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RCX C-Link

RCX Module data sheet
PCI DV FOX fiber optic frame- grabber data sheet
Block diagram

Full mode versions

Software and Drivers
Documentation
Supported Cameras
Specifications
Cables

RCX C-Link: Fiber Optic Adapter for Camera Link Cameras

Features

  • Provides long range (up to 300 meters) remote camera location for Camera Link cameras
  • Up to 10 kilometers with ER option
  • Attaches directly to the MDR-26 connector at the back of the camera (no CameraLink cables required)
  • Thumbscrews and threaded mounting holes provide for solid mounting
    the camera (no CameraLink cables required)
  • Sends data to an EDT PCI DV-FOX frame grabber
  • Two RCX C-Link modules can be used to form a fiber-optic extension cord
  • Electrically isolates camera from computer
  • Support for all control lines and serial communication included
  • Camera Link Base mode standard, Medium and Full mode options also available
  • Data rates approaching 250 megabytes per second

Description

The EDT RCX C-Link is a fiber-optic adapter for Camera Link™ cameras. It is similar to the EDT RCX module, a fiber-optic adapter for use with parallel differential (LVDS and RS-422) cameras.

The EDT RCX C-Link attaches directly to the back of the camera, taking little more room than a Camera Link cable connector. An LC duplex fiber-optic cable plugs into the RCX C-Link to allow communication with a PCI DV-FOX frame grabber board. EDT software drivers provide the same programmer interface to the PCI DV-FOX as to the standard PCI DV C-Link board.

Cameras operating in Camera Link medium mode have two connectors on the back. Two separate RCX C-Link modules would be required. Each RCX C-Link communicates with one of the ports of a PCI DV-FOX/F1, F2 or F4 frame grabber. (Full mode with the PCI DV-FOX framegrabber is of limited use, due to the 200 megabytes per second limitation of the PCI DV-FOX.)

Two RCX C-Link modules may be used to form a fiber-optic extension cord, with one module at the camera and the other module at the Camera Link frame grabber. Medium and full mode extension cords can be made by using RCX C-Link module pairs that have the Medium/Full mode synch connector option.

The following block diagrams show some of the ways the RCX C-Link (and PCI DV-FOX) can be configured. These are only a few examples, many more combinations are possible

[click for PCI DV FOX data sheet] [click for PCI DV FOX data sheet] [click for PCI DV C-Link data sheet]

Cameras Supported

Most Base and Medium mode Camera Link devices can be used with the RCX C-Link running with a PCI DV-FOX fiber optic framegrabber. One or two pairs of RCX C-link modules can be configured for "extension cord" mode between a base, medium or full mode camera and EDT or third party framegrabber. Go here to see a list of cameras that have been tested at EDT.

Specifications
    Bit rate over fiber 2.5 Gigabaud and 1.25 Gigabaud, field selectable
    Maximum data bandwidth over fiber Approximately 250 megabytes per second (PCI DV-FOX limited to 200 MBytes/second over PCI bus)
    Range maximum of 100 meters to 10 kilometers. Varies with fiber used, 1.25Gb vs 2.50 Gb selection, number of fiber optic interconnects, which tranceiver is stuffed
    Optical Power Budget Standard tranceiver's minimum launched power is -9.5 dBm, receiver sensitivity is -14 dBm maximum, so can lose a maximum of 4.5 dB in the fiber.
    Camera Link pixel clock ranges 24 to 60 MHz, 60 to 80 MHz (field selectable)
    Power 4.75 to 18 Volts DC, 3 watts max
    Fiber-optic connector type LC duplex
    Wavelength used over fiber 850 nm (1310 nm extended range option available)
    Laser Safety Class 1
    Camera Link connector 3M MDR-26 plug, entire RCX C-Link module mounts directly to camera
    Camera Link mode Base mode uses one RCX C-Link module at the camera end. Medium and full mode would require more modules.
    Indicator One LED that shows the state of the fiber-optic link

    Dimensions

    1.575" x 0.753 " x 2.32" (the LC fiber needs an additional 2.2" beyond the RCX box for a 90 degree bend)

    Weight

    4 ounces

    Temperature

    0° to 40°C operating; -20° to 60°C nonoperating

    Humidity

    20 to 80% operating; 95% nonoperating (noncondensing at 40°C)
       
    Fiber-Optic Cables and Transceivers Not included; 62.5/125 micron MMF with LC duplex connectors is recommended. See our cable list for optional fiber optic cables available from EDT, or contact Borg Technologies, www.borg-tech.com a provider of custom length fiber optic cables.
       
    Power Supply for RCX C-Link

    Dimensons

    2.4" x 4.5" x 1.5"

    Weight

    10 oz.

    Voltage In

    100-240V, 50-60 Hz from AC mains

    Voltage Out

    5 volts DC, 1 AMP

    Connector used on power supply cable

    Switchcraft 760K (option for Latching 7 pin Push-Pull, Lemo FGG.OB.307.CLAD.56)
       
    Configuration

    May be configured in the field for a particular mode of operation through a push-button configuration switch. Configuration is then stored in flash, so powers up in in the selected mode. The following configuration choices may be made:

  • Bits per pixel clock to be transferred, either 16 or 24
  • Camera pixel clock rate: 24 to 60 MHz, or 60 to 80 MHz
  • Fiberoptic link data rate: 1.25 GBaud or 2.5 GBaud
  • Camera end vs. framegrabber end if used as an extension cord
  •    

    Possible Custom Features

  • Faster data rates
  • Auxilliary UART port, other custom IO
  • Support for Medium and Full mode cameras
  • Extended distance using single mode fiber and/or 1310 nm transceivers
  • Other supply voltage ranges
  • Transforms to camera data (e.g. de-interleave, black level adjust)
  • Other custom work
  • (Contact EDT for more information)

Support

    EDT provides several levels of customer support, from phone consultation to custom design of hardware, firmware, or software, at hourly rates. Technical support is also provided though the Technical Information section of this web site.

Ordering

Ordering options are listed below. To order, contact our sales department or your distributor.

RCX C-Link Module

RCX C-Link -- Our standard product, 850nm 1.25/2.50 GBaud tranceiver

RCX C-Link ER-- For extended range, 1310nm 1.25 GBaud tranceiver

RCX C-Link MF-- Medium or full mode option

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Engineering Design Team
1100 NW Compton Dr, Suite 306
Beaverton, OR 97006