Basler A400K User manual

Basler A400k
USER’S MANUAL
Document Number: DA00062410
Release Date: 27 September 2007

For customers in the U.S.A.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could
void your authority to operate this equipment.
The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be used with this equipment in
order to comply with the limits for a computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCCRules.
For customers in Canada
This apparatus complies with the Class A limits for radio noise emissions set out in Radio
Interference Regulations.
Pour utilisateurs au Canada
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes Classe A pour bruits radioélectriques, spécifiées dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique.
Life Support Applications
These products are not designed for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems where
malfunction of these products can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Basler
customers using or selling these products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and
agree to fully indemnify Basler for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
Warranty Note
Do not open the housing of the camera. The warranty becomes void if the housing is opened.

Contacting Basler Support Worldwide
Europe:
Basler AG
An der Strusbek 60 - 62
22926 Ahrensburg
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
[e-mail]
Americas:
Basler, Inc.
855 Springdale Drive, Suite 160
Exton, PA 19341
U.S.A.
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
[email protected]
Asia:
Basler Asia Pte. Ltd
8 Boon Lay Way
# 03 - 03 Tradehub 21
Singapore 609964
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.basler-vc.com

Contents
Basler A400k 1
DRAFT
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Document Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Camera Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.4 Spectral Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.5 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
1.5.1 Temperature and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
1.5.2 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
1.6 Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
2 Camera Interface
2.1 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.1 General Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.2 Pin Assignments for the 26-Pin MDR Connector(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.1.3 Pin Assignments for the 6-pin Micro-Miniature Receptacle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.1.4 Pin Assignments for the 4-pin Micro-Miniature Receptacle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.2 Cable Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.2.1 Camera Link Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.2.2 Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A400k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.4 Input Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.4.1 ExSync: Controls Frame Readout and Exposure Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.4.2 ExFlash from the Frame Grabber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.5 Output Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5.1 Pixel Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5.2 Line Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5.3 Frame Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5.4 Video Data (Bit Assignments) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
2.5.5 Video Data Output for the A402k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.5.6 Video Data Output for the A403k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
2.5.7 Video Data Output for the A404k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.5.7.1 4 Tap 10 Bit and 4 Tap 8 Bit Output Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.5.7.2 8 Tap 8 Bit Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.5.8 Flash Trigger Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
2.5.8.1 Setting the Flash Trigger Signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
2.6.1 Making the Serial Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
2.7 Converting Camera Link Output to RS-644 with a k-BIC (A402k Only) . . . . . . . . 2-34
2.8 DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34

Contents
2Basler A400k
DRAFT
3 Basic Operation and Features
3.1 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Video Data Output Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.2.1 Setting the Video Data Output Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.3 Exposure Time Control Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.3.1 ExSync Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.3.1.1 Basics of ExSync Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.3.1.2 Guidelines When Using an ExSync Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.3.1.3 Selecting an ExSync Exposure Mode & Setting
the Exposure Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.3.2 Free Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.2.1 Basics of Free-run Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.3.2.2 Guidelines When Using Free-run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.3.2.3 Selecting a Free-run Exposure Mode, Setting the Frame Period,
and Setting the Exposure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.4 Rolling Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
3.4.1 Guidelines for Successful Use of the Rolling Shutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.4.2 Flash Exposure for Fast Moving Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.5 Gain and Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.5.1 Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.5.1.1 Setting the Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.5.2 Offset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.5.2.1 Setting the Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.6 Shading Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.6.1 Column FPN Shading Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.6.2 DSNU Shading Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3.6.3 PRNU Shading Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
3.6.4 Guidelines When Using Shading Correction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
3.7 Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
3.7.1 Digital Shift in 10 Bit Output Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
3.7.2 Digital Shift in 8 Bit Output Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
3.7.3 Precautions When Using Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
3.7.4 Enabling/Disabling Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
3.8 Area of Interest (AOI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
3.8.1 Area of Interest Setup Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
3.8.2 Setting the Area of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
3.8.3 Changes to the Max Frame Rate with Area of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3.8.4 Programmable AOI Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
3.8.4.1 Setting Up an AOI List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
3.8.4.2 Creating an AOI List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
3.8.4.3 Uploading an AOI List to the Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
3.8.4.4 Enabling/Disabling the AOI List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
3.9 Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
3.10 Mirror Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35

