Sony SWIR Camera

1. Preparation

1.1 Essential preparation elements

• A Frame Grabber that supports the CameraLink protocol is required.
• If the Frame Grabber does not meet the specifications below, connection may not be possible.

• GenICam(GenApi) : Ver_2.3.1

• SFNC : Ver_2.0.0

• GenICam_CLProtocol_Standard : Ver_1.1

1.2 SDK

• The camera can be connected and set up using the SDK provided by CREVIS.
• CREVIS SDK Download Link : Download_MCam40_SDK

2. Product specifications

2.1 Product Overview

• Sony SWIR Sensor Camera
• Global Electronic Shutter
• Power Supply : DC (12V~24V ±10%) Support
• CameraLink Interface
• Supported CameraLink Tap

• HC-A130SW : 3tap, 2tap, 1tap

• ROI Scan and X, Y Reverse
• Decimation (Horizontal / Vertical), Binning (Horizontal / Vertical)
• Freerun / Trigger Mode
• External General Purpose I/O(TTL) 2ch, OptoCoupled Input 2ch
• Strobe Output
• Flat Field Correction
• Defect Pixel Correction
• Gain / Black Level Control
• Auto Exposure / Auto Gain
• LUT, Gamma Control
• Sharpness Enhancement
• Contrast / Brightness Control
• Sensor Cooling Auto Mode
• Status LED

2.2 Main specifications

3. Camera exterior specifications

3.1 Appearance

• HC-A130SW

3.2 Back Panel

3.3 LED Indicator Status

3.4 CameraLink Connector

3.4.1 CameraLink Connector1 (SDR Type)

Pin No.	Signal Name	Pin No.	Signal Name
1	PoCL1	14	GND
2	X0-	15	X0+
3	X1-	16	X1+
4	X2-	17	X2+
5	Xclk-	18	Xclk+
6	X3-	19	X3+
7	SerTC+	20	SerTC-
8	SerTFG-	21	SerTFG+
9	CC1-	22	CC1+
10	CC2+	23	CC2-
11	CC3-	24	CC3+
12	CC4+	25	CC4-
13	GND	26	PoCL1

3.5 External I/O Connector

3.5.1 Circular Connector (12Pin)

Pin No.	Name	IN/OUT	Description
1	GND	IN	Power GND
2	VCC	IN	12V ~ 24V Input Range
3	Line 7(-)	IN	OptoCoupled Trigger Input-
4	Line 7(+)	IN	OptoCoupled Trigger Input+, 3.3V~24V
5	Line 6(-)	IN	OptoCoupled Trigger Input-
6	Line 6(+)	IN	OptoCoupled Trigger Input+, 3.3V~24V
7	Line 4	IN/OUT	Direct IO, 3.3V
8	DGND	IN	Direct IO GND
9	NC	-	Do not Connect
10	Line 5	IN/OUT	Direct IO, 3.3V
11	VCC	IN	12V ~ 24V Input Range
12	GND	IN	Power GND

3.6 External I/O internal circuit

3.6.1 Line 4, 5 (Direct IO)

3.6.2 Line 6, 7 (OptoCoupled Input)

3.7 CameraLink Interface Timing

3.7.1 Mono or Color Bayer Order

3.7.2 Data Order of the CameraLink

4. Camera Functions

4.1 Image Format Control

4.1.1 Device Tap Geometry

This is the function to set Device Tap Geometry. The HMax value that determines the Line Period changes depending on the Tap setting. HMax is the number of clocks based on 74.25MHz.

＊1 Line Period(us) = 1/74.25 * 'HMax'

＊For normal images to be output, the camera tap settings and the Frame Grabber Camfile tap settings must be the same.

4.1.2 ROI (Region Of Interest)

• ROI

By setting Width, Height, Offset X, and Offset Y, you can output only the image of the desired area. As the output height size gets smaller, the frame rate increases.

＊The Frame Rate changed due to ROI can be checked through the ‘Resulting Frame Rate’ and the Line Period through the ‘HMax’ Feature.

＊However, if 'Exposure Time' is longer than Frame Period (=1/Max.FrameRate), the Frame Rate may decrease. (Exposure priority mode)

＊The characteristics of 'Width' and 'Height' for each model are as follows.

