Imperx Cheetah Series User manual

IMPERX
Cheetah Python CMOS Cameras
User Manual
with Camera LinkInterface
The Imperx Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 CMOS cameras provide exceptional
video image quality in a ruggedized design. The cameras use 25-, 16-, and 12-megapixel
ON Semiconductor Python image sensors to produce exceptional quality image with
low noise and efficient, optimized internal thermal distribution.
Revision 2.4

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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 © 2016, 2018 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
1About the Camera........................................................................... 9
1.1 General.....................................................................................................................9
1.1.1 Key Features .................................................................................................. 10
1.1.2 CoaXPress, GigE, 10GigE and USB3 interfaces...............................................11
1.2 Technical Specifications .........................................................................................12
1.2.1 CLF-C5180 and CLF-C4181 Cameras ..............................................................13
1.2.2 CLF-C4180 Camera.........................................................................................14
1.3 Ordering Information ............................................................................................. 15
1.4 Technical Support...................................................................................................15
2Hardware.......................................................................................16
2.1 Camera Back Panel.................................................................................................16
2.1.1 Power Supply.................................................................................................16
2.2 Camera Power Connector ......................................................................................19
2.2.1 Power Connector Pins ...................................................................................19
2.2.2 Electrical Connectivity ...................................................................................19
2.3 Camera Link Signal Mapping ..................................................................................21
2.3.1 Camera Link Physical Layer to Camera Link Receiver Bits .............................23
2.3.2 Camera Link Bit to Port Bit assignments........................................................23
2.3.3 Camera Link Port assignments based on selected output configuration ......26
2.4 Camera LED Status Indicators ................................................................................28
2.5 Mechanical, Optical, Environmental ......................................................................29
2.5.1 Mechanicals................................................................................................... 29
2.5.2 Optical ...........................................................................................................30
2.5.3 Environmental ............................................................................................... 30
3Camera Configuration....................................................................31
3.1 Overview ................................................................................................................31
3.2 Configuration.......................................................................................................... 31
3.2.1 Configuration Memory –parameter FLASH .................................................. 31
3.2.2 Camera Serial Protocol .................................................................................. 32
3.3 Camera Configuration Register Descriptions .........................................................35
3.3.1 Startup Procedure .........................................................................................35
3.3.2 Saving and Restoring Settings ....................................................................... 35
3.3.3 Retrieving Manufacturing Data .....................................................................36
3.3.4 Camera Information Registers.......................................................................37
3.3.5 AGC/AEC registers ......................................................................................... 40
3.3.6 Exposure Control ........................................................................................... 42
3.3.7 Exposure Time (Internal) ...............................................................................42
3.3.8 Programmable Frame Period Enable............................................................. 42
3.3.9 Output Pixel Clock Rate and Zero ROT ..........................................................43
3.3.10 Fixed Frame Period......................................................................................43
3.3.11 Area of Interest............................................................................................43
3.3.12 Processing AOI Control................................................................................44
3.3.13 Decimation (Averaging or Subsampling) ..................................................... 45
3.3.14 Black Level auto-calibration ........................................................................46
3.3.15 Black Level Offset ........................................................................................ 46
3.3.16 Analog and Digital Gain ...............................................................................46

