National Instruments CVS-1459RT User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI CVS-1459RT
USB3 Vision Compact Vision System with Reconfigurable I/O
The NI CVS-1459RT is a real-time, compact vision system that acquires, processes, and displays
images from USB3 Vision cameras. This document explains how to install and configure the
NI CVS-1459RT.
Contents
Required Components .............................................................................................................. 2
Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................... 2
Software Options .............................................................................................................. 3
Safety Information.................................................................................................................... 3
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines .............................................................................. 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 5
Installing Vision Builder AI ............................................................................................. 5
Installing the Vision Development Module...................................................................... 5
Configuring the Hardware ........................................................................................................6
Wiring Power to the NI CVS-1459RT ............................................................................. 8
Connecting the System Power Supply...................................................................... 8
Connecting the Isolated Outputs Power Supply ....................................................... 8
Connecting USB3 Vision Cameras .................................................................................. 9
Connecting to the Development Computer ...................................................................... 9
Direct Connection..................................................................................................... 9
Network Connection................................................................................................. 9
Installing Software on the NI CVS-1459RT ............................................................................ 10
Configuring the Device in NI Vision Builder AI ............................................................. 10
Configuring the Device in NI MAX................................................................................. 10
Acquiring an Image .................................................................................................................. 11
Acquiring an Image in Vision Builder AI ........................................................................ 11
Acquiring an Image in MAX............................................................................................ 11
Digital I/O................................................................................................................................. 12
Where to Go Next..................................................................................................................... 14
Additional Resources for Vision Builder AI Users .......................................................... 14
Additional Resources for LabVIEW Users ...................................................................... 14
Worldwide Support and Services ............................................................................................. 15

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Required Components
The following items are necessary to set up and use the NI CVS-1459RT:
NI CVS-1459RT device
One or two USB3 Vision cameras
One USB 3.0 cable per USB3 Vision camera
One CAT 5 10/100Base-TX, CAT 5e, or CAT 6 1000Base-T Ethernet cable to connect the
device to the development computer or to a network.
Note A CAT 5e or CAT 6 1000Base-T Ethernet cable is required to achieve
1,000 Mbps (Gigabit) Ethernet performance. CAT 5e and CAT 6 Ethernet cables
adhere to higher electrical standards required for Gigabit Ethernet communication.
CAT 5 cables are not guaranteed to meet the necessary requirements. While CAT 5
cables may appear to work at 1,000 Mbps, CAT 5 cables are likely to cause bit errors
resulting in degraded network performance.
Development computer running Microsoft Windows. Refer to the driver or application
development software readme for specific Windows version compatibility.
A compatible power supply, such as the NI PS-15 Power Supply (part number 781093-01)
Optional Equipment
National Instruments offers the following products for use with the NI CVS-1459RT:
24 VDC, 1.25 A Desktop Power Supply (part number 782032-01)
44-pin D-SUB cable for digital I/O
• 44-pin D-SUB male to pigtail cable (part number 156083-03 for 3 meter cable)
• 44-pin D-SUB male to 44-position D-SUB female cable (part number 156084-03 for
3 meter cable or part number 156084-0R5 for 0.5 meter cable)
NI CVS I/O Accessory
Note This accessory is unshielded.
• CVS I/O Accessory and 3 meter 44-pin D-SUB male to 44-position D-SUB female
cable (part number 783327-01)
• CVS I/O Accessory and 0.5 meter 44-pin D-SUB male to 44-position D-SUB female
cable (part number 783328-01)

