Alacron FASTIMAGE 1300 Quick setup guide

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FASTIMAGE 1300
CAMERA INTEGRATION GUIDE
30002-00183

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright  2002 by Alacron Inc.
All rights reserved. This document, in whole or in part, may not be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated, or reduced to any other electronic medium or machine-readable form
without the express written consent of Alacron Inc.
Alacron makes no warranty for the use of its products, assumes no responsibility for any error
which may appear in this document, and makes no commitment to update the information
contained herein. Alacron Inc. retains the right to make changes to this manual at any time
without notice.
Document Name FastImage 1300 Camera Integration Guide
Document Number: 30002-00183
Revision History: 1.3 April 25, 2002
Trademarks:
Alacron is a registered trademark of Alacron Inc.
AltiVec is a trademark of Motorola Inc.
Channel Link is a trademark of National Semiconductor
CodeWarrior is a registered trademark of Metrowerks Corp.
FastChannel is a registered trademark of Alacron Inc.
FastSeries is a registered trademark of Alacron Inc.
Fast4, FastFrame 1300, FastImage, FastI/O, and FastVision are registered
trademarks of Alacron Inc.
FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company
MS DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
SelectRAM is a trademark of Xilinx Inc.
Solaris is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.
TriMedia is a trademark of Philips Electronics North America Corp.
Unix is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.
Virtex is a trademark of Xilinx Inc.
Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000,and Windows NT are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Alacron Inc.
71 Spit Brook Road, Suite 200
Nashua, NH 03060
USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: http://www.alacron.com/
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright Notice ……………………………………………………………………………….. ii
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………….... iii
Manual Figures & Tables ……………………………………………………………………… iv
Other Alacron Manuals ………………………………………………………………………… v
System Requirements …………………………………………………………………………. v
I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................ 1
A. Camera Connections................................................................................................................... 1
B. Camera Data ............................................................................................................................... 1
C. Input Taps and Camera Link Input.......................................................................................... 2
D. Control Signals to Camera......................................................................................................... 2
E. Control Signals from Camera.................................................................................................... 2
1. Input Signals from Line Cameras.................................................................................................. 2
2. Input Signals from Frame Cameras............................................................................................... 3
3. NTSC/PAL/S-Video Input Signals............................................................................................... 3
F. Image Capture, Distribution, Processing, and Output............................................................ 3
1. Region of Interest.......................................................................................................................... 4
G. Capture Profile and PAL Software........................................................................................... 4
H. Cables........................................................................................................................................... 4
I. Power Considerations..................................................................................................................... 5
II. ANALOG CAMERAS...................................................................................................................... 6
A. Analog Video Input..................................................................................................................... 6
1. NTSC/PAL Composite and S-Video Component Input................................................................ 6
2. Monochrome and RGB Analog Video Input ................................................................................ 7
B. Analog Input Connector (J1A/J1B) .......................................................................................... 8
C. Analog Camera Cables............................................................................................................... 9
1. Alacron Analog Input Cable......................................................................................................... 9
2. Camera-Specific Cables................................................................................................................ 9
D. Analog Input PAL Files.............................................................................................................. 9
1. PALs for RS-170 Analog............................................................................................................ 10
2. PALs for NTSC Analog.............................................................................................................. 10
3. Camera-Specific PAL Files......................................................................................................... 10
III. DIGITAL CAMERAS.................................................................................................................... 10
A. Digital Input.............................................................................................................................. 10
B. Digital Control Inputs .............................................................................................................. 11
C. Digital Control Outputs............................................................................................................ 11
1. Frame/Line Start and Exposure................................................................................................... 11
2. Master Clocks............................................................................................................................. 11
3. General-Purpose Outputs............................................................................................................ 12
D. Digital Input Connector (J1A/J1B)......................................................................................... 12
E. Digital Input Cables.................................................................................................................. 12
1. Alacron Digital Input Cable........................................................................................................ 12

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2. Camera-Specific Cables.............................................................................................................. 14
F. Digital Input PAL Files ............................................................................................................ 14
1. 16-Bit Digital Line Scan Cameras .............................................................................................. 15
2. 32-bit Digital Line Scan Cameras............................................................................................... 16
3. 8-bit Digital Area Scan Cameras................................................................................................. 16
4. 12-Bit Digital Area Scan Cameras.............................................................................................. 16
5. 32-bit Digital Area Scan Cameras............................................................................................... 16
6. Camera-Specific PAL Files......................................................................................................... 17
IV. CAMERA LINK CAMERAS......................................................................................................... 18
A. Camera Link Connector (J2)................................................................................................... 18
B. Camera Link Cable................................................................................................................... 19
V. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................. 20
VI. ALACRON TECHNICAL SUPPORT........................................................................................... 21
A. Contacting Technical Support................................................................................................. 21
B. Returning Products for Repair or Replacements................................................................... 22
C. Reporting Bugs.......................................................................................................................... 23
MANUAL FIGURES & TABLES
FIGURE PAGE SUBJECT TABLE PAGE SUBJECT
11Camera Connector to FI1300 16Composite Analog Video Inputs
22Line Camera Input Signal 278-Bit Analog Input Channels
33Frame Camera Input Signal 38Analog Input Connector
43NTSC/PAL/S-Video Input Signal 49Analog Input Cable (10024-00162)
54Line & Area Scan Cameras 512 Analog & Digital Input connectors
67RS-170 Analog Video Input 613 Digital Input Cable (10024-00161),P2
710 Digital Video Input714 Digital Input Cable (10024-00161),P3
818 Camera Link Connectors J2
919 Camera Link Cable (10025-00175)