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3.3.17 Triggering Workspace Registers .................................................................. 47
3.3.18 Strobe Control Registers.............................................................................. 49
3.3.19 Pulse Generator Registers ...........................................................................50
3.3.20 Test Pattern Workspace Registers...............................................................51
3.3.21 Input/output Workspace Registers ............................................................. 52
3.3.22 Data Output Format Registers.....................................................................52
3.3.23 White Balance (WB) Workspace Registers .................................................. 53
3.3.24 Data Correction Workspace Registers......................................................... 54
3.3.25 Flat Field Correction and FPN Correction .................................................... 55
4Software Configuration GUI ...........................................................56
4.1 Camera Configurator Overview..............................................................................56
4.2 Installing the GUI....................................................................................................56
4.3 Camera Discovery Procedure .................................................................................57
4.4 Graphical User Interface ........................................................................................ 58
4.5 Main GUI Menu...................................................................................................... 59
4.6 View GUI Windows.................................................................................................63
4.7 Menu Help..............................................................................................................64
4.8 Parameter Windows...............................................................................................65
4.8.1 Acquisition Control Panel .............................................................................. 65
4.8.2 Trigger Panel..................................................................................................69
4.8.3 Pulse Generator Panel ................................................................................... 70
4.8.4 Strobe Control and Output Mapping.............................................................71
4.8.5 AGC / AEC Control ......................................................................................... 72
4.8.6 Data Output Control......................................................................................73
4.8.7 Color Control .................................................................................................74
5Camera Features............................................................................76
5.1 Exposure Control....................................................................................................76
5.1.1 Internal Exposure Control - Electronic Shutter..............................................76
5.1.2 External Exposure Control.............................................................................76
5.2 Frame Time Control................................................................................................ 77
5.2.1 Internal Line and Frame Time Control...........................................................77
5.2.2 Zero-Row Overhead (ROT) Control................................................................77
5.2.3 Camera Output Control .................................................................................78
5.3 Area of Interest ......................................................................................................79
5.3.1 Overview........................................................................................................79
5.3.2 Horizontal and Vertical Window ................................................................... 79
5.3.3 Factors Impacting Frame Rate.......................................................................80
5.4 Subsampling ...........................................................................................................81
5.4.1 Pixel Averaging ..............................................................................................81
5.4.2 Subsampling Decimation ............................................................................... 81
5.5 Camera Triggering .................................................................................................. 83
5.5.1 Triggering Inputs............................................................................................83
5.5.2 Acquisition and Exposure Control .................................................................83
5.5.3 Triggering modes........................................................................................... 84
5.6 Strobes ...................................................................................................................85
5.7 Video Amplifier Gain and Offset ............................................................................85
5.7.1 Analog Gain ................................................................................................... 85
5.7.2 Digital Gain .................................................................................................... 85

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5.7.3 Digital Offset.................................................................................................. 86
5.7.4 Black Level Auto-calibration and Black Level Offset......................................86
5.8 Data Output Format...............................................................................................86
5.8.1 Bit Depth........................................................................................................ 86
5.8.2 Output Taps................................................................................................... 87
5.9 Pulse Generator ..................................................................................................... 87
5.10 Input / Output Control .........................................................................................88
5.10.1 Input / Output Mapping .............................................................................. 88
5.11 Test Image Patterns ............................................................................................. 88
5.11.1 Test Image patterns.....................................................................................88
5.12 White Balance and Color Conversion ....................................................................89
5.12.1 White Balance Correction............................................................................89
5.13 Transfer Function Correction LUT ........................................................................90
5.13.1 Standard Gamma Correction.......................................................................90
5.14 Defective Pixel Correction....................................................................................91
5.14.1 Static Pixel Correction ................................................................................. 91
5.14.2 Dynamic Pixel Correction ............................................................................ 91
5.15 Flat Field and FPN Correction............................................................................... 92
5.16 Camera Interface..................................................................................................92
5.16.1 Temperature Monitor ................................................................................. 92
5.16.2 Exposure Time Monitor............................................................................... 92
5.16.3 Frame Time Monitor ...................................................................................92
5.16.4 Current image size....................................................................................... 92
5.16.5 Auto Gain and Auto Exposure Control (AGC/AEC) ......................................92
6Image Sensor Technology...............................................................94
6.1 General information...............................................................................................94
6.1.1 A/D Architecture and Frame Rate Controls................................................... 94
6.1.2 Spectral Sensitivity ........................................................................................ 96
6.1.3 Bayer Pattern Information............................................................................. 96
7Configuration Registers..................................................................97
7.1 Abbreviations .........................................................................................................97
7.2 Saving and Restoring Registers .............................................................................. 97
7.3 Camera Information Registers ...............................................................................98
7.4 AEC/AGC/AWB Registers........................................................................................ 98
7.5 Acquisition Registers (stored in Flash) ...................................................................99
7.6 Trigger Registers...................................................................................................100
7.7 Pulse Generator Registers....................................................................................101
7.8 Test Pattern Registers ..........................................................................................101
7.9 Strobe Registers ...................................................................................................102
7.10 Input / Output Registers ....................................................................................102
7.11 Output Data Format Registers ...........................................................................102
7.12 WB and Color Correction Registers....................................................................103
7.13 Data Correction Registers ..................................................................................103
7.14 Manufacturing Data Registers............................................................................104
8Creating Look-up Tables...............................................................105
8.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................105
8.2 Using an ASCII Text Editor ....................................................................................105

