6 Data Interface
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6
Data Interface
The IRC-320 camera models are based on an internal Camera Link Base interface. In the following
paragraphs first the Camera Link interface is described. To better understand the Gigabit Ethernet
version it is important to note, that this camera internally uses Camera Link compatible signals also.
The adaptation to Gigabit Ethernet is done by a third party Camera Link frame grabber that is inside
the camera. Thus many of the properties mentioned in conjunction to the Camera Link interface are
also valid for the Gigabit Ethernet interface.
6.1
Camera Link
Camera Link is an interface for the transfer of digital video data. The standard defines data transfer on
a physical base and determines connectors, cables and components for transmission and reception.
Three different configurations (base, medium and full) are available, distinguishing between the
numbers of parallel transferred data bits. While the base configuration is able to operate with one
cable, for the medium and the full configuration two cables between camera and grabber are
necessary.
The transmission components apply the so called “Channel Link” technology. 28 parallel data bits
each are serialized in a ratio of 7:1 and transferred in connection with the clock signal via altogether
five differential signal pairs. By using LVDS, net clock rates up to 85 MHz can be achieved and cable
lengths up to 10 m are possible. Moreover four different control signals for camera control (CC1 –
CC4) from the grabber to the camera are available as well as a bi-directional serial communication
channel which is also designed differential. The following drawing illustrates the Camera Link signals
in the basic configuration which is used internal in the IRC-320.
FVAL, LVAL,
DVAL, SP
Port A, B, C
(3 x 8 Bits)
PCLK
CC1
CC2
CC3
CC4
SerTFG
SerTC
DS90CR287
X0
X1
X2
X3
CLKX
CC1
CC2
CC3
CC4
SerTFG
SerTC
FVAL, LVAL,
DVAL, SP
Port A, B, C
(3 x 8 Bits)
PCLK
CC1
CC2
CC3
CC4
SerTFG
SerTC
X0
X1
X2
X3
CLKX
CC1
CC2
CC3
CC4
SerTFG
SerTC
Camera
Cable
Grabber
VDS Vosskühler GmbH
IRC-320