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OTHER ALACRON MANUALS
Alacron manuals cover all aspects of FastSeries hardware and software installation and
operation. Call Alacron at 603-891-2750 and ask for the appropriate manuals from the list below
if they did not come in your FastSeries shipment.
• 30002-00146 FastImage and FastFrame HW Installation for PCI Systems
• 30002-00148 ALFAST Runtime Software Programmer’s Guide & Reference
• 30002-00150 FastSeries Library User’s Manual
• 30002-00153 Fast I/O Hardware User’s Guide
• 30002-00155 FastMem Hardware User’s Manual
• 30002-00169 ALRT Runtime Software Programmer’s Guide & Reference
• 30002-00170 ALRT, ALFAST & FASTLIB Software Installation Manual for Linux
• 30002-00171 ALRT, ALFAST, & FASTLIB Software Installation for Windows NT
• 30002-00172 FastImage 1300 Hardware User’s Guide
• 30002-00173 FastMem Programmer’s Guide & Reference
• 30002-00174 FastMem Hardware Installation Manual
• 30002-00180 Fast4 1300 Hardware User’s Guide
• 30002-00184 FastSeries Getting Started Manual
• 30002-00185 FastVision Hardware Installation Manual
• 30002-00186 FastVision Software Installation Manual
• 30002-00188 FOIL – F astSeries O bject I maging L ibrary
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
• Windows  NT with service pack 6 or Windows  2000 with service pack 2 operating
systems fully installed.
• Minimum 128MB memory installed.
• Software Development Environment (SDE)
• WinZip software.
• Acrobat Reader Software
• ALFAST & ALRT software is available for Linux and Windows  NT & Windows 
2000 operating systems.
• Air circulation of at least 200 LFM is required for the Alacron FastSeries boards.
• The operating temperature range of the FastImage boards is 0 ° Celsius to 40 ° Celsius.

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I. INTRODUCTION
A. Camera Connections
The FastImage1300 imaging system can process continuous video streams from up to four
cameras. The board is designed to operate with analog and digital cameras from most
manufacturers. However, each camera and each application may have unique requirements.
This manual describes in general terms how to connect a camera to the FastImage1300 and
integrate the FastImage1300 in your application. Figure 1 diagrams the issues you must
consider.
Figure 1. Camera Connections to the FastImage1300
B. Camera Data
The camera data depends on the type of camera you want to integrate.
The video format can be RS-170 analog monochrome or RGB, NTSC/PAL analog, up to 32-
bit differential digital, or 28-bit Camera Link digital. The camera format governs the connector
and cabling you will need.
The camera can be line scan or area scan (frame). Line scan and area scan cameras use
different control signals. You must specify the line or frame rate, and the pixel depth.
Together, these parameters set the overall data rate that must be supported.
The camera can be single-or multi-tap. You must specify how the camera divides the image
up into its output taps.
Image Capture,
Distribution,
Processing, and
Output
CAMERA
CONTROL
OUTPUTS
CAMERA DATA
24 bits RS-170 or
RGB Analog
NTSC/PAL/SVideo
Analog
32 bits Digital
28 bits Camera
Link
LVALs, FVALs,
Clocks
Tap1, Tap2,
Tap3, Tap4,
Camera Link
CAMERA
CONTROL
INPUTS
Strobes, Clocks
Cable(s)
Runtime
Capture Profile,
Application-Specific
PAL SW