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8.3 Using Microsoft Excel...........................................................................................106
9Creating DPC / HPC Tables ...........................................................107
9.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................107
9.2 Accessing DMP / HPM Files..................................................................................107
9.3Editing DPM / HPM Files ......................................................................................108
9.3.1 Finding defective pixels ...............................................................................108
9.3.2 Finding hot pixels.........................................................................................109
9.3.3 Locating and adding pixel coordinates ........................................................109
9.4 Creating new DPM / HPM Files ............................................................................112
9.5 Uploading DPM / HPM Files.................................................................................113

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REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Reviser
Comments
Rev 1.0
10/30/15
K. Wetzel
Initial Pre-Release l
Rev 1.1
4/07/16
K. Wetzel
Added Register and GUI info. Input from Gennady
Rev 1.2
4/20/16
K. Wetzel
Updated CamConfig registers and C3880 frame
rates
Rev 1.3
5/04/16
K. Wetzel
Updated minimum ROI width to 320
Rev 1.4
5/25/16
K. Wetzel
Update Figure 51 description, removed single tap
mode from Figures 15, 16 and 17. Zero ROT not
supported in Averaging mode.
Rev 1.5
6/07/16
K. Wetzel
Updated PG period and width in Section 2.9
Rev 1.6
7/22/16
K. Wetzel
Updated Mechanical Drawings in 1.6.4, Cheetah
images and Appendix E Power Supply Schematic
Rev 1.7
8/19/2016
M.Pangburn
Adjusted Graph/Data and TOC
Rev 1.8
8/19/16
E. Fateyeva
Adjusted Graph/Data, updated logo in header,
replaced pyramid image with Cheetah sketch
image
Rev 1.9
8/23/2016
M. Pangburn
Review and finalize TOC
Rev 2.0
12/12/2016
R. Johnston
Updated Fixed Frame Period to microseconds,
section 3.3.9. Changed 3.17 to 3.17x, section
2.7.1.
Rev 2.1
3/23/2018
R. Johnston
Updated voltage range to 3.3 and 24 volts in
Electrical Connectivity section; added AGC/AEC
functionality; removed C3880 camera; updated
mechanical drawings; reorganized manual
formatting; updated minimum exposure time and
shutter speed.
2.2
5/7/2018
R. Johnston
Added AEC/AGC Status LED
Updated power supply cable lengths and output.
2.3
9/25/2018
K Wetzel
Change min shutter time to ~50 microseconds.
2.4
8/1/19
I. Barabanova
Added Exposure and Gain Correction Speed,
sections 3.3.5.9 and 7.4.
Added “Usage”, “Min value”, and “Max value”
columns, section 7.4.
Added ENIR camera model in sections 1.1, 1.4.
Added “Firmware build number”, section 7.3.
Added lens mounts, section 1.3.
Added 1.1.2 CoaXPress, GigE, 10GigE and USB3
interfaces section
Removed 1x8, 1x10, 1x12, 2x12, 4x12 modes,
section 2.3.3.
Updated frame rates in 5.2.3 section.
Updated screenshots (AEC/AGC controls, Menu,
View Menu, Trigger panel).
Added more information on DPM/HPM editing
Formatted text and tables.

