Fairchild CAM/CMOS-2K.LS User manual

OWL CAMERA SERIES
CAM/CMOS-2K.LS
ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE
Line Scan Camera
Camera User’s Manual
Models RDI & MRDI

EMC Conformance
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.
This product fulfills the following requirements of the standards and carries the CE
marking.
EMC: FCC Part 15, Subpart B
EN 6100-6-4:2001
EN 6100-6-2:2001
EN6100-3-2:2000
EN 6100-3-3:1995/A1:2001
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 2 of 42

FAIRCHILD IMAGING
OWL CAMERA SERIES
USERS MANUAL
The CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera
Rev B
© 2004 Fairchild Imaging, Inc.
Fairchild Imaging, Inc.
1801 McCarthy Blvd.
Milpitas CA 95035 USA
1-800-325-6975
www.fairchildimaging.com
PRELIMINARY DOCUMENT
The information in this manual is preliminary.
All information provided in this manual is believed to be correct at the
time of writing. No responsibility is assumed by Fairchild Imaging for its
use. Fairchild Imaging intends to make this manual as accurate as
possible and reserves the right to make changes to this information
without notice.
Terminology
Every effort has been made in this manual to use standard, consistent
definitions. In particular, the following terminology has been adopted:
• Configuration refers to CameraLinkTM setup including choice of
Base, Dual Base or Medium; one or two PCs; transmitted data
path width, etc.
• Mode refers to synchronization control; i.e., Freerunning, ExSynch,
etc.
• Parameter refers to user-settable variables such as exposure
(integration) time, line rate, etc.
• Environment refers to the entire collection of user-settable items:
configuration, mode, parameters, image/test pattern, etc.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 3 of 42

Table of Contents
SECTION 1
Introduction to the CAM/CMOS-2K.LS
Ultra-High Performance Line Scan Camera ........................................................ 6
1.1 Camera Highlights............................................................................................ 6
1.2 Camera Specification: RDI and MRDI Performance Specification .................. 7
1.3 Thermal Considerations ................................................................................... 8
1.4 Image Sensor................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 2
Camera Hardware Interface..................................................................................11
2.1 Installation Overview ........................................................................................11
2.2 Connectors, Pinouts and Cables ......................................................................11
2.3 Power Supply ...................................................................................................12
2.4 LED Indicator Status Lamp ..............................................................................13
SECTION 3
Camera Control .....................................................................................................14
3.1 Quick Start with the Camera Link™ Interface ..................................................14
3.2 Commands.......................................................................................................14
3.3 Camera Command Summary...........................................................................18
3.4 The Four Modes for Synchronizing with the CAM/CMOS-2K.LS .....................19
SECTION 4
Mechanical and Optical Guidance .......................................................................26
4.1 Camera Dimensions and Mounting Facilities ...................................................26
4.2 Lensing.............................................................................................................27
4.3 Lens Mount Extender Tube ..............................................................................27
4.4 Mechanical Drawing of Available Camera Face Mounting “L” Bracket.............29
4.5 Lenses..............................................................................................................30
4.6 Positioning Accuracy of the Sensor Chip in the Camera ..................................30
4.7 Illumination .......................................................................................................30
4.8 Light Sources ...................................................................................................30
4.9 Lens Modeling ..................................................................................................31
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 4 of 42

SECTION 5
Handling Instructions ...........................................................................................32
5.1 Electrostatic Discharge.....................................................................................32
5.2 Preventing ESD Damage .................................................................................32
5.3 Protecting Against Dust, Oil and Scratches......................................................32
5.4 Cleaning the Sensor Window ...........................................................................32
SECTION 6
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................33
6.1 Check the Obvious Things First .......................................................................33
6.2 Use the Camera Control Interface to Perform Checks .....................................33
6.3 Other Areas You Should Check .......................................................................33
SECTION 7
Product Support....................................................................................................35
REFERENCE A
Camera Link™ Introduction .................................................................................36
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 5 of 42

