Imperx C5180M User manual

IMPERX
Cheetah Python Cameras
User Manual
with USB3 Interface
The Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 CMOS cameras offer 25, 16, and 12-megapixel
options respectively with a USB3 compatible output interface and a GenICam™
compliant programming interface. The ruggedized cameras use advanced ON
Semiconductor sensors, industrial grade components, and superior processing power
to produce high-resolution images, a range of frame rates, low noise, and excellent
near-infrared sensitivity. The cameras provide exceptional durability and
performance in the most demanding applications.
Document Version 1.0

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About Imperx, Inc.
IMPERX, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, high quality
digital cameras, frame grabbers, and accessories for industrial, commercial, military, and
aerospace imaging applications including flat panel inspection, biometrics, aerial mapping,
surveillance, traffic management, semiconductors and electronics, scientific & medical
Imaging, printing, homeland security, space exploration, and other imaging and machine
vision applications.
Fortune 100 companies, federal and state government agencies, domestic and foreign
defense agencies, academic institutions, and other customers worldwide use IMPERX
products.
Imperx, Inc. | 6421 Congress Ave. | Boca Raton, FL, 33487
US Phone: [phone]

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Warranty
IMPERX warrants performance of its products and related software to the specifications
applicable at the time of sale in accordance with IMPERX’s standard warranty, which is 2
(two) years parts and labor. FOR GLASSLESS CAMERAS THE CCD OR CMOS IS NOT
COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.
Do not open the housing of the camera. Warranty voids if the housing has been open or
tampered.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This camera has been tested and complies with the limits of Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
Copyright © 2017 IMPERX Inc. All rights reserved. All information provided in this manual
is believed to be accurate and reliable. No responsibility is assumed by IMPERX for its use.
IMPERX reserves the right to make changes to this information without notice.
Redistribution of this manual in whole or in part, by any means, is prohibited without
obtaining prior permission from IMPERX. IMPERX reserves the right to make changes to
its products or to discontinue any product or service without notice, and advises its
customers to obtain the latest version of relevant information to verify, before placing
orders, that the information being relied on is current.
IMPERX PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED, INTENDED, AUTHORIZED, OR WARRANTED TO BE
SUITABLE FOR USE IN LIFE-SUPPORT APPLICATIONS, DEVICES OR SYSTEMS OR OTHER
CRITICAL APPLICATIONS, WHERE MALFUNCTION OF THESE PRODUCTS CAN REASONABLY
BE EXPECTED TO RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. IMPERX CUSTOMERS USING OR SELLING
THESE PRODUCTS FOR USE IN SUCH APPLICATIONS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK AND
AGREE TO FULLY INDEMNIFY IMPERX FOR ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM SUCH
IMPROPER USE OR SALE.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 About the Cheetah Camera..............................................................8
1.1 General.................................................................................................................8
1.1.1 Key Features...................................................................................................9
1.2 General Specifications........................................................................................10
1.3 C5180, C4181, C4180 Specifications ..................................................................11
1.4 Ordering Information.........................................................................................12
1.3.1 Technical Support.........................................................................................12
2 Hardware ......................................................................................13
2.1 Camera Back Panel.............................................................................................13
2.2 Camera Power Connector ..................................................................................13
2.2.1 Power Connector Pins..................................................................................14
2.2.2 Power Supply –Camera Only.......................................................................15
2.2.3 Power Supply - Camera with Canon Lens Control........................................15
2.2.4 Electrical Connectivity..................................................................................16
2.2.5 Status LED ....................................................................................................19
2.3 Mechanical, Optical, Environmental..................................................................19
2.3.1 Mechanical Drawings ...................................................................................19
2.3.2 Optical ..........................................................................................................20
2.3.3 Environmental..............................................................................................20
3 GenICam API Module –Configuring the Camera.............................22
3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................22
3.2 Camera Configuration........................................................................................22
3.2.1 Configuration Memory –Parameter Flash...................................................22
3.2.2 Camera Command Protocol .........................................................................22
3.3 Camera User Set Description .............................................................................23
3.3.1 Startup Procedure........................................................................................23
3.4 GenApi Camera Configuration ...........................................................................23
3.4.1 Device Control..............................................................................................23
3.4.2 Version Information .....................................................................................24
3.4.3 Image Format Control ..................................................................................24
3.4.4 Acquisition Control.......................................................................................26
3.4.5 Transport Layer Information ........................................................................28
3.4.6 Gain Control .................................................................................................28
3.4.7 Auto Gain and Auto Exposure ......................................................................29
3.4.8 Data Correction ............................................................................................31
3.4.9 White Balance ..............................................................................................32
3.4.10 Strobe.........................................................................................................32
3.4.11 Pulse Generator .........................................................................................34
3.4.12 Canon Lens Control ....................................................................................34
3.4.13 Canon Lens Control - Focus........................................................................35
3.4.14 Canon Lens Control - Iris ............................................................................35
3.4.15 Event Control .............................................................................................37
3.4.16 User Set Control .........................................................................................38
4 Software GUI.................................................................................39
4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................39
4.1.1 Supported Operating Systems .....................................................................39

