Dalsa Falcon2 4M User manual

Falcon2
Camera User’s Manual
4M, 8M and 12M Area Imaging
P/N: 03-032-20107-04
www.teledynedalsa.com

2•The Falcon2 Cameras
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
States and other countries. Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8 are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
All other trademarks or intellectual property mentioned herein belong to their respective
owners.
Document Date: August 25, 2017
Document Number: 03-032-20107-04
Contact Teledyne DALSA
Teledyne DALSA is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. We have sales offices in
the USA, Europe and Asia, plus a worldwide network of representatives and agents to serve
you efficiently. Contact information for sales and support inquiries, plus links to maps and
directions to our offices, can be found here:
Sales Offices: http://www.teledynedalsa.com/corp/contact/offices/
Technical Support: http://www.teledynedalsa.com/imaging/support/
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.

The Falcon2 Cameras •3
Contents
Camera User’s Manual ___________________________________________________________________________________ 1
System Precautions............................................................................................................................. 6
Precautions.......................................................................................................................... 6
Electrostatic Discharge and the CMOS Sensor................................................................... 6
The Falcon2 Cameras ____________________________________________________________________________________ 7
Description........................................................................................................................................... 7
Key Features ....................................................................................................................... 7
Programmability................................................................................................................... 7
Applications ......................................................................................................................... 7
Part Numbers and Software Requirements......................................................................................... 8
Camera Performance Specifications................................................................................................... 9
Certifications........................................................................................................................................ 10
Shock and Vibration ............................................................................................................................ 10
Supported Industry Standards............................................................................................................. 11
GenICam ............................................................................................................................. 11
Responsivity & Quantum Efficiency..................................................................................................... 12
Sensor Cosmetic Specifications.......................................................................................................... 15
Sensor Block Diagram and Pixel Readout .......................................................................................... 16
Mechanicals......................................................................................................................................... 17
Software and Hardware Setup______________________________________________________________________________ 18
Minimum Recommended System Requirements ................................................................ 18
Setup Steps: Overview........................................................................................................................ 18
1. Install and Configure Frame Grabber and Software (including GUI) ............................... 18
2. Connect Camera Link Cables and Power........................................................................ 18
3. Establish communicating with the camera....................................................................... 18
4. Check camera LED, settings and test pattern ................................................................. 18
5. Operate the Camera........................................................................................................ 18
Step 1. Install and configure the frame grabber and Software ............................................................ 19
Install Frame Grabber.......................................................................................................... 19
Install Sapera LT and CamExpert........................................................................................ 19
Step 2. Connect Power, Data, and Trigger Cables ............................................................................. 19
Power Connector ................................................................................................................. 20
Camera Link Data Connector .............................................................................................. 21
Output Signals, Camera Link Clocking Signals ................................................................... 21
Input Signals, Camera Link.................................................................................................. 21
Frame Start Trigger (EXSYNC) ........................................................................................... 21
LEDs .................................................................................................................................... 21
Step 3. Establish Communication with the Camera ............................................................................ 22
Power on the camera........................................................................................................... 22
Initialize the frame grabber .................................................................................................. 22
Initialize communication with the camera ............................................................................ 22
Check LED Status ............................................................................................................... 22
Software Interface................................................................................................................ 22