SECTION 1
Introduction to the CAM/CMOS-2K.LS
Ultra-High Performance Line Scan Camera
1.1 Camera Highlights
Description
The OWL CMOS Line Scan Camera is an ultra-sensitive camera for use in line scan applications
that demand high performance under low light conditions. The camera is based upon a 2K CMOS
linear sensor that utilizes an active reset technology to obtain high performance in low light
applications while operating at very high data rates. Two versions of this camera are available.
RDI (Read During Integration) mode runs at line rates up to 38 KHz.
Read noise for this version is ~9e- (<5.7DN in 12 bit data).
MRDI (Multiple Read During Integrate) mode has a maximum read noise
of 0.4e- at a maximum line rate of 2.9KHz.
The CMOS linear sensor that is used in this camera has a unique feature that allows gain
selectability at the pixel level. The gain of each pixel can be switched between high or low gain. In
the high gain mode, the noise is minimized, while in the low gain mode, the dynamic range is
maximized.
The 12-bit output of this camera line utilizes CameraLink and will provide data at 80 MHz (40 MHz
per output). The camera offers features such as anti-blooming and programmable gain and offset.
It is packaged in a very compacted and rugged housing that contains a standard M58 x 0.75 base
lens thread. Optional (Nikon F or C Mount) lens adapters are available.
Programmability
• Simple menu-based configuration for selection of gain, calibration, test patterns operational
control, and diagnostics.
• CameraLink TM camera-PC communications.
Usability
• Programmable gain, offsets, and controls
• Internal flat field correction
• Easy integration “plug compatible” Camera LinkTM interface
• Exposure control
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 6 of 42

Full Spectrum of Applications
• Precision manufacturing inspection
• Web inspection
• Sorting and routing
• Biomedical readout systems
• Diagnostic systems
1.2 Camera Specification:
RDI and MRDI Performance Specification
Table 1.2.1
Functions RDI MRDI
Data rates Up to 80 MHz Up to 80 MHz
Line rates 38 KHz 2.9 KHz
Dynamic Range High gain 650:1
Low gain 1100:1
High gain 10,000:1
Low gain 31,000:1
Resolution 2048 pixels 2048 pixels
Pixel size 7µm x 7µm 7µm x 7µm
Max Clock speed 80 MHz 80 MHz
Max Pixel Clock per Output 40 MHz 40 MHZ
Anti Blooming 15000 X 15000 X
Digitized (ADC) Output 12 bits 12 bits
Pixel gain selectable pixel-by-
pixel
1X or 8.5X 1X or 8.5X
Output Gain Range 18 dB 18 dB
External Synchronization Option available Option available
Random Noise (pk-pk) rms* 44DN pk-pk, 6DN RMS 3DN pk-pk, 0.4DN RMS
Noise Equivalent Exposure 9.7 pJ/CM2 * .7 pJ/CM2
Sat. Equivalent Exposure 5 nJ/CM2 * 40 nJ/CM2** 5 nJ/CM2 40 nJ/CM2**
Intuitive command-control
instruction set
See Section 3.2 See Section 3.2
Sensitivity: High gain
Low gain
>700 DN/nJ/cm2
61.5 DN/nJ/cm2
>700 DN/nJ/cm2
61.5 DN/nJ/cm2
Flat field correction Internal Internal
Lens mount type M58 to Nikon F-mount &
C – mount
M58 to Nikon F-mount &
C-mount
Body Size (W H D) 3.92” W x 3.92”H x 1.84 D 3.92” W x 3.92”H x 1.84 D
Power Supply 5.0V 5.0V
Power Dissipation 2.5W 2.5W
Ambient Operating Temp 0 to 45°C 0 to 45°C
Storage Temp 0 to 75°C 0 to 75°C
Power Connector 4 – pin Hirose HR10A-7R-4P 4 – pin Hirose HR10A-7R-4P
Data Connector MDR-26 CameraLinkTM config.
Single Base
One 3m 10226-6212VC
MDR-26 CameraLinkTM config.
Single Base
One 3m 10226-6212VC
Control connector CameraLinkTM Connectors CameraLinkTM Connectors
*At High Gain ** At Low Gain
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 7 of 42