< Table 1 – Minimum & Unit Size of ROI >

4.1.3 Binning

This is a function that cumulatively reads adjacent pixels in the horizontal or vertical direction. While it has the same resolution as decimation, binning can increase sensitivity by about twice because video signals are added. Because digital binning is applied, the frame rate does not increase, but if ROI is applied together, the frame rate may increase.

＊However, if 'Exposure Time' is longer than Frame Period (=1/Max.FrameRate), the Frame Rate may decrease. (Exposure priority mode)

4.1.4 Decimation

This is a function that reads quickly from the sensor, skipping 1 pixel in the horizontal or vertical direction. The resolution of the image is reduced by half, while the frame rate is increased.

＊The Frame Rate changed due to Decimation can be checked through the ‘Resulting Frame Rate’ Feature.

＊However, if 'Exposure Time' is longer than Frame Period (=1/Max.FrameRate), the Frame Rate may decrease. (Exposure priority mode)

4.1.5 Reverse

＊When ROI and Reverse are used simultaneously, the ROI function is applied from the reversed image. In other words, when Reverse is activated as shown below, the position of the (0,0) Pixel, which is the starting coordinate of the Image, is reversed. Because of this, the same area as before applying Reverse

4.1.6 ADC Bit Depth

This is a function to set the bit depth when converting data from sensor to digital. The Max Frame Rate varies depending on the ADC Bit Depth setting, and in the same environment, the brightness of the video in 8bit mode is about 4 times brighter than the brightness of the video in 10bit and 12bit mode.

4.1.7 Pixel Format

Set the Pixel Format of the image output from the camera. Since the amount of image transmission varies for each pixel format, the frame rate may change depending on the bandwidth.

＊The format of image data cannot be larger than the ‘ADC Bit Depth’ of the sensor.

＊The 'Pixel Format' supported for each model is as follows.

< Table 2 – Pixel Format Values >

4.1.8 Test Pattern

At the intermediate stage of image processing, the image is replaced with a test pattern and transmitted. Even if the Test Pattern function is activated, functions related to image acquisition such as ROI Size, Trigger Input, and Acquisition Frame Rate are valid. Test Pattern Image is created in 8bit gray level (0~255DN).

4.2 Acquisition Control

4.2.1 Trigger Mode Control

Controls image acquisition method and timing. image acquisition methods include Freerun Mode (Trigger Mode = Off) and Trigger Mode, and the acquisition delay can be set.

When Trigger Mode is Off, the camera operates in Freerun Mode. Freerun Mode generates Internal Counter and VD signals based on the maximum frame rate that can operate in the current settings. At the same time, an exposure signal is generated for the set exposure time to operate the sensor, acquire the image, and transmit it to the frame grabber.

When Trigger Mode is On, the camera operates in Trigger Mode. Trigger Mode starts exposure with an External Trigger and can also adjust the exposure time. After the sensor completes exposure, the image is acquired and transmitted to the frame grabber in the same way as in freerun mode.

＊In Freerun Mode, if 'Acquisition Frame Rate Enable' is 'On', it operates at 'Acquisition Frame Rate', and if 'Off', it operates at the maximum frame rate that can operate in the current settings.

＊When 'Trigger Mode' is 'On', it operates by CC, External Trigger, or Software Trigger according to the 'Trigger Source' setting.

＊CC1~3 must be set separately in the Frame Grabber program.

＊If you set the 'Counter Event Source' in the 'Counter And Timer Control' category to 'External Trigger Start', the total number of valid triggers entered by the camera will be output as 'Counter Value'. You can update the current Counter in real time by ‘Execute’ the ‘Counter Update Feature’. This Counter is initialized to 0 by 'Execute' 'Counter Reset'. Trigger Delay is a function that operates by delaying the sensor's exposure for a certain period of time from the trigger input. When the timing of the camera input trigger does not match the timing of the external environment, such as lighting or the location of the subject, you can use Trigger Delay to obtain a clearer image. Line Debounce Time is a function that removes chattering noise of the trigger signal passing through external I/O. Since only signals that remain activated for more than a certain period of time are judged as valid inputs, delayed

＊New triggers entered while the trigger is delayed are ignored. If the 'Trigger Delay' is larger than the input trigger period, the frame rate may decrease due to missing trigger. (See Figure 11)

＊There is a certain amount of time delay (Hardware Delay + Exposure Start Delay) from the external trigger input to the actual exposure of the sensor. (Refer to Appendix B, C)

4.2.2 Exposure Control

Set the camera exposure method. When the exposure start time is determined by the Internal Freerun Counter or External Trigger, Timed Shutter exposes for the time set in Exposure Time, and Trigger Width Shutter exposes for as much as the trigger's pulse width in Trigger Mode. Exposure Time only applies when Exposure Mode is Timed Shutter.

