Camera Link Module Accessory
102-PS242-100-02
Rev100
October 2011
Page 4 of 16
There is also a large amount of information in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the
FLIR website:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/knowledgebase/
. Additionally, a FLIR Applications
Engineer can be contacted at
888.747.FLIR (888.747.3547).
2.0
Camera Link Operation
The Camera Link module is an expansion board for the Tau camera that matches the functionality of the
VPC Module and adds the ability to access digital data via Camera Link connection. The Camera Link
module takes CMOS-type digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to Camera Link.
This module
does not include a Camera Link cable, frame grabber, or capture software.
2.1
Camera Link Module
The Tau Camera is powered through the mini-USB connector with a nominal draw of 180mA at 5VDC
for both the camera and the accessory. There is a peak startup draw of 500mA. The camera uses serial
communication at either 57600 or 921600 Baud by creating a virtual COM Port on your computer for
USB communications. The Baud Rate is selected using auto-Baud and the camera will communicate at
the first Baud Rate in which it receives a command until it is powered off.
Mounting Screws
M1.6 x 0.35 8 mm SHCS
Power Status Light
MCX coaxial
(analog video)
Mini Camera Link
(digital video)
Spacer
3 mm x 3.1 mm
Mini USB
Mounting Screws
M 1.6 x 0.35 x 16 mm
Figure 1: Tau Camera Link Module installed on a Tau 640 camera
The Camera Link Module takes CMOS-type digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to Camera
Link.
In order to use a Camera Link Module for acquisition of data, you will need to first enable the
CMOS XP Bus Output using the FLIR Camera Controller.
This option is found in the FLIR Camera
Controller GUI under Video => Digital Video. In the Camera Controller GUI, you can select either 8-bit
or 14-bit digital output.
2.2
FLIR Camera Controller GUI
The FLIR Camera Controller GUI provides communication between a PC and a Tau camera using either
the USB interface or some other means of serial communication.