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1 About the 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.
This manual describes the C5180, C4181, and C4180 model cameras operating with the
Camera Link® Deca/Full, Camera Link® Medium, and Camera Link® Base output interface.
Table 1: Cheetah C5180, C4181, and C4180 overview
Model
Resolution
(H x V)
Resolution
(MP)
Type
Frame Rate
(max)
Optics
ON Semiconductor
Sensor Model
CLF-C5180M
5120 x 5120
25
Mono
32
APS-H
NOIP1SN025KA
CLF-C5180N
5120 x 5120
25
ENIR
32
APS-H
NOIP1FN025KA
CLF-C5180C
5120 x 5120
25
Color
32
APS-H
NOIP1SE025KA
CLF-C4181M
4096 x 4096
16
Mono
50
APS-H
NOIP1SN016KA
CLF-C4181N
4096 x 4096
16
ENIR
50
APS-H
NOIP1FN016KA
CLF-C4181C
4096 x 4096
16
Color
50
APS-H
NOIP1SE016KA
CLF-C4180M
4096 x 3072
12
Mono
67
4/3”
NOIP1SN012KA
CLF-C4180N
4096 x 3072
12
ENIR
67
4/3”
NOIP1FN012KA
CLF-C4180C
4096 x 3072
12
Color
67
4/3”
NOIP1SE012KA
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, bad 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 cameras use global shutter operation for
exceptionally high frame rates and superior motion capture. The cameras can control
exposure time using internal controls or an external pulse width. They support exposure
times up to 1 second with 1 µs increments. An Area of Interest (AOI) can be programmed for
each acquisition frame, and subsampling or pixel averaging capabilities are also available.

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Built-in gamma correction and user-defined look-up table (LUT) capabilities optimize the
camera’s dynamic range features. You can also apply defective pixel correction (DPC) and hot
pixel correction (HPC) to 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 Camera Link® interface that includes 8/10-bit data transmission with
two, four, eight, or ten output taps as well as camera control all on one or two cables.
The cameras are fully programmable via the Camera Link® interface. The adaptability and
flexibility of the camera allow it to be used 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
•Global shutter (GS)
•Monochrome or color
•Enhanced near infrared (NIR) sensitivity version available upon request
•Fast frame rates
•Configurable pixel clock
•Pixel averaging (mono camera only)
•Subsampling
•Area of Interest
•Analog and digital gain controls
•Offset Control
•Three selectable trigger sources: external, pulse generator, or computer
•Built-in pulse generator
•Two programmable output strobes
•White balance: once, manual, or auto
•Two 12-bit look-up tables (LUT)
•Defective pixel and hot pixel correction (DPC/HPC), Fixed pattern noise (FPN)
correction
•Two programmable external inputs (one opto-isolated) and two external outputs
(one opto-isolated)
•Flat Field Correction (FFC), user-defined and factory
•Camera Link® Base, Medium, Full and Deca support
•Temperature monitor
•Field upgradeable firmware, LUT, DPC, HPC, FFC

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1.1.2 CoaXPress, GigE, 10GigE and USB3 interfaces
The C5180, C4181, and C4180 cameras are also available with the following output
interfaces:
−CoaXPress®,
−GigE Vision®,
−10 GigE Vision®,
−USB3.
If you are adding a new C5180, C4181, and C4180 with an interface other than Camera Link®
to your system, you can start configuring the camera right away as the key features (refer to
1.1.1 Key Features and 1.2 Technical Specifications sections) remain the same for all camera
interfaces. Depending on the output interface, the following parameters may be different:
Table 2: Cheetah Python output interfaces
Feature
Camera Link®
CoaXPress®1
GigE Vision®
10 GigE Vision®
USB3
Frame
Rate
(max)
C5180
32
44 / 80 (C5190)
4.3
40.6
13
C4181
50
68 / 120 (C4191)
6.2
60.5
20
C4180
67
90 / 160 (C4190)
8.3
80.4
27
Active Canon
EOS Lens mount
Not Supported
Supported
Supported
Supported
Supported
Trigger Inputs
External,
Pulse generator,
Software,
Computer
External,
Pulse generator,
Software
External,
Pulse generator,
Software
External,
Pulse generator,
Software
External,
Pulse generator,
Software
Trigger Modes
Internal,
External,
Software
Internal,
External, Software,
Trigger over
CoaXPress (CXP)
Internal,
External,
Software
Internal,
External,
Software
Internal,
External,
Software
Dimensions
(W x H x L, mm)
72.0 x 72.0 x 33.8
72.0 x 72.0 x 34.3/
72.0 x 72.0 x 44.3
(C5190, C4191, C4190)
72.0 x 72.0 x 33.8
72.0 x 72.0 x 72.3
72.0 x 72.0 x 34.7
Operating
temperatures
-40 °C to +85 °C
-40 °C to +70 °C
-40 °C to +85 °C
-40 °C to +75 °C
-40 °C to +85 °C
Weight
385 g
379 g
389 g
579.5 g
370 g
Power
12 V (10 V to 33 V)
or PoCL
Power over CXP
12 V (5 V to 33 V)
12 V (5 V to 33 V)
12 V (5 V to 33 V)
1 NOTE: Cheetah Python cameras with the CoaXPress® interface are available in two variations:
1) 2-channel CXP-6 CoaXPress® cameras (CXP-C5180, CXP-C4181, CXP-C4180)
2) 4-channel CXP-6 CoaXPress® cameras (CXP-C5190, CXP-C4191, CXP-C4190)
This User Manual provides information on cameras with the Camera Link® interface only.
For more information and technical documentation on cameras with other interfaces please
visit our web site www.imperx.com