Table 1.2.2
Settings and Controls
Function Factory
Calibrated
User
Settable
Camera
Link
Reset to Default Conditions X X
Fixed Pattern Noise Correction X X X
PRNU Correction X X
Integration Time X X
External Synch / Free Run X X
Pixel Level Gain X X
Line Synchronization X X
Test Patterns X X X
1.3 Thermal Considerations
The CAM/CMOS 2K.LS has been carefully designed to separate the camera electronics
from the image sensor. In addition, the Fairchild Imaging CMOS sensor runs cooler than a
CCD device.
Fairchild Imaging advises waiting until the camera has stabilized
thermally before performing offset and gain corrections. You can determine
that the camera has stabilized thermally by repeatedly using the "TSB"
command to read sensor temperature. When sensor temperature changes
less than 0.1
° C per minute, the camera has stabilized.
Try to avoid excess temperatures in the ambient around the camera.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 8 of 42

Figure 1.3.1
RDI and MRDI Responsivity Curve
1.4 Image Sensor
Pixel level processing image sensors are based on the principle that photons induced by charge at
the pixel site should be converted to, as nearly as possible, a noise-free signal at the pixel site.
The application of this principle produces the lowest possible noise and also allows signal control
at each pixel.
As is true in other sensors, photons induce charge which is collected on a capacitor at the photo
site. In a pixel level processing sensor, this charge is converted to an amplified voltage at the
pixel. This voltage is then read out through a multiplexor to an external circuit. Since the readout
starts with a strong signal, the dominant read noise source is the noise associated with the charge
accumulation at the pixel.
The 2048 x 1 linear CMOS image sensor uses a low fixed pattern noise capacitive transimpedance
amplifier (LFPN CTIA) pixel architecture. The pixel also includes circuitry for reducing 1/f noise,
correlated double sampling, electronic shuttering, and a horizontal anti-blooming drain. High speed
non-destructive readout of the sensor is achieved by using a hierarchial readout structure with two
output ports.
In simplified form, the pixel integration cycle consists of three steps: 1) reset the capacitor to fully
charged, 2) accumulate electrons on the capacitor, and 3) read the resulting charge value.
Conventionally these steps have been done by sensor-wide controls. Use of pixel level processing
results in at least an order of magnitude reduction in noise due to the reset step as well as noise
reduction in the multiplexing of the pixel values and the noise due to amplification for off chip drive.
Shown on the following page is a block diagram of the Fairchild Imaging 2048 x 1 CMOS sensor.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 9 of 42

Figure 1.4.1
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 10 of 42

SECTION 2
Camera Hardware Interface
2.1 Installation Overview
Before you integrate your camera into your system you should first determine some basic
operating parameters such as what resolution you need. Do you know the speed of the object that
your camera will be inspecting? One additional point you want to keep in mind is your lighting
requirement.
One major item that you should identify early on in developing your system is the source of your
EXSYNC control signal ( framegrabber, custom controller, shaft/web encoder, etc.).
2.2 Connectors, Pinouts, and Cables
The CAM/CMOS-2K.LS uses one MDR-26 connector for CameraLink TM to communicate control
signals, data signals, and serial communications.
CameraLink TM cables are available as a standard off-the-shelf-part, 3M #14X26-SZLB-XXX-OLC
and others, so that detailed cabling work is unnecessary.
Figure 2.2.1
MDR-26 CameraLinkTM Connector
3M p/n 334 – 34 series
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 11 of 42

