Vivid CAMERA LINK CLM-601 User manual

CLM-601 CAMERA LINKTM MULTIPLEXER
User’s Manual
Document # 200519, Rev 1.0, 09/22/06
Vivid Engineering
418 Boston Turnpike #104 • Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Web www.vividengineering.com

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Overview 1
1.2. Features 3
1.3. Functional Description 4
1.4. Camera Selection 6
1.4.1. Camera Select Switch 7
1.4.2. Baud Rate Switch 9
1.4.3. Serial Control 10
1.4.3.1. RS-232 Serial Port Communication 10
1.4.3.2. Camera LinkTM Serial Communication 12
1.5. Typical Application 13
1.6. Specifications 14
2. Interface 15
2.1. Front Panel Connections 15
2.2. Rear Panel Connections 16
2.2.1. DB9 Connector Signals 17
2.3. Camera Connector Signals 18
2.3.1. Cable Shield Grounding 18
3. Mechanical 20
3.1. Dimensions 20
3.2. External Power Supply 21
4. Regulatory Compliance 22
4.1. FCC Compliance Statement 22

4.2. Canadian Compliance Statement 22
5. Revision History 23

1
1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
The CLM-601 Camera LinkTM 1Multiplexer interfaces up-to four base configuration
Camera LinkTM cameras to one frame grabber using standard Camera LinkTM cables. This
capability supports applications requiring the ability to select between multiple cameras.
The CLM-601 incorporates high-speed (85 MHz) interfaces and works with any base
camera.
The CLM-601 provides multiple camera selection methods including rear-panel switch
settings, Camera LinkTM interface signals (serial or camera control), and an external RS-
232 port. Medium configuration cameras are supported using two CLM-601s in parallel.
Multiple CLM-601s may be cascaded to support more than four cameras.
The CLM-601 Camera LinkTM Multiplexer is housed in a sturdy, compact aluminum
enclosure and is well suited for industrial and OEM applications.
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
WindowsTM is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
HyperTerminalTM is a trademark of Hilgraeve Inc.

2
Camera Link Multiplexer CLM-601
V ivid E ngineering
CAMERA C
CAMERA A CAMERA B
CAMERA D

3
1.2. Features
•Interfaces up-to four cameras to one frame grabber
•High-speed (85 MHz) design supports all base configuration cameras
•Multiple camera selection methods:
oCamera LinkTM interface serial messages
oCamera LinkTM interface Camera Control (CC) signals
oStandard RS-232 port
oFixed selection via switch settings
•Passes all interface signals (video data, serial comm, camera control)
•May be cascaded to support greater than four cameras
•Medium configuration support using two CLM-601s
•LED camera select indicators
•Sturdy, compact aluminum enclosure w/ mounting flange
•Optional external power supply
•RS-232 cable included
•FCC Class A regulatory compliance
•3-year warrantee

4
1.3. Functional Description
A block diagram of the CLM-601 is provided in Figure 1-1. The CLM-601 interfaces up-
to four base configuration Camera LinkTM cameras to one frame grabber using standard
Camera LinkTM cables. This capability supports applications requiring the ability to select
between multiple cameras.
The cameras, denoted A/B/C/D, connect to the front of the CLM-601, and the frame
grabber connects to the rear. The camera selection method is determined by the Camera
Select switch located on the rear panel. The camera selection options are:
•Camera LinkTM serial port messages
•Camera LinkTM Camera Control signals (CC1/CC2 or CC3/CC4)
•External RS-232 serial port messages
•Fixed selection (A,B,C, or D)
When serial communication (Camera LinkTM or RS-232) is used to select the camera, the
data rate is specified via the rear panel baud rate switch.. The baud switch enables the user
to operate the CLM-601 at the same data rate as the camera, so camera and CLM-601
control messages can be combined on the same serial link. More details are provided in
Section 1.4.3.
LED camera select indicators are located next to the camera connectors to identify the
current camera selection.
Multiple CLM-601s may be cascaded to support more than four cameras. Medium
configuration cameras can be supported using two CLM-601s.
The CLM-601 camera and frame grabber interfaces incorporate the connector, signals,
pinout, and chipset in compliance with the Camera LinkTM specification. The CLM-601
incorporates the “base” (single cable) configuration signal set, consisting of video data,
camera control, and serial communications. The CLM-601 incorporates high-speed (85
MHz) interfaces and supports any base configuration camera.
The CLM-601 Camera LinkTM Multiplexer is housed in a sturdy, compact aluminum
enclosure and is well suited for industrial and OEM applications.
The CLM-601 is powered by an external wall plug-in power supply (optional). A null
modem cable for use with the RS-232 port is included.