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4.1.2 Compatibility................................................................................................39
4.1.3 User Interface and Functionality..................................................................39
4.2 Software Installation ..........................................................................................39
4.2.1 Installing the Imperx Camera SDK Software ................................................40
4.3 Camera SDK........................................................................................................41
4.4 Connecting to Cameras......................................................................................41
4.5 Using the IpxPlayer ............................................................................................42
4.5.1 Menu Bar......................................................................................................43
4.6 Saving / Loading Configurations ........................................................................44
4.7 Camera Parameters Panel..................................................................................45
4.7.1 Device Controls ............................................................................................45
4.7.2 Version Info Controls ...................................................................................46
4.7.3 Image Format Controls ................................................................................47
4.7.4 Acquisition Control.......................................................................................48
4.7.5 Gain Controls................................................................................................50
4.7.6 Auto Gain and Auto Exposure ......................................................................50
4.7.7 Data Correction Controls .............................................................................52
4.7.8 White Balance Controls................................................................................53
4.7.9 Strobe Controls ............................................................................................54
4.7.10 Pulse Generator Controls...........................................................................54
4.7.11 Transport Layer Control .............................................................................55
4.7.12 Event Controls............................................................................................56
4.7.13 User Set Controls .......................................................................................57
4.8 Capture Panel.....................................................................................................57
4.8.1 Recording Acquired Images .........................................................................57
4.8.2 Saving Image Output....................................................................................58
4.9 Log Panel............................................................................................................58
4.9.1 Channels to Log............................................................................................59
4.10 Statistics Panel .................................................................................................59
5 Camera Features ...........................................................................61
5.1 Exposure Control................................................................................................61
5.1.1 Internal Exposure Control - Electronic Shutter ............................................61
5.1.2 External exposure control............................................................................61
5.2 Frame Time Control ...........................................................................................62
5.2.1 Internal Line and Frame Time Control .........................................................62
5.2.2 Camera Output Control................................................................................62
5.3 Area of Interest ..................................................................................................63
5.3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................63
5.3.2 Horizontal and Vertical Window ..................................................................63
5.3.3 Factors Impacting Frame Rate .....................................................................64
5.4 Subsampling.......................................................................................................65
5.4.1 Pixel Averaging.............................................................................................65
5.4.2 Subsampling Decimation..............................................................................65
5.5 Camera Triggering..............................................................................................66
5.5.1 Triggering Inputs ..........................................................................................66
5.5.2 Acquisition and Exposure Control................................................................67
5.5.3 Triggering Modes .........................................................................................67
5.6 Strobes ...............................................................................................................68
5.7 Video Amplifier Gain and Offset ........................................................................68
5.7.1 Analog Gain ..................................................................................................68