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DIN Rail Kit (part number 781740-01)
Serial cable (part number 182845-01 for 1 meter cable, part number 182845-02 for 2 meter
cable, or part number 182845-03 for 3 meter cable)
Software Options
Use the following software to develop applications with the NI CVS-1459RT.
NI-IMAQdx 14.0 or later driver software, included with NI Vision Acquisition Software
August 2014
One of the following options for developing machine vision applications:
• NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (Vision Builder AI) 2014 or later
• LabVIEW 2014 or later, LabVIEW Real-Time 2014 or later, and the NI Vision
Development Module 2014 or later
Software for using and reconfiguring the NI CVS-1459RT FPGA I/O. Different
configurations are referred to as hardware personalities, and are defined by bitfiles.
• LabVIEW FPGA Module 2014 or later—You must install the LabVIEW FPGA
Module to reconfigure the default personality of the NI CVS-1459RT FPGA.
• NI-IMAQ I/O 14.0 or later driver software, included with NI Vision Acquisition
Software August 2014—NI-IMAQ I/O is required to use the default personality of the
NI CVS-1459RT in LabVIEW, or to reconfigure the default personality of the
NI CVS-1459RT I/O in the LabVIEW FPGA Module.
Safety Information
Caution The following paragraphs contain important safety information you must
follow when installing and operating the device.
Do not operate the device in a manner not specified in the documentation. Misuse of the device
may result in a hazard and may compromise the safety protection built into the device. If the
device is damaged, turn it off and do not use it until service-trained personnel can check its
safety. If necessary, return the device to National Instruments for repair.
Keep away from live circuits. Do not remove equipment covers or shields unless you are trained
to do so. If signal wires are connected to the device, hazardous voltages can exist even when the
equipment is turned off. To avoid a shock hazard, do not perform procedures involving cover or
shield removal unless you are qualified to do so. Disconnect all field power prior to removing
covers or shields.
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install unauthorized parts or
modify the device. Use the device only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables
specified in the installation instructions. All covers and filler panels must be installed while
operating the device.

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This is a Pollution Degree 2 device. Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or
where flammable gases or fumes may be present. Operate the device only at or below the
pollution degree stated in the specifications. Pollution consists of any foreign matter—solid,
liquid, or gas—that may reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following is a
description of pollution degrees.
• Pollution Degree 1—No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The
pollution has no effect.
• Pollution Degree 2—Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally,
nonconductive pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
• Pollution Degree 3—Conductive pollution or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs.
Nonconductive pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
Clean the device and accessories by brushing off light dust with a soft, nonmetallic brush.
Remove other contaminants with a stiff, nonmetallic brush. The unit must be completely dry and
free from contaminants before returning it to service.
You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the device is rated. Do
not exceed the maximum ratings for the device. Remove power from signal lines before
connection to or disconnection from the device.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) as stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
product is operated in its intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. There is no guarantee that harmful
interference will not occur in a particular installation, when the product is connected to a test
object, or if the product is used in residential areas. To minimize the potential for the product to
cause interference to radio and television reception or to experience unacceptable performance
degradation, install and use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product
documentation.
Furthermore, any changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by National
Instruments could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.

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Installing the Software
Before using the NI CVS-1459RT, you must install the application software and device drivers
on the development computer. National Instruments provides two options for developing
machine vision applications.
•NI Vision Builder AI—Interactive, menu-driven configuration software for developing,
benchmarking, and deploying machine vision applications.
•NI Vision Development Module—Programming library for developing machine vision
and scientific imaging applications. The NI Vision Development Module requires
LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time, and NI-IMAQdx driver software.
Installing Vision Builder AI
Install Vision Builder AI from the Vision Builder AI installation media. Refer to the NI Vision
Builder for Automated Inspection Readme for installation instructions.
After installation, documentation for Vision Builder AI is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»Vision Builder AI»Documentation.
Vision Builder AI does not require additional software. Proceed to Configuring the Hardware.
Installing the Vision Development Module
Install the following software to use the Vision Development Module to develop applications
and LabVIEW FPGA to reconfigure the I/O. The software must be installed in this order.
1. LabVIEW—Refer to the LabVIEW Installation Guide for installation instructions and
system requirements for the LabVIEW software. Refer to the LabVIEW Upgrade Notes for
additional information about upgrading to the most recent version of LabVIEW.
Documentation for LabVIEW is available by selecting Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»LabVIEW.
2. LabVIEW Real-Time Module—Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Module Release and
Upgrade Notes for installation instructions and information about getting started with the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
Documentation for the LabVIEW Real-Time Module is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW.
3. LabVIEW FPGA Module—It is only necessary to install the LabVIEW FPGA Module if
you want to reconfigure the default personality of the NI CVS-1459RT I/O. Refer to the
LabVIEW FPGA Module Release and Upgrade Notes for installation instructions and
information about getting started with the LabVIEW FPGA Module.
Documentation for the LabVIEW FPGA Module is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW.
4. NI Vision Development Module—Refer to the NI Vision Development Module Readme
on the NI Vision Development Module installation media for system requirements and
installation instructions.

