LightWise ISG Allegro User manual

Technical Manual
ISG LightWise™ Allegro
USB3 Vision™ Cameras
Version 1.3.1
Last Revision 3.31.15

ISG Allegro LightWise USB 3.0 Technical Manual Version 1.3.1
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Table of Contents
FCC Compliance .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Hardware Warranty................................................................................................................................................. 5
WEEE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Trademarks ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
About This Guide.................................................................................................................................................... 6
Contents .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Assumptions........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Support................................................................................................................................................................ 6
LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Specifications ............................................................................................................ 7
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Handling Precautions and Camera Care ............................................................................................................. 8
Case Temperature and Heat Dissipation ......................................................................................................... 9
Before You Install............................................................................................................................................. 10
Will your system configuration support the camera? ................................................................................... 10
Recommended USB3 Interface Cards: ......................................................................................................... 10
Do you have all the parts you need? ............................................................................................................. 10
Do you have the required software? ............................................................................................................. 10
Installing your Software.................................................................................................................................... 11
Overview....................................................................................................................................................... 11
SG LightWise Allegro USB3 GUI Software - 64-Bit Installation ............................................................... 12
GenICam™ - 64-Bit Software (8MB) Installation ....................................................................................... 15
Lightwise_Allegro_U3V_Driver Installation ............................................................................................... 18
Installing Your Camera..................................................................................................................................... 18
Using the ISG GUI................................................................................................................................................ 19
Custom Applications Built Using the ISG API ............................................................................................ 19
Using GenICam Applications ............................................................................................................................... 21
LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Physical Description ............................................................................................... 22
LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Dimensions.............................................................................................................. 23
Mounting with the Case or Optional Tripod Mount ............................................................................................. 24
Dust Protection...................................................................................................................................................... 24
Infrared Cutoff Filters ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Camera Interface and Connectors ......................................................................................................................... 26
USB 3.0 Connector ........................................................................................................................................... 26

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Interface Cables .................................................................................................................................................... 27
Interface Card........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Powering the Camera ............................................................................................................................................ 28
User Sets ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
GenICam User Set Control ............................................................................................................................... 29
Camera Firmware.................................................................................................................................................. 29
Determining Firmware Version ........................................................................................................................ 29
Upgrading Camera Firmware ........................................................................................................................... 29
Trigger/Strobe Control Input/Output Connector .................................................................................................. 30
Camera Trigger Details......................................................................................................................................... 30
Camera Strobe Details .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Programmable Strobe Output ............................................................................................................................... 32
Asynchronous Triggering ..................................................................................................................................... 33
GenICam Acquisition Control .......................................................................................................................... 34
Standard External Trigger................................................................................................................................. 35
Bulb Shutter Trigger ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Burst Mode Trigger (Edge Detect) ................................................................................................................... 37
Burst Mode Trigger (Level Detect) .................................................................................................................. 38
External Trigger Timing ....................................................................................................................................... 39
Asynchronous Software Triggering ...................................................................................................................... 39
Pixel Formats ........................................................................................................................................................ 40
Mono ................................................................................................................................................................. 40
RGB .................................................................................................................................................................. 40
YCrCb/YUV ..................................................................................................................................................... 40
Image Format Control....................................................................................................................................... 41
Shutter Types ........................................................................................................................................................ 42
Global Shutter ................................................................................................................................................... 42
Rolling Shutter .................................................................................................................................................. 43
Rolling Shutter with Global Reset .................................................................................................................... 44
Device Control ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Image Format Control........................................................................................................................................... 47
Acquisition Control............................................................................................................................................... 48
Digital IO Control ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Analog Control...................................................................................................................................................... 50

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Transport Layer Control ....................................................................................................................................... 50
User Set Control.................................................................................................................................................... 51

