Camera Link Frame Grabber (image acquisition card) is a hardware device used to capture images from industrial cameras with Camera Link interface at high speed. It is usually installed in the PCIe slot of the computer.
The main functions of the Camera Link Frame Grabber are:
1. Image Acquisition
It is responsible for receiving raw image data from the Camera Link camera, usually transmitted at high speed (such as hundreds of MB/s).
2. Data Cache and Processing
Onboard cache (RAM) is provided for processing large data streams, and some cards also support image preprocessing (cropping, color conversion, etc.).
3. Synchronous Control
It can control multiple cameras to shoot synchronously, which is often used in high-speed imaging, machine vision inspection, 3D imaging and other occasions.
4. Trigger and I/O
Frame Grabber usually has a trigger input/output interface for controlling the collaboration of cameras and sensors in industrial automation.
When using Camera Link Frame Grabber to build a complete image acquisition system, the following types of cables are usually required to connect other devices:
1. Camera Link data cable
- Purpose: Connect Camera Link camera and Frame Grabber
- Interface type:
**MDR (Mini Delta Ribbon) 26-pin (common in Base mode)
**SDR (Shrunk Delta Ribbon) 26-pin (small version of MDR, common in new devices)
**Dual-port cable (used in Medium/Full mode, with higher transmission bandwidth)
- Recommended length: usually ≤10 meters (repeater or fiber solution is required if exceeding)
- Brand: Premier Cable, Components Express, Intercon1, 3M, etc.
2. Camera power cable
- Purpose: Power Camera Link industrial camera (Camera Link cable itself may not have power)
- Form:
**Industrial round plugs such as LEMO, HR10, Phoenix, M8, M12
**DC power plug (such as 5.5x2.1mm) or customized interface
- Note: Voltage and current must match camera specifications (such as 12V/24V)
3. Trigger/I/O control cable
- Function:
**Realize camera triggering (hardware triggering to take pictures)
**Control synchronization/exposure signal
**Link with PLC, sensor, light source controller, etc.
- Interface type:
**Usually D-Sub (such as DB9, DB15), M8/M12, Phoenix industrial terminal
**The corresponding I/O wiring definition is provided by the Frame Grabber manufacturer
- Cable type:
**Make your own or purchase original/compatible I/O cable (such as Teledyne DALSA's 50-pin I/O cable)
4. PCIe interface (internal)
- Not a cable, but please note that the Frame Grabber is installed in the PCIe slot (x4/x8/x16) of the computer motherboard
- Some high-end boards require x8 or higher bandwidth slots to run at full speed
