National Instruments NI PXI/PCI-1428 User manual

Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428
The NI PXI/PCI-1428 (NI 1428) is an image acquisition device that supports a diverse range of
Camera Link-compatible cameras. This document describes how to install and configure the necessary
hardware and software components to begin using the NI 1428.
What You Need to Get Started
You need the following items to set up and use the NI 1428:
❑NI 1428 image acquisition device
❑Base configuration Camera Link-compatible camera
❑MDR 26-pin Camera Link cable
❑PCI, PXI, or Compact PCI computer running Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000 with at least
one available slot
Note Visit ni.com/info and enter rdvisionvista for more information about
National Instruments image acquisition device compatibility with Windows Vista.
❑NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.0 or later, which includes the NI-IMAQ driver software
❑Optional software for developing applications:
– NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
– NI Vision Development Module
–LabVIEW
– LabWindows™/CVI™
– Microsoft Visual Basic
Optional Equipment
National Instruments offers a variety of products for use with the NI 1428, including the following:
• NI D6804 breakout cable used for external triggering only. This cable provides BNC connectivity
to the four external trigger lines on the 68-pin VHDCI connector (part number 187804-01).
• NI D6826 breakout cable used for medium configuration and external triggering. This cable breaks
the VHDCI connector into a 25-pin D-SUB for triggering and an MDR 26-pin Camera Link cable
for medium configuration connectivity (part number 190936-01).
Refer to the National Instruments catalog, visit ni.com, or call the National Instruments office nearest
you for more specific information about these products.

Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428 2 ni.com
Related Documentation
The following documents contain additional information that you may find helpful:
•NI PXI/PCI-1428 User Manual—Contains information about programming options, hardware
functionality, and signal connections.
•NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes—Contains information about new functionality,
minimum system requirements, and installation instructions for the NI-IMAQ driver software.
•Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ—Describes how to configure the
NI-IMAQ driver software, NI image acquisition devices, and cameras using Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX).
•NI-IMAQ Help—Contains fundamental programming concepts for the NI-IMAQ driver software
and terminology for using NI image acquisition devices.
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.
If the device is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms, 42.4 Vpk, or 60 Vdc), it may require a
safety earth-ground connection wire. Refer to the device specifications for maximum voltage ratings.
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.
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.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428
Yo u 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.
Caution National Instruments measurement products may be classified as either Measurement
Category I or II. Operate products at or below the Measurement Category level specified in the
hardware specifications.
Measurement Category1: Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages2and transient
stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test.
Measurement Category establishes standardized impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur
in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of Measurement (Installation3)
Categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the
electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS4voltage. This category is for measurements of
voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal
levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated
low-voltage sources, and electronics.
• Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the
electrical distribution system. This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that
provided by a standard wall outlet (e.g., 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe). Examples of
Measurement Category II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools,
and similar products.
• Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the building installation at the
distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired equipment such as
equipment in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples are
wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation,
and stationary motors with permanent connections to fixed installations.
Unpacking
The NI 1428 ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging device
components. To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
1. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as the computer
chassis.
2. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the device
from the package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Remove the device from the package and inspect it for loose components or any other signs of damage.
Notify National Instruments if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device
in the computer.
Store the NI 1428 in the antistatic package when not in use.
1 Measurement Categories as defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.
2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.
3 Measurement Category is also referred to as Installation Category.
4 MAINS is defined as the (hazardous live) electrical supply system to which equipment is designed to be connected for the
purpose of powering the equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring
purposes.

Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428 4 ni.com
Installation
The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the documentation provided by your
computer manufacturer for specific instructions and warnings. Refer to the Specifications section for
typical power requirements for the NI 1428.
NI PXI-1428
1. Install the NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI PXI-1428. Refer to the NI Vision
Acquisition Software Release Notes for specific installation instructions.
2. Power off and unplug the PXI or Compact PCI chassis.
Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer must remain
unplugged until the installation is complete.
3. Choose an unused PXI or CompactPCI 5 V slot that supports bus arbitration or bus-master cards.
PXI-compliant chassis must have bus arbitration for all slots.
4. Remove the filler panel for the slot you have chosen.
5. Touch a metal part of the chassis to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or
body. Static electricity can damage the device.
6. Insert the NI PXI-1428 in the selected 5 V slot. Use the injector/ejector handle to fully inject the
device into place.
7. Secure the front panel of the NI PXI-1428 to the front panel mounting rails of the PXI or
CompactPCI chassis.
8. Connect the MDR 26-pin Camera Link cable to the camera. Refer to your camera manufacturer
documentation for specific instructions about how to connect the cable to your camera.
9. Connect the Camera Link cable to the Camera Link connector on the NI PXI-1428 front panel.
10. Plug in and power on the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.
The NI PXI-1428 is now installed and the camera is connected.
NI PCI-1428
1. Install the NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI PCI-1428. Refer to the NI Vision
Acquisition Software Release Notes for specific installation instructions.
2. Power off and unplug the computer.
Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer must remain
unplugged until the installation is complete.
3. Remove the computer cover to expose the expansion slots.
4. Touch a metal part of the computer to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes
or body. Static electricity can damage the device.
5. Choose an unused PCI slot, and remove the corresponding expansion slot cover on the back panel
of the computer.
6. Remove your device from the antistatic package and gently rock the device into the slot. The
connection may be tight, but do not force the device into place.
Note Check that the bracket of your device aligns with the hole in the back panel rail of the
computer chassis.
7. Secure the device mounting bracket to the back panel rail of the computer.

