Basler A102K User manual

A102k
User’s Manual
Document ID Number: DA00052203
Revision Date: May 31, 2002
Subject to Change Without Notice
© Basler Vision Technologies
Basler Support Worldwide:
Americas: [phone] Europe: [phone] Asia: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.basler-vc.com
FOR PROTOTYPES ONLY
This Manual Applies to Prototype A102k Cameras Only

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 communica-
tions. 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 FCC
Rules.
For customers in Canada
This apparatus complies with the Class A limits for radio noise emissions set out in Radio Inter-
ference 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 cus-
tomers 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.

BASLER A102ki
DRAFT
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Camera Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.3.1 Temperature and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.3.2 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.4 Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
2 Camera Interface
2.1 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.1 General Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.2 Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.1.3 Connector Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.2 Cable Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.2.1 Camera Link Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.2.2 Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A102k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.4 Input Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.4.1 ExSync: Controls Frame Readout and Exposure Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.5 Output Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5.1 Pixel Clock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5.2 Frame Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5.3 Line Valid Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5.4 Data Valid Bit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5.5 Video Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2.5.5.1 Bit Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2.5.5.2 Video Data Output Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.5.6 Integrate Enabled Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
2.6 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.6.1 Making the Serial Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.7 Converting Camera Link Output to RS-644 with a k-BIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.8 DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.9 Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

ii BASLER A102k
DRAFT
3 Basic Operation and Features
3.1 Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Exposure Time Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.2.1 ExSync Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.2.1.1 Basics of ExSync Controlled Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.2.1.2 Recommendations for Controlling Exposure
in ExSync Level-Controlled Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.2.1.3 Recommendations for Controlling Exposure
in ExSync Programmable Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.2.2 Free-run Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
3.2.2.1 Recommendations for Controlling Exposure
in Free-run Programmable Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.3 Video Data Output Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.4 Integrate Enabled Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3.5 Low Smear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
3.6 Gain and Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3.6.1 Setting the Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
3.6.1.1 Setting the Gain with Vertical Binning Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
3.6.1.2 Setting the Gain with Vertical Binning Enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
3.6.2 Setting the Offset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
3.8 Area of Interest (AOI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
3.8.1 AOI Setup Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3.8.2 Changes to the Maximum Frame Rate with Area of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3.8.2.1 With Vertical Binning Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3.8.2.2 With Vertical Binning Enabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
3.8.3 Changes to the Pixel Timing and Output with AOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
3.9 Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
3.9.1 Vertical Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
3.9.2 Horizontal Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
3.9.3 Full Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
3.10 Test Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
3.10.1 Test Image One. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
3.10.2 Test Image Two. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
3.10.3 Test Image Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
3.11 Configuration Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
3.12 Camera Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36

BASLER A102kiii
DRAFT
4 Configuring the Camera
4.1 Configuring the Camera with the Camera Configuration Tool (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 with Binary Programming Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.2.1 Command Frame and Response Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.2.2 Error Checking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.2.2.1 ACK/NAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.2.2.2 Time-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.2.2.3 Read Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.2.2.4 Write Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.2.3 Example Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.2.3.1 Read Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.2.3.2 Write Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.2.3.3 Calculating the Block Check Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
4.2.4 Commands for Setting Camera Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
4.2.4.1 Video Data Output Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
4.2.4.2 Exposure Time Control Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
4.2.4.3 Timer 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
4.2.4.4 Timer 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
4.2.4.5 Digital Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
4.2.4.6 Area of Interest Starting Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
4.2.4.7 Area of Interest Width in Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
4.2.4.8 Area of Interest Starting Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
4.2.4.9 Area of Interest Height in Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
4.2.4.10 Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
4.2.4.11 Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
4.2.4.12 Horizontal Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
4.2.4.13 Vertical Binning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
4.2.4.14 Test Image Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
4.2.5 Query Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
4.2.5.1 Read Vendor Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
4.2.5.2 Read Model Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
4.2.5.3 Read Product ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
4.2.5.4 Read Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
4.2.5.5 Read Camera Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
4.2.5.6 Read EEPROM Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
4.2.5.7 Read Microcontroller Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
4.2.5.8 Read FPGA Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
4.2.5.9 Read Minimum Gain Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22

