Pyramid Imaging CAMERA LINKT CLT-351R User manual

CLT-351R/L CAMERA LINKTM TRANSLATOR
User’s Manual
Document # 200162, Rev 1.1, 8/10/10
Vivid Engineering
418 Boston Turnpike #104 • Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Overview 1
1.2. Features 3
1.3. Functional Description 4
1.3.1. Mode Switch Settings 8
1.4. Typical Application 9
1.5. Specifications 11
2. Interface 12
2.1. Front Panel Connections 12
2.1.1. Camera Connector Signals 14
2.1.2. Frame Grabber Connector Signals 14
2.1.3. Cable Shield Grounding 15
2.2. Rear Panel 44
3. Mechanical 45
3.1. Dimensions 45
3.2. External Power Supply 45
4. Regulatory Compliance 46
4.1. FCC Compliance Statement 46
4.2. Canadian Compliance Statement 46
5. Revision History 47

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1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
The CLT-351R and CLT-351L Camera LinkTM 1Translators enable the use of newer
Camera LinkTM cameras with frame grabbers incorporating traditional RS-422 and LVDS
digital interfaces. The “R” and “L” versions support RS-422 and LVDS frame grabbers,
respectively.
The CLT-351’s incorporate an AIA standard 68-pin frame grabber interface2to maximize
the use of standard and existing cables. The CLT-351’s are extremely flexible and can
translate a wide range of single-channel, dual-channel, and color “base” configuration
Camera LinkTM cameras to AIA-standard parallel digital format using rear-panel mode
switch settings.
Housed in sturdy, compact aluminum enclosures, the CLT-351R/L Camera LinkTM
Translators are well suited for industrial environments.
1The Camera LinkTM interface standard enables the interoperability of cameras and frame grabbers,
regardless of vendor. The Automated Imaging Association (AIA) sponsors the Camera LinkTM
program including the oversight Camera Link Committee, the self-certification program, and the
product registry. The Camera LinkTM specification may be downloaded from the AIA website,
found at www.machinevisiononline.org
2Standard BSR/AIA A15.08/3-199X “Automated Vision Components - Cameras - AIA
Monochrome Digital Interface Specification”. Available from Automated Imaging Association
P.O. Box 3724, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Camera LinkTM is a trademark of the Automated Imaging Association

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V ivid E ngineering Camera Link Translator CLT-351R
RS-422 FRAME GRABBERCAMERA
V ivid E ngineering Camera Link Translator CLT-351L
LVDS FRAME GRABBERCAMERA

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1.2. Features
•Enable use of Camera LinkTM cameras with RS-422 and LVDS frame grabbers
•Interfaces to a wide range of single-channel, dual-channel, and color Camera
LinkTM cameras
•AIA standard 68-pin frame grabber interface to maximize reuse of
existing/standard cables
•“R” version supports RS-422 frame grabbers
•“L” version supports LVDS frame grabbers
•66 MHz max pixel clock rate for “L” version
•32 MHz max pixel clock rate for “R” version
•Rear-panel switch mode selection
•Programmable frame grabber pixel clock phase
•Selectable frame grabber timing signal polarities
•Sturdy, compact aluminum enclosure
•External power supply included
•3-year warrantee

