National Instruments Personal Computer PXI 1411 User Manual

IMAQ  
IMAQ PCI/PXI -1411  
User Manual  
Single-Channel Color Image Acquisition Board  
for PCI, PXI, and CompactPCI Chassis  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
October 1999 Edition  
Part Number 322157B-01  
 
 
Important Information  
Warranty  
The PCI-1411 and PXI-1411 are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date  
of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment  
that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.  
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,  
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other  
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming  
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not  
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.  
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of  
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of  
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.  
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed  
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to  
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult  
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of  
or related to this document or the information contained in it.  
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY  
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR  
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INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR  
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will  
apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments  
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in  
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects,  
malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or  
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or  
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.  
Copyright  
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including  
photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written  
consent of National Instruments Corporation.  
Trademarks  
BridgeVIEW, ComponentWorks, CVI, IMAQ, LabVIEW, MITE, National Instruments, ni.com, NI-IMAQ, and  
PXIare trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.  
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.  
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS  
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL  
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL  
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE  
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.  
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS  
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL  
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE  
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,  
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR  
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC  
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF  
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER  
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD  
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)  
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM  
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE  
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO  
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS  
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER  
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT  
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS  
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL  
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A  
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND  
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.  
 
Compliance  
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*  
Determining FCC Class  
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.  
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-  
commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is  
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of  
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)  
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless  
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two  
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labelled at all for FCC, if so the  
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)  
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and  
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations  
where FCC Class A products can be operated.  
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,  
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.  
The curious reader can consult the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov for more  
information.  
FCC/DOC Warnings  
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the  
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and  
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate  
the equipment under the FCC Rules.  
Class A  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the  
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency  
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in  
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.  
Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du  
Canada.  
Class B  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful  
 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du  
Canada.  
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives  
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**  
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product  
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or  
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.  
*
Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c). Also  
available in sections of CFR 47.  
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for  
the user or installer.  
 
Conventions  
The following conventions are used in this manual:  
The symbol indicates that the following text applies only to a specific  
product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.  
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.  
This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid being electrically shocked.  
italic  
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction  
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word  
or value that you must supply.  
 
Chapter 1  
Software Programming Choices ......................................................................................1-2  
NI-IMAQ Driver Software................................................................................1-3  
IMAQ Vision Builder........................................................................................1-5  
Chapter 2  
What You Need to Get Started ........................................................................................2-1  
How to Set up Your IMAQ System.................................................................................2-2  
Chapter 3  
Acquisition, Scaling, ROI..................................................................................3-3  
Scatter-Gather DMA Controllers ......................................................................3-3  
Bus Master PCI Interface ..................................................................................3-4  
Board Configuration NVRAM..........................................................................3-4  
Start Conditions.................................................................................................3-4  
Acquisition Window Control ............................................................................3-4  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Contents  
Chapter 4  
I/O Connector.................................................................................................................. 4-1  
Signal Description ........................................................................................................... 4-2  
Custom Cables................................................................................................................. 4-2  
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Appendix B  
Technical Support Resources  
Glossary  
Index  
Figures  
Figure 1-1.  
The Relationship between the Programming Environment,  
NI-IMAQ Functions................................................................................ 1-4  
Figure 1-2.  
Figure 2-1.  
Figure 3-1.  
How to Set up Your IMAQ System........................................................ 2-3  
PCI/PXI-1411 Block Diagram................................................................ 3-1  
Figure 4-2.  
S-Video Connector Pin Assignments...................................................... 4-2  
Figure B-1.  
White Light and the Visible Spectrum.................................................... B-1  
Table  
I/O Connector Signals............................................................................. 4-2  
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1
Introduction  
This chapter describes the PCI/PXI-1411 and describes your software  
programming choices.  
About the PCI/PXI-1411  
The PCI/PXI-1411 is a highly flexible monochrome and color IMAQ board  
for PCI, PXI, or CompactPCI chassis that supports a diverse range of  
analog cameras from many camera companies. The PCI/PXI-1411 acquires  
images in real time and can store these images in onboard frame memory,  
or transfer these images directly to system memory.  
