiting for command
LED Indicators
The camera is equipped with 2 LEDs on the back to display the operational status of the camera.
The tables below summarize the operating states of the camera and the corresponding LED states.
When more than one condition is active, the LED indicates the condition with the highest priority.
LED States on Power Up
The following LED sequence occurs when the Falcon 4 is powered up connected to a CLHS frame
grabber.
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 17
Step 3: Establish Communication between the frame grabber and the
camera
To establish communication with the camera following these steps in order:
1. Power on the camera.
2. Connect to the frame grabber.
3. Connect to the camera.
1. Power on the camera
Turn on the camera‘s power supply. You may have to wait up to 60 seconds for the camera
to warm up and prepare itself for operation.
The camera must boot fully before it will be recognized by the GenCP compliant application.
In this ready-state, the CLHS LED will be green and the Camera LED will be green or blue (if
using a Teledyne DALSA frame grabber). You are now ready to connect the frame grabber,
step 2.
2. Connect to the frame grabber
Start Sapera CamExpert (or an equivalent GenCP-compliant interface) by double-clicking
the desktop icon created during the software installation.
CamExpert will search for Sapera devices installed on your system. In the Devices list area
on the left side of the GUI, the connected frame grabber will be shown. (See image below.)
Select the frame grabber device by clicking on its name.
Note: The first time you set up the camera you will need to establish a communication link between
the camera and frame grabber. Instructions are available in Appendix B: Camera, Frame Grabber
Communication.
3. Connect to the camera
Start a new Sapera CamExpert application (or equivalent Camera Link compliant interface)
by double-clicking the desktop icon created during the software installation.
Important: you need to have two interface windows open: one connected to and controlling
the frame grabber, and one connected to and controlling the camera. (See image below.)
CamExpert will search for Sapera devices installed on your system. In the Devices list area
on the left side of the GUI, the connected Falcon4 camera will be shown.
Select the Falcon4 camera device by clicking on the camera‘s user-defined name. By default
the camera is identified by its serial number.
18 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Figure 7: Frame grabber and connected camera shown
Check LED Status
At this point, if the camera is operating correctly the LEDs will flash yellow for approximately 10
seconds and then turn solid green if acquisition is on, or camera LED stays blue, CLHS LED blinks
green to wait for trigger
Software Interface
All the camera features can be controlled through the GUI. For example, under the Sensor Control
menu in the camera window you can control the frame rate and exposure times.
Note: the camera uses two instances of CamExpert. One window controls the camera and one
displays the output received from the frame grabber.
Also Note: If CamExpert is running during a camera reset operation, then you will have to reload
the GUI window used to control the camera once the camera is powered up again. Do this by
either: 1) closing and reopening the CamExpert window, or 2) by going to ―Image Viewer‖ in the
―Device‖ tab and selecting the camera again.
Falcon4 86M Cameras Contents 19
Figure 8: Two CamExpert windows shown: one connected to the frame grabber and one connected to the
camera
At this point you are ready to start operating the camera in order to acquire images, set camera
functions, and save settings.
20 Contents Falcon4 86M Cameras
Note: The examples shown may not entirely reflect the features and parameters available from
the camera model and camera mode used in your application.
Using CamExpert
The Sapera CamExpert tool is the interfacing tool for GenCP compliant Camera Link cameras, and is
supported by the Sapera library and hardware. When used with a CLHS camera, CamExpert allows
a user to test most of the operating modes. Additionally, CamExpert is able to save and reload the
FG configuration to simplify repeated power-up system configuration. Similarly, the camera is able
to store the selected camera configuration in a user set which can be recalled each time the camera
is repowered.
An important component of CamExpert is its live acquisition display window which allows
immediate verification of timing or control parameters without the need to run a separate
acquisition program.
Click on any parameter and a short description is displayed below the Category pane. The same
context sensitive help is available by clicking on the button then click on a camera
configuration parameter. Click on the button to open the help file for more descriptive
information on CamExpert.
CamExpert Panes
The various areas of the CamExpert tool are described in the figure below. Device Categories and
Parameter features are displayed as per the device‘s XML description file. The number of
parameters shown is dependent on the View mode selected (Beginner, Expert, Guru – see
description below).
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Device Selector pane: View and select from any installed Sapera acquisition device. After a
device is selected, CamExpert will only present parameters applicable to that device. Optionally
select a camera file included with the Sapera installation or saved by the user.
Parameters pane: Allows viewing or changing all acquisition parameters supported by the
acquisition device. CamExpert displays parameters only if those parameters are supported by
the installed device. This avoids confusion by eliminating parameter choices when they do not
apply to the hardware in use.
Display pane: Provides a live or single frame acquisition display. Frame buffer parameters are
shown in an information bar above the image window.
Control Buttons: The Display pane includes CamExpert control buttons. These are:
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Acquisition control button:
Click once to start live grab, click again to stop.
Single frame grab:
Click to acquire one frame from device.
Software trigger button:
With the I/O control parameters set to Trigger Enabled / Software Trigger
type, click to send a single software trigger command.
CamExpert display controls:
(these do not modify the frame buffer data)
Stretch (or shrink) image to fit, set image display to original size, or zoom
the image to any size and ratio. This does not affect the acquisition.
Histogram / Profile tool:
Select to view a histogram or line/column profile during live acquisition.
Output pane: Displays messages from CamExpert.
CamExpert View Parameters Option
All camera features have a Visibility attribute which defines its requirement or complexity. The
states vary from Beginner (features required for basic operation of the device) to Guru (optional
features required only for complex operations).
CamExpert presents camera features based on their visibility attribute. CamExpert provides quick
Visibility level selection via controls below each Category Parameter list [ << Less More >> ]. The
user can also choose the Visibility level from the View ∙ Parameters Options menu.
Creating a Camera Configuration File in the Host
When using the Teledyne DALSA Sapera SDK – the CCF is created automatically via a save.
When using a 3
automatic. Simply follow the 3rd party Save Camera method as instructed.
If the SDK is based on GenAPI 2.3 or lower, the user must call the command
DeviceFeaturePersistenceStart before using the SDK Save Camera method and the command
DeviceFeaturePersistenceEnd at the end of the save function.
rd
party SDK application, if that SDK supports GenAPI 2.4, then the process is
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