5
To Camera Link
TM
Cameras (4)
To Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
CLM-601 Camera Link
TM
Multiplexer
LVDS Rcvr
A Video Data
A Camera
Control
A Serial
Comm LVDS Xmtr
Channel
Link
Receiver
LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Rcvr
B Video Data
B Camera
Control
B Serial
Comm LVDS Xmtr
Channel
Link
Receiver
LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Rcvr
C Video Data
C Camera
Control
C Serial
Comm LVDS Xmtr
Channel
Link
Receiver
LVDS Xmtr
LVDS Rcvr
D Video Data
D Camera
Control
D Serial
Comm LVDS Xmtr
Channel
Link
Receiver
LVDS Xmtr
Serial
Port
Mux
LVDS Rcvr
Video
Data
Camera
Control
Serial
Comm
LVDS Xmtr
Channel
Link
Transmitter
LVDS Rcvr
To PC RS-232 Port
RS-232
Mux
Control
3
0
2
4
567
1
3
0
2
4
567
1
Select
Switches
Figure 1-1: CLM-601 Block Diagram

6
1.4. Camera Selection
The CLM-601 supports a variety of camera selection methods. The different methods are
described in the following sections. The camera selection mode is determined by the
camera select switch located on the rear panel. The rear panel also includes a baud rate
switch for use with the serial control modes. The rear-panel switches are shown in Figure
1-2.
BAUD RATE
0 - 2400 4 - 38400
1 - 4800 5 - 57600
2 - 9600 6 - 115200
3 - 19200 7 - 230400
3
0
2
4
567
1
CAMERA SELECT
0 - A 4 - CC 1&2
1 - B 5 - CC 3&4
2 - C 6 - Serial
3 - D 7 - RS-232
3
0
2
4
567
1
Figure 1-2: Rear-Panel Select Switches
Note that camera selection changes are “hard” switches. The camera selection is
performed immediately. As a precaution, care should be used to pause/halt the frame
grabber while the switch is being made to avoid frame grabber malfunction.

7
1.4.1. Camera Select Switch
The Camera select switch provides eight camera selection modes. The camera select
modes are defined in Table 1-1. The selection modes are described in the following
sections.
Table 1-1: Camera Select Modes
Camera Select Switch Mode
0 Camera A
1 Camera B
2 Camera C
3 Camera D
4 Camera Control CC1 & CC2
5 Camera Control CC3 & CC4
6 Camera LinkTM serial link
7 RS-232 serial port
Switch positions 0-3 provide fixed camera A/B/C/D selection. Camera selection is
fixed (static) and is unaffected by the camera control signal states or the serial control
messages.
Switch positions 4-5 enable camera selection based on the states of the Camera
Control (CC) that are part of the Camera LinkTM interface. Camera selection may be
made by CC signals 1&2, or by 3&4. Camera Control signals 3&4 are often unused
by the camera and are available for controlling the multiplexer. Switch position 4
selects the camera based on the states of CC1 & CC2 as shown in Table 1-2. Switch
position 5 selects the camera based on the states of CC3 & CC4 as shown in Table 1-
3. Note that the frame grabber must hold the CC lines in a steady (static) state.