The PCI/PXI-1411 is simple to configure so that you can easily install  
the board and begin acquiring images. The PCI/PXI-1411 ships with  
NI-IMAQ, the National Instruments complete IMAQ driver software  
you can use to directly control the PCI/PXI-1411 and other National  
Instruments IMAQ hardware products. Using NI-IMAQ, you can quickly  
and easily start your applications without having to program the board at  
the register level.  
The PCI/PXI-1411 features a precision color analog video decoder ideal  
for both industrial and scientific environments. The 1411 device supports  
both NTSC and PAL color standards as well as the RS-170 and CCIR  
monochrome standards. The 1411 also provides one external I/O line  
that you can use as a trigger or as a digital input/output (I/O) line. If you  
require more advanced triggering or digital I/O lines, you can use the  
PCI/PXI-1411 and NI-IMAQ with the National Instruments data  
acquisition (DAQ) product line.  
Detailed specifications of the PCI/PXI-1411 are in Appendix A,  
Specifications.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
   
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Using PXI with CompactPCI  
Using PXI-compatible products with standard CompactPCI products is an  
important feature provided by the PXI Specification, Revision 1.0. If you  
use a PXI-compatible plug-in device in a standard CompactPCI chassis,  
you will be unable to use PXI-specific functions, but you can still use the  
basic plug-in device functions.  
The CompactPCI specification permits vendors to develop sub-buses that  
coexist with the basic PCI interface on the CompactPCI bus. Compatible  
operation is not guaranteed between CompactPCI devices with different  
sub-buses nor between CompactPCI devices with sub-buses and PXI.  
The standard implementation for CompactPCI does not include these  
sub-buses. Your PXI-1411 device will work in any standard CompactPCI  
chassis adhering to the PICMG 2.0 R2.1 CompactPCI core specification.  
Software Programming Choices  
Using NI-IMAQ, the National Instruments image acquisition driver  
software, you can program your IMAQ board to acquire and save images.  
You can use NI-IMAQ with other National Instruments software for a  
complete image acquisition and analysis solution, as shown in Figure 1.  
NI-IMAQ works with LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, as  
well as conventional programming languages. National Instruments  
IMAQ Vision adds powerful image processing and analysis to these  
programming environments. You can also use IMAQ Vision Builder to  
quickly and easily prototype your IMAQ image analysis applications.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Vision Software  
IMAQ Vision  
Pattern  
Matching  
Image  
Analysis  
Blob  
Analysis  
Gauging and  
Measurement  
Color Matching  
and Analysis  
Display  
and ROI  
Filters  
Morphology  
Application Software  
LabVIEW  
BridgeVIEW  
ActiveX  
LabWindows/CVI  
(ComponentWorks)  
Driver Software  
NI-IMAQ  
NI-DAQ  
ValueMotion/  
FlexMotion  
Hardware  
IMAQ  
DAQ  
ValueMotion/  
FlexMotion  
Figure 1-1. The Relationship between the Programming Environment,  
NI-IMAQ, and Your Hardware  
NI-IMAQ Driver Software  
The NI-IMAQ driver software is included with your IMAQ device.  
NI-IMAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your  
application programming environment. These functions include routines  
for video configuration, image acquisition (continuous and single-shot),  
memory buffer allocation, trigger control, and board configuration, as  
shown in Figure 1-2.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
NI-IMAQ  
Image  
Acquisition  
Triggering  
and Timing  
DAQ  
Synchronization  
Buffer Control  
Camera Control  
Look-up Table  
Control  
Figure 1-2. NI-IMAQ Functions  
The NI-IMAQ driver software performs all functions required for acquiring  
and saving images. The NI-IMAQ software does not perform any image  
analysis. For image analysis functionality, refer to the National Instruments  
IMAQ Vision section in this chapter.  
NI-IMAQ has both high-level and low-level functions for maximum  
flexibility and performance. Examples of high-level functions include the  
functions to acquire images in single-shot or continuous mode. An example  
of a low-level function is configuring an image sequence since it requires  
advanced understanding of your IMAQ device and image acquisition.  
NI-IMAQ internally resolves many of the complex issues between the  
computer and your IMAQ device, such as programming interrupts and  
DMA controllers.  