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5.7.2 Digital Gain...................................................................................................69
5.7.3 Digital Offset ................................................................................................69
5.7.4 Black Level Auto-calibration and Offset.......................................................69
5.8 Data Output Format...........................................................................................69
5.8.1 Bit Depth ......................................................................................................69
5.9 Pulse Generator .................................................................................................69
5.10 Input / Output Control .....................................................................................70
5.10.1 Input / Output Mapping.............................................................................70
5.11 Test Image Patterns .........................................................................................71
5.11.1 Test Image Patterns ...................................................................................71
5.12 White Balance and Color Conversion...............................................................71
5.12.1 White Balance Correction ..........................................................................71
5.13 Transfer Function Correction...........................................................................72
5.13.1 Standard Gamma Correction .....................................................................72
5.13.2 User Defined LUT .......................................................................................73
5.14 Defective Pixel Correction................................................................................73
5.14.1 Static Pixel Correction ................................................................................74
5.14.2 Dynamic Pixel Correction ...........................................................................74
5.15 Flat Field and Noise Correction........................................................................74
5.16 Camera Interface .............................................................................................74
5.16.1 Temperature Monitor ................................................................................74
5.16.2 Exposure Time Monitor..............................................................................74
5.16.3 Frame Time Monitor ..................................................................................75
5.16.4 Current image size .....................................................................................75
5.16.5 Auto Gain and Auto Exposure Control (AGC/AEC) .....................................75
6 Image Sensor Technology ..............................................................76
6.1 General Information ..........................................................................................76
6.1.1 A/D Architecture and Frame Rate Controls .................................................76
6.1.2 Spectral Sensitivity .......................................................................................77
6.1.3 Bayer Pattern Information ...........................................................................78

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REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Reviser
Comments
1.0
12/5/2017
R.Johnston
Initial release

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1 About the Cheetah Camera
1.1 General
The Cheetah Python series of cameras provide an imaging platform with the latest digital
technology and industrial grade components. They use CMOS imaging sensors and offer a
broad range of resolutions and frame rates. Cheetah cameras are available in both
monochrome and color.
The cameras in this manual are compatible with the USB3 output interface. A GeniCam™
compliant programming graphical user interface ships with the camera. The following
table describes the C5180, C4181, and C4180 model cameras covered in this manual.
Model
Resolution
Type
Optics
Sensor MFG
Model
C5180M
5120 x 5120
Mono
32.6 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SN025KA
C5180C
5120 x 5120
Color
32.6 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SE025KA
C5180N
5120 x 5120
ENIR
32.6 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1FN025KA
C4181M
4096 x 4096
Mono
26.1 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SN016KA
C4181C
4096 x 4096
Color
26.1 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SE016KA
C4181N
4096 x 4096
ENIR
26.1 diag.
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1FN016KA
C4180M
4096 x 3072
Mono
4/3”
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SN012KA
C4180C
4096 x 3072
Color
4/3”
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1SE012KA
C4180N
4096 x 3072
ENIR
4/3”
ON Semiconductor
NOIP1FN012KA
Note: ENIR = Enhanced Near-Infrared
Cheetah CMOS cameras are advanced, high-resolution, progressive scan cameras. They
are fully programmable and field upgradeable. Programmable functions include exposure
control, frame rate control, area of interest, subsampling, pixel averaging, gain, offset,
triggering options, strobes, output control, defective pixel correction, and user-
programmable look-up tables (LUT). The cameras use ON Semiconductor area scan
Python CMOS image sensors and feature a built-in processing engine, low noise
characteristics, and optimized thermal distribution.
The Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 model cameras use global shutter operation for
superior motion capture and exceptionally high frame rates for use in high throughput
applications. The cameras can control exposure time using internal controls or an external
pulse width. They support exposure times up to 1 second with 1µs increments. The
cameras also support analog gains up to 10 dB (3.17x).