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1.3. Functional Description
The CLT-351R/L Camera LinkTM Translators enable the use of Camera LinkTM cameras
with frame grabbers incorporating traditional parallel RS-422 and LVDS digital interfaces.
Block diagrams of the CLT-351R and CLT-351L are provided in Figures 1-1 and 1-2,
respectively. The CLT-351R is intended for use with RS-422 frame grabbers, and the
CLT-351L for use with LVDS (EIA-644) frame grabbers.
The CLT-351R/L camera interface incorporates the connector, signals, pinout, and chipset
in compliance with the Camera LinkTM specification. The CLT-351R/L incorporates the
“base” configuration signal set, consisting of video data, camera control, and serial
communications.
The frame grabber interface outputs video data in parallel digital format using RS-422 or
LVDS, depending on CLT351 version. The interface incorporates a 68-pin SCSI-style
connector and is compatible with the AIA digital interface standard. This feature supports
the use of existing AIA camera cables to connect the CLT351R/L to the frame grabber. In
some cases, a low cost off-the-shelf SCSI cable can be used
RS-422
Receivers
RS-422
Receivers
RS-422
Xmtrs
Channel
Link
Receiver
RS-422
Receiver
LVDS
Transmitter
LVDS Rcvr
To Camera Link
TM
Camera
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link LVDS Xmtr
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link
To RS-422 Frame Grabber
CLT-351R Camera Link
TM
Translator
Pixel
Alignment
Polarity
Select
Phase
Shifter
Pixel Data
Frame Valid,
Line Valid
Clock
Mode Select Switch
RS-422 Xmtr
RS-422 Rcvr
Figure 1-1: CLT-351R Block Diagram

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RS-422
Receivers
RS-422
Receivers
LVDS
Xmtrs
Channel
Link
Receiver
LVDS
Receiver
LVDS
Transmitter
LVDS Rcvr
To Camera Link
TM
Camera
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link LVDS Xmtr
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link
To LVDS Frame Grabber
CLT-351L Camera Link
TM
Translator
Pixel
Alignment
Polarity
Select
Phase
Shifter
Pixel Data
Frame Valid,
Line Valid
Clock
Mode Select Switch
LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Rcvr
Figure 1-2: CLT-351L: Block Diagram

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A mode switch on the CLT-351R/L rear-panel is used to identify camera data format. The
CLT-351R/L receives Camera LinkTM camera data and maps the pixels into the
corresponding parallel format per the 68-pin AIA digital interface standard. The CLT-
351R/L supports 8/10/12/14/16-bit single-channel, 8/10/12-bit dual-channel, and 8-bit
color Camera LinkTM “base” configuration cameras. Four mode switch positions are used
to indicate camera data format. Switch settings are defined in Section 1.3.1.
Frame grabber timing signal characteristics are selected using the rear-panel mode switch.
One switch position is used to select the polarity of the line valid signal, and a second
switch position is used to select the polarity of the frame valid signal. In most cases, a
“high” state on the line enable and frame enable signals is used to envelope valid lines and
frames of video data, respectively. The settings enable the user to select either active-high
or active-low polarities for each timing signal. Note that the frame enable signal is not
used in line scan applications. Switch settings are defined in Section 1.3.1.
Frame grabber pixel clock characteristics are selected using the rear-panel mode switch.
The CLT-351R/L incorporates a phase shifter to optimize the clock /data timing
relationship for the frame grabber being used. Two switch positions are used to select
pixel clock phase shift. In most cases, the 0 degree phase shift setting is used which
centers the rising edge of the pixel clock within the valid pixel/timing data interval.
Alternatively, clock phase shifts of 90, 180, and 270 degrees are supported. The pixel
clock phase shifter characteristics are illustrated in Figure 1-3. Switch settings are defined
in Section 1.3.1.
Pixel Clock w/ 0
o
shift
Pixel Data &
Timing Signals Valid Pixel & Timing Data
Pixel Clock w/ 90
o
shift
Pixel Clock w/ 180
o
shift
Pixel Clock w/ 270
o
shift
Figure 1-3: Pixel Clock Phase Options
The CLT-351R/L receives up-to four camera control signals from the frame grabber in
RS-422 or LVDS, depending on CLT-351 version. The camera control signals are then

7
retransmitted to the Camera LinkTM camera using LVDS signaling. When the CLT-
351R/L is operated in one of the single-channel modes (1x8, 1x10, 1x12, 1x14, 1x16), all
four camera control signals are received from the frame grabber and routed to the camera.
In the dual-channel (2x8, 2x10, 2x12) and color (3x8) modes, the number of camera
control lines in the frame grabber’s AIA interface is reduced to allow for added pixel data.
In dual-channel and color modes, only one camera control signal (CC1) is supported.
The CLT-351R/L routes the serial communication signals between the camera and the
frame grabber. This supports host computer access to mode control and status registers in
the Camera LinkTM camera via the serial link built-into the AIA interface. The CLT-
351R/L camera interface incorporates LVDS devices for the serial communication signals.
The frame grabber interface serial signals are implemented using LVDS or RS-422
devices, depending on CLT-351 version.
The CLT-351R/L is powered by an external wall plug-in power supply (included).