Contents
Basler A400k 3
DRAFT
3.11 Color Creation in the A400kc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
3.12 Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
3.12.1 Test Image One (Vertical Stripe Pattern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
3.12.2 Test Image Two (Still Diagonal Stripe Pattern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
3.12.3 Test Image Three (Moving Diagonal Stripe Pattern). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
3.12.4 Test Image Four (Horizontal Stripe Pattern) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
3.12.5 Guidelines When Using Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
3.12.6 Enabling/Disabling Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
3.13 Camera Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
3.13.1 Reading the Camera Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
3.14 Configuration Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
3.14.1 Saving Configuration Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
3.14.2 “Activating” a Saved User Set File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
3.14.3 “Activating” the Factory Set File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
3.14.4 Which Configuration Set File Will Load at Startup or at Reset? . . . . . . . . 3-45
3.14.5 Saving a User Set to PC, Loading a User Set from PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
3.15 Parameter Set Cache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
3.15.1 Enabling/Disabling Parameter Set Cache. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
3.16 Parameter Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
3.17 Checking the Camera Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
3.18 Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
3.19 Resetting the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-48
4 Configuring the Camera
4.1 Configuring the Camera with the
Camera Configuration Tool Plus (CCT+) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.1.1 Opening the Configuration Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.1.2 Closing the Configuration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.1.3 Configuration Tool Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.1.4 Configuration Tool Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
4.2 Configuring the Camera By Setting Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.2.1 Inquiry Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.2.1.1 Inquiry Register Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.2.2 Feature Control and Status Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.2.2.1 “Raw” Value Fields vs. “Absolute” Value Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.2.2.2 Feature Control and Status Register Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
4.2.3 Bulk Data and the Bulk Data Control and Status Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
4.2.3.1 Using a Bulk Data CSR to Work with Bulk Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
4.2.3.2 Bulk Data Control and Status Register Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
4.3 Using Binary Read/Write Commands on the A400k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-45
4.3.1 The Binary Read/Write Command Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
4.3.1.1 Error Checking and Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49

Contents
4Basler A400k
DRAFT
4.3.2 Basic Read/Write Command Explanations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
4.3.2.1 Read Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
4.3.2.2 Write Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
4.3.2.3 Calculating the Block Check Character (BCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
4.4 Binary Command Sample Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
5 Mechanical Considerations
5.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.2 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.3 Positioning Accuracy of the Sensor Chip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Fault Finding Using the Camera LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.2 Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.2.1 No Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.2.2 Poor Quality Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
6.2.3 Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
6.2.4 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
6.3 Before Calling Basler Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Revision History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Introduction
Basler A400k 1-1
DRAFT
1 Introduction
BASLER A400k area scan cameras are high speed CMOS cameras designed for industrial use.
Superb CMOS image sensing features are combined with a robust, high precision manufactured
housing.
Important features are:
• High speed
• Fast 4-megapixel CMOS digital image sensor
• Fast electronic rolling shutter
• Electronic exposure time control
• Shading correction
• Partial scanning (Area of Interest)
• Programmable area of interest sequencer
• Digital shift (2x, 4x)
• Flash trigger output
• Programmable via an RS-644 serial port
• Complies with the Camera Link standard
• Industrial housing manufactured with high planar, parallel and angular precision
1.1 Document Applicability
This User’s Manual applies to A400k cameras with a camera version ID number of 05.
Cameras with a lower or a higher ID number may have fewer features or have more features than
described in this manual. Features on cameras with a lower or a higher ID number may not
operate exactly as described in this manual.
An easy way to see the camera version ID number for an A400k camera is by using the CCT+. To
see the camera version ID number:
1. Double click the CCT+ icon on your desktop or click Start ⇒All Programs ⇒Basler Vision
Technologies ⇒CCT+ ⇒CCT+. The CCT+ window will open and the software will connect
to your camera.