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Built-in gamma correction and user-defined look-up table (LUT) capabilities optimize the
camera’s dynamic range features. Defective pixel correction (DPC) and hot pixel
correction (HPC) correct for pixels that are over-responding or under-responding. Auto
White Balance (AWB) is available in color cameras to correct for color temperature. The
cameras have a USB3 compatible interface that includes 8- and 10-bit data transmission,
as well as camera control functionality in one cable. There is also support of active or
passive Canon EOS lenses.
The camera’s ruggedized design and flexibility enable its use in a wide and diverse range
of applications including machine vision, metrology high-definition imaging and
surveillance, medical and scientific imaging, intelligent transportation systems, aerial
imaging, character recognition, document processing and many more.
1.1.1 Key Features
1. Global shutter (GS)
2. Monochrome or color
3. Enhanced near infrared (ENIR) sensitivity version
available
4. Fast frame rates: 14 fps (C5180), 22 fps (C4181), 30 fps
(C4180)
5. Configurable pixel clock
6. Pixel averaging (mono camera only)
7. Subsampling
8. Area of Interest
9. Analog and digital gain controls
10. Offset control
11. Three selectable trigger sources: external, pulse
generator, or software
12. Built-in pulse generator
13. Two programmable output strobes
14. White balance: once, manual, or auto
15. Two 12-bit look-up tables (LUT)
16. Defective pixel correction (DPC); hot pixel correction
(HPC)
17. Two programmable external inputs (one opto-
isolated) and two external outputs (one opto-isolated)
18. Flat Field Correction (FFC), user defined and factory
19. USB3 interface
20. Support for Active Canon EOS Lens mount
21. Temperature monitor
22. Field upgradeable firmware, LUT, DPC, HPC, FFC

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1.2 General Specifications
The following table describes features and specifications related to all Imperx Cheetah
cameras.
Specifications
C5180 / C4181 / C4180
Shutter operation
Global only
Exposure time
40 s min
Area of Interest
One
Analog gain
1x, 1.26x, 1.87x, 3.17x
Digital gain
Up to 24dB
Subsampling
Keep one, skip one
Pixel averaging (mono)
1x2, 2x1, and 2x2
Auto white balance
Yes
Test image
Static, dynamic
Defective pixel correction
Static, dynamic, user DPM
Hot pixel correction
Static, dynamic, user HPM
Inputs
1-LVTTL / 1-Opto-coupled
Outputs
1-TTL / 1-Opto-coupled
Triggers
Programmable rising/falling and de-bounce
Pulse generator
Yes
In-camera image processing
2 LUTs
Camera housing
Aluminum
Supply voltage range
5V to 33V DC; 6.5V to 33V DC with Canon Lens Control
Upgradeable firmware
Yes
Upgradeable LUT, DPM, FFC
Yes
Environmental - operating
- 40°C to + 85°C
Environmental –storage
- 50°C to + 90°C
Relative humidity
10% to 90% non-condensing
Table 1: Cheetah camera general specifications.

