Vivid CAMERA LINK CLV-401 User manual

CLV-401 CAMERA LINKTM VIDEO SPLITTER
User’s Manual
Document # 200205, Rev 1.2, 6/12/2006
Vivid Engineering
418 Boston Turnpike #104 • Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.vividengineering.com • [e-mail]

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Overview 1
1.2. Features 2
1.3. Functional Description 3
1.4. Typical Applications 5
1.4.1. Standard Base Application 5
1.4.2. Medium Application 6
1.4.3. Cascaded Application 7
1.5. Specifications 8
2. Interface 9
2.1. Front Panel Connections 9
2.2. Rear Panel Connections 10
2.3. Video Connector Signals 10
2.4. Cable Shield Grounding 11
3. Mechanical 13
3.1. Dimensions 13
3.2. External Power Supply 14
4. Regulatory Compliance 15
4.1. FCC Compliance Statement 15
4.2. Canadian Compliance Statement 15
4.3. EU Notice (European Union) 15
5. Revision History 16

1
1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
The CLV-401 Camera LinkTM1Video Splitter interfaces one Camera LinkTM camera to
two frame grabbers using standard Camera LinkTM cables. This arrangement enables the
addition of a second frame grabber for functions such as camera setup, secondary/parallel
processing, and monitoring.
One frame grabber acts as master (i.e. primary) and provides control and communications
to the camera. The secondary (slave) frame grabber receives camera video data only. The
CLV-401 supports the Camera LinkTM “base” configuration. “Medium” configuration
applications are supported using two CLV-401s. Multiple CLV-401s may be cascaded to
support 4 or 8 frame grabbers.
The CLV-401 Camera Link TM Video Splitter is housed in a sturdy, compact aluminum
enclosure and is well suited for industrial environments.
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
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
Camera LinkTM is a trademark of the Automated Imaging Association

2
1.2. Features
•Interfaces one camera to two frame grabbers
•Second frame grabber can be used for camera setup, processing, monitoring, etc
•Uses standard Camera LinkTM cables (not included)
•Supports Camera LinkTM “base” configurations
•“Medium” configuration support using two CLV-401s
•Also acts as a repeater, doubling max distance between camera and frame grabber
•Sturdy, compact aluminum enclosure w/ mounting flange
•FCC, Canadian, and CE Regulatory Compliance
•3-year warrantee

3
1.3. Functional Description
A block diagram of the CLV-401 is provided in Figure 1-1. The CLV-401 interfaces one
camera to two frame grabbers. One frame grabber is the master (primary), and one frame
grabber is slave (secondary).
Channel
Link
Receiver
Channel
Link
Transmitter
LVDS
Receiver
LVDS
Transmitter
LVDS Rcvr
To Camera LinkTM Camera
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Rcvr
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
Link
To Camera LinkTM
Frame Grabber (Master)
CLV-401 Camera LinkTM Video Splitter
Channel
Link
Transmitter
Video
Data
To Camera LinkTM
Frame Grabber (Slave)
Figure 1-1: CLV-401 Block Diagram
The interface between the camera and the master frame grabber contains the entire
Camera LinkTM signal set defined in the Camera Link Specification for “base”
configurations. This consists of video data, camera control, and serial communications.
The master frame grabber receives video data from the camera, and can also control and
communicate with the camera.
The interface between the camera and the slave frame grabber contains only the video data
signals. The slave frame grabber receives video data, but cannot control or communicate
with the camera.

4
Since the CLV-401 regenerates all signals, it also acts as a repeater and supports an
additional 10 meters of separation between camera and frame grabbers(s) using standard
Camera LinkTM cables.
The CLV-401 is also compatible with the second Camera LinkTM cable used in the
“medium” configuration, enabling a pair of CLV-401s to be used in parallel to support
medium configuration applications.
The CLV-401 is powered by an external wall plug-in power supply.