Introduction
1-2 Basler A400k
DRAFT
2. Scroll down until you find the
“Camera Information” group
heading. If there is a plus sign
beside the Camera Information
group heading, click on the
plus sign to show the list of
parameters in the group.
3. Find the parameter called
“Camera Version.” As shown in
Figure 1-1, the last two
numbers of this parameter are
the camera version ID number.
1.2 Camera Versions
A400k series area scan cameras are available in different versions; the version depends on the
maximum frame rate and the Camera Link interface. All versions are available in monochrome
models (A402k, A403k, A404k) and in color models (A402kc, A403kc, A404kc).
Throughout the manual, the camera will be called the A400k. Passages that are only valid for a
specific version will be so indicated.
Throughout the manual, the statements relating to the monochrome versions also apply to the
color versions. The color versions will specifically be referred to only when necessary.
LYou can also access the camera version ID number by using binary commands to
read the Camera Version Inquiry register. (See Section 4.2.1 for an explanation of
inquiry registers and Section 4.3 for information on using binary commands.)
Camera Version Max. Frame Rate Camera Link Interface
A402k 24 fps Base configuration
A403k 48 fps Medium configuration
A404k 96 fps Full configuration
Table 1-1: Versions of the A400k Series Camera
This is the
camera
version
ID Number
Figure 1-1: CCT+ Window

Introduction
Basler A400k 1-3
DRAFT
1.3 Performance Specifications
Specifications A402kA402kc A403kA403kc A404kA404kc
Sensor Micron MV40 CMOS active-pixel digital image sensor
Number of Pixels 2,352 (H) x 1,726 (V) (4,059,552 pixels)
Pixel Size 7.0 µm x 7.0 µm (7.0 µm pixel pitch)
Pixel Fill Factor 55%
Sensor Imaging
Area 16.46 mm (H) x 12.10 mm (V), 20.43 mm (Diagonal)
Mono or Color Mono Color Mono Color Mono Color
Digital Responsivity 2500 LSB/lux*s
Quantum Efficiency (Figure
1-2)(Figure 1-3)(Figure 1-2)(Figure 1-3)(Figure 1-2)(Figure 1-3)
Dynamic Range 54 dB
Shutter Fast electronic rolling shutter
PRNU
(Photo Response
Non-uniformity)
Typically < 1% rms according to the sensor manufacturer’s specification
Lower if PRNU shading correction is used.
DSNU
(Dark Signal Non-
uniformity)
0.1% rms (if no DSNU shading correction is used)
Lower if DSNU shading correction is used.
Kdrk
(Dark Current Tem-
peratureCoefficient)
100% / 8° C
Pixel Clock Speed 50 MHz
Frame Rate
(at full resolution) 24 fps progressive scan 48 fps progressive scan 48 fps (in 4 tap mode)
96 fps
(in 8 tap mode)
progressive scan
Video Data Output
Type Camera Link LVDS
Base configuration
RS-644 LVDS when
used with the optional
Basler Interface Con-
verter (k-BIC)
Camera Link LVDS
Medium configuration Camera Link LVDS Medium configuration
(in 4 tap mode)
Camera Link LVDS
Full configuration
(in 8 tap mode)
Table 1-2: A400k Performance Specifications

Introduction
1-4 Basler A400k
DRAFT
Video Data Output
Mode(s) 2 taps (2 pixels /clock cycle)
Selectable 8 or 10 bit
depth
4 taps
(4 pixels / clock cycle)
Selectable 8 or 10 bit
depth
4 taps
(4 pixels / clock cycle)
Selectable 8 or 10 bit
depth
8 taps
(8 pixels / clock cycle)
8 bit depth
Output Data Rate 93 MB/s (2 taps - 8 bit
depth)
116 MB/s (2 taps - 10 bit
depth)
186 MB/s (4 taps - 8 bit
depth)
232 MB/s (4 taps - 10 bit
depth)
186 MB/s (4 taps - 8 bit
depth)
232 MB/s (4 taps - 10 bit
depth)
372 MB/s (8 taps - 8 bit
depth)
Synchronization Via external ExSync signal or free-run
Exposure Time Con-
trol Edge-controlled, level-controlled or programmable
Gain and Offset Programmable via the frame grabber via a serial link
Connectors All versions: one, 26 pin, female MDR connector (data)
one, 6 pin, Hirose HR connector (power)
one, 4 pin, Hirose HR connector (flash trigger)
A403k, A403kc & A404k A404kc:second, 26 pin, female MDR connector (data)
Power Require-
ments 12 VDC ± 10%
Max 6.5 W @ 12 VDC 12 VDC ± 10% Max 7.0 W @ 12 VDC 12 VDC ± 10% Max 7.5 W @ 12 VDC
Lens Adapter F-mount
Housing Size (L x W
x H)
Including Connec-
tors
Without lens adapter: 53.8 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm
With F-mount adapter: 85.3 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm
Weight
without lens
adapter:
with F-mount
adapter:
~ 500 g
~ 605 g ~ 510 g ~ 615 g ~ 510 g ~ 615 g
Conformity CE, FCC
Specifications A402kA402kc A403kA403kc A404kA404kc
Table 1-2: A400k Performance Specifications