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1.3 C5180, C4181, C4180 Specifications
The following table describes features and specifications related directly to the C5180,
C4181, and C4180 Cheetah Python cameras.
Specifications
C5180
C4181
C4180
Active image resolution
5120 x 5120
4096 x 4096
4096 x 3072
Active image area (H, V)
23.0 mm x 23.0 mm
32.6 mm diagonal
18.4 mm x 18.4 mm
26.1 mm diagonal
18.4 mm x 13.8 mm
23.0 mm diagonal
Pixel size
4.5 µm
4.5 µm
4.5 µm
Video output
Digital, 8/10-bit
Digital, 8/10-bit
Digital, 8/10-bit
Interface
USB3 compatible
USB3 compatible
USB3 compatible
Camera connector
9-pin, screw-locking
micro-B USB 3.0
9-pin, screw-locking
micro-B USB 3.0
9-pin, screw-locking
micro-B USB 3.0
Host connector
USB 3.0-A plug
USB 3.0-A plug
USB 3.0-A plug
Maximum frame rate
6 fps (10-bit)
13 fps (8-bit)
10 fps (10-bit)
20 fps (8-bit)
13 fps (10-bit)
27 fps (8-bit)
Dynamic range
59 dB
59 dB
59 dB
Shutter speed
40 s to 1 sec
40 s to 1 sec
40 s to 1 sec
Area of Interest
One
One
One
Analog gain
0 to 10dB
0 to 10dB
0 to 10dB
Digital gain
0 to 24dB
0 to 24dB
0 to 24dB
Black level offset
0 to 1024, 1/step
0 to 1024, 1/step
0 to 1024, 1/step
User LUT
2 LUTs: gamma and
user LUT
2 LUTs: gamma and
user LUT
2 LUTs: gamma and
user LUT
Flat Field Correction (FFC)
FFC, factory and User
FFC, factory and User
FFC, factory and User
Hardware trigger
Asynchronous
Asynchronous
Asynchronous
Strobe modes
Programmable width,
delay
Programmable width,
delay
Programmable width,
delay
Trigger sources
External, pulse
generator, software
External, pulse
generator, software
External, pulse
generator, software
Trigger features
Rising/falling edge, De-
glitch, delay, strobe
Rising/falling edge, De-
glitch, delay, strobe
Rising/falling edge, De-
glitch, delay, strobe
Size (W x H x L)
(72 x 72 x 34.7) mm
(72 x 72 x 34.7) mm
(72 x 72 x 34.7) mm
Weight
370 g
370 g
370 g
Lens mount
F-Mount, APS-H, Active
or passive Canon EOS.
F-Mount, APS-H, Active
or passive Canon EOS.
F-Mount, APS-H, Active
or passive Canon EOS.

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Power
12V / 500mA.
Canon EOS 12V/
550mA.
12V / 500mA.
Canon EOS 12V/
550mA.
12V / 500mA.
Canon EOS 12V/
550mA.
Table 2: Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 specifications.
1.4 Ordering Information
Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 Camera Ordering
Codes
Sample Code: U3V-C5180M-RF000
Interface
Camera Number
Sensor Type
Ruggedized
Lens
Mount
Filter
Option
U3V
C5180 –5120 x 5120
M –monochrome
C –color
N - ENIR
F Mount
000 - none
C4180 –4096 x 3072
L –Canon
EF EOS
Active
Mount
200 –Color
w/out IR
filters
C4181 –4096 x 4096
400 –Color
w/out IR
filter
replace
w/clear
cover glass
700 –Mono
w/clear
cover glass
Part Number Example:
U3V-C4181M-RF000: Cheetah Monochrome 16MP camera with F-Mount and USB3
Interface
NOTE: For any other custom camera configurations, contact Imperx, Inc.
1.3.1 Technical Support
Imperx fully tests each camera before shipping. If the camera is not operational after
power up, check the following:
1. Check the power supply and all I/O cables. Make sure that all the connectors are
firmly attached.
2. Check the status LED and verify that it is steady ON. If it is not, refer to the LED
section.
3. Enable the test mode and verify that the communication between the computer
and the camera is established. If the test pattern is not present, power off the
camera, check all the cabling, IPX Player settings and computer status.
4. If problems still exist, contact technical support at:
Email: [e-mail]
Toll Free 1 [phone] or ([phone]
Fax: [phone]
Visit our Web Site: www.imperx.com