5
1.4. Typical Applications
1.4.1. Standard Base Application
A standard CLV-401 base application is shown in Figure 1-2. A Camera LinkTM base
configuration camera is connected to a single CLV-401 via a standard Camera LinkTM
cable. Two additional Camera LinkTM cables are then used to connect the CLV-401
to the master and slave Camera LinkTM frame grabbers.
The master frame grabber provides camera control and communications, and
performs the primary processing functions. The slave frame grabber cannot control or
communicate with the camera, but may be used for parallel processing, secondary
processing, camera setup, monitoring, etc.
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
Camera Link
TM
Camera
Master
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
CLV-401
Camera Link
TM
Video Splitter
Standard Camera Link
TM
Cables
Slave
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Figure 1-2: CLV-401 Standard Application (Base)

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1.4.2. Medium Application
A CLV-401 medium application is shown in Figure 1-3. Medium configurations, in
which two cables connect the camera to the frame grabber, are supported using two
CLV-401s in parallel. A Camera LinkTM medium configuration camera is connected
to two CLV-401s via a pair of standard Camera LinkTM cables. Four additional
Camera LinkTM cables are then used to connect the CLV-401s to the master and slave
Camera LinkTM frame grabbers.
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Camera Link Vi deo
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
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Camera Link Vide o
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
Camera Link
TM
Camera
(Medium Config)
Master
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
CLV-401 Camera Link
TM
Video Splitters (2)
Slave
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Figure 1-3: CLV-401 “Medium” Application

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1.4.3. Cascaded Application
Multiple CLV-401s may be cascaded to support four or eight frame grabbers. An
application in which three CLV-401s are cascaded to interface four frame grabbers to
a Camera LinkTM base configuration camera is shown in Figure 1-4. Seven standard
Camera LinkTM cables are used to interconnect the equipment. Note that one frame
grabber is the master, and all remaining frame grabbers are slaves.
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRAB BER
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
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Camera L ink Vide o
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
Camera Link
TM
Camera
Master
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
CLV-401 Camera Link
TM
Video Splitters (3)
Slave
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Slave
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Slave
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Figure 1-4: CLV-401 Cascaded Application

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1.5. Specifications
Table 1-1: CLV-401 Specifications
Feature Specification
Video Interfaces Camera Link Spec “base” configuration
Video Connectors 26-pin MDR type
Frequency Range 20 - 66 MHz
Chipset National Semi. DS90CR285 / DS90CR286A
Power Supply Optional US/Europe Transformer w/ Outlet Plug Set
Power Jack 2.1 x 5.5 mm, center-positive
Power Requirements 5-7 VDC, 350 mA (typical)
Cabinet Dimensions 5.28” (L) x 1.18” (H) 6.12” (D)
Weight 13 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
The CLV-401 Camera LinkTM Video Splitter front panel is shown in Figure 2-1. The front
panel contains two 26-pin MDR video connectors; one for connecting to the camera and
one for connecting to the master frame grabber. The MDR-26 connectors are 3M p/n
10226-55G3VC as specified in the Camera Link Spec. Figure 2-2 identifies the MDR-26
pin positions.
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
Figure 2-1: CLV-401 Front Panel
pin 1pin 13
pin 14pin 26
Figure 2-2: MDR-26 Connector Pin Positions

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2.2. Rear Panel Connections
The CLV-401 Camera LinkTM Video Splitter rear panel is shown in Figure 2-3. The rear
panel contains the 26-pin MDR video connector for the slave frame grabber, a power on
indicator, on-off switch, and DC power jack. DC power jack accepts 5-7 volts DC.
Polarity is center-positive.
The MDR-26 connector is 3M p/n 10226-55G3VC as specified in the Camera Link Spec.
Figure 2-2 identifies the MDR-26 pin positions.
SLAVE FRAME GRABBER POWER 5-7 VDC
ON
OFF
Figure 2-3: CLV-401 Rear Panel
2.3. Video Connector Signals
The MDR-26 video connector signal assignments comply with the Camera LinkTM “base”
configuration. The camera connector signal assignments correspond to the frame grabber
interface defined in the Camera Link Specification. Conversely, the frame grabber
connector assignments are as defined for the camera interface in the Camera Link
Specification. This arrangement provides compatibility with standard Camera LinkTM
cables.
Table 2-1 identifies the signal assignments for the MDR-26 video connectors.