＊However, if 'Exposure Time' is longer than Frame Period (=1/Max.FrameRate), the Frame Rate may decrease. (Exposure priority mode)

＊If 'Trigger Mode' is 'Off' or 'Trigger Source' is 'Software', it operates as a 'Timed' Shutter.

＊If you set 'Counter Event Source' in the 'Counter And Timer Control' category to 'Exposure Start' or 'Exposure Stop', the actual start and end times of exposure are output as 'Counter Value'. You can update the current Counter by ‘Execute’ the ‘Counter Update Feature’. This Counter is initialized to 0 by the 'Counter Reset' Command.

＊There is a certain amount of time delay (Hardware Delay + Exposure Start Delay) from the external trigger input to the actual exposure of the sensor. (Refer to Appendix B, C)

＊There is an error (Exposure Offset) between 'Exposure Time' and the actual exposure time. (Refer to Appendix C) Exposure Auto is a function that allows the camera to automatically adjust the Exposure Time to obtain an image with the desired brightness. It can only be used when the Exposure Mode is Timed.

＊However, if 'Exposure Time' is longer than Frame Period (=1/Max.FrameRate), the Frame Rate may decrease. (Exposure priority mode)

＊When using 'Exposure Auto' and 'Gain Auto' at the same time, the operation varies depending on the brightness of the Image and Target.

＊If the brightness of the image needs to be increased, 'Gain Auto' is applied after applying 'Exposure Auto'.

＊If the brightness of the image needs to be reduced, 'Exposure Auto' is applied after applying 'Gain Auto'.

4.2.3 Frame Rate Control

This is a function to control the frame rate in freerun mode.

＊Max.FPS changes depending on the 'Device Tap Geometry', ROI, Decimation, 'Pixel Format', and 'Exposure Time' settings.

＊Freerun Mode is ‘Trigger Mode’ = ‘Off’.

4.3 Digital I/O Control

This function sets external I/O signals. You can change Input/Output and phase by selecting the Line you want to set.

＊If 'Exposure Mode' is 'Trigger Width', 'Line Inverter' may affect the brightness of the image.

＊In the case of 'Line Status', 'True' is Logical High, and 'False' is Logical Low.

＊If the I/O Connector is not connected and is in a floating state, 'Line Status' outputs 'True'.

＊'Line Selector' is included in the commands of Mode, Inverter, Status, and Source. (Ex. WLINEMODE 4 1, RLINEINVEN 1, RLINESTATUS 3, WLINESRC 5 2)

＊'User Output Selector' is included in the Value Command. (Ex. WUSEROUTPUT 1 1, RUSEROUTPUT 3)

4.4 Counter And Timer Control

4.4.1 Timer Control

This is the function to set the strobe signal output outside the camera. In Freerun Mode, the Timer Strobe signal generation point can be set to the exposure start or Internal VD Start point. The point at which the VD is initialized is Shutter

In Trigger Mode, the generation point of the Timer Strobe signal can be set to the start of exposure or the point of external trigger input. When creating a Timer Strobe at the time of External Trigger input, Trigger Delay and Hardware

＊In Trigger Mode, the Internal Counter does not operate, so 'Internal VD' cannot be used.

4.4.2 Counter Control

This function monitors camera movement. The process of the camera receiving a trigger, exposing, and outputting an image can be monitored with a step-by-step counter. Additionally, it is possible to check for signal input that exceeds camera specifications, such as trigger input at a speed faster than the frame cycle.

＊'Exposure Start Missed' can increase when 'Trigger Mode' = 'On' and 'Exposure Mode' is 'Timed'.

4.5 Analog Control

4.5.1 Gain Control

This is a function to adjust the gain. The sensitivity of the image can be improved without reducing the frame rate, but the

＊Analog Gain(dB) = 'Gain Raw'/10

＊The 'Gain Raw' and 'Gain Abs' ranges supported by model are as follows.

< Table 3 – Analog Gain Values >

Gain Auto is a function where the camera automatically adjusts the analog gain to obtain an image with the desired brightness.