iv BASLER A102k
DRAFT
4.2.6 Commands for Manipulating Configuration Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
4.2.6.1 Copy the Factory Set or a User Set into the Work Set . . . . . . . . . 4-23
4.2.6.2 Copy Work Set into a User Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
4.2.6.3 Select the Startup Pointer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
4.2.7 Camera Status Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
4.2.8 Bitrate Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27
4.2.9 Camera Reset Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
5 Mechanical Considerations
5.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.2 C-Mount Adapter Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.3 F-Mount Adapter Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.4 Positioning Accuracy of the Sensor Chip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Fault Finding Using the Camera LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.2 Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.2.1 No Image. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.2.2 Poor Quality Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.2.3 Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
6.2.4 RS-644 Serial Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Introduction
BASLER A102k1-1
DRAFT
1 Introduction
The Basler A102khigh resolution, progressive scan camera is a versatile camera designed for
industrial use. Superb image sensing features are combined with a robust, high-precision,
machined housing.
Important features are:
• High spatial resolution
• High responsivity, low smear
• Anti-blooming
• Asynchronous full frame shutter via electronic exposure control
• Square sensor cells
• High signal-to-noise ratio
• Programmable via an RS-644 serial port
• Area of Interest (AOI) scanning
• Partial scanning
• Binning
• Correlated double sampling
• Industrial housing manufactured with high planar, parallel, and angular precision
• Compact size
• Complies with the Camera Link standard
1.1 Camera Models
Currently, only one model of the A102kis available. The camera is monochrome.

Introduction
1-2 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
1.2 Performance Specifications
Category Specification
Sensor Sony ICX285AL Progressive Scan CCD Sensor
Number of Pixels 1392 (H) × 1040 (V)
Pixel Size 6.45 µm (H) × 6.45 µm (V)
Spectral Response See Figure 1-1
Anti-blooming Yes
Pixel Clock Speed 28 MHz
Max. Frame Rate 14.8 Frames/sec. in normal operation
24.8 Frames/sec. with vertical or full binning
up to 75 Frames/sec. with area of interest
Video Output Type Camera Link LVDS
(RS-644 when used with the optional Basler Interface Controller)
Video Output Formats Single 8 Bit or Single 10 Bit
Synchronization Via external ExSync signal or free-run
Exposure Time Control Level-controlled, programmable, or free-run
Gain and Offset Programmable via an RS-644 serial connection on the frame grab-
ber
Power Requirements 12 VDC (± 10%), < 3.5 W, < 1% ripple
Lens Adapter C-mount or F-mount
Housing Size (L x W x H) without lens adapter: 37.7 mm x 62 mm x 62 mm
with C-mount adapter: 40.2 mm x 62 mm x 62 mm
with F-mount adapter: 69.2 mm x 62 mm x 62 mm
Weight without lens adapter: ~ 182 g.
with C-mount adapter: ~ 222 g.
with F-mount adapter: ~ 292 g.
Conformity CE, FCC
Table 1-1: A102kPerformance Specifications

Introduction
BASLER A102k1-3
DRAFT
Figure 1-1: A102kSpectral Response
1.3 Environmental Requirements
1.3.1 Temperature and Humidity
Housing temperature during operation: 0° C ... + 50° C (+ 32° F ... + 122° F)
Humidity during operation: 20 % ... 80 %, relative, non-condensing
The spectral response curve excludes lens characteristics, IR cut-off filter
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 transmit in a range of 400 nm to
700...720 nm, and it should cut off from 700...720 nm to 1100 nm.
A suitable filter is included in the C-mount adapter.
The F-mount adapter does not include the filter. A suitable filter type is the
B+W486, for example.
400
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
0.9
0.7
0.5
0.3
0.1
1.0
500 600 700 800 900 1000
Relative Response
Wave Len th [nm]

Introduction
1-4 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
1.3.2 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 50° C. Provide additional
cooling such as fans or heat sinks if necessary.
1.4 Precautions
Power
Read the manual
Read the manual carefully before using the camera.
Keep foreign matter outside of the camera
Do not open the casing. Touching internal components may damage them.
Be careful not to allow liquid, 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 CCD sensor if possible. If you must clean it, use a soft, lint free
cloth dampened with a small quantity of pure alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Do not use methylated
alcohol.
Because electrostatic discharge can damage the CCD sensor, you must use a cloth that will not
generate electrostatic charge 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.
!