Introduction
Basler A400k 1-5
DRAFT
1.4 Spectral Response
Figure 1-2: Quantum Efficiency for A400k Cameras; Peak at 46% at 620 nm
Figure 1-3: Color Quantum Efficiencies for A400kc Cameras
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Wavelength (nm)
Quantum Efficiency (%)
0
5
10
15
20
25
400 450 500 550 600 650 700
Wave Length (nm)
350 750 800
30
35
MV-40 COLOR Quantum Efficiency
Blue
Green
Red

Introduction
1-6 Basler A400k
DRAFT
LThe spectral response curves exclude lens characteristics and light source
characteristics.
To obtain best performance regarding the camera’s blooming, smearing and dark
signal non-uniformity characteristics, use of a dielectric IR cut-off filter is
recommended. The filter should transmitin a range of 400 nm to 700...720 nm, and
it should cut off from 700...720 nm to 1100 nm.

Introduction
Basler A400k 1-7
DRAFT
1.5 Environmental Requirements
1.5.1 Temperature and Humidity
Housing temperature during operation: 0° C ... + 50° C (+ 32° F ... + 122° F)
Humidity during operation: 20% ... 80%, relative, non-condensing
Storage Temperature: -20° C ... +80° C (-4° F ... +176° F)
Storage Humidity 5% ... 95% relative, non-condensing
1.5.2 Ventilation
Allow sufficient air circulation around the camera to prevent internal heat build-up in your system
and to keep the camera housing temperature during operation below the maximum shown above.
Provide additional cooling such as fans or heat sinks if necessary.
LYou can read out the camera’s innertemperatureviathe temperatureregister(page
4-8). The maximum recommended inner temperature is 65° C (149° F).
Note that the camera components’ life time and the image quality are higher the
lower the temperature of the camera.

Introduction
1-8 Basler A400k
DRAFT
1.6 Precautions
Power
To ensure that your warranty remains in force:
Do not remove the camera’s serial number label
If the label is removed and the serial number can’t be read from the camera’s registers, the
warranty is void.
Read the manual
Read the manual carefully before using the camera.
Keep foreign matter outside of the camera
Do not open the camera housing. Touching internal components may damage them.
Be careful not to allow liquids, dust, sand, flammable, or metallic material inside the camera
housing. If operated with any foreign matter inside, the camera may fail or cause a fire.
Electromagnetic fields
Do not operate the camera in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields. Avoid electrostatic
charging.
Transporting
Only transport the camera in its original packaging. Do not discard the packaging.
Cleaning
Avoid cleaning the surface of the CMOS sensor if possible. If you must clean it, use a soft, lint free
cloth dampened with a small quantity of isopropyl (= pure alcohol). Do not use methylated alcohol.
Because electrostatic discharge can damage the CMOS sensor, you must use a cloth that will not
generate static during cleaning (cotton is a good choice).
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, then wipe dry.
Do not use volatile solvents such as benzine and thinners; they can damage the surface finish.
Caution!
Be sure that all power to your system is switched off before you make or break
connections to the camera. Making or breaking connections when power is on
can result in damage to the camera. If you can not switch off power, be sure
that the power supply connector is the last connector plugged when you make
connections to the camera, and the first connector unplugged when you break
connections.
The camera is equipped with an undervoltage lockout. An input voltage below
10.8 VDC will cause the camera to automatically switch off.
The camera has no overvoltage protection. An input voltage higher than
13.2 VDC will damage the camera.
Do not reverse the polarity of the input power to the camera. Reversing the po-
larity of the input power can severely damage the camera and leave it non-op-
erational.
!