Table 2.2.1
Camera Pin # Frame Grabber Pin # Channel Link Signal
1 1 Inner shield
14 14 Inner shield
2 25 X0
15 12 X0+
3 24.0 X1-
16 11 X1+
4 23 X2-
17 10 X2+
5 22 Xclk
18 9 Xclk+
6 21 X3
19 8 X3+
7 20 SerTC+
20 7 SerTC-
8 19 SerTFG-
21 6 SerTFG+
9 18 CC1-
22 5 CC1+
10 17 CC2-
23 4 CC2+
11 16 CC3-
24 3 CC3+
12 15 CC4-
25 2 CC4+
13 13 Inner shield
26 26 Inner shield
Notes:
• Exterior overshield is connected to the shells of the connectors on both ends.
• 3M part 14X26-SZLB-XXX-0LC is a complete cable assembly, including connectors.
• Unused pairs should be terminated in 100 ohms at both ends of the cable.
2.3 Power Supply
• The camera uses a single voltage input, normally set to 5.0V.
• Ripple and noise is required to be < 20 mV RMS.
• Power is supplied through a Hirose connector.
• When installing the mating connector, be sure to line up the slots. This action will assure that
you will not bend any of the pins.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 12 of 42

Table 2.3.1
Hirose Receptacle
Pin # Description
1 +5.0 - +6.0 V DC
2 +5.0 – +6.0V DC
3 Ground
4 Ground
If you are using an adjustable lab power supply it is extremely important that
you apply the apppropriate voltage to your camera. Incorrect voltage might damage
the camera.
Figure 2.3.1
Back View of CAM/CMOS – 2K.LS
2.4 LED Indicator Status Lamp
Table 2.4.1
Light Color Status
Green Running
Blinking Amber/Red Busy with command
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 13 of 42

SECTION 3
Camera Control
3.1 Quick Start with the Camera LinkTM Interface
Follow your Frame Grabber manufacturer’s instructions when inserting the frame grabber card into
your PC. Be sure that you install the correct configuration software that matches the camera that
you are using.
At this point your camera should already be connected to the DC power supply, and connected to
the frame grabber in your PC. Your frame grabber will see our camera and start communicating
almost immediately. As soon as your camera starts communicating with the frame grabber, you
can verify this fact by looking at your monitor and observing the video signal.
To communicate with your camera we have created specific commands. In the next section we will
go over these commands in detail.
3.2 Commands
Note: Commands are not case sensitive. To input commands, type in the three character
command and hit enter.
Command Syntax:
Command + enter, example: Type in RSH, then enter
Command + enter + value, example: Type in SSM then enter, then type 2
Command + enter + value + enter, example: Type in SLR then enter, then type 2000, then enter
RSH
This command allows you to perform a hard camera reboot.
The camera returns….………..…Reboot Started
RSS
This command allows you to perform a logic reset.
No return………………………….no message
INQ
This command will show you what camera is connected to your PC.
The camera returns…..………….Fairchild Imaging 2K CMOS
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 14 of 42

VER
This command will show you the current software version in your camera.
The camera returns………………...FPGA REV.2.5 The current value may be different
Micro rev. 0.90
Prod rev. A 1.01
SLR
This command allows you to set line rate, enter value and enter.
The range for line rate should be 204 – 38610.
CPO
This command allows you to Calibrate Pixel Offset. You can observe this command by the
blinking green/amber LED. When the LED stops blinking, that means that the calibration of the
pixels is completed.
You must cover lens when performing this operation!
CPG
This command allows you to Calibrate Pixel Gain. We strongly recommend that this command
be done after each CPO. To perform this operation correctly the camera must look at a
uniform illuminated light source. The LED will be a blinking amber/red.
VOM
This command reads the different component voltages located within the camera.
The camera returns…………………INPUT = 6.103
3.9VD = 3.225
3.4VS = 3.448
1.5VD = 1.495
1VAD2 = 0.980
1VAD = 0.980
TSB
This command reads the internal camera temperature.
The camera returns…………………Temp 39.42°C (example)
SIT
This command allows you to set the integration time.
Set line rate first (SLR) before using this command.
Enter value plus enter value in microseconds, Range is 20 – 4900.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 15 of 42