＊The target of 'Gain Auto' is 'Auto Exposure Target'.

＊When using 'Gain Auto' and 'Exposure Auto' at the same time, the operation varies depending on the brightness of the Image and Target.

＊If the brightness of the image needs to be increased, 'Gain Auto' is applied after applying 'Exposure Auto'.

＊If the brightness of the image needs to be reduced, 'Exposure Auto' is applied after applying 'Gain Auto'.

4.5.2 Black Level Control

This function adjusts the black level. You can change the Offset of the Image.

＊The 'Black Level Raw' range supported by model is as follows.

< Table 4 – Analog Black Level Values >

4.5.3 Gamma Control

＊The Gamma function cannot be used simultaneously with the LUT function. When the Gamma function is enabled, the LUT function is disabled.

4.6 LUT Control

The LUT (Look Up Table) function is a function that converts digital pixel values ​​by matching them 1:1 to the output value of the table's input value. Each Index (Input Image) in the table is replaced with a pixel of a predefined LUT Value (Output Image).

＊The LUT function cannot be used simultaneously with the Gamma function. When the LUT function is enabled, the Gamma function is disabled.

＊Ex) When using a table in the form of y=2x, low-illuminance pixels can see an improvement in sensitivity, while high-illuminance pixels become saturated, resulting in loss of dynamic range.

4.7 Defect Pixel Control

This function manages the camera’s defect pixels. Correction is made for defective pixels at the time of shipment. However, you can compensate by additionally defining pixels that the user considers to be bad pixels. Up to 1024 defective pixels can be saved in each User Set 1 to 3 area of ​​the camera.

＊Ex) When the user adds two pixels while 20 defect pixels have been corrected at the time of product shipment.

< Table 6 – User Define Example >

＊After correction, save the data to the desired User Set area using the 'UserSetSave' command.

4.8 Flat Field Correction

Flat Field Correction (FFC) is a function that uniformly corrects the brightness value of the captured image. Causes of uneven brightness values ​​include the influence of lens shadows, uneven lighting brightness, and differences in sensitivity of each Sensor Pixel.

＊The FFC methods supported by model are as follows.

< Table 7 – FFC Mode >

＊To stabilize power consumption and temperature, when the FFC function is disabled, FFC-related functions do not operate. After changing 'FFC Enable' to 'On', you must perform Calibration, Save, Load, etc.

＊Defect Correction must be performed before FFC, and calibration must be performed under the condition that the Defect Filter is enabled to output an accurate corrected image.

＊'Black Calibration' must precede 'White Calibration', and 'Black Calibration' is performed before product shipment. By performing 'White Calibration' in an actual use environment (lens, etc.), differences in image brightness can be corrected, and if necessary, the user can proceed again from 'Black Calibration'.

＊'FFC User Selector' is included in the Save and Load commands. (Ex. WFFCSAVE 0, WFFCLOAD 2)

Black Calibration corrects the image in an environment with zero light level (shielded).

White Calibration acquires and corrects bright images from actual use environments (lenses, etc.). By capturing a subject (or lighting) with uniform brightness, the difference in brightness caused by edge shading of the sensor or other external environments is corrected with an image of less than 200 DN on average, as shown in the graph below.

4.9 Sharpness Enhancement

Sharpness Enhancement is a function that emphasizes the outlines in an image and makes them sharper. Depending on the Sharpness Enhancement setting, you can obtain a clearer image, but noise may also be emphasized.

＊Ex) Sharpness Filter Size = 1.5

4.10 Contrast Brightness Control

4.10.1 Contrast

Contrast adjusts the contrast of the image.

4.10.2 Brightness

Brightness adjusts the brightness of the image. The setting value of 512 (based on 12 bit) increases the brightness by approximately 32 DN in an 8 bit video.

4.10.3 Histogram Stretch

You can correct the image using Histogram Stretch. If Histogram Stretch Min is set to 800, the setting value of 800 (based on 12 bit) is about 50 DN in an 8-bit video, so 50 DN is stretched to 0 DN and the video is output. When Histogram Stretch Max is set to 2400, the setting value of 2400 (based on 12bit) is about 150DN in 8bit video.

＊Ex) When Min = 320, Max = 2000 are set, 20DN and 125DN based on 8 bits are stretched to 0DN and 255DN, respectively.