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1.3.1. Mode Switch Settings
The CLT-351R/L incorporates a rear-panel mode select switch. The switch allows
the user to identify pixel data, timing signal, and clock characteristics. The mode
switch has eight positions. The functional assignments are defined in Figure 1-4.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0 0
0 1
1 1
1 0
- 0
o
(most common)
- 90
o
- 180
o
- 270
o
Clock Phase Shifter
Frame Valid Polarity
0
1
- active-high (most common)
- active-low
0 = "down" switch position
1 = "up" switch position
Line Valid Polarity
0
1
- active-high (most common)
- active-low
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0
0 0 1 1
0 1 0 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
1 1 0 1
1 1 0 1
- 8-bit, single-channel
- 10-bit, single-channel
- 12-bit, single-channel
- 14-bit, single-channel
- 16-bit, single-channel
- 8-bit, dual-channel
- 10-bit, dual-channel
- 12-bit, dual-channel
- 8-bit, color (8x3)
Pixel Data Format
Figure 1-4: CLT-351R/L Mode Switch Definition

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1.4. Typical Application
A typical CLT-351R/L application is shown in Figure 1-5. A Camera LinkTM camera is
connected to the CLT-351R using a standard Camera LinkTM cable. The CLT-351R is
then connected to the frame grabber using an existing camera cable incorporating the
AIA-standard 68-pin connector.
Note: If the frame grabber incorporates the AIA interface and supports the serial link, a
standard low-cost SCSI cable may be used between the camera and the CLT-351R
The Camera LinkTM “base” configuration camera in this example is, 8-bit, dual-channel,
area-scan with a 20MHz pixel clock.
The RS-422 frame grabber is programmed for area-scan, dual-channel, 8-bit mode. The
frame enable and line enable timing signals are conventional active-high, and data is
sampled using the rising clock edge. The pixel clock rate is set at 20MHz and video
timing is set to match camera characteristics.
Camera control signal CC1 is routed from the frame grabber, through the CLT-351R, to
the camera for use as an EXSYNC pulse, exposure control, etc. If a serial port is built-into
the frame grabber, it may be used to control and monitor camera functions. In some cases,
the camera cable between the frame grabber and the CLT-351R may break-out the serial
signals for connection to a separate serial communications port in the PC.
RS-422
Frame Grabber
CLT-351R
Camera Link
TM
Translator
Existing Camera Cable
or
Standard SCSI Cable
Camera Link
TM
Cable
V ivid E ngineering Camera Link Translator CLT-351R
RS-422 FRAME GRABBERCAMERA
Camera Link
TM
Camera
Figure 1-5: CLT-351R/L Typical Application

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0 0 - 0
o
(most common)
Clock Phase Shifter
Frame Valid Polarity
0 - active-high (most common)
0 = "down" switch position
1 = "up" switch position
Line Valid Polarity
0
1
- active-high (most common)
1 0 0 0 - 8-bit, dual-channel
Pixel Data Format
Figure 1-6: Example Mode Settings

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1.5. Specifications
Table 1-1: CLT-351R/L Specifications
Feature Specification
Camera Interface Camera LinkTM Spec “base” configuration
Camera Connector 26-pin MDR type
Frame Grabber Interface
AIA digital interface standard
- “R” version = RS-422
- “L” version = LVDS (EIA-644)
Frame Grabber Connector 68-pin HD type (SCSI-3)
Frequency Range 20 - 66 MHz (“L” version)
20 - 32 MHz (“R” version)
Mode Selection Rear-panel 8-position DIP switch
Chipset National Semi. DS90CR286A
Power Supply External 6 VDC Wall Transformer
Power Jack 2.1 x 5.5 mm, center-positive
Power Requirements - “R” version = 1100 mA at 6 VDC (typical)
- “L” version = 400 mA at 6 VDC (typical)
Cabinet Dimensions 5.28” (L) x 1.12” (H) x 6.13” (D)
Weight 14 oz
Operating Temperature Range 0 to 50° C
Storage Temperature Range -25 to 75° C
Relative Humidity 0 to 90%, non-condensing