Camera Interface
BASLER A102k2-1
DRAFT
2 Camera Interface
2.1 Connections
2.1.1 General Description
The A102kis interfaced to external circuitry via two connectors located on the back of the camera:
• a 26 pin, .050” Mini D Ribbon (MDR) female connector used to transmit video data, control
signals, and configuration commands.
• a 6 pin, micro-miniature, push-pull receptacle used to provide power to the camera.
A status LED located on the back of the camera is used to indicate power present and signal
integrity. Figure 2-1 shows the connectors and the LED.
Figure 2-1: A102kConnectors and LED
Micro-miniature
6 Pin Receptacle
26 Pin Female
MDR Connector
LED

Camera Interface
2-2 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
2.1.2 Pin Assignments
26-Pin MDR Connector
The pin assignments for the 26 pin, MDR connector used to transmit video data, control signals,
and configuration commands are shown in Table 2-1.
Pin
Number
Signal
Name Direction Level Function
15 Tx X0+ Output Camera Link
LVDS
Data from Camera Link Transmitter
2 Tx X0-
16 Tx X1+ Output Camera Link
LVDS
Data from Camera Link Transmitter
3 Tx X1-
17 Tx X2+ Output Camera Link
LVDS
Data from Camera Link Transmitter
4 Tx X2-
19 Tx X3+ Output Camera Link
LVDS
Data from Camera Link Transmitter
6 Tx X3-
18 Tx Clk+ Output Camera Link
LVDS
Clock from Camera Link Transmitter
5Tx Clk-
12 CC4+ Input RS-644
LVDS
Reserved for Future Use
25 CC4-
24 CC3+ Output RS-644
LVDS
Integrate Enabled
11 CC3-
10 CC2+ Input RS-644
LVDS
Reserved for Future Use
23 CC2-
22 CC1+ Input RS-644
LVDS
External Trigger
9CC1-
21 SerTFG+ Output RS-644
LVDS
Serial Communication Data Transmit
8SerTFG-
7SerTC+ Input RS-644
LVDS
Serial Communication Data Receive
20 SerTC-
1, 13,
14, 26 [1]
DC Gnd Input Ground DC Ground
[1] Pins 1, 13, 14, and 26 are all tied together inside of the camera.
Table 2-1: A102kPin Assignments for the 26-pin MDR Connector
The camera housing is not grounded and is electrically isolated from the cir-
cuit boards inside of the camera.

Camera Interface
BASLER A102k2-3
DRAFT
6-Pin Micro-miniature Receptacle
The pin assignments for the 6 pin, micro-miniature receptacle used to supply power to the camera
are shown in Table 2-2.
Figure 2-2: A102kPin Numbering
2.1.3 Connector Types
The 26 pin connector on the camera will be a female .050” MDR connector as called for in the
Camera Link Specification.
The 6 pin connector on the camera will be a Hirose micro-miniature locking receptacle (part #
HR10-7R-6PA) or the equivalent. The recommended mating connector is the Hirose micro-
miniature locking plug (part # HR10-7P-6S). A Hirose locking plug will be shipped with each
camera. This plug should be used to terminate the cable on the power supply for the camera.
Pin
Number
Signal
Name Direction Level Function
1, 2 [1] 12 V In Input +12 VDC Camera Power Input
3Not Connected
4Not Connected
5, 6 [2] DC Gnd Input Ground DC Ground
[1] Pins 1 and 2 are tied together inside of the camera.
[2] Pins 5 and 6 are tied together inside of the camera.
Table 2-2: A102kPin Assignments for the 6-pin Micro-miniature Receptacle
34
1
25
6
1
13
14
26

Camera Interface
2-4 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
2.2 Cable Information
2.2.1 Camera Link Cable
A Camera Link compatible MDR cable assembly is available from Basler as a stock item (part #
1000013041 for a 3 meter cable and part # 1000013042 for a 5 meter cable). Alternatively, you
can use the cable assembly manufactured by 3M (part # 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC).
The maximum recommended length for the MDR cable used with an A102kis 10 meters. It will
decrease when used in an area with severe ambient electromagnetic interference.
2.2.2 Power Cable
A Hirose, 6-pin locking plug will be shipped with each camera. This plug should be used to
terminate the cable on the power supply for the camera.
For proper EMI protection, the power supply cable attached to this plug must be a twin-cored,
shielded cable. Also, the housing of the Hirose plug must be connected to the cable shield and
the cable shield must be connected to earth ground at the power supply.
Note that in order to access the Integrate Enabled signal, you must use the Basler
stock cable (see Sect. 2.5.6).