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1.2 Technical Specifications
The following Tables describe features and specifications that relate to all Cheetah CLF
cameras.
Table 3: Cheetah camera general specifications
Features / Specifications
Cheetah Cameras
Shutter Operation
Global only
Exposure time
~44 µs minimum
Area of Interest
One
Analog Gain
Up to 10 dB (1x, 1.26x, 1.87x, 3.17x)
Digital Gain
Up to 24 dB
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*
1-5 V TTL / 1-Opto-coupled
Triggers
Programmable Rising/Falling De-bounce
Pulse Generator
Yes
In-camera Image Processing
2 LUTs
Camera housing
Aluminum
Supply voltage range*
5 V to 33 V DC; 6.5 V to 33 V 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
*The specifications may vary for the different Cheetah Python and Cheetah Pregius camera
models.

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1.2.1 CLF-C5180 and CLF-C4181 Cameras
Specifications
C5180
C4181
Active image resolution
5120 x 5120
4096 x 4096
Active image area (H, V)
23.0 mm x 23.0 mm
32.5 mm Diagonal
18.4 mm x 18.4 mm
26.1 mm Diagonal
Pixel size
4.5 μm
4.5 μm
Video output
Digital, 8/10-bit
Digital, 8/10-bit
Output structure
10-Tap
10-Tap
Data clock
85 MHz
85 MHz
Camera interface
DECA/Full/Medium or Base CL
DECA/Full/Medium or Base CL
Camera connector
Dual HDR (26-pin mini CL)
Dual HDR (26-pin mini CL)
Maximum frame rate
26 fps (10-bit), 32 fps (8-bit)
40 fps (10-bit), 50 fps (8-bit)
Dynamic Range
59 dB
59 dB
Shutter Speed
~50 µs to 1 sec
~50 µs to 1 sec
Area of Interest
One
One
Analog gain
0 dB to 10 dB (8 & 10-bit)
0 dB to 10 dB (8 & 10-bit)
Digital gain
0 dB to 24 dB
0 dB to 24 dB
Black level offset
-512 to +511, 1/step
-512 to +511 1/step
User LUT
2 LUTs: gamma, user LUT
2 LUTs: gamma, user LUT
Hardware trigger
Asynchronous; Fast trigger –
exposure & readout overlap
Asynchronous; Fast trigger –
exposure & readout overlap
Strobe modes
Programmable width, delay
Programmable width, delay
Trigger sources
External, pulse generator,
computer
External, pulse generator,
computer
Trigger features
Rising/falling edge, de-glitch,
delay, strobe
Rising/falling edge, de-glitch,
delay, strobe
Size (W x H x L) - CLB
(72.0 x 72.0 x 33.8) mm
(72.0 x 72.0 x 33.8) mm
Weight
385 g
385 g
Lens mount
F-Mount, M42, passive Canon
EOS
F-Mount, M42, passive Canon
EOS
Camera Current @ 12V
nominal input:
Typical: 0.52 A,
Maximum: 0.66 A
Typical: 0.52 A,
Maximum: 0.66 A
Environmental –operating
- 40 °C to + 85 °C
- 40 °C to + 85 °C
Environmental –storage
- 50 °C to + 90 °C
- 50 °C to + 90 °C