NI-IMAQ is also the interface path between LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW,  
LabWindows/CVI, or a conventional programming environment and your  
IMAQ device. The NI-IMAQ software kit includes a series of libraries for  
G, LabWindows/CVI, and ComponentWorks (ActiveX) that are  
functionally equivalent to the NI-IMAQ software.  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
National Instruments IMAQ Vision  
IMAQ Vision is an image acquisition, processing, and analysis library of  
more than 200 functions for grayscale, color, and binary image display,  
image processing, pattern matching, shape matching, blob analysis,  
gauging, and measurement.  
You can use IMAQ Vision functions directly or in combination for unique  
image processing. With IMAQ Vision you can acquire, display, manipulate,  
and store images as well as perform image analysis, processing, and  
interpretation. Using IMAQ Vision, an imaging novice or expert can  
perform graphical programming of the most basic or complicated image  
applications without knowledge of any algorithm implementations.  
IMAQ Vision is available for LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW, LabWindows/CVI,  
Microsoft Visual C++, or ComponentWorks.  
IMAQ Vision Builder  
IMAQ Vision Builder is an interactive prototyping tool for machine vision  
and scientific imaging developers. With IMAQ Vision Builder, you can  
prototype vision software quickly or test how various vision image  
processing functions work.  
As shown in Figure 1-3, IMAQ Vision Builder generates a Builder file,  
which is a text description that contains a recipe of the machine vision and  
image processing functions. This Builder file provides a guide you can use  
to develop applications with IMAQ Vision in LabVIEW, BridgeVIEW,  
LabWindows/CVI, and ComponentWorks.  
IMAQ  
Vision Builder  
Prototype  
Builder File  
Vision Application  
Development  
IMAQ  
Vision  
Application  
Software  
and  
Figure 1-3. IMAQ Vision Builder and Application Development Tools  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Integration with DAQ  
Any platform that supports NI-IMAQ also supports NI-DAQ and a variety  
of National Instruments DAQ boards, so your IMAQ device and NI-IMAQ  
development can integrate with National Instruments DAQ products.  
Vision and Motion  
With National Instruments IMAQ hardware and IMAQ Vision pattern  
matching software you can quickly and accurately locate objects in  
instances where objects vary in size, orientation, focus, and even when the  
part is poorly illuminated. Use National Instruments high-performance  
stepper and servo motion control products with pattern matching software  
in inspection and guidance applications such as locating alignment markers  
on semiconductor wafers, guiding robotic arms, inspecting the quality of  
manufactured parts, and locating cells.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
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2
Installation  
This chapter lists what you need to get started acquiring images with  
your IMAQ device; describes optional equipment and custom cables;  
and explains how to unpack, configure, and install your IMAQ device.  
What You Need to Get Started  
To set up and use your PCI/PXI-1411, you will need the following:  
PCI-1411  
PXI-1411  
Getting Started with Your IMAQ System  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
NI-IMAQ release notes  
NI-IMAQ for Windows 2000/NT/9x and documentation  
Optional software packages and documentation:  
IMAQ Vision for G, LabWindows/CVI, or ComponentWorks  
LabVIEW  
BridgeVIEW  
LabWindows/CVI  
IMAQ Vision Builder  
BNC cable (included with your PCI/PXI-1411)  
S-Video cable (optional)  
Your Pentium-based PCI computer, PXI chassis, or CompactPCI  
chassis running Windows 2000, Windows NT, or Windows 9x  
An analog video camera (composite or S-Video)  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
   
Chapter 2  
Installation  
Optional Equipment  
National Instruments offers a variety of products for use with your  
PCI/PXI-1411, including other National Instruments DAQ devices  
for enhanced triggering, timing, or input/output.  
For more specific information about these products, refer to your  
National Instruments catalogue or Web site, or call the office nearest you.  
How to Set up Your IMAQ System  
Use Figure 2-1 as a guide while you install your software and hardware,  
configure your hardware, and begin using NI-IMAQ in your application  
programs.  
Follow the instructions in the Getting Started with Your IMAQ System  
document to install your NI-IMAQ software and IMAQ hardware.  
If you will be accessing the NI-IMAQ device drivers through LabVIEW  
or BridgeVIEW, you should read the NI-IMAQ release notes and the  
NI-IMAQ VI Reference Manual to help you get started.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Installation  
Read the Getting Started with Your IMAQ System  
document and the NI-IMAQ release notes to install  
your NI-IMAQ software, IMAQ hardware,  
and documentation.  
