Camera Link data transmission specifications

[Yshushan]

Hi,
I want to design an interface for a digital camera using the Camera Link standart. However, I am unable to determine constraints regarding time delays allowed between the different control lines (FVAL, LVAL, PVAL). To be more specific when I want to increase integration\exposure time by creating a delay between frames I recieve an error. I'd appreciate any new knowledge or link to relevant information.
Thanx
Yonatan.

[MarcoPolo5]

Yonatan,

The specs you are looking for should be outlined in the Camera Link 1.1 spec book which is available for purchase at:

http://www.machinevisiononline.org/public/articles/articlesdetails.cfm?id=2028

However, a basic answer to your question is:

FVAL is going to be high for the duration of the frame - and is high at or before 1st LVAL signal and should fall low at or after last LVAL of frame, but not into next LVAL pulse.

DVAL normally will look like an AND function of LVAL and FVAL - this is true when data is being transferred every clock signal.

If you did want to add in delays, you could do it during the line blanking (or when LVAL is low) by keeping LVAL low, however you must ensure that FVAL does not go high while LVAL is high, it must go high only during a line blanking period or at the same time LVAL goes high.

Again, if this is unclear, the Camera Link Spec document should be more specific about this. Good luck with your project!

[Yshushan]

Thanx Marc, I'll give it a try.

[Yshushan]

Marc,
I'm using National Instrument's PCI-IMAQ 1428. Is it compatible with the Camera Link 1.1? I still haven't purchased the specifications you directed me to, as I am not sure that is what I am looking for. I need exact timing spec's (unlike what you can get from the IMAQ's user manual or from the AIA free notes of the Camer Link standart - http://www.machinevisiononline.org/public/articles/Pulnix_CameraLink5_Specs.pdf).
Another thing I would like to add is that preferably I wish to avoid inserting the delay between lines as it will probably make the picture look stretched.
Thanx in advance for any further help,

Yonatan Shushan
VLSI Systems Center
BGU.

[MarcoPolo5]

Yonatan,

The PCI-1428 will be compatible with the Camera Link 1.1 spec. In the specifications manual you will find all the timing diagrams you need to create a custom interface.

Sorry if I was unclear about the delay, I meant to say that you could add a delay when both LVAL and FVAL are low - so it would be a delay between frames, and not every line.