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2. Interface
2.1. Front Panel Connections
A CLT-351R/L Camera LinkTM Translator front panel is shown in Figure 2-1 (CLT-351R
shown). The front panel contains two video connectors; one for connecting to the camera
and one for connecting to the frame grabber.
The camera connector is a 26-pin MDR type (MDR-26), 3M p/n 10226-55G3PC as
specified in the Camera LinkTM Spec. Figure 2-2 identifies the MDR-26 pin positions.
The frame grabber connector is a 68-pin SCSI-3 type (HD68), Tyco p/n 5787170-7.
Figure 2-3 identifies the HD68 pin positions.
V ivid E ngineering Camera Link Translator CLT-351R
RS-422 FRAME GRABBERCAMERA
Figure 2-1: CLT-351R Front Panel

13
pin 1pin 13
pin 14pin 26
Figure 2-2: MDR-26 Connector Pin Positions
pin 1pin 34
pin 35pin 68
Figure 2-3: HD68 Connector Pin Positions

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2.1.1. Camera Connector Signals
The MDR-26 camera connector signal assignment is compliant with the Camera
LinkTM Specification for the “base” configuration.
Table 2-1 identifies the signal assignment for the MDR-26 camera connector.
Note that the connector pin assignments are as defined for the frame grabber
interface in the Camera LinkTM Specification. This provides compatibility with
standard Camera LinkTM cables
2.1.2. Frame Grabber Connector Signals
The HD68 frame grabber connector signal assignments are compatible with the AIA
digital interface standard. The signal assignment is determined by the pixel data
format, indicated with the mode switch.
Tables 2-2 through 2-6 identify the HD68 frame grabber connector signal assignment
for single-channel pixel data modes (1x8, 1x10, 1x12, 1x14, and 1x16). Tables 2-7
through 2-9 identify the signal assignment for dual-channel modes (2x8, 2x10, 2x12),
and Table 2-10 identifies the signal assignment for color mode (3x8).
Note that in the single channel modes, the CLT-351R/L receives four camera control
signals from the frame grabber (CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4) and retransmits the signals to
the camera. In the dual-channel and color modes, the CLT-351R/L only receives and
retransmits CC1.

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2.1.3. Cable Shield Grounding
Camera and frame grabber cable “outer” shields are connected to the CLT-351R/L
aluminum case. Case and endplate contacting surfaces are unpainted, providing a
Faraday cage to shield internal circuitry. The case is isolated from the CLT-351R/L
circuitry and the cable “inner” shields, avoiding possible safety concerns.
The frame grabber cable “inner” shield connects to circuit digital ground, maintaining
signal reference levels between the CLT-351R/L and the frame grabber.
The Camera LinkTM Specification recommends that a provision be incorporated into
frame grabbers that enable the inner shields be tied to digital ground either directly, or
through a parallel R/C network. In the CLT-351R/L, the camera connector represents
the Camera LinkTM frame grabber interface. To incorporate this flexibility, the CLT-
351R/L ties the inner shields from the camera connector to digital ground through 0-
ohm resistors. If necessary, the 0-ohm resistors may be replaced with a parallel RC
network.