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Documentation for the NI Vision Development Module is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»Vision»Documentation»NI Vision.
5. NI-IMAQdx—Refer to the NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes on the NI Vision
Acquisition Software installation media for system requirements and installation
instructions for the NI-IMAQdx driver.
Documentation for the NI-IMAQdx driver software is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»Vision»Documentation»NI-IMAQdx.
6. NI-IMAQ I/O—NI-IMAQ I/O is required to use the default personality of the
NI CVS-1459RT in LabVIEW, or to reconfigure the default personality of the
NI CVS-1459RT I/O in the LabVIEW FPGA Module. Refer to the NI Vision Acquisition
Software Release Notes on the NI Vision Acquisition Software installation media for
system requirements and installation instructions for the NI-IMAQ I/O driver.
Documentation for the NI-IMAQ I/O driver software is available by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»Vision»Documentation»NI-IMAQ I/O.
NI-IMAQ and NI-IMAQdx integrate with Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), the
National Instruments utility for configuring and testing your measurement and automation
system. The NI MAX icon appears on your desktop after you install one of the device drivers.
Configuring the Hardware
Remove the NI CVS-1459RT from the package and inspect the system for damage. Notify
National Instruments if the system appears damaged in any way. Do not use a damaged system.
Ensure that the AC input to the external power supply is disconnected before plugging in or
unplugging any connector. Ground the unit to minimize the possibility of static electricity
damage.
Complete the following sections to wire power to the NI CVS-1459RT, connect cameras, and
connect the NI CVS-1459RT to a development computer or network. Figure 1 and Figure 2
show the features on the device.

NI CVS-1459RT Getting Started Guide |© National Instruments |7
Figure 1. NI CVS-1459RT Power Connectors and Reset Button
Figure 2. NI CVS-1459RT Front Panel Connectors
1 Reset Button
2 System Power Connector
3 Isolated Outputs Power Connector
4 Chassis Grounding Screw
1 VGA Connector
2 RJ50 Serial Port
3 USB 2.0 Ports
4 RJ45 Network Port
5 USB3 Vision Ports
6 44-pin Digital I/O Connector
SYSTEM
12-24 V
C V
ISO
5-24 V
2
3
1
4
C
ISO
V
ISO
NI CVS-1459RT
Compact Vision System
RESET
DIGITAL I/O
10/100/
1000
ACT/
LINK
USER1
USER2
PWR/
FAULT
STATUS
01
5
3
6
1
2
4