©National Instruments Corporation 5 Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428
8. Replace the computer cover.
9. Connect the MDR 26-pin Camera Link cable to the camera. Refer to your camera manufacturer
documentation for specific instructions about how to connect the cable to your camera.
10. Connect the Camera Link cable to the Camera Link connector on the NI PCI-1428 front panel.
11. Plug in and power on the computer.
The NI PCI-1428 is now installed and the camera is connected.
Configuring the NI 1428
After you have installed the NI 1428 and powered on the computer, the computer will recognize the
device and assign resources to it. Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), the National
Instruments configuration utility, to configure the NI 1428 for acquisition. Refer to the Measurement &
Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ for additional information about configuring the NI 1428.
Note Before configuring the device in MAX, ensure that you installed the NI-IMAQ driver
software.
Interfacing with the NI 1428
The Camera Link standard defines physical connections between image acquisition devices and
Camera Link cameras, and it allows for flexibility of image format and data transfer protocols. The
camera manufacturer defines image parameters, such as image resolution and the number of bits per
pixel. Camera control parameters, such as frame-on-demand and exposure control signals, are also
defined by the camera manufacturer.
These variable parameters are defined on a per-camera basis in a camera file (camera_model.icd)
supplied by National Instruments. The NI-IMAQ driver software uses the information in this camera file
to program the NI 1428 to acquire images from a specific camera. Without this camera file, the driver
does not have the information necessary to configure the NI 1428 to recognize the image format of the
particular camera you are using. Refer to MAX for information about valid camera attributes for your
camera and image acquisition device.
Many camera files are installed when you install NI-IMAQ, and many more are available for download
from the National Instruments Industrial Camera Advisor at ni.com/camera. You can also create
your own camera files using the NI Camera File Generator. This utility can be downloaded from
ni.com/vision. When installing new camera files, save them to the <NI-IMAQ>\Data directory.
Contact National Instruments technical support to request camera files not available in the Camera
Advisor. Refer to the Where to Go for Support section for information about National Instruments
technical support.
MAX provides a simple interface for associating a camera file with the NI 1428. Use the following
guidelines to access the camera file in MAX:
1. Launch MAX, and expand the Devices and Interfaces branch of the configuration tree.
2. Expand the NI 1428 branch.
3. Right-click Channel 0 and select Camera.
4. Select your camera from the menu. If your camera is not in the menu, verify that the camera file is
installed in the NI-IMAQ\Data directory.
Note If you lose communication with the camera during an acquisition for any reason, such as
unplugging a cable or powering off your camera, you must restart the acquisition to allow the device
to relock the incoming timing signals.

Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428 6 ni.com
Specifications
The following specifications apply to the NI 1428 image acquisition device. These specifications are
typical at 25 °C unless otherwise specified.
Trigger Characteristics
Number of external trigger I/O lines......................4
Trigger input
Voltage range .................................................0 V to 5 V (TTL)
Input high voltage ..................................2.0 V
Input low voltage ...................................0.8 V
Polarity...........................................................Programmable, active high or active low
Trigger output
Voltage range .................................................0 V to 5 V (TTL)
Output high voltage................................2.4 V at 15 mA source
Output low voltage.................................0.55 V at 10 mA sink
Polarity...........................................................Programmable, active high or active low
Power-on state........................................................Input (high-impedance) 10 KΩpull-up to 5 V
Pixel clock..............................................................Camera Link compatible
Enables...................................................................Camera Link compatible
Control signal.........................................................Camera Link compatible
Video data ..............................................................Camera Link compatible
Clocks
Pixel clock frequency range...................................20 MHz to 50 MHz
Note Camera Link cameras must transmit at a minimum of 20 MHz.1
PCI Interface
Theoretical max PCI bandwidth ............................133 MB/s
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions
NI PXI-1428 ..................................................10 cm ×16 cm (3.9 in. ×6.3 in.)
NI PCI-1428...................................................10.7 cm ×17.5 cm (4.2 in. ×6.9 in.)
Weight
NI PXI-1428 ..................................................0.172 kg (0.38 lb)
NI PCI-1428...................................................0.127 kg (0.28 lb)
1 This value corresponds to the post-serialization Camera Link cable transmission rate of 140 MHz to 350 MHz.

©National Instruments Corporation 7 Getting Started with the NI PXI/PCI-1428
Power Consumption
NI PXI-1428 ..................................................+5 V (250 mA)
+3.3 V (1.2 A)
NI PCI-1428...................................................+5 V (1.5 A)
+12 V (24 mA)
–12 V (20 mA)
Environment
The NI 1428 device is intended for indoor use only.
Operating temperature ...........................................0 °C to 55 °C
Storage temperature ...............................................–20 °C to 70 °C
Pollution Degree ....................................................2
Relative humidity...................................................5% to 90%, noncondensing
Approved at altitudes up to 2,000 m.
Safety
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of safety for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or visit ni.com/
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the
Certification column.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of EMC for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 EMC requirements; Minimum Immunity
• EN 55011 Emissions; Group 1, Class A
• CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15 Emissions; Class A
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device to product documentation.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as amended for
CE marking, as follows:
• 73/23/EEC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 89/336/EEC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional regulatory
compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification,
search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.

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Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/
support you have access to everything from troubleshooting and application development self-help
resources to email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the Council of the European
Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords the user
protection for electronic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You can obtain the DoC for your
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calibration certificate for your product at ni.com/calibration.
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