4.10.4 Auto Contrast

Auto Contrast is a function that automatically corrects the image by setting the factor and target. It corrects the image by stretching the factor setting value to the target setting value. Factor Low and Factor High are the lower and upper percentage values ​​of all pixels in the image, respectively, and Target Low and Target High are 12-bit DN values ​​(0 to 4095).

＊If the original video is too dark, noise may increase.

4.11 Sensor Cooling Control

This function controls the sensor temperature. The sensor temperature that guarantees the best quality is 15℃. For this purpose, a thermoelectric cooler is built inside the sensor. Sensor temperature can be controlled automatically/manually. In automatic mode, the Sensor Cooling Target set temperature (℃) is applied to cooling. Voltage is controlled by comparing sensor temperature and case temperature in real time. In manual mode, the Sensor Cooling Voltage set voltage (V) is applied to cooling regardless of the target temperature. The voltage applied to actual cooling in both modes can be checked in Sensor Cooling Applied Voltage. The default setting is automatic mode, target temperature 15℃.

＊Sensor temperature and case temperature can be checked in ‘Device Temperature Selector’ and ‘Device Temperature’ in the ‘Device Control’ category. You can update the current temperature using the 'Temperature Update Feature'.

＊The case temperature displayed in 'Device Temperature' and the case temperature applied to the cooling algorithm are the temperatures of the camera's internal frame.

＊Power consumption may increase depending on the degree of sensor cooling. Target temperature (automatic mode) or voltage (manual mode) must be set considering power consumption and video quality.

＊The maximum cooling range of the built-in thermoelectric cooler is 40℃. In automatic mode, the target temperature is automatically adjusted so that the difference between the sensor temperature and case temperature does not exceed 40℃. Therefore, if the case temperature rises by 40℃ or more than the target temperature, the sensor temperature may also rise, and additional heat dissipation measures must be taken as necessary.

＊Heat generation may increase depending on the voltage applied to cooling. When setting the voltage in manual mode, you must consider the sensor temperature, case temperature, and ambient temperature.

4.12 User Set Control

This is a function to save or load values ​​set by the user.

＊Save/Load is not possible for some settings. (Refer to Appendix D)

5. UART communication

5.1 Communication Setting

< Table 8 – Communication Setting >

5.2 Communication Format

＊R – Read, W – Write (Some commands are used without R/W)

＊Parameter, Return Value(Read) – Hexadecimal Base. For parameters according to the command, refer to Appendix E

Appendix A. Maximum Frame Rates

Max depending on Image Size(Height) and Device Tap Geometry. Frame Rate varies. ① HC-A130SW

< Table 9 – HC-A130SW Max. Frame Rate >

Appendix B. Hardware Propagation Delay

< Table 10 – Propagation Delay >

＊Due to differences in TTL and devices, some errors may occur

Appendix C. Exposure Start / End Delay

There is a certain delay from the trigger input until the sensor starts actual exposure.

① HC-A130SW

• Exposure Start Delay = 13.89us (Min)

• Exposure End Delay(Exposure Offset) = 7.372us

＊Exposure Start Delay is 2 Line Period based on Sensor Readout, so it may vary depending on settings such as ROI, ADC Bit Depth, Device Tap Geometry, etc.

＊Exposure Start Delay: ADC 8bit – 13.89us, ADC 10bit – 14.94us, ADC 12bit – 26.18us (based on Image Full Size, 3tap)

＊Exposure End Delay (=Exposure Offset) is a fixed value as a unique characteristic of the sensor.

＊Hardware Delay – Refer to Appendix B

＊Trigger Delay can be set in camera feature

Appendix D. User Set Savable & Loadable XML Feature List

The XML Feature List that allows User Set Save / Load is as follows.

Appendix E. UART Command List

The UART Command List is as follows. Be careful with settings as malfunctions may occur due to incorrect parameter input. (For information related to UART communication, refer to 5. UART communication)

< Table 11 – Command List >

Appendix F. Preparation for Camera Operation

1. Install SDK

• CREVIS SDK Download Link : Download_MCam40_SDK

• Mcam40_SDK_V...(x64).exe: for Windows 64bit

• Mcam40_SDK_V...(x86).exe: for Windows 32bit

2. How to connect camera communication

1) Run CamGuideCL 2) Select Port: Select the port to which the camera is connected.

3) Click Connect

4) Connection completed

Revision History