8
Table 1-2: CC1/CC2 Mode (Switch = 4)
CC2 CC1 Mode
0 0 Camera A
0 1 Camera B
1 0 Camera C
1 1 Camera D
Table 1-3: CC3/CC4 Mode (Switch = 5)
CC4 CC3 Mode
0 0 Camera A
0 1 Camera B
1 0 Camera C
1 1 Camera D

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1.4.2. Baud Rate Switch
The serial control modes operate at the data rate identified by the baud rate switch.
The ability to select the baud rate is of particular use when the Camera LinkTM serial
communication link is being used to control both the camera and the CLM-601. The
CLM-601 can be set to operate at the same data rate as the camera, enabling the
transfer of control messages to the camera along with control messages to the CLM-
601. The baud rate switch settings are listed in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4: Baud Rate Settings
Camera Select Switch
Position
Select Mode
0 2400
1 4800
2 9600
3 19200
4 38400
5 57600
6 115200
7 230400

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1.4.3. Serial Control
The serial communication modes (Switch positions 6&7) enable camera selection via
control messages over the Camera LinkTM serial link or through the RS-232 port.
When the Camera Select switch is at position 6, the CLM-601 responds to serial
messages sent over the serial link in the Camera LinkTM interface. When the switch is
in position 7, the CLM-601 responds to serial messages sent via the RS-232 port
located on the rear panel. The CLM-601 incorporates a simple, single-command,
Command Line Interface (CLI) for controlling the CLM-601.
The serial port protocol settings are conventional and are defined in Table 1-5. Note
that the baud rate is determined by the Baud Rate switch. 9600 baud is a common rate
for control applications.
Table 1-5: Serial Port Settings
Port Characteristic
Setting
Rate (bits per second) Per Baud Rate Switch
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Flow Control None
Note that when in the serial control modes, the CLM-601 will default select camera A
following power up.
Slight differences exist between the Camera LinkTM serial link and the RS-232 port,
which will be pointed out in the following sections.
1.4.3.1. RS-232 Serial Port Communication
CLM-601 camera selection is via the rear-panel RS-232 port when the camera
control switch is in position 7. In this mode the CLM-601 is connected to a
control computer RS-232 port. The user can control the CLM-601 using
communications software such as HyperTerminalTM which is included in the
WindowsTM operating systems.

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The RS-232 serial port incorporates a standard 9-pin D-Sub (DB9) connector.
Connector information is provided in Section 2-2. A null modem cable is
included for connecting the CLM-601 to a PC serial port.
When in RS-232 mode, the CLM-601 will send the following message to the RS-
232 port upon power-up:
CLM-601 Camera Link Multiplexer CLI
Vivid Engineering
Rev 1.0
Note that Camera A will be selected by default following power-up.
The CLM-601 echoes-back all characters received via the RS-232 while in RS-
232 mode.
CLM-601 camera selection is controlled via the ASCII CAM_MUX control
message of the following form:
CAM_MUX x<CR>
Where “x” is the character A,B,C,D or ?, and “<CR>” is a carriage return (i.e.
RETURN or ENTER on a PC keyboard). . The message must be exactly as
shown with one space between “CAM_MUX” and the “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, or
“?”. The message must be immediately followed by a RETURN (i.e. carriage
return). The CLM-601 does not support the inclusion of additional spaces,
backspace, delete, etc. When “A-D” are entered, the CLM-601 will immediately
change selection to the corresponding camera. When “?” is entered, the CLM-
601 will respond by returning the current camera selection (A-D).
The message is not case sensitive. Below are a few examples of valid camera
selection command messages:
CAM_MUX B
cam_mux C
Cam_Mux d
The following message is an example of a camera selection query in which the
CLM-601 returns the currently selected camera, “A”, “B”. “C”, or “D” on the
following line:

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Cam_Mux ?
A
1.4.3.2. Camera LinkTM Serial Communication
CLM-601 camera selection is controlled via the serial communication link in
Camera LinkTM interface when the camera control switch is in position 6. In this
mode, the CLM-601 is controlled via a serial port in the frame grabber. Consult
your frame grabber documentation for information about accessing the port.
Controlling the CLM-601 via the Camera LinkTM serial link is similar to RS-232
control described in the prior section, except the communication link is
unidirectional. The CLM-601 receives the camera control message described,
but does not return any messages to the frame grabber. The CLM-601 will not
echo received characters, issue the startup message, or support camera query
while in this mode. This restriction avoids potential communication conflicts
between the camera and the CLM-601 and ensures that the camera control
functions normally.