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1.2.2 CLF-C4180 Camera
Specifications
C4180
Active image resolution
4096 x 3072
Active image area (H, V)
18.4 mm x 13.8 mm; 23.0 mm Diagonal
Pixel size
4.5 μm
Video output
Digital, 8/10-bit
Output structure
10-Tap
Data clock
85 MHz
Camera interface
DECA/Full/Medium or Base CL
Connector
Dual HDR (26-pin mini CL)
Maximum frame rate
54 fps (10-bit), 67 fps (8-bit)
Dynamic range
59 dB
Shutter Speed
~50 µs to 1 sec
Area of Interest
One
Analog gain
0 dB to 10 dB (8 & 10-bit)
Digital gain
0 dB to 24 dB
Black level offset
-512 to +511, 1/step
User LUT
2 LUTs: gamma, user LUT
Hardware trigger
Asynchronous; Fast trigger –exposure & readout overlap
Strobe modes
Programmable width, delay
Trigger sources
External, pulse generator, computer
Trigger features
Rising/falling edge, de-glitch, delay, strobe
Size (W x H x L) - CLB
(72.0 x 72.0 x 33.8) mm
Weight
385 g
Lens mount
F-Mount, M42, passive Canon EOS
Camera Current @ 12V
nominal input:
Typical: 0.52 A,
Maximum: 0.66 A
Environmental –operating
- 40 °C to + 85 °C
Environmental –storage
- 50 °C to + 90 °C

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1.3 Ordering Information
Table 4: Cheetah Camera Ordering Codes
Sample Codes:
CLF-C5180M-RE000: Cheetah Monochrome 25 MP camera with Canon EF EOS passive mount and Camera Link
Full interface without a filter/customization
CLF-C4181C-RF400: Cheetah Color 16 MP camera with F-Mount and Camera Link Full interface featuring clear
cover glass filter
Interface
Camera model
Sensor Type
Ruggedized
Lens Mount
Filter/
customization
options
CLF =
Camera
Link® Full
C5180 –5120 x 5120
C4180 –4096 x 3072
C4181 –4096 x 4096
M = Monochrome
N = Enhanced NIR
C = Color
R = Ruggedized
F = F-Mount
(default)
M = M42
E = Canon EF
EOS passive
C = C-Mount
(C4180 only)
000 = none
200 = Color
w/out IR filters
400 = Color
w/out IR filter
replace w/clear
cover glass
700 = Mono
w/clear cover
glass
Note: PS12V04A Power Supply sold separately.
For any other custom camera configurations, contact Imperx, Inc. at:
Email: [email protected]m
Tel.[phone]
Fax: [phone]
Visit our website: www.imperx.com
1.4 Technical Support
Each camera is fully tested before shipping. If for some reason 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 not –refer to the section
2.4 Camera LED Status Indicators.
3. Enable the test mode (refer to the 4.8.6 Data Output Control) and verify that the
communication between the frame grabber and the camera is established. If the
test pattern is not present, power off the camera, check all the cabling, frame
grabber settings, and computer status.
If you still have problems with the camera operation, contact technical support at:
Email: [e-mail]
Toll Free 1 [phone] or ([phone]
Fax: [phone]
Visit our Web Site: www.imperx.com

Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface
August 2, 2019 Page 16 of 114 Rev 2.4
2 Hardware
2.1 Camera Back Panel
The interface between the Cheetah cameras and outside equipment connects via two
connectors and one LED located on the back panel of the camera.
The back panel includes (see Figure 1):
1. Two camera outputs –standard Full Camera Link Mini connectors provides data,
sync, control, and serial interface.
2. Male 12-pin Power Connector –provides power and I/O interface.
3. USB type B programming/SPI connector.
4. Status LED –indicates the status of the camera.
5. Model / Serial Number –shows camera model and serial number.
Figure 1: CLF Camera back panel, Deca, Full, Medium, or Base
2.1.1 Power Supply
The camera requires a 12-volt power supply. Imperx recommends purchasing the optional
Imperx PS12V04 power supply. The PS12V04A power supply also provides connectors for
trigger input (black) and strobe output (white).
12-pin connector
for power and I/O
USB type B connector
for factory use
Camera Link
BASE connector
Camera Link
FULL connector
Status LED

Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface
August 2, 2019 Page 17 of 114 Rev 2.4
Figure 2: PS12V04A standard power supply (ordered separately)
2.1.1.1 Power Supply Specs
Cable length:
Supplied AC power input cable (IEC): 1.8m (6’) 100 - 240 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz 1A
Power supply Output (+12 V): 1.5m (5’) ± 15cm (6”) connector HIROSE #HR10A-10P-12S
Strobe & Trigger: 15cm (6”) ± 1cm (0.5”) connector BNC male.
Electrical:
Over-Voltage Protective Installation
Short-circuit Protective Installation
Protection Type: Auto-Recovery
12 V to 13 V DC, 12.6 V DC 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

Cheetah Python Cameras User Manual | Camera Link Interface
August 2, 2019 Page 18 of 114 Rev 2.4
Figure 3: PS12V04A power supply assembly

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August 2, 2019 Page 19 of 114 Rev 2.4
2.2 Camera Power Connector
The male 12-pin Hirose connector provides power and all external input/output signals
supplied to the camera. Refer to the following tables for connector pin-outs and pin mapping.
The connector is a male HIROSE type miniature locking receptacle #HR10A-10R-12PB (71).
The optionally purchased power supply is shipped with a power cable that terminates in a
female HIROSE plug #HR10A-10P-12S (73).
Figure 4: Camera Power Connector (Viewed from rear)
2.2.1 Power Connector Pins
Table 5: Camera Power Connector Pin Mapping
Pin
Signal
Use
1
12 VDC RTN
12 VDC Main Power Return
2
+ 12 VDC
+ 12 VDC Main Power
3
Reserved
Reserved for future RS-232
4
Reserved
Reserved for future RS-232
5
OUT2 RTN
General Purpose Output 2, Contact 1 (Opto-isolated)
6
OUT1 RTN
General Purpose Output 1 Return (TTL)
7
OUT1
General Purpose Output 1 (TTL)
8
IN1
General Purpose Input 1 (Opto-isolated)
9
IN2
General Purpose Input 2 (TTL/LVTTL)
10
IN1 RTN
General Purpose Input 1 Return (Opto-isolated)
11
IN2 RTN
General Purpose Input 2 Return (TTL/LVTTL)
12
OUT2
General Purpose Output 2, Contact 2 (Opto-isolated)
2.2.2 Electrical Connectivity
The Cheetah has two external inputs: IN 1 and IN 2. Input “IN 1” is optically isolated, while
input “IN 2” accepts Low Voltage TTL (LVTTL). Cheetah provides two general purpose
outputs. Output “OUT 1” is a 5 V TTL (5.0 Volts) compatible signal and output “OUT 2” is
opto-isolated. The following four figures show the external input electrical connections and
the external output electrical connections.

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August 2, 2019 Page 20 of 114 Rev 2.4
A. Input IN 1- Opto-Isolated
The input signal “IN 1” and “IN 1 Rtn” are optically isolated and the voltage difference
between the two must be positive between 3.3 and 24 volts.
Figure 5: IN1 electrical connection
B. Input IN 2 LVTTL
The input signals “IN 2” and “IN 2 Rtn” are used to interface to a TTL or LVTTL input signal.
The signal level (voltage difference between the inputs “IN 2” and “IN 2 Rtn”) MUST be LVTTL
(3.3 volts) or TTL (5.0 volts). The total maximum input current MUST NOT exceed 2.0 mA.
Figure 6: IN 2 electrical connection
C. Output OUT 1 LVTTL
Output OUT 1 is a 5 V TTL (5.0 Volts) compatible signal and the maximum output current
MUST NOT exceed 8 mA.
Figure 7: OUT 1 LVTTL electrical connection
D. Output OUT 2 - Opto-isolated
Output OUT 2 is an optically isolated switch. There is no pull-up voltage on either contact.
The voltage across OUT 2 Contact 1 and OUT 2 Contact 2 MUST NOT exceed 25 volts and the
current through the switch MUST NOT exceed 50 mA.