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2 Hardware
2.1 Camera Back Panel
The back panel of the camera provides connectors to the USB3 interface and other
external equipment (Figure 1). The panel also provides a status LED indicator. The panel
includes:
1. A standard USB 3.0 interface with Micro-B 3.0 connector (Mill-Max p/n: 897-10-
010-00-300002) for data, and control. Imperx offers cables in various lengths.
Contact Imperx for information.
2. A male Hirose type miniature locking receptacle #HR10A-10R-12PB (71)
providing power and I/O interface.
3. A USB type B programming/SPI connector for factory use only.
4. A camera status LED indicator (2.16.1 Status LED).
5. The camera’s model / serial number.
Figure 1: Cheetah Python USB3 Camera back panel.
2.2 Camera Power Connector
The 12-pin Hirose connector provides power and all external input/output signals
supplied to the camera (Figure 2). The connector is a male HIROSE type miniature locking
receptacle #HR10A-10R-12PB (71). The optionally purchased power supply ships with a
power cable that terminates in a female HIROSE plug #HR10A-10P-12S (73). The following
table shows power connector pin mapping.
12-pin power and
IO connector
Connector for
factory use
USB Micro-B 3.0 connector
Status LED

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Figure 2: Camera Power Connector Pin-outs.
2.2.1 Power Connector Pins
Pin
Signal
Type
Description
1
12 VDC Return
Ground Return
12 VDC Main Power Return
2
+ 12 VDC
Power - Input
+ 12 VDC (nominal) Main Power
3
NC
–NC
Reserved
4
NC
NC
Reserved
5
GP OUT 2
Opto- Switch contact 2
General Purpose Output 2-
6
GP Out 1 RTN
TTL Ground Return
General Purpose Output 1
Return
7
GP OUT 1
TTL OUT 1
General Purpose Output 1
8
GP IN 1
Opto-isolated IN 1
General Purpose Input 1
9
GP IN 2
TTL/LVTTL IN 2
General Purpose Input 2
10
GP IN 1 Return
Ground Return IN1
General Purpose Input 1 Return
11
GP IN 2 Return
LVTTL Ground Return IN2
General Purpose Input 2 Return
12
GP OUT 2
Opto-Switch contact 1
General Purpose Output 2+
Table 3: Power connector pin mappings.

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2.2.2 Power Supply –Camera Only
Cheetah Python cameras use the PS12V04 Standard Power Supply shown in the following
figure. The PS12V04A supplies power to the camera and provides connectors for trigger
input (black) and strobe output (white).
Figure 3: PS12V04A standard
PS12V04A Standard Power Supply:
Cable length:
Supplied AC power input cable (IEC): 1.8m (6’) 100 - 240 Vac, 50 - 60Hz 1A
Power supply Output (+12V): 3m (10’) ± 15cm (6”) connector HIROSE #HR10A-10P-12S
Strobe & Trigger: 10cm (4”) ± 1cm (0.5”) connector BNC male
Electrical:
Over-Voltage Protective Installation
Short-circuit Protective Installation
Protection Type: Auto-Recovery
10 -15 VDC 12VDC nominal, 2 A.
Load regulation ± 5%
Ripple & Noise 1% Max.
Regulatory:
Class 1
Safety standards UL60950-1, EN60950-1, IEC60950-1
Safety (1) EMC UL/CUL, CE, TUV, DoIR+C-Tick, Semko, CCC, FCC
Safety (2) BSMI, FCC
2.2.3 Power Supply - Camera with Canon Lens Control
Use the PS12V07B power supply if using the Canon Lens Control with the camera. The
PS12V07B supplies power to the camera and provides connectors for Canon lens control
(grey), trigger input (black), and strobe output (white).

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Figure 4: PS12V07A power supply with Canon lens control.
Figure 5: A Sam Woo connector enables Canon lens control.
2.2.4 Electrical Connectivity
Cheetah cameras have two external inputs: IN 1 and IN 2. Input IN1 is optically isolated
while input IN2 accepts low voltage TTL (LVTTL). Cheetah cameras provide two general-
purpose outputs. Output OUT1 is a 5v TTL (5.0 Volts) compatible signal and output OUT2
is opto-isolated. The following graphics show the external input electrical connections and
the external output electrical connections:
A. Input IN 1- Opto-Isolated
Input signals IN1 and IN1 Rtn are optically isolated, and the voltage difference between
the two must be positive between 3.3 and 24 volts.