Camera Interface
Basler A400k 2-1
DRAFT
2 Camera Interface
2.1 Connections
2.1.1 General Description
All A400k area scan cameras are interfaced to external circuitry via three connectors located on
the back of the camera:
• a 26 pin, 0.050 inch Mini D Ribbon (MDR) female connector used to transmit video data,
control data, and configuration data,
• a 6 pin, micro-miniature, push-pull receptacle used to provide power to the camera,
• a 4 pin, micro-miniature, push-pull receptacle used to output a TTL flash trigger signal
A403k and A404karea scan cameras have one additional connector, a 26 pin, 0.050 inch Mini D
Ribbon (MDR) female connector used to transmit further image data.
A status LED located on the back of the camera is used to indicate power present and signal
integrity. See Section 6.1 for details. Figure 2-1 shows the connectors and the LED.
Caution!
Be sure that all power to your system is switched off before you make or break
connections to the camera. Making or breaking connections when power is on
can result in damage to the camera.
If you can not switch off power, be sure that the power supply connector is the
last connector plugged when you make connections to the camera, and the
first connector unplugged when you break connections.
The camera is equipped with an undervoltage lockout. An input voltage below
10.8 VDC will cause the camera to automatically switch off.
The camera has no overvoltage protection. An input voltage higher than
13.2 VDC will damage the camera.
Do not reverse the polarity of the input power to the camera. Reversing the po-
larity of the input power can severely damage the camera and leave it non-op-
erational.
!

Camera Interface
2-2 Basler A400k
DRAFT
Figure 2-1: A400k Connectors and LED
Figure 2-2: A400k Pin Numbering
LThe camera housing is not grounded and is electrically isolated from the circuit
boards inside of the camera.
Note that the connectors at the camera are described, NOT the connectors re-
quired at the connecting cables.
Status LED
Flash Trigger
12 VDC Power
(First) Camera Link
Second Camera Link
(A403k & A404k only)
41
23
1
2
34
5
6
1
13
14
26
1
13
14
26

Camera Interface
Basler A400k 2-3
DRAFT
2.1.2 Pin Assignments for the 26-Pin MDR Connector(s)
The 26-pin connector on the camera is a female 0.050 inch MDR connector as called for in the
Camera Link Specification. It is used to interface video data, control signals, and configuration
data. The pin assignments for the 26 pin, MDR connector are given in Table 2-1.
Table 2-2 provides the pin assignments for the second 26 pin, MDR connector that is only present
on A403k and A404k cameras.
(First) MDR Connector:
Pin
Number Signal Name Direction Level Function
1, 13, 14,
261Gnd Input Ground Ground for the inner shield of the cable
2X0- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
15 X0+
3X1- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
16 X1+
4X2- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
17 X2+
6X3- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
19 X3+
5XClk- Output Camera Link
LVDS Transmit Clock from Camera Link Transmitter
18 XClk+
7SerTC+ Input RS-644 Serial Communication Data Receive
(SerTC = “Serial to Camera“)
20 SerTC-
8SerTFG- Output RS-644 Serial Communication Data Transmit
(SerTFG = “Serial to Frame Grabber “)
21 SerTFG+
9CC1- Input RS-644
LVDS ExSync: External Trigger
22 CC1+
10 CC2+ Input RS-644
LVDS ExClk. The input is not supported.
23 CC2-
11 CC3- Input RS-644
LVDS ExFlash: External Flash Trigger
24 CC3+
12 CC4+ Input RS-644
LVDS Not used
25 CC4-
1Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to Gnd inside of the camera.
Table 2-1: A400k Pin Assignments for the (First) 26-pin MDR Connector

Camera Interface
2-4 Basler A400k
DRAFT
Second MDR Connector (A403k and A404k only):
Pin
Number Signal Name Direction Level Function
1, 13, 14,
261Gnd Input Ground Ground for the inner shield of the cable
2Y0- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
15 Y0+
3Y1- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
16 Y1+
4Y2- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
17 Y2+
6Y3- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
19 Y3+
5YClk- Output Camera Link
LVDS Transmit Clock from Camera Link Transmitter
18 YClk+
7T+ Connected to T- with 100R; not used
20 T- Connected to T+ with 100R; not used
8Z0- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
21 Z0+
9Z1- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
22 Z1+
10 Z2- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
23 Z2+
12 Z3- Output Camera Link
LVDS Data from Camera Link Transmitter
25 Z3+
11 ZClk- Output Camera Link
LVDS Transmit Clock from Camera Link Transmitter
24 ZClk+
1Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together to Gnd inside of the camera.
Table 2-2: A403k and A404k Pin Assignments for the Second 26-pin MDR Connector