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C. Input Taps and Camera Link Input
The board has four inputs, Tap1 through Tap4. Each Tap consists of 8 bits data, 2 bits
control, and pixel clock. A Tap can be configured for analog input or for digital input (but not
both). Tap1 through Tap3 can be populated as either digital input or RS170 compatible analog
input. Tap4 can be either digital input or analog input (connected as one-wire NTSC/PAL
composite or two-wire NTSC/PAL S-Video component).
The FastImage1300 implements the 28-bit Camera Link digital I/O interface as an option.
Compatible cameras or other input devices connect directly to the Camera Link inputs.
The mapping of signals to FastImage1300 inputs depends on the camera type. Subsequent
chapters provide the details for each type of camera.
D. Control Signals to Camera
Some cameras need sync triggers, exposure timers, or master clocks. These signals are
available as outputs to the camera from the FastImage1300.
E. Control Signals from Camera
Cameras provide control signals such as LVAL, FVAL, as well as data or pixel clocks. The
FastImage1300 can use these signals to control the image capture operation.
1. Input Signals from Line Cameras
Figure 2. Line Camera Input Signals
For digital line cameras, the Data, Line Valid, and CLK input signals come directly from
the connector. For analog line cameras, the input data and controls go through the Sync
separators and A/D converters to be converted to the Data, Line Valid, and CLK signals.
Image
Capture
To Distribution
8
Data
Line Valid
CLK
Frame Valid

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2. Input Signals from Frame Cameras
Figure 3. Frame Camera Input Signals and Region of Interest
For digital frame cameras, the Data, Line Valid, Frame Valid, and CLK input signals come
directly from the digital input drivers. For analog frame cameras, the input data and
controls go through the Sync separators and A/D converters to be converted to the Data,
Line Valid, Frame Valid, and CLK signals.
3. NTSC/PAL/S-Video Input Signals
Figure 4. NTSC/PAL/S-Video Input Signals
Composite or component video input to the Enhanced Video Input Processor (EVIP) is
converted to YUV data that can be processed directly by the TriMedia. The EVIP provides
Frame Valid and Odd/Even field signals.
F. Image Capture, Distribution, Processing, and Output
Analog image data from the camera is captured, converted (as needed) into RGB or YUV
digital data by the front end and distributed to the TriMedia processors and to any enabled
outputs (SVGA/TV, PMC daughtercards, Host PMC bus).
Digital data inputs pass through two FPGAs, each with an external SDRAM. The FPGAs can
perform multiplexing and re-order incoming data for Odd/Even and Left/Right tapped
cameras. When using three or four tap cameras, half the bits from each tap are routed to
each FPGA, allowing the two parts to operate identically.
EVIP Image
Capture
NTSC/PAL
or S-Video YUV Data
Frame Valid
Odd/Even Field
Image
Capture
To Distribution
8
Data
Line Valid
CLK
Frame Valid

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1. Region of Interest
A linear region of interest may be specified as begin and end points (X, Y). To
accommodate variations in camera timing, the ROI may be specified as a negative value
or as a point beyond the upper limit of the line
A rectangular region of interest may be specified as a rectangle with start and end pixels
(SP, EP) and start and end lines (SL, EL). To accommodate variations in camera timing,
the ROI may be specified using negative values or outside the frame boundaries.
Figure 5. Line and Area Scan Cameras Region of Interest
G. Capture Profile and PAL Software
Image capture, conversion, distribution, processing, and output must be matched to the
requirements of the application. The FastImage1300 is configured by programming FPGAs,
crosspoint switches, and clock chips on the FastImage1300. The programs for these devices
collectively comprise the PAL software for the application.
The PAL SW and other parameters to use for the application are specified in a Runtime
Capture Profile. The Capture Profile is loaded and executed by the primary TriMedia on the
board at runtime. The Capture Profile specifies the binary files for programming the FPGAs
and crosspoint switches. It contains initial register values for the EVIP and default frequencies
for the programmable clocks. The Capture Profile specifies the dimensions of the image to be
acquired, and the mode of capture (YUV, RAW8, RAW10, MESSAGE PASSING). Each
camera type uses a different Capture Profile, but two or more cameras (e.g., the PULNIX
TMC-1000 and TMC-6700) can use the same set of PAL binary files.
Many applications can use standard PAL SW furnished with the FastImage1300. Other
applications will require customized PAL SW. Custom PAL SW can be created by Alacron to
customer specifications under a contract for Non-Recurring Engineering. Contact your
Alacron Representative for NRE pricing.
H. Cables
Alacron can supply standard cables for Analog and Digital input, and for Camera Link Input.
The details on the standard cables are given in subsequent chapters.
Many applications will require custom cabling to complete the integration. Alacron can create
custom cables to customer specifications under a contract for Non-Recurring Engineering.
Contact your Alacron Representative for NRE pricing.
Region of Interest
EL
SP
SL
EP
Region of Interest
01023
X Y

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I. Power Considerations
The FastImage1300 does not supply any power to the camera. Power must be supplied to the
camera by an external source.
The FastImage1300 has two auxiliary power connections. The FastImage1300 requires
approximately 8 amps of +5V. 6.5 amps are drawn from the PC power supply via the power
cable 10024-00160. The remainder, as well as +/-12V @100MA max, is drawn from the Host
PCI connector.
The application may require an Alacron FastMem or Fast4 PMC daughtercard. One or two
daughter cards can be mounted. One source of +3.3V must be connected via power cable
10024-00160 for each FastMem or Fast4, using two power cables when two daughtercards
are mounted.