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Figure 6: IN1 electrical connection
B. Input IN 2 LVTTL
Input signals IN2 and IN2 Rtn provide interfaces to a TTL or LVTTL input signal. The signal
level (voltage difference between the inputs IN2 and IN2 Rtn) must be LVTTL (3.3 volts) or
TTL (5.0 volts). The total maximum input current must not exceed 2.0 mA.
Figure 7: IN2 electrical connection.
C. Output OUT 1 LVTTL
Output OUT1 is a 5v TTL (5.0 Volts) compatible signal and the maximum output current
must not exceed 8 mA.
Figure 8: OUT1 LVTTL electrical connection.
D. Output OUT 2 –Solid state relay, optically isolated
Output OUT2 is an optically isolated switch. There is no pull-up voltage on either contact.
External pull-up voltage of up to 25 volts is required for operation. Output is not polarity
sensitive. AC or DC loads are possible. The voltage across OUT2 Contact 1 and OUT2
Contact 2 must not exceed 25 volts and the current through the switch must not exceed
50 mA. On resistance is less than 5 Ohms.

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Figure 9: Open drain logic driver.
Figure 10: Low side load driver.
Figure 11: High side load driver.

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2.2.5 Status LED
The camera has a dual red-green LED located on the back panel. The LED color and light
pattern indicate the camera status and mode of operation.
LED Color
Status Description
Green steady ON
Normal operation. You should see a normal image
coming out of the camera.
Green blinking
Trigger enabled.
Yellow steady ON
Test mode enabled.
Red steady ON
Firmware load error.*
LED OFF
No power. Indicates power supply failure.**
Table 4: Status LED.
*Re-power the camera and load the factory settings. If the condition is still present,
contact the factory
** A faulty external AC adapter could also cause this. To restore the camera operation, re-
power the camera and load the factory settings. If the LED is still OFF, contact the factory.
2.3 Mechanical, Optical, Environmental
2.3.1 Mechanical Drawings
The camera housing consists of high quality series 6000 aluminum. For maximum
usability, the camera has eight (8) M3X0.5mm mounting screws located towards the front
and the back. Cameras ship with an additional plate with ¼-20 UNC tripod mount and
hardware. All dimensions are in millimeters.
2.3.1.1 Mechanical Drawings, C5180, C4181, and C4180
Side Views:
Front and Back Views:

Cheetah Python Camera with USB3 Interface –User Manual
December 5, 2017 Page 20 of 78 Rev 1.0
Figure 12: C5180, C4181, C4180 Mechanical Drawings.
2.3.2 Optical
The camera’s 72 mm x 72 mm cross-section comes with an adapter for F-mount lenses,
which have a 46.50 mm back focal distance.
Camera performance and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) depend on the illumination (amount
of light) reaching the sensor and the exposure time. Always try to balance these two
factors. Unnecessarily long exposures increase the amount of noise, thus decreasing the
SNR.
The cameras are very sensitive in the infrared (IR) spectral region. Color cameras have an
IR cut-off filter installed; monochrome cameras come without an IR cut-off filter. The
camera includes space under the front lens bezel for inserting an IR filter (1 mm thickness
or less) if necessary.
1. Avoid direct exposure to a high intensity light source (such as a laser beam). This
may damage the camera optical sensor!
2. Avoid foreign particles on the surface of the imager.
2.3.3 Environmental
The camera operating temperatures range from -40°C to +85°C in a dry environment. The
relative humidity should not exceed 80% non-condensing. Always keep the camera as cool
as possible. Always allow sufficient time for temperature equalization if the camera is
stored below 0°C.
The camera should be stored in a dry environment with the temperature ranging from -
50°C to + 90°C.