Chapter 1
Introduction
1-2
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Synchronizing several functions to a common trigger or timing event can
be a challenge with image acquisition devices. The IMAQ 1426 uses the
Real-Time System Integration (RTSI) bus to solve this problem.
The RTSI bus uses the National Instruments RTSI bus interface and ribbon
cable to route additional timing and trigger signals between the IMAQ 1426
and up to four National Instruments DAQ, motion control, or IMAQ
devices. The RTSI bus can also synchronize multiple IMAQ hardware
captures.
Refer to the
IMAQ PCI-1426 Specifications
for detailed specifications of
the IMAQ 1426.
Camera Link
This section provides a brief overview of the Camera Link standard. Refer
to the
Specifications of the Camera Link Interface Standard for Digital
Cameras and Frame Grabbers
manual for more detailed information about
Camera Link specifications. This manual is available on several Web sites,
including the Automated Imaging Association site at
www.machinevisiononline.org
.
Overview
Developed by a consortium of camera and image acquisition device
manufacturers, Camera Link is a standard for interfacing digital cameras
with image acquisition devices. Camera Link simplifies connectivity
between the image acquisition device and the camera by defining a single
standard connector for both. This standard ensures physical compatibility
of devices bearing the Camera Link logo.
The basis for the Camera Link standard is the National Semiconductor
Channel Link chipset, a data transmission method consisting of a
general-purpose transmitter/receiver pair. The Channel Link driver takes
28 bits of parallel digital data and a clock and serializes the stream to
four LVDS (EIA-644) data streams and an LVDS clock, providing
high-speed data transmission across 10 wires and over distances of up
to 10 m.