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1.5. Typical Application
A typical CLM-601 Camera LinkTM Multiplexer application is shown in Figure 1-3. Four
different base-configuration cameras are connected to the multiplexer using standard
Camera LinkTM cables. Another standard cable is used to connect the multiplexer to the
frame grabber. Any combination of base configuration cameras may be used including
newer high-speed (85 MHz) types.
In this example the CLM-601 RS-232 port is unconnected. Camera selection is being
made using either the Camera LinkTM interface camera control signals (CC1/CC2 or
CC3/CC4) or the Camera LinkTM interface serial link.
Note that camera selection changes are “hard” switches. The camera selection is
performed immediately. As a precaution, care should be used to pause/halt the frame
grabber while the switch is being made to avoid frame grabber malfunction.
Camera Link
TM
Cameras
CLM-601
Camera Link
TM
Multiplexer
Standard Camera Link
TM
Cables
Camera Link
TM
Frame Grabber
Camera Link Multiplexer CLM-601
V ivid E ngineering
CAMERAC
CAMERA A CAMERA B
CAMERA D
Figure 1-3: CLM-601 Typical Application

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1.6. Specifications
Table 1-6: CLM-601 Specifications
Feature Specification
Camera Interface Camera LinkTM Spec “base” configuration
Camera Connectors 26-pin MDR type (5)
Frequency Range 20 - 85 MHz
Serial Port Interface RS-232
Serial Port Connector Male 9-pin D-Sub (DB9)
Serial Port Cable 3 meter DB9 female - DB9 female null modem cable
Chipset National Semi. DS90CR287 / DS90CR288A
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, 400 mA (typical)
Cabinet Dimensions 5.28” (L) x 2.08” (H) x 6.12” (D)
Weight 22 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 CLM-601 Camera LinkTM Multiplexer front panel is shown in Figure 2-1. The front
panel contains four video connectors for connecting to the cameras, and four LEDs to
identify the selected camera.
The MDR-26 connector is a 3M device as specified in the Camera LinkTM Spec. Figure 2-
2 identifies the MDR-26 pin positions.
Camera Link Multiplexer CLM-601
V ivid E ngineering
CAMERA C
CAMERA A CAMERA B
CAMERA D
Figure 2-1: CLM-601 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 CLM-601 Camera LinkTM Multiplexer rear panel is shown in Figure 2-3. The rear
panel contains a 26-pin MDR video connector for connecting to the frame grabber, the
RS-232 port connector, two select switches, and a DC power jack.
The MDR-26 connector is a 3M device as specified in the Camera LinkTM Spec.
The RS-232 serial port connector is a standard 9-pin male D-Sub type (DB9). Figure 2-4
identifies the DB9 pin positions.
The Camera Select and Baud Rate select switches are 8-position rotary style. The
switches are recessed to avoid inadvertent changes. A small screwdriver is suggested for
changing switch positions.
DC power jack accepts 5-7 volts DC. Polarity is center-positive.
FRAME GRABBER 5-7 VDC
RS-232
CAMERA SELECT
0 - A 4 - CC 1&2
1 - B 5 - CC 3&4
2 - C 6 - Serial
3 - D 7 - RS-232
BAUD RATE
0 - 2400 4 - 38400
1 - 4800 5 - 57600
2 - 9600 6 - 115200
3 - 19200 7 - 230400
3
0
2
4
567
13
0
2
4
567
1
Figure 2-3: CLM-601 Rear Panel
pin 1 pin 5
pin 6 pin 9
Figure 2-4: DB9 Connector Pin Positions

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2.2.1. DB9 Connector Signals
The DB9 connector signal assignments are compliant with the RS-232 serial interface
standard. Table 2-1 identifies the DB9 signal assignments.
Table 2-1: DB9 Connector
RS-232
Signal Name
DB9 Pin# Signal Direction Notes
Received Line Signal Detect 1 N/A tied to pins 4 & 6
Received Data 2 PC →CLM-601
Transmitted Data 3 CLM-601 →PC
Data Terminal Ready 4 N/A tied to pins 1 & 6
Signal Ground (common) 5 N/A tied to digital ground
DCE Ready 6 N/A tied to pins 1 & 4
Request To Send 7 N/A tied to pin 8
Clear To Send 8 N/A tied to pin 7
Ring Indicator 9 N/A no connection
“PC” = Control PC, workstation, or terminal