Configure your hardware using the  
Measurement & Automation Explorer and  
online help.  
LabWindows/CVI  
Third-Party Compilers  
LabVIEW  
BridgeVIEW  
What  
application software  
are you using?  
ComponentWorks  
Read Chapter 1, Introduction  
to NI-IMAQ, in the  
Read Getting Results with  
ComponentWorks IMAQ Vision  
for information on using  
ComponentWorks in your  
application environment.  
Read:  
NI-IMAQ VI Reference  
Manual  
Your IMAQ Vision for G  
documentation if you are  
using IMAQ Vision for G  
NI-IMAQ User Manual.  
Read the sections in  
chapters 2 and 3 in the NI-IMAQ  
User Manual that apply to the  
function groups you  
Use the ComponentWorks  
IMAQ Vision documentation  
when you need specific  
information about individual  
NI-IMAQ functions.  
You no longer need the online  
NI-IMAQ documentation.  
will use in your application.  
Look at the self-documented  
example source code on your  
distribution CD for your  
application language  
and environment.  
Use the NI-IMAQ Function  
Reference Manual when you  
need specific information about  
individual NI-IMAQ functions.  
If you are using IMAQ Vision for  
LabWindows/CVI, read the  
documentation for IMAQ Vision  
for LabWindows/CVI.  
Figure 2-1. How to Set up Your IMAQ System  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 2  
Installation  
Unpacking  
Your PCI/PXI-1411 is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent  
electrostatic damage to the board. Electrostatic discharge can damage  
several components on the board. To avoid such damage in handling the  
board, take the following precautions:  
Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object.  
Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis  
before removing the board from the package.  
Remove the board from the package and inspect the board for loose  
components or any other signs of damage. Notify National Instruments  
if the board appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged  
board in your computer.  
Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.  
Installation  
Note You must install the NI-IMAQ driver software before installing your 1411 device.  
For information on how to install NI-IMAQ, please see the Getting Started with Your  
IMAQ System document and your NI-IMAQ release notes.  
PCI-1411  
You can install the PCI-1411 in any available PCI expansion slot in your  
computer. However, to achieve the best noise performance, you should  
leave as much room as possible between the PCI-1411 and other boards and  
hardware. The following are general instructions, but consult your  
computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific  
instructions and warnings.  
1. Plug in but do not turn on your computer before installing the  
PCI-1411 device. The power cord grounds the computer and protects  
it from electrical damage while you are installing the module.  
Warning To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer  
should remain off until you finish installing the PCI-1411.  
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.  
3. Select any available PCI expansion slot.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Installation  
4. Locate the metal bracket that covers the cut-out in the back panel  
of the chassis for the slot you have selected. Remove and save the  
bracket-retaining screw and the bracket cover.  
5. Touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the computer to  
discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.  
6. Line up the PCI-1411 with the BNC connectors near the cut-out on the  
back panel. Slowly push down on the top of the PCI-1411 until its  
card-edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle. Using  
slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the PCI-1411 straight down  
until it seats in the expansion slot.  
7. Reinstall the bracket-retaining screw to secure the PCI-1411 to the  
back panel rail.  
8. Visually verify the installation.  
9. Replace the computer cover.  
Your PCI-1411 is now installed.  
PXI-1411  
You can install a PXI-1411 in any available 5 V peripheral slot in your  
PXI or CompactPCI chassis.  
1. Turn off and unplug your PXI or CompactPCI chassis.  
2. Choose an unused PXI or CompactPCI 5 V peripheral slot. Install the  
PXI-1411 in a slot that supports bus arbitration or bus-master cards.  
PXI-compliant chassis must have bus arbitration for all slots.  
3. Remove the filler panel for the peripheral slot you have chosen.  
4. Touch a metal part on your chassis to discharge any static electricity  
that might be on your clothes or body.  
5. Insert the PXI-1411 in the selected 5 V slot. Use the injector/ejector  
handle to fully inject the device into place.  
6. Screw the front panel of the PXI-1411 to the front panel mounting rails  
of the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.  
7. Visually verify the installation.  
8. Plug in and turn on the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.  
Your PXI-1411 is now installed.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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3
Hardware Overview  
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions on your  
PCI/PXI-1411 board and explains the operation of each functional unit  
making up the PCI/PXI-1411.  