Camera Interface
BASLER A102k2-5
DRAFT
2.3 Camera Link Implementation in the A102
A102A102
A102k
The A102kuses a National Semiconductor DS90CR287 as a Camera Link transmitter. For a
Camera Link receiver, we recommend that you use the National Semiconductor DS90CR288, the
National Semiconductor DS90CR288A or an equivalent. Detailed data sheets for these
components are available at the National Semiconductor web site (www.national.com). The data
sheets contain all of the information that you need to implement Camera Link, including
application notes.
The A102kuses a National Semiconductor DS90LV048A differential line receiver to receive the
RS-644 camera control input signals and the serial communication input signal defined in the
Camera Link specification. A DS90LV047A differential line transmitter is used to transmit the
serial communication output signal defined in the specification. Detailed spec sheets for these
devices are available at the National Semiconductor web site (www.national.com).
The schematic in Figure 2-3 shows the interface for A102kand a typical implementation for the
frame grabber interface.
Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Camera Link receiver in the
frame grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, TTL data must be
sampled on the rising edge of the receive clock, and on others, it must be sampled
on the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you to select either
rising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet for the receiver
that you are using for specific timing information.

Camera Interface
2-6 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
Figure 2-3: Camera / Frame Grabber Interface

Camera Interface
BASLER A102k2-7
DRAFT
2.4 Input Signals
The only control signal that can be input into the A102kis an external sync (ExSync) signal. ExSync
is an RS-644 LVDS signal as specified in the Camera Link standard. Section 2.4.1 describes the
function of the ExSync signal.
2.4.1 ExSync: Controls Frame Readout and Exposure Time
The ExSync input signal is used to control exposure time and frame read out. When the camera
is operating with an ExSync signal, two exposure time control modes are available:
level-controlled and programmable. (see Section 3.2)
ExSync can be a periodic or non-periodic function.
The frequency of the ExSync signal determines the camera’s frame rate:
Note that ExSync is edge sensitive and therefore must toggle.
Minimum high time for the ExSync signal depends on whether ExSync Level-controlled or ExSync
Programmable mode is used (see Sections 3.2.1.2 or 3.2.1.3, respectively)
The ExSync signal is typically supplied to the camera by a frame grabber board. You should refer
to the manual supplied with your frame grabber to determine how to set up the ExSync signal that
is being supplied to the camera.
Maximum frame rate 1
Minimum ExSync signal period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

Camera Interface
2-8 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
2.5 Output Signals
The camera’s output signals include a pixel clock, video data, and video data qualifiers such as
frame valid and line valid. An integrate enabled output signal is also available. Sections 2.5.1
through 2.5.6 describe the output signals.
2.5.1 Pixel Clock
As shown in Figure 2-3 and in Table 2-3, the pixel clock is assigned to the TxClkIn (transmit clock)
pin of the Camera Link transmitter. The pixel clock is used to time the sampling and transmission
of pixel data as shown in Figures 2-4 and 2-5. The transmitter used in A102kcameras requires
pixel data to be sampled and transmitted on the rising edge of the clock.
The frequency of the pixel clock is 28 MHz.
2.5.2 Frame Valid Bit
As shown in Figures 2-4 and 2-5, the frame valid bit indicates that a valid frame is being
transmitted.
2.5.3 Line Valid Bit
As shown in Figures 2-4 and 2-5, the line valid bit indicates that a valid line is being transmitted.
Pixel data is only valid when the frame valid bit and the line valid bit are both high.
2.5.4 Data Valid Bit
The data valid bit is used for horizontal binning only (see Section 3.9.2). In normal operation, it is
always high and should be ignored.
Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Camera Link receiver in the
frame grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, data must be sam-
pled on the rising edge of the pixel clock (receive clock), and on others, it must be
sampled on the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you to
select either rising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet for
the receiver that you are using for specific timing information.

