USER’S MANUAL & REFERENCE GUIDE: FFM4027D/Multi
Narragansett Imaging
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www.nimaging.com
Firmware
The microcontroller has in-circuit reprogrammable code storage memory. The
memory can be reprogrammed via the Camera Link serial port. This same memory
is used for storing the configuration of the camera’s programmable logic and is field
reprogrammable as well. These features facilitate custom applications and future
enhancements.
All programmable settings are accessed via the Camera Link serial interface and all
settings can be queried for their current state. Both factory-original and user-
defined default settings are stored in the camera in non-volatile memory.
A simple ASCII protocol is used to communicate with the camera via the Camera
Link serial interface. This is described in the document FFM3020D/Multi Hardware
Manual and Programmer’s Guide. The protocol is compatible with Camera Link serial
port drivers offered by frame grabber manufactures. Narragansett’s FFM/Multi
Windows application currently works with National Instruments and Bitflow frame
grabbers. Other frame grabbers can be easily adapted. Further, Narragansett
makes available the application’s C++ source code for those users wanting to
develop their own control software.
The FFM4027D/Multi employs an 8051 8-bit microcontroller with a built-in USB
interface. While the USB interface is not used for controlling the camera or
transferring images, it is helpful for firmware development. Microcontroller firmware
can be developed using one of many popular C compilers/debuggers available for the
8051 family.
Mechanics
The Video Processing, Timing, and Power Boards attach in a pancake manner using
mezzanine connectors. The Video and Sensor Boards connect via two flex cable