4•The Falcon2 Cameras
Camera Operation _______________________________________________________________________________________ 24
Camera Information Category ............................................................................................................. 24
Camera Information Feature Descriptions........................................................................... 24
Factory Settings................................................................................................................... 27
Saving and Restoring Camera Settings............................................................................... 28
Acquisition and Transfer Control Category.......................................................................................... 29
Sensor Control Category..................................................................................................................... 31
Sensor Control Feature Descriptions................................................................................... 31
Gain and Black Level Control Details .................................................................................. 37
Set Aspect Ratio.................................................................................................................. 38
Pixel Digitization Bit Depth................................................................................................... 38
Exposure Controls ............................................................................................................... 38
Exposure Time..................................................................................................................... 40
Internal Frame Rate............................................................................................................. 41
I ∕O Control Category .......................................................................................................................... 42
Event Control Feature Descriptions..................................................................................... 43
Trigger Modes...................................................................................................................... 50
I/O Block Diagram................................................................................................................ 50
CameraLink Control Lines ................................................................................................... 51
Opto-coupled Inputs ............................................................................................................ 51
Opto-Coupled Outputs......................................................................................................... 52
Advanced Processing Control Category.............................................................................................. 52
Advanced Processing Control Feature Descriptions ........................................................... 54
Flat Field Correction and Defective Pixel Detection Overview ............................................ 66
How to do an FFC Setup in the Camera.............................................................................. 68
How to do a FFC Setup via Sapera CamExpert.................................................................. 70
Defective Pixel Detection and Replacement........................................................................ 75
Image Format Controls Category ........................................................................................................ 77
Test Patterns ....................................................................................................................... 81
Multiple AOI Mode ............................................................................................................... 84
Camera Link Transport Layer Category .............................................................................................. 85
Camera Link Transport Layer Feature Description.............................................................. 86
Serial Port Control Category................................................................................................................ 89
Feature Description ............................................................................................................. 89
Automatic Serial Speed Detection....................................................................................... 90
File Access Control Category.............................................................................................................. 90
File Access via the CamExpert Tool.................................................................................... 94
Appendix A: Camera Link _________________________________________________________________________________ 95
Output Signals, Camera Link Clocking Signals ................................................................... 95
Camera Link cable quality and length.................................................................................. 95
Data Connector: Camera Link ............................................................................................. 95
Full Configuration................................................................................................................. 97
Extended Configurations ..................................................................................................... 98
Appendix B: Camera, Frame Grabber Communication ___________________________________________________________ 100
Setting Up Communication between the Camera and the Frame Grabber......................... 100
Appendix C: Cleaning the Sensor Window ____________________________________________________________________ 102

The Falcon2 Cameras •5
Appendix D: Internal Flat Field Calibration Algorithms ___________________________________________________________ 103
Offset (FPN) Calibration ...................................................................................................................... 103
Pixel Replacement Calibration ............................................................................................................ 103
Gain (PRNU) Calibration ..................................................................................................................... 103
Appendix E: Three Letter Commands ________________________________________________________________________ 105
Putting Camera in TLC Mode.............................................................................................................. 105
Setting the Sapera’s COM Port Mapping ............................................................................................ 106
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................... 106
The Help Command (h or ?)................................................................................................ 106
Getting Parameters (gcp or get) .......................................................................................... 107
Commands .......................................................................................................................................... 107
EMC Declaration of Conformity _____________________________________________________________________________ 122
Revision History_________________________________________________________________________________________ 123
Index _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 124

6•The Falcon2 Cameras
System Precautions
Precautions
Read these precautions and this manual carefully 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.
Do not open the housing of the camera. The warranty is voided if the housing is opened.
Keep the camera housing temperature in a range of 0 °C to +65 °C during operation.
Do not operate the camera in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields. In addition, avoid
electrostatic charging, violent vibration, and excess moisture.
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.
Further cleaning instructions are below.
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.
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 that cannot be readily dissipated by the dry
nitrogen gas in the sensor package cavity. The charge normally dissipates within 24 hours
and the sensor returns to normal operation.
Additional information on cleaning the sensor window and protecting it against dust, oil,
blemishes, and scratches can be found in Appendix C: Cleaning the Sensor Window.

The Falcon2 Cameras •7
The Falcon2 Cameras
Description
The Falcon2 4M, 8M, and 12M are Teledyne DALSA’s new generation of area scan cameras.
The Falcon2 cameras incorporate large resolutions and increased frame rates, enabling high
speed image capture with superb spatial resolution.
Features such as global shutter and improved image quality make the Falcon2 cameras the
camera of choice in applications where throughput, resolution, and dynamic range
matter. In addition, global shuttering removes unwanted smear and time displacement
artefacts related to rolling shutter CMOS devices.
Inside the Falcon2 cameras are our latest 4, 8 and 12 megapixel CMOS sensors which have
reduced dark noise levels and improved dark offset, FPN (fixed pattern noise) and PRNU
(Pixel Response Non-Uniformity) levels. In addition, region of interest features create
opportunities for higher frame rates and new applications.
The cameras are compliant with Camera Link™ specifications, delivering 8 or 10 bits of data
on 8 or 10 taps (frame rates are specified at 8 bits). Further, the M42x1 thread opening
allows the use of your lens of choice.
Key Features
•12, 8 and 4 mega pixels
•Selectable 4:3 or 1:1 aspect ratios
•Global shutter
•Exposure control
•Faster frame rates through windowing
•Good NIR response
•Built-in FPN and PRNU correction
Programmability
•Adjustable digital gain and offset
•8 or 10 bit selectable output
•Adjustable integration time and frame rate
•Test patterns and camera diagnostics
Applications
•Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
•3D imaging—laser profiling
•Semiconductor wafer inspection
•Solar panel inspection
•Electronics manufacturing
•Surface and bump inspection
•3D solder paste inspection
•General machine vision