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1. Background Information
FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Its operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesirable
operation.
Hardware Warranty
The LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Digital Camera shall be covered under a hardware warranty for two (2) years. To
obtain detailed information on how to repair or replace your camera please see the terms and conditions on our
website. http://www.isgcameras.com/pdf/ISG_Standard_Tems_and_Conditions.pdf
WEEE
This product may not be treated as household waste. When the product is ready to be disposed of please ensure you
follow the appropriate waste handling method as the improper disposal of this product may cause potential hazards to
the environment and human health. For more detailed information about disposing of, or recycling of this product
please contact Imaging Solutions Group.
Trademarks
Imaging Solutions Group, LightWise

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2. Preface
About This Guide
This manual provides a detailed introduction and specification for the LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Camera
system, including care, installation, use, interface guides, physical descriptions, and functional specification.
This camera system is one that is complex and dynamic, therefore if any errors or omissions are found during
use please contact us. See section on contact information.
This symbol highlights important information.
This symbol highlights important instructions, ones that you must follow to avoid
malfunction
Contents
This guide contains information and instructions and guidelines for the LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Camera
system. Information can be found in the following sections
Assumptions
None
Support
Contact Type
Contact Information
Email
[email protected];[e-mail]
Knowledge Base
www.isgcameras.com
Downloads
http://www.isgcameras.com/support-allegro-usb3.php
Main Office
Imaging Solutions Group of NY, Inc
1387 Fairport Road, Suite 890
Fairport, NY 14450

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LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Specifications
Building on the success of the original LightWise 1394 camera se ries, the LightWise Allegro camera offers a
many new features, including enhanced opto-isolated GPIO, an on-camera frame buffer, non-volatile flash
memory for data storage, new trigger modes and improved imaging performance.
Specifications
Model
Version
MP
Imaging Sensor
LW-AL-CMV-2000-USB3-C
Color
2 MP
CMOSIS CMV-2000, 2/3” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 340 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-CMV-2000-USB3-M
Mono
2 MP
CMOSIS CMV-2000, 2/3” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 340 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-CMV-4000-USB3-C
Color
4 MP
CMOSIS CMV-4000, 1” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 150 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-CMV-4000-USB3-M
Mono
4 MP
CMOSIS CMV-4000, 1” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 150 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-CMV-12000-USB3-C
Color
12 MP
CMOSIS CMV-12000, 4/3” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 80 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-CMV-12000-USB3-M
Mono
12 MP
CMOSIS CMV-12000, 4/3” CMOS
Global Shutter, 5.5u pixel
up to 80 fps using internal buffer
LW-AL-IMX174-USB3-C
Color
2.3 MP
SONY IMX174, 1/1.2”
Global Shutter, 5.86u pixel
up to 120 fps
LW-AL-IMX174-USB3-M
Mono
2.3 MP
SONY IMX174, 1/1.2”
Global Shutter, 5.86u pixel
up to 120 fps
LW-AL-IMX249-USB3-C
Color
2.3 MP
SONY IMX249, 1/1.2”
Global Shutter, 5.86u pixel
up to 60 fps
LW-AL-IMX249-USB3-M
Mono
2.3 MP
SONY IMX249, 1/1.2”
Global Shutter, 5.86u pixel
up to 60 fps