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2.4. Cable Shield Grounding
Camera and frame grabber cable “outer” shields are connected to the CLV-401 aluminum
case. The case is isolated from the CLV-401 circuitry and the cable “inner” shields.
The frame grabber cable “inner” shield connects to circuit digital ground, maintaining
signal reference levels between the CLV-401 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 CLV-401, the camera connector represents the Camera LinkTM
frame grabber interface. To incorporate this flexibility, the CLV-401 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: MDR-26 Connector Assignments
Camera Link Signal
Name
Camera
Connector
Pin #
(frame grabber
pinout)
Frame Grabber
Connectors
Pin #
(camera pinout)
Signal Direction
Inner shield 1 1 N/A
Inner shield 14 14 N/A
X0- 25 2 CAM →FG
X0+ 12 15 CAM →FG
X1- 24 3 CAM →FG
X1+ 11 16 CAM →FG
X2- 23 4 CAM →FG
X2+ 10 17 CAM →FG
Xclk- 22 5 CAM →FG
Xclk+ 9 18 CAM →FG
X3- 21 6 CAM →FG
X3+ 8 19 CAM →FG
SerTC+ 20 7 FG →CAM1
SerTC- 7 20 FG →CAM1
SerTFG- 19 8 CAM →FG2
SerTFG+ 6 21 CAM →FG2
CC1- 18 9 FG →CAM1
CC1+ 5 22 FG →CAM1
CC2+ 17 10 FG →CAM1
CC2- 4 23 FG →CAM1
CC3- 16 11 FG →CAM1
CC3+ 3 24 FG →CAM1
CC4+ 15 12 FG →CAM1
CC4- 2 25 FG →CAM1
Inner shield 13 13 N/A
Inner shield 26 26 N/A
“FG” = Frame Grabber, “CAM” = Camera
1 Unused input on slave interface, 100-ohm signal termination provided
2 Unused output on slave interface, no internal connection

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3. Mechanical
3.1. Dimensions
The CLV-401 Camera LinkTM Video splitter cabinet dimensions are shown in Figure 3-1.
The CLV-401 is housed in a sturdy aluminum enclosure. The body is extruded aluminum,
with detachable front and rear endplates. The enclosure incorporates a mounting flange.
The flange contains four predrilled holes (0.15” diameter) for convenient equipment
mounting. A mounting hole template drawing is provided in Figure 3-2.
5.28"
1.18"
6.12" (including mounting flange)
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Camera Link Video
Splitter
CLV-401
CAMERA MASTER FRAME GRABBER
Figure 3-1: CLV-401 Cabinet Dimensions

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6.12"
5.28"
(Front )
(Rear)
5.00"
5.62"
Mounting Holes (4): 0.15" dia
Figure 3-2: Mounting Hole Template
3.2. External Power Supply
The CLV-401 is powered by 5-7 VDC and incorporates a standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC
power jack. Power plug polarity is center-positive.
The optional multi-nation wall-mount power supply handles a wide power range (90-264
VAC, 47-63 Hz) and comes with a set of outlet plugs suitable for most countries (US,
Europe, UK, etc).
The CLV-401 is protected by an internal resettable fuse.

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4. Regulatory Compliance
4.1. FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide a
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his/her own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
4.2. Canadian Compliance Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
4.3. EU Notice (European Union)
Warning: This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
This device complies with EC Directive 89/336/EEC for a Class A digital device. It has
been tested and found to comply with EN55022, EN55024, and EN61326.

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5. Revision History
Table 5-1: CLV-401 User’s Manual Revision History
Document ID # Date Changes
200205-prelim 3/18/04 Preliminary release of manual
200205-1.0 4/26/04 Initial release of manual
200205-1.1 8/10/04 CE compliance, power supply optional
200205-1.2 6/12/06 Updated enclosure