8•The Falcon2 Cameras
Part Numbers and Software Requirements
The camera is available in the following configurations.
Table 1: Camera Models Overview
Model Number
Description
FA-80-12M1H-XX-R 12M pixel monochrome Camera Link.
FA-81-12M1H-XX-R 12M pixel color Camera Link.
FA-80-8M100-XX-R 8M pixel monochrome Camera Link.
FA-81-8M100-XX-R 8M pixel color Camera Link.
FA-80-4M180-XX-R 4M pixel monochrome Camera Link.
FA-81-4M180-XX-R 4M pixel color Camera Link.
Table 2: Software
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 7.20 or later

The Falcon2 Cameras •9
Camera Performance Specifications
Table 3: Camera Performance Specifications
Specifications
Performance
Resolution 4 : 3 aspect ratio: 12M—4096 (H) x 3072 (V)
8M—3328 (H) x 2502 (V)
4M—2432 (H) x 1728 (V)
1 : 1 aspect ratio: 8M—2816 (H) x 2816 (V)
4M—2048 (H) x 2048 (V)
Pixel Rate 8 x 76 MHz or 10 x 76 MHz
Max. Frame Rate 12M—58 fps / 8M—90 fps / 4M—168 fps, 10 taps*
Pixel Size 6 µm x 6 µm
Exposure Time 20 µs minimum
Bit Depth 8 bits or 10 bits, Camera Link
Dynamic Range Mono** 58 dB, typical
Dynamic Range Color** 55 dB Green
50 dB Blue
51 dB Red
Output Format, Taps 8 or 10 tap interleaved
Operating Temp 0 °C to 50 °C, front plate temperature
Connectors and
Mechanicals
Data Interface Full or Extended Camera Link—2 x SDR26
Power Connector Hirose 12-pin circular
Power Supply + 12 V to + 24 V DC
Power Dissipation 9.5 W, typical
Mini-USB connector Future use
Lens Mount M42 x 1 (F mount optional)
Sensor Alignment ± 0.2º in X-Y directions
Size 60 mm (H) x 60 mm (W) x 80.5 mm (D)
Mass < 300 g
Compliance
Regulatory Compliance CE and RoHS
* Maximum frame rates are dependent on the aspect ratio used.
**Typical, 12M, 10 Bits per pixel (bpp), sensor bit depth
Mono Operating Ranges
Units
Notes
Random Noise DN rms 1.3* Typical, FFC enabled
Responsivity DN/(nJ/cm2) See graph Figure 1.
DC Offset DN 0 FFC enabled
Antiblooming >1000 x Saturation
FPN DN rms 1.7* Typical, FFC enabled
PRNU DN rms 2.6* Typical, FFC enabled
Integral non-linearity DN < 2 %
*12M, 10 bbp, 8 taps / 10 bits Camera Link