SSM
This command allows you to set the Sync mode. When selecting the option you need, enter
the appropriate single digit number, and then hit enter.
Value Function
The camera returns …………..…..1 Free run
2 External Sync
3 External Sync, fixed integration
4 External Sync, electronic shutter
SCM
This command allows you to select a correction mode. When selecting the option you need,
enter the appropriate single digit number and then hit enter.
Value Function
The camera returns……………….1 M1 (1st memory)
2 M2 (2nd memory)
3 Offset Correction
4 Gain Correction
5 No Correction
6 Full Correction
STP
This command allows you to select a test pattern. When selecting the option you need, enter the
appropriate single digit number, and then hit enter.
Value Function
No output from camera…………1 Horizontal Ramp
2 Vertical Ramp
3 Vertical Bars
4 Vertical Ramp and Bars
5 0
6 4095
Other Video
CBR
This command allows you to change the Baud Rate. You will not see anything on your
monitor.
Here is a table of stored rates in the camera…Value Function
1 9600
2 19200
3 38400 (Default)
4 57600
5 115200
If you can’t resist changing the baud rate, select the appropriate single digit number and hit
enter.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 16 of 42

LED
This command allows you to change the color. When selecting the option you need to, enter
the appropriate single digit number and hit enter. Your screen will be blank during this
command
You can input one of the following:
Value
Function
0 Amber
1 Green
2 Red
3 Off
GDA
This command allows you to show all of the DACs (Digital to Analog Converter). When
selecting the option you need, enter the appropriate single digit number and hit enter.
The camera returns…
3:Gain F_odd = 0.490V 8:GainF_even = 0.490V
2:GainC_odd = 0.235V 6:GainC_even = 0.235V
4:Offset_odd = 1.199V 7:Offset_even = 1.199
1:CML_odd = 1.425V 5:CML_even = 1.425
SDN
This command allows you to select one of the above DAC numbers, and change its value.
Example: SDN + enter + 486 + enter enter value between 0 - 1023
GDN
This command allows you to verify what you just did under the SDN command.
Example: you would input the following GDN + enter + 1
The camera returns a value between 0 - 1023
SAP
Store in Flash both correction memories, all registers and DAC values.
Value Function
Store all parameters 0 Default factory calibrate
1 User
2 User
RAP
Load from flash to camera. Recall all parameters.
Value Function
0 Default factory calibration
1 User
2 User
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 17 of 42

SBS
Value Function
Set bit shift 0 12 bit
1 10 bit
2 8 bit
CAO
Adjust analog video offset mismatch. Calibrate analog offset 200 DN.
SAG
Set analog gain 0 – 10 db
CAG
Adjust analog video gain mismatch. Calibrate analog gain.
GSN
Get camera serial number, returns 128 character string: serial number, model, etc.
SGH
Set gain high. Set pixel gain in sensor.
SGL
Set gain low. Set pixel gain in sensor.
3.3 Camera Command Summary
Table 3.3.1
Command Definition Summary
RSH Reboot System Hard Hard reboot of camera
RSS Reset Command Logic reset of camera
INQ Inquiry Shows what camera is used
VER Version Shows current software
SLR Set Line Rate This function allows line rate change
CPO Calibrate Pixel Offset This function performs correction of pixel
offset
CPG Calibrate Pixel gain This function performs correction of pixel
gain
VOM Voltage monitoring This function shows internal voltages
TSB Temperature Sensor Board This function shows temp. of sensor board
SIT Set Integration Time This function allows user to set integration
time
SSM Set Sync Mode This function allows user to select sync
mode
SCM Select Correction Mode This function allows user to select
correction mode
STP Select Test Pattern This function allows user to select test
pattern
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 18 of 42