Camera Interface
BASLER A102k2-9
DRAFT
2.5.5 Video Data
2.5.5.1 Bit Assignments
Table 2-3 lists the assignment of pixel data bits to the input ports on the transmitter in the camera
and the corresponding output pins on the receiver in the frame grabber. These bit assignments
comply with the Camera Link standard. As shown in the table, the bit assignments for pixel data
vary depending on the output mode setting of the camera. The available output modes are
explained in more detail in Section 2.5.5.2.
Table 2-3 also shows the assignment for the frame valid bit, the line valid bit and the pixel clock.
These assignments are constant for all output modes.
Port Camera Frame
Grabber
Single 10 Bit
Output Mode
Single 8 Bit
Output Mode
Port A0 TxIN0 RxOUT0 Pixel Bit 0 Pixel Bit 0
Port A1 TxIN1 RxOUT1 Pixel Bit 1 Pixel Bit 1
Port A2 TxIN2 RxOUT2 Pixel Bit 2 Pixel Bit 2
Port A3 TxIN3 RxOUT3 Pixel Bit 3 Pixel Bit 3
Port A4 TxIN4 RxOUT4 Pixel Bit 4 Pixel Bit 4
Port A5 TxIN6 RxOUT6 Pixel Bit 5 Pixel Bit 5
Port A6 TxIN27 RxOUT27 Pixel Bit 6 Pixel Bit 6
Port A7 TxIN5 RxOUT5 Pixel Bit 7 Pixel Bit 7 (MSB)
Port B0 TxIN7 RxOUT7 Pixel Bit 8 Not Used
Port B1 TxIN8 RxOUT8 Pixel Bit 9 (MSB) Not Used
Port B2 TxIN9 RxOUT9 Not Used Not Used
Port B3 TxIN12 RxOUT12 Not Used Not Used
Port B4 TxIN13 RxOUT13 Not Used Not Used
Port B5 TxIN14 RxOUT14 Not Used Not Used
Port B6 TxIN10 RxOUT10 Not Used Not Used
Port B7 TxIN11 RxOUT11 Not Used Not Used
Port C0 TxIN15 RxOUT15 Not Used Not Used
Port C1 TxIN18 RxOUT18 Not Used Not Used
Port C2 TxIN19 RxOUT19 Not Used Not Used
Port C3 TxIN20 RxOUT20 Not Used Not Used
Port C4 TxIN21 RxOUT21 Not Used Not Used
Port C5 TxIN22 RxOUT22 Not Used Not Used
Port C6 TxIN16 RxOUT16 Not Used Not Used
Port C7 TxIN17 RxOUT17 Not Used Not Used
LVAL TxIN 24 RxOUT24 Line Valid Line Valid
FVAL TxIN25 RxOUT25 Frame Valid Frame Valid
DVAL TxIN26 RxOUT26 Data Valid Data Valid
Not Used TxIN23 RxOUT23 Not Used Not Used
PClk TxCLKIn RxCLKOut Pixel Clock Pixel Clock
Table 2-3: Bit Assignments

Camera Interface
2-10 BASLER A102k
DRAFT
2.5.5.2 Video Data Output Modes
The A102kcan output pixel data in either a Single 10 Bit, or a Single 8 Bit output mode.
In Single 10 Bit mode, on each clock cycle, the camera transmits data for one pixel at 10 bit depth,
a frame valid bit, a line valid bit and a data valid bit. The assignment of the bits is shown in Table
2-3.
The pixel clock is used to time data sampling and transmission. As shown in Figures 2-4 and 2-5,
the camera samples and transmits data on each rising edge of the pixel clock.
The frame valid bit indicates that a valid frame is being transmitted. The line valid bit indicates that
a valid line is being transmitted. Pixel data is only valid when the frame valid bit and the line valid
bit are both high.
In Single 10 Bit mode, the two least significant bits output from each 12-bit ADC are dropped and
the 10 most significant bits of data per pixel is transmitted. Operation in Single 8 Bit mode is similar
to Single 10 Bit mode except that the four least significant bits output from each ADC are dropped
and the 8 most significant bits of data per pixel is transmitted.
Video Data Sequence1
When the camera is not transmitting valid data, the frame valid and the line valid bits sent on each
cycle of the pixel clock will be low. Once the camera has completed frame acquisition, it will begin
to send valid data:
• On the pixel clock cycle where data transmission for line one begins, the line valid bit will
become high. Ten of the bits transmitted during this clock cycle will contain the data for pixel
number one in line one.
• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Ten of the bits transmitted
during this clock cycle will contain the data for pixel number two in line one.
• On the next cycle of the pixel clock, the line valid bit will be high. Ten of the bits transmitted
during this clock cycle will contain the data for pixel number three in line one.
• This pattern will continue until all of the pixel data for line one has been transmitted.
• After all of the pixels in line one have been transmitted, the line valid bit will become low indi-
cating that valid data for line one is no longer being transmitted.
____________________
1The data sequence assumes that the camera is operating in 10 bit mode. If the camera is
operating in 8 bit mode, only 8 bits of data per pixel will be transmitted.
The data sequence outlined below, along with Figures 2-4 and 2-5, describe what is
happening at the inputs to the Camera Link transmitter in the camera.
Note that the timing used for sampling the data at the Camera Link receiver in the
frame grabber varies from device to device. On some receivers, data must be sam-
pled on the rising edge of the pixel clock (receive clock), and on others, it must be
sampled on the falling edge. Also, some devices are available which allow you to
select either rising edge or falling edge sampling. Please consult the data sheet for
the receiver that you are using for specific timing information.