10 •The Falcon2 Cameras
Color Operating Ranges
Units
Notes
Random Dark Noise DN rms Green – 1.74*
Blue –3.06*
Red –2.72*
Typical, FFC enabled
Broadband Responsivity DN/(nJ/cm2) See graph Figure 2.
DC Offset DN 0 FFC enabled
Antiblooming >1000 x Saturation
FPN DN rms Green –1*
Blue –1.8*
Red –1.5*
Typical, FFC enabled
PRNU DN rms Green –2.2*
Blue –3.1*
Red –2.9*
Typical, FFC enabled
Integral non-linearity DN < 2 %
*12M, 10bpp, 8taps/10bits Camera Link
Table 4: Frame Rates, Aspect Ratio, and Resolution Comparison
Resolution Aspect Ratio Maximum
Column
Maximum
Rows
Frame Rate
8 BPP*
Frame Rate
9 BPP*
Frame Rate
10 BPP*
12M 4:3 4096 3072 58 58 58
8M 1:1 2816 2816 90 89 66
8M 4:3 3328 2502 86 86 74
4M 1:1 2048 2048 148 122 91
4M 4:3 2432 1728 168 145 108
* Sensor bits per pixel
An online frame rate calculator is available from the Falcon2 product page on the Teledyne
DALSA site, here.
Certifications
Compliance
EN 55011, CISPR 11, EN 55022, CISPR 22, FCC Part 15, and ICES-003 Class A Emissions Requirements.
EN 55024, and EN 61326-1 Immunity to Disturbance.
Shock and Vibration
The cameras meet or exceed the following specifications:
•Random vibration per MIL-STD-810F at 25 G2/HZ [Power Spectral
Density] or 5 RMS
•Shock testing 75 G peak acceleration per MIL-STD-810F

The Falcon2 Cameras •11
Supported Industry Standards
GenICam
The cameras are GenICam™ compliant. The cameras implement a superset of the GenICam
Standard Features Naming Convention specification V1.5. This description takes the form of
an XML device description file complying with 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 serial port. Additional information on GenICam
can be found here: www.genicam.org.

12 •The Falcon2 Cameras
Responsivity & Quantum Efficiency
The responsivity graph describes the camera’s response to different wavelengths of light
(excluding lens and light source characteristics).
Figure 1: Falcon2 Monochrome 8M Spectral Responsivity
Note: 8 Taps, 10 bits Camera Link, FFC on, 24 fps (except 400 nm, measured at 10 fps), ND 0.3 filtered light

The Falcon2 Cameras •13
Figure 2: Falcon2 Color 12M (4096x3072) Spectral Responsivity
Note: 8 taps 10 bits Camera link, 9 Bit sensor digitization, FFC on, color corrected, 4 fps (except for color red, which used
different frame rate at wavelength 560nm and below: 400~480nm was done at 1.8 fps, 500 nm was done at 4 fps and 520~560),
BG 38 filtered light
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
400 440 480 520 560 600 640 680 720 760 800 840 880
Responsivity [DN/nJ/cm2]
Wavelength (nm)
Red
GreenRed
GreenBlue
Blue

14 •The Falcon2 Cameras
Figure 3: Quantum Efficiency
[INSERT QE GRAPH HERE]

The Falcon2 Cameras •15
Sensor Cosmetic Specifications
The following table lists the current cosmetic specifications for the Teledyne DALSA sensor
used in the Falcon2 series.
Feature /
Specification
Unit MIN TYP MAX Notes
Dark Pixel Definition -
absolute output level
DN > 500 4 frame average
Dark Pixel Count # 50
Light Pixel Definition -
deviates from frame
average
% ± 30 4 frame average image
for scene & dark correction
Average Frame
Output Level
% SAT 40 50 60 Illuminated with diffused
light source
Tolerated Count # 50
Detection Threshold - Groups of
dark and light pixels
combined dark and light pixel
defects
Tolerated Count # 7 Based on estimation algorithm
Detection Threshold Groups of
dark and light pixels
Combined dark and light pixel
defects
Tolerated Count # - 0
Glass Spot Defect
Definition
defects/kernel 8 / 3x3 8 / 3x3 Illuminated with aperture
(collimated) light source
Detection Threshold % of avage ± 8 4 frame average - any pixel
outside ± 8% of average
Tolerated Count # 1 1 spot of 9 pixels allowed. No limit
on spots below 9 pixels
Column Defect
Definition
defects/kernel > 8 / 1x12
Column Defect Count # 0
Row Defect Definition defects/kernel > 8 / 12x1
Row Defect Count # 0
Table 5: Sensor Cosmetic Specifications
Definition of Blemishes
•Dark pixel defect: Pixel whose signal, in dark, exceeds 500 DN.
•Light pixel defect: Pixel whose signal, at nominal light (illumination at 50 % of the
linear range), deviates more than ±30 % from its neighbouring pixels.