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Table 2-1: Camera Connector
Camera LinkTM
Signal Name
Camera
Connector
Pin #
(frame grabber
pinout)
Signal Direction Notes
Inner shield 1 N/A tied to digital ground1
Inner shield 14 N/A tied to digital ground1
X0- 25 CAM →CLT351
X0+ 12 CAM →CLT351
X1- 24 CAM →CLT351
X1+ 11 CAM →CLT351
X2- 23 CAM →CLT351
X2+ 10 CAM →CLT351
Xclk- 22 CAM →CLT351
Xclk+ 9 CAM →CLT351
X3- 21 CAM →CLT351
X3+ 8 CAM →CLT351
SerTC+ 20 CLT351 →CAM serial comm, FG to cam
SerTC- 7 CLT351 →CAM “
SerTFG- 19 CAM →CLT351 serial comm, cam to FG
SerTFG+ 6 CAM →CLT351 “
CC1- 18 CLT351 →CAM
CC1+ 5 CLT351 →CAM
CC2+ 17 CLT351 →CAM single-channel modes only
CC2- 4 CLT351 →CAM “
CC3- 16 CLT351 →CAM single-channel modes only
CC3+ 3 CLT351 →CAM “
CC4+ 15 CLT351 →CAM single-channel modes only
CC4- 2 CLT351 →CAM “
Inner shield 13 N/A tied to digital ground1
Inner shield 26 N/A tied to digital ground1
“FG” = Frame Grabber
1See Section 2.1.3

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Table 2-2: Frame Grabber Connector, 8-bit Single-Channel Mode
Camera Interface
Signal Name
Camera Interface
Connector Pin Signal Direction Notes
Ground 1 N/A
tied to digital ground
Ground 35 N/A
tied to digital ground
A7 +12 CLT351 →FG
A7 -136 CLT351 →FG
A6 + 3 CLT351 →FG
A6 - 37 CLT351 →FG
A5 + 4 CLT351 →FG
A5 - 38 CLT351 →FG
A4 + 5 CLT351 →FG
A4 - 39 CLT351 →FG
A3 + 6 CLT351 →FG
A3 - 40 CLT351 →FG
A2 + 7 CLT351 →FG
A2 - 41 CLT351 →FG
A1 + 8 CLT351 →FG
A1 - 42 CLT351 →FG
A0 + 9 CLT351 →FG
A0 - 43 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 10 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 44 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 11 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 45 CLT351 →FG
Ground 12 N/A
tied to digital ground
Ground 46 N/A
tied to digital ground
Unused Output 13 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 47 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 14 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 48 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 15 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 49 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 16 CLT351 →FG

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Unused Output 50 CLT351 →FG
Not Used 17 N/A
Not Used 51 N/A
Unused Output 18 CLT351 →FG CLT351 outputs logic “0”
Unused Output 52 CLT351 →FG “
Unused Output 19 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 53 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 20 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 54 CLT351 →FG
Unused Output 21 CLT351 →FG CLT351 outputs logic “0”
Unused Output 55 CLT351 →FG “
Serial Control Out + 22 CLT351 →FG serial comm, cam to FG
Serial Control Out - 56 CLT351 →FG “
Serial Control In + 23 FG →CLT351 serial comm, FG to cam
Serial Control In - 57 FG →CLT351 “
Unused Output 24 CLT351 →FG CLT351 outputs logic “0”
Unused Output 58 CLT351 →FG “
Frame Enable + 25 CLT351 →FG “frame valid”
Frame Enable - 59 CLT351 →FG “
Line Enable + 26 CLT351 →FG “line valid”
Line Enable - 60 CLT351 →FG “
Unused Output 27 CLT351 →FG CLT351 outputs logic “0”
Unused Output 61 CLT351 →FG “
Unused Output 28 CLT351 →FG CLT351 outputs logic “0”
Unused Output 62 CLT351 →FG “
Pixel Strobe + 29 CLT351 →FG “pixel clock”
Pixel Strobe - 63 CLT351 →FG “
Mode Control 0 + 30 FG →CLT351 CC1 from FG
Mode Control 0 - 64 FG →CLT351 ”
Mode Control 1 + 31 FG →CLT351 CC2 from FG
Mode Control 1 - 65 FG →CLT351 ”
Mode Control 2 + 32 FG →CLT351 CC3 from FG
Mode Control 2 - 66 FG →CLT351 ”
Mode Control 3 + 33 FG →CLT351 CC4 from FG
Mode Control 3 - 67 FG →CLT351 ”
Ground 34 N/A
tied to digital ground