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Imaging Performance
Sensor Image Data
A/D Converter
10 and or 12 bit in sensor
Video Data Output
8,10 and 12 bit firmware available
Image Data Formats
Mono:8 or 10 bit packed, 12 bit firmware available
Color: Bayer 8 or 10 bit packed, RGB, YCC 422
Image Processing Pipeline
(Color Models)
Bayer Interpolation, Gamma, White Balance, Color Space Conversion and Correction
Partial Image Modes
Binning and Region of Interest (ROI) Modes
Shutter
Global Shutter with Programmable Integration
Gain
Programmable Digital Gain
Digital Interface
USB 3.0 interface with screw locks for camera control, data and power
Transfer Rates
5 Gbit/s
GPIO
12-pin Hirose HR10A GPIO, opto isolated trigger, 2 opto isolated strobes
External Trigger Modes
Single Frame, Burst Mode, Bulb Mode
Synchronization
Via external trigger or software trigger
Image Buffer
256 MB Buffer
Flash Memory
8 MB nonvolatile flash memory
Dimensions
Mass
Power Consumption
5V via USB3.0 interface, maximum <4.5W
Machine Vision Standard
IIDC v 1.32, USB3 Vision v1
Camera Control
Via ISG SDK, CSRs, or third party software
Camera Updates
In-field firmware updates
Lens Mount
C-mount
Temperature
Operating: 0o to 45o C; Storage -30o to 60o C
Humidity
Operating: 20 to 80% (no condensation); Storage 20 to 90% (no condensation)
Compliance
CE, FCC, RoHS
Operating System
Windows 7, 8, 8.1
Warranty
Two Years
Handling Precautions and Camera Care
Opening the camera housing will cause damage and will void the hardware warranty detailed in the beginning
of this document. Since the LightWise Allegro Camera is a precisely manufactured device it must be handled
with care. Some tips for device care are below:
1. Electrostatic charging should be avoided
2. Avoid touching the lens when handling the camera, as fingerprints will affect the quality of the image
produced by the device.
3. When cleaning the lens do not use excessive force and please use a standard camera lens cleaning kit or
clean dry cotton cloth.
4. Avoid exposure to bright sunlight, dusty environments, rain etc. as this may cause problems with the
electronic and optics of the system.
5. Mishandling of the device such as excessive shaking, dropping and force should be avoided.

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Case Temperature and Heat Dissipation
For the camera to function correctly, it is required to provide sufficient heat dissipation for the internal
operating environment. Since the camera electronics are neatly packed into a small space it can become very
warm to the touch when running in some modes; this is expected behavior and will not damage the electronics.
The use of a cooling fan to set up positive air flow around the camera in order reduce is suggested. Please take
into consideration the following precautions:
1. Mount the camera on a heat sink that is composed of a heat conductive material like aluminum, such as
a camera mounting bracket.
2. Ensure the flow of heat from the camera case to the bracket is not blocked by a non-conductive material
like plastic.
3. Provide enough space around the camera to facilitate the free flow of air.

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3. LightWise Allegro USB 3.0 Installation
Before You Install
Will your system configuration support the camera?
Operating System
CPU
RAM
Video
Ports
Software
Windows 7, 8,
8.1
(Linux
Supported via
USB3 vision
Standard)
Intel Core
i3 3.1
GHz or
equivalent
4GB
128 MB
RAM
PCIe 2.0 compatible
host controller with
USB 3.0 connector
Microsoft Visual Studio
2010
(to compile and run
example code)
Recommended USB3 Interface Cards:
The USB3 desktop motherboards supporting the Intel Z77 or Z78 chipset or newer will support high bandwidth
USB3. USB3 cards may also be added to provide the ports. The two cards below have been successfully tested
with ISG cameras:
1. 2-port card, both ports share a total 5 Gbps bandwidth:
http://isgcameras.com/startech_2-port_usb3_hba_pexusb3s24.php
2. 4-port card, with each port having its own 5 Gbps bandwidth for total of 20 Gbps.
http://isgcameras.com/startech_4-port_usb3_hba_pexusb3s44v.php
Do you have all the parts you need?
To install your camera you will need the following components:
1. USB 3.0 cable (see Interface Cables)
2. 12-pin Trigger/Strobe cable
3. C-mount Lens
4. Tripod adapter (optional) (see Mounting with the Case or Optional Tripod Mount)
5. Interface card
ISG sells a number of the additional parts required for installation. To purchase, please visit the ISG Web Site.
www.isgcameras.com
Do you have the required software?
There are many helpful resources available to you on the ISG downloads page including:

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1. Software; including drivers that are needed for installation
2. Firmware; updates and release notes.
3. Dimensional drawings and CAD Models
4. Documentation
Installing your Software
Overview
In order to operate the ISG USB3 camera, the following software installation programs should be loaded from
the ISG website (http://www.isgcameras.com/support-allegro-usb3.php) The first is the ISG UI software,
labelled as “ISG LightWise Allegro USB3 GUI Software - 64-Bit”. This will install a folder containing the
ISG GUI application, as well as a driver installation subfolder “Lightwise_Allegro_U3V_Driver”. In addition,
the GenAPI reference software library is required. This can be loaded from the link called “ GenICam™ - 64-
Bit Software (8MB)”. These two installations must both be performed, and the driver installer run, in order to
complete all of the required software for the camera and can be done prior to installing the camera.
After installing the ISG LightWise Allegro USB3 GUI Software, open a browser window to the install folder.
By default this will be “C:\ISG\Usb3GUI_Install\. There resides subfolder Lightwise_Allegro_U3V_Driver.
In that folder is the driver installation application LightwiseAllegro_DriverInstall.exe. Running this
application will start a device driver installation wizard. Agree to all of the pop up menus that arise based on
this driver update. The driver installation can take several minutes in some cases, but eventually the process
will complete with a dialog that reports success. When the ISG Allegro camera is connected, the device
manager should show the camera’s association to the WinUSB driver, although this can also take some time
when the camera is connected for the first time.
Once driver installation is successfully completed and the GenICam installation is done, the ISG GUI can be
used to connect to, and demonstrate functionality of the USB3 camera.

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ISG LightWise Allegro USB3 GUI Software - 64-Bit Installation
Select Next
Select Next

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Select Next to launch installation
Please wait while the installtion completes

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Select Close to complete the installation

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GenICam™ - 64-Bit Software (8MB) Installation
Select Next
Select I Agree

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Select Next
Select Next

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Select Install and the installation will take a little while to complete.
Select Finish and the GenICam installation is complete!

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Lightwise_Allegro_U3V_Driver Installation
Select next
Select finish
Installing Your Camera

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1. Install the Tripod Mounting Bracket (optional)
2. Attach a Lens
a. Unscrew the dust cap from the C-mount lens holder to install a lens
3. Connect the interface card and cable to the camera
a. Plug the interface cable into the host controller and the camera. The cable jack screws should be
used for a secure connection
4. Plug in the GPIO Connector (optional)
a. GPIO can be used for trigger and strobe
5. Confirm successful installation
a. Check the device manager to confirm the installation was successful
b. Go to the start menu and select run and enter devmgmt.msc
c. Verify the camera is listed as LightWise Allegro U3V (this will normally be found under the
“ibusb (WinUSB) devices” header)
4. Tools to Control the LightWise Allegro USB 3
The LightWise Allegro USB 3.0's features can be accessed using various controls, including:
1. ISG API examples and the ISG GUI program
2. GenICam Applications
3. Third-party Software Applications
Examples of the controls are provided throughout this document. Additional information can be found in the
appendices.
Using the ISG GUI
The user can monitor or control features of the camera through ISG API examples, or through the ISG GUI.
The ISG GUI is a streaming image viewer included with the ISG camera that can be used to test many of the
capabilities of your compatible ISG camera. It allows you to view a live video stream from the camera, save
individual images, adjust the various video formats, frame rates, properties and settings of the camera, and
access camera registers directly.
Custom Applications Built Using the ISG API
The ISG Application Programming Interface that allows customers to create custom applications to control ISG
Imaging Products. Included in downloads that are available on the ISG web site are a number of source code
examples to help programmers get started.
Available downloads include:
1. Compiled and installable GUI.

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2. Source code examples from the ISG GUI indicating how to access camera parameters.
(IsgU3VGuiSample.zip)
3. The ISG dll Header file which describes the API, and an API description document
(ISG_USB3_Interface_Guide_ISG_U3V_API.pdf).
4. Instructions on how to locate the Header file can be found in:
ISG_USB3_Interface_Guide_ISG_U3V_API.pdf