16 •The Falcon2 Cameras
•Cluster defect: A grouping of at most 2 to 5 pixel defects within a sub-area of 3*3
pixels.
•Glass Spot defect: A grouping of 9 pixel defects within a sub-area of 3*3 pixels.
•Column defect: A column that has more than 8 defect pixels in a 1*12 kernel.
•Row defect: A row that has more than 8 defects in a 12*1 kernel.
•Test conditions Temperature: 40 °C.
•Integration Time: 12 ms.
Sensor Block Diagram and Pixel Readout
Figure 4: 8 Tap Camera Link Configuration Sensor Block Diagram. 8M Color Camera at Aspect Ratio 4 : 3.
Notes:
•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.)
•The monochrome camera uses the same layout, but without the color filters.
•The color camera model has a Bayer filter applied to the CMOS sensor to allow for
color separation. Each individual pixel is covered by either a red, green, or blue filter
as shown in the figure above. The camera outputs raw color data—no color
interpolation is performed. Full RGB images can be obtained by performing color
interpolation on the frame grabber or host PC. For reference the green pixels
horizontally adjacent to the red pixels will be referred to as Green-Red pixels while
Green-Blue will referred to the Green pixels next to the blue pixels.

The Falcon2 Cameras •17
Mechanicals
Figure 5: Camera Mechanical
[ADD MECHANICAL PDF HERE]

18 •Software and Hardware Setup
Software and Hardware Setup
Minimum Recommended System Requirements
To achieve best system performance, the following minimum requirements are
recommended:
•High bandwidth frame grabber, e.g. DALSA PX8 Full Camera link frame grabber (Part
# OR-X8CO-XPF00).
•PCI x8 slot.
•Operating system: Windows XP 32-bit.
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 (including
GUI)
Install a frame grabber that supports the camera’s bandwidth.Follow the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
A GenICam™ compliant XML device description file is embedded within the Falcon2 firmware
allowing GenCP compliant applications to know the camera’s capabilities immediately after
connection.
Installing SaperaLT gives you access to the CamExpert GUI, a GenCP compliant application.
The SaperaLT software is available from the Falcon2 page of the Teledyne DALSA Web site,
here.
2. Connect Camera Link Cables and Power
•Connect the Camera Link cables from the camera to the computer.
•Connect a power cable from the camera to a +12 VDC to +24 VDC (±5 %) power
supply.
•Note: once powered down, the camera must remain off for a minimum of 10 seconds
before being turned on again in order to fully reboot.
3. Establish communicating with the camera
Start the software and establish communication with the camera.
4. Check camera LED, settings and test pattern
Ensure the camera is operating properly by checking the LED, the current, active settings,
and by acquiring a test pattern.
5. Operate the Camera

Software and Hardware Setup •19
At this point you will be ready to start operating the camera in order to acquire images, set
camera functions, and save settings.
Step 1. Install and configure the frame grabber
and Software
Install Frame Grabber
Install a compatible Camera link frame grabber according to the manufacturer’s description.
We recommend the X64 Xcelera-CL PX8 frame grabber or equivalent, described in detail on
the teledynedalsa.com site here.
Install Sapera LT and CamExpert
Communicate with the camera using a Camera Link-compliant interface. We recommend
you use CamExpert. CamExpert is the camera interfacing tool supported by the Sapera
library and comes bundled with SaperaLT. Using CamExpert is the simplest and quickest
way to send commands to and receive information from the camera.
Camera link Environment
These cameras implement the Camera link specification, which defines the device
capabilities.
The Camera link XML device description file is embedded within the camera firmware
allowing Camera link-compliant applications to recognize the camera’s capabilities
immediately after connection.
Step 2. Connect Power, Data, and Trigger Cables
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.
Figure 6: Input and Output, trigger, and Power Connectors
WARNING! Grounding Instructions
!

20 •Software and Hardware Setup
!
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.
Power Connector
WARNING: It is extremely important that you apply the appropriate voltages to
your camera. Incorrect voltages may damage the camera. Input voltage
requirement: +12 VDC to +24 VDC (± 5 %), 2 Amps. Before connecting power to
the camera, test all power supplies.
Figure 7: 12-pin Hirose Circular Male Power Plug—Power Connector
Table 6. Power Plug Pinout
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 2 amp slow-blow fuse between the power supply and
the camera.
•Do not use the shield on a multi-conductor cable for ground.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
!