Command Definition Summary
CBR Change Baud rate This function allows user to select baud
rate
LED Light Emitting Diode Change LED state
GDA Get DAC All Returns current DAC setting as a voltage
SDN Set DAC number Change DAC (n) value
GDN Get DAC number Get DAC (n) value
SBS Set Bit shift This function allows user to shift 12, 10, 8
bit video
SAP Stores all parameters This function allows you to save default or
user settings
RAP Recalls all parameters This function allows user to recall the
factory calibration
GSN Get serial number This function allows user to retrieve
camera info, e.g., model + camera serial
number
CAO Calibrate Analog Offset This function allows user to calibrate the
analog offset
CAG Calibrate Analog Gain This function allows user to calibrate the
analog Gain
SAG Set Analog Gain This function allows user to set the analog
gain
SGH Set Gain High Set Pixel gain in Sensor
SGL Set Gain Low Set Pixel gain in Sensor
3.4 The Four Modes for Synchronizing with the CAM/CMOS – 2K.LS
There are four synchronization modes as explained below and summarized in Table 3.4.1 below.
Freerunning Mode is described below in (Figure 3.4.2). In this mode, the camera is not triggered;
instead it drives the world around it. It is the default mode set and shipped by the factory.
ExSync Line Synchronization is described below (Figure 3.4.3). The target asychronously
synchronizes the CAM/CMOS – 2K.LS from an external trigger via the ExSync line. The user
selects ExSync Synchronization or any of the modes via the camera command set. In this mode,
start of integration is asynchronously controllable with ExSync, and continues until the end of the
line period.
ExSync Line Synchronization with Programmable Integration Time is described in (Figure
3.4.4). This mode is similar to ExSync Synchronization, but in addition, in this mode the user can
program the duration of integration over the serial interface to be less than to the end of the line
period.
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 19 of 42

ExSync Line Synchronization with Electronic Shutter Control is the fourth mode (Figure 3.4.5).
It gives the user asynchronous hardware control both start and end of integration.
The control lines ExSync and ElectronicShutter are CameraLinkTM lines CC1 and CC2 respectively
as described in Reference A, and must be asserted by the frame grabber.
Synchronization
Line
Start
Trigger
Line
End
Start
of
Integration
End
of
Integration
1
Free
Running
(factory default)
The CAM/CMOS
2K.LS drives the frame
grabber(s).
Motion of the subject
being imaged must be
synchronized to the
CAM/CMOS-2K.LS
.
The
CAM/CMOS -
2K.LS
LineValid
Camera
Output
Triggers
the
frame
grabber(s)
by
Going
High
Line Ends
tLinePeriod - tXFR
after
LineValid
Camera Output
Goes High
User may set
tLinePeriod
with Software
tInitiation
+ tReset
-tXFR
after
LineValid
Camera Output
Goes High
tIntegration
after
start of Integration
User may set
tIntegration
with Software
2ExSynch
Sychronization
When the User
takes
ExSynch
Camera Input Low
3
ExSynch
Synchronization
with
Programmable
Integration Time
tIntegration + tReset
after User
takes ExSync
Camera Input High
4
ExSynch
Synchronization
with
Electronic
Shutter
Control
tReset
after
the User
takes
ElectronicShutter
Camera Input High
When
the User
takes the
ElecShutter
Camera Input Low
Table 3.4.1
Summary of CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Modes
Mode
The
User
Triggers
the
CAM/CMOS-
2K.LS
by
taking
ExSynch
Camera
Input
Low
The User
Synchronizes
the
CAM/CMOS-2K.LS
via an
Encoder.
When the User
takes
ExSynch
Camera Input Low
Again
(In this way,
the
Line Rate
is
User-Set
by
Frequency
of
ExSynch)
tReset
after
the System
takes
the
ExSynch
Camera Input
High
Fairchild Imaging • CAM/CMOS-2K.LS Line Scan Camera User’s Manual • Rev C• 20 of 42