NI PCIe-1473R Virtex-5 LX50 Camera Link Frame Grabber

The NI PCIe-1473R is a high-performance Camera Link frame grabber built on a Xilinx Virtex-5 LX50 FPGA for machine vision systems requiring substantial data throughput and onboard image processing. Operating over PCI Express, this device acquires and preprocesses images directly on the FPGA, minimizing CPU load and system latency. It supports Camera Link 1.2 standard cameras in Base, Medium, Full, and Extended Full configurations, handling up to 10-tap, 80-bit image acquisition across two MDR connectors. With a pixel clock range of 20 MHz to 85 MHz and maximum bandwidth of 850 MB/s, the PCIe-1473R delivers real-time image capture for demanding applications. Power over Camera Link (PoCL) is supported, eliminating the need for separate camera power supplies. Onboard FPGA resources enable bit-level image processing—filtering, edge detection, and control logic—without host CPU intervention. An optional Digital I/O Expansion Card provides eight TTL bidirectional lines, three optically isolated inputs, three optically isolated outputs, and quadrature encoder support for trigger and synchronization tasks. The compact form factor (4.2 in. × 6.9 in.) fits standard PCIe x4 slots. Integration with LabVIEW FPGA Module software unlocks the full potential of onboard processing and Camera Link acquisition control.

– Technical Specifications

• FPGA: Xilinx Virtex-5 LX50
• Camera Interface: Camera Link 1.2
• Supported Configurations: Base, Medium, Full, Extended Full
• Image Acquisition: Up to 10-tap, 80-bit
• Pixel Clock Frequency: 20 MHz to 85 MHz
• Maximum Bandwidth: 850 MB/s (dual Camera Link cables)
• Camera Connectors: Two 26-pin MDR
• Bus Interface: PCI Express (x4 minimum slot required)
• Dimensions: 4.2 in. × 6.9 in.
• Weight: 0.45 lb.

– Key Features

• Onboard FPGA preprocessing and control logic reduce host CPU utilization
• Power over Camera Link (PoCL) support for camera powering
• Optional Digital I/O Expansion Card with TTL, isolated I/O, and encoder lines
• Supports full range of Camera Link camera types and tap configurations

– Typical Applications

• Machine vision inspection and quality control
• Real-time image preprocessing and filtering
• Edge detection and feature extraction at source
• High-speed image acquisition with minimal latency

– Compatibility & Integration

• Requires LabVIEW FPGA Module for development and deployment
• Compatible with Camera Link 1.2 standard cameras
• Operates in indoor environments at 5% to 95% relative humidity (noncondensing)
• Supports Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2008 R2 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)