Operator TrgPortArea

Operator Library: Hardware Platform

This operator generates the trigger (Exsync) for the Camera. It is possible to use an internal signal generator (GrabberControlled) or to trigger the signal generator from external signals, either by input signals from the trigger expansion board (TTL Trigger board or OPTO Trigger board), or by software.

The signal generator can produce Exsync signals with a flexible delay, pulse width and polarity. Additionally a Flash signal, which is available at the trigger expansion board, is generated.

The operator occupies 4 digital outputs and one camera port for the CC signals. Hence, one VisualApplets resource of type CameraControl is used. If the device resource is set to 0, the digital outputs 0 to 3 and camera port A is used. However, if the resource index is set to 1, the digital outputs 4 to 7 and camera port B is used. Note that no other operators can use these hardware resources. Set the resource index in the resource dialog. Check 'Allocation of Device Resources' for more information

Available for Hardware Platforms
microEnable IV VD1-CL/-PoCL
microEnable IV VD4-CL/-PoCL

I/O Properties

Property Value
Operator Type M

Supported Link Format

None

Parameters

TriggerMode
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default GrabberControlled
Range {GrabberControlled, ExternSw_Trigger}

This parameter selects the operation mode for the internal Exsync signal generator. The source for the external trigger input can by selected via the parameter ImgTrgInSource.

GrabberControlled: Exsync is generated periodically by the internal signal generator.

ExternSw_Trigger: An external trigger signal is used to start the signal generator once.

ExsyncEnable
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default ON
Range {OFF, ON}

Enables or disables the Exsync output to the camera.

ExsyncFramesPerSec
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 8 Hz
Range depends on parameter Accuracy

This parameter specifies the frequency of the Exsync generation.

ExsyncExposure
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 4000 μs
Range depends on parameter Accuracy

This parameter specifies the pulse width of the Exsync signal, which can be used by many cameras to specify the exposure time. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the exposure time via software, even while grabbing. Enter the value in microseconds.

ExsyncDelay
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 0 μs
Range depends on parameter Accuracy

This parameter specifies the delay of the generated Exsync signal, with respect to an external trigger input. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize the exposure interval to a flash. Enter the value in microseconds.

ExsyncPolarity
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default LowActive
Range {LowActive, HighActive}

The parameter adjusts the polarity of the Exsync signal generator the polarity accepted by the connected camera. Use LowActive, if the camera opens the shutter on a falling edge, otherwise use HighActive.

ImgTrgInSource
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default InSignal0
Range {InSignal0, InSignal1, InSignal2, InSignal3, InSignal4, InSignal5, InSignal6, InSignal7}

This parameter specifies the signal source, which is used to trigger the Exsync signal generator. This is only relevant if the TriggerMode is set to ExternSw_Trigger.

ImgTrgInPolarity
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default LowActive
Range {LowActive, HighActive}

The parameter defines the polarity of the external input trigger signal. When set to LowActive, the Exsync generator starts on a falling edge of the signal specified by the parameter ImgTrgInSource. Otherwise, the Exsync generation starts on a rising edge. This is only relevant if the TriggerMode is set to ExternSw_Trigger.

ImgTrgDownscale
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default 1
Range {1, 65535}

This value defines a downscaling factor for incoming trigger pulses. Only every Nth trigger puls is accepted, with number N defined by this parameter. For example, if ImgTrgDownscale is set to 3, then every 3rd incoming trigger puls will be accepted, i.e. the first two trigger pulses are discarded.

FlashEnable
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default OFF
Range {OFF, ON}

Enables or disables the flash output. The pulse width of the flash signal is equal to the Exsync period.

FlashPolarity
Type dynamic read/write parameter
Default LowActive
Range {LowActive, HighActive}

The parameter defines the polarity for the generated Flash signal.

FlashDelay
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 0 µs
Range {0, 10230} with stepsize 10 µs

This parameter specifies the delay of the generated Flash signal, with respect to an external trigger input. Therefore, it is possible to synchronize the flash to the external trigger input. Enter the value in microseconds.

SoftwareTrgPulse
Type dynamic write parameter
Default 1
Range {1}

Setting this parameter to 1, will generate a software trigger. This is only relevant if the TriggerMode is set to ExternSw_Trigger and ImgTrgInSource is set to SoftwareTrigger.

SoftwareTrgDeadTime
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default 10000 μs
Range depends on parameter Accuracy

This parameter specifies the minimal time interval between software trigger pulses. Enter the value in microseconds.

SoftwareTrgIsBusy
Type dynamic/static read parameter
Default 0
Range {0, 1}

The SoftwareTrgIsBusy parameter enables software readout of the busy state. If busy then this parameter is set to 1 to reflect an ongoing image capture. If set to 0 then the operator is not busy.

CC1output
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default Exsync
Range {Exsync, ExsyncInvert, Hdsync, HdsyncInvert, Flash, FlashInvert, Gnd, Vcc}

This parameter specifies the signal available at the CC1 line of the CameraLink cable.

CC2output
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default Vcc
Range {Exsync, ExsyncInvert, Hdsync, HdsyncInvert, Flash, FlashInvert, Gnd, Vcc}

This parameter specifies the signal available at the CC2 line of the CameraLink cable.

CC3output
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default Vcc
Range {Exsync, ExsyncInvert, Hdsync, HdsyncInvert, Flash, FlashInvert, Gnd, Vcc}

This parameter specifies the signal available at the CC3 line of the CameraLink cable.

CC4output
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default Vcc
Range {Exsync, ExsyncInvert, Hdsync, HdsyncInvert, Flash, FlashInvert, Gnd, Vcc}

This parameter specifies the signal available at the CC4 line of the CameraLink cable.

Accuracy
Type dynamic/static write parameter
Default 10 μs
Range [0.05, 500] μs

This parameter specifies the time base for the trigger system. It defines the jitter and the ranges for delays, periods etc. Enter the value in microseconds.

DebouncingMaxTime
Type static write parameter
Default 65.520 us
Range [0.016, 1000000] us

This parameter specifies the maximum limit of debouncing time. Enter the value in microseconds.

DebouncingTime
Type dynamic write parameter
Default 0.112 us
Range [0.016, 1000000] us

This parameter specifies the debouncing time. The input trigger signals must keep the same value to be detected as such. Fast signal changes within the debounce time will be filtered out. Enter the value in microseconds.

Examples of Use

The use of operator TrgPortArea is shown in the following examples: