20
Camera Operation & Features
Document No.: 04646-01
PixeLINK PL-A780
MACHINE VISION CAMERA
SYSTEM GUIDE
Copyright © 2004 PixeLINK
All Rights Reserved
4.5 Mounting
Bottom Mount
As shown in Figure 12 on page 18 there are four M3 threaded holes on the bottom of the
PL-A780 Camera. These holes can be used to attach the camera to an optional ¼-20 thread
mounting plate (available from your PixeLINK vendor) or to mount the camera to a custom
fixture.
Sensor-Face Mount
As shown in Figure 11 on page 18, there are four M3 threaded holes surrounding the C-
mount. These holes can be used to mount the Camera to a custom fixture.
Thermal Considerations
The camera dissipates 5 W. Heat affects image quality and results in visible pixel noise. For
optimal image quality and performance, consider heat dissipation when mounting the
camera. The camera should be mounted on a metal plate or fixture using the mounting holes
on the front or bottom surface. The plate should provide a conduction path to remove the
heat from the camera body. The tripod mount accessory is not an adequate mounting plate
for this purpose. Clearances for airflow will also help dissipate heat. The PL-A780 has an
internal temperature sensor that can be used to determine if the heat dissipation is adequate.
With good heat sinking, the sensor should be around 5º above the ambient temperature.
4.6 Electrical Connections
The PL-A782 Camera has the following connectors on the back, as shown in Figure 10 on
page 18.
•
2 six-pin FireWire Connectors—Combined power, data, and control signals
•
A six-pin Hirose connector—Trigger and strobe
4.6.1 FireWire – Power, Data & Control
The PL-A780 has two six-pin FireWire connectors (ports), allowing several devices to be
daisy-chained. The FireWire cable carries image data, power and control signals.
The connectors are compatible with both regular and harness-type (latching) FireWire plugs.
You do not need to power down the computer to connect or disconnect a camera, nor do you
need to reboot after this is done.
Single camera connection:
The FireWire connectors are functionally identical. Either one
of them can be used for a single connection. Do not make more than one connection
between the camera and the computer—the equipment will not be able to communicate
properly and the system can crash.
Multiple camera connections:
When connecting multiple cameras, do not create a
functional loop. The number of cameras that may be managed simultaneously depends on
the total bandwidth and may be limited by power availability and the processing capabilities of
the host computer.