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Wiring Power to the NI CVS-1459RT
Refer to Figure 1 while connecting the NI CVS-1459RT power supplies.
Connecting the System Power Supply
Complete the following steps to supply power to the NI CVS-1459RT.
1. Make sure the power source is turned off.
2. If the power connector plug is connected to the chassis, disconnect it from the device.
Figure 3 shows the terminal screws, which secure the wires in the screw terminals, and the
connector screws, which secure the connector plug on the chassis.
Figure 3. Power Screw Terminal Connector Plug
Caution Do not tighten or loosen the terminal screws on the power connector while
the power is on.
3. Connect the positive lead of the power source to the V terminal of the power connector plug
and tighten the terminal screw to 0.2 to 0.25 N · m (1.8 to 2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
4. Connect the negative lead of the power source to the C terminal of the power connector plug
and tighten the terminal screw to 0.2 to 0.25 N · m (1.8 to 2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
5. Install the power connector plug into the SYSTEM power receptacle on the
NI CVS-1459RT chassis and tighten the connector screws to 0.4 N · m (3.5 lb · in.) of
torque.
6. Turn on the external power source. Verify the PWR/FAULT LED is lit green.
Connecting the Isolated Outputs Power Supply
Complete the following steps to supply power to the isolated outputs.
1. Make sure the power source is turned off.
2. If the power connector plug is connected to the chassis, disconnect it from the device.
Figure 3 shows the terminal screws, which secure the wires in the screw terminals, and the
connector screws, which secure the connector plug on the chassis.
Caution Do not tighten or loosen the terminal screws on the power connector while
the power is on.
1 V (Positive) Terminal Screw 2 C (Negative) Terminal Screw 3 Connector Screws
1
2
3

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3. Connect the positive lead of the power source to the V terminal of the power connector plug
and tighten the terminal screw to 0.2 to 0.25 N · m (1.8 to 2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
4. Connect the negative lead of the power source to the C terminal of the power connector plug
and tighten the terminal screw to 0.2 to 0.25 N · m (1.8 to 2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
5. Install the power connector plug into the ISO power receptacle on the NI CVS-1459RT
chassis and tighten the connector screws to 0.4 N · m (3.5 lb · in.) of torque.
6. Turn on the external power source.
Connecting USB3 Vision Cameras
The NI CVS-1459RT supports two USB3 Vision cameras. Complete the following steps to
connect cameras to the NI CVS-1459RT.
1. Connect a USB3 Vision cable to a USB3 Vision camera.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the NI CVS-1459RT Port 0. Repeat these steps for
Port 1 if you are connecting two cameras.
Connecting to the Development Computer
The NI CVS-1459RT can connect to the development computer directly or through a network.
To connect over a network, the device must be on the same subnet as the development computer.
Direct Connection
Complete the following steps to connect the device directly to the development computer.
1. Verify the that the development computer is powered on and connected to the network.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the network port on the device.
3. Connect the free end of the cable to an Ethernet port on the development computer.
4. Verify the ACTIVITY/LINK LED on the port is on or blinking.
The device will use a link-local IP address when connected directly to the development
computer.
Network Connection
Complete the following steps to connect the device to the development computer over a network.
1. Verify the that the development computer is powered on and connected to the network.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the network port on the device.
3. Connect the free end of the cable to an Ethernet hub or other network device.
4. Verify the ACTIVITY/LINK LED on the port is on or blinking.
The device will negotiate an IP address when connected to a network with a DHCP server or
comparable network device.

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Installing Software on the NI CVS-1459RT
Configure the NI CVS-1459RT in NI Vision Builder AI or NI MAX. If you use LabVIEW as
your application development environment, you must use MAX to configure the device.
Configuring the Device in NI Vision Builder AI
Complete the following steps to configure the device in Vision Builder AI.
1. Launch Vision Builder AI by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
Vision Builder AI.
2. Select the NI CVS-1459RT from the list of available targets.
3. Select the Configure Target icon.
4. Complete the configuration wizard. At step 3, select Update Target Software to install
Vision Builder AI on the device.
Configuring the Device in NI MAX
Complete the following steps to configure the device in MAX.
1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI MAX or
by double-clicking the NI MAX desktop icon.
2. In the Configuration pane, expand Remote Systems to see a list of devices on the same
subnet.
3. Expand the NI CVS-1459RT. Right-click Software and select Add/Remove Software.
4. Select NI-IMAQdx,NI Vision-RIO,NI Vision RT,LabVIEW Real-Time, and NI-RIO.
Some features will automatically select required dependencies.
5. Complete the installation wizard.