Functional Overview  
The PCI/PXI-1411 features a flexible, high-speed data path optimized for  
the acquisition and formatting of video data from analog monochrome and  
color cameras.  
The block diagram in Figure 3-1 illustrates the key functional components  
of the PCI/PXI-1411.  
LUT  
SDRAM  
PCI Interface  
and  
Scatter-Gather  
DMA Controller  
IMAQ SDRAM  
Memory  
Interface  
Analog Video  
(BNC or S-Video)  
Video  
Decoder  
Color Space  
Processor  
Acquisition, ROI,  
and Control  
External Trigger  
Figure 3-1. PCI/PXI-1411 Block Diagram  
Video Acquisition  
The PCI/PXI-1411 can acquire analog color video in a variety of modes  
and store the images in the onboard SDRAM memory or transfer the  
images directly to PCI system memory.  
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Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
Video Decoder  
The PCI/PXI-1411 supports NTSC and PAL video standards in either  
composite or S-Video format. The onboard video decoder converts the  
incoming video signal to Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) data and passes  
this data to the color-space processor for further processing.  
The video decoder also allows you to control numerous parameters to  
optimize an acquisition. You can independently adjust parameters such  
as analog input range, brightness, contrast, saturation, or frequency range  
(controlled by different filters). See the Measurement & Automation  
Explorer online help for a complete description of the PCI/PXI-1411  
video parameters.  
Furthermore, the video decoder strips out all necessary clock and  
synchronization signals included in the video signal and controls the  
acquisition conditions automatically. High-quality circuitry regenerates  
even bad timing signals allowing acquisitions from, for example, a video  
cassette recorder (VCR).  
Color-Space Processor and LUTs  
The color-space processor receives the RGB data from the video decoder  
and performs several different (optional) operations on the data before  
passing them to the memory controller. Processing functions include the  
following:  
Adjusting independent gain of the three signals (R, G, and B). You can  
use independent gain to perform, for example, white balancing on the  
acquired image.  
Applying three independent look-up tables (LUTs) to the R, G, and  
B data.  
Converting the RGB data into Hue, Saturation, and Luminance (HSL).  
Processing the hue plane to clear pixels where the saturation  
falls below a predefined threshold value. This function is called  
post-decoding coring. You can use this function to remove part  
of the image without color information (monochrome) that  
otherwise would introduce noise on the hue plane.  
The color-space processor can export the video data in 32-bit RGB or HSL  
formats or in individual 8-bit hue, saturation, or luminance planes. For  
more information on these image types, see the Image Representations  
section in Appendix B, Introduction to Color.  
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Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
SDRAM  
The PCI/PXI-1411 comes with 16 MB of onboard high-speed synchronous  
dynamic RAM (SDRAM). The PCI/PXI-1411 can use the onboard RAM  
as a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer, transferring the image data as it is  
acquired or acquiring the image data into SDRAM and holding it for later  
transfer to main memory.  
Trigger Control and Mapping Circuitry  
The trigger control monitors and drives the external trigger line. You can  
configure this line to start an acquisition on a rising or falling edge and  
drive the line asserted or unasserted, similar to a digital I/O line. You can  
also map many of the PCI/PXI-1411 status signals to this trigger line and  
program the trigger line in polarity and direction. For a list of mappable  
status signals, see Chapter 3, Programming with NI-IMAQ, of the  
NI-IMAQ User Manual.  
Acquisition, Scaling, ROI  
The acquisition, scaling, and region-of-interest (ROI) circuitry monitors  
the incoming video signals and routes the active pixels to the SDRAM  
memory. The PCI/PXI-1411 can perform ROI and scaling on all video lines  
and frames. Pixel and line scaling transfers certain multiples (two, four, or  
eight) of pixels and lines to onboard memory. In an ROI acquisition, you  
select an area within the acquisition window to transfer to the PCI bus.  
Scatter-Gather DMA Controllers  
The PCI/PXI-1411 uses three independent onboard direct memory  
access (DMA) controllers. The DMA controllers transfer data between  
the onboard SDRAM memory buffers and the PCI bus. Each of these  
controllers supports scatter-gather DMA, which allows the DMA controller  
to reconfigure on-the-fly. Thus, the PCI/PXI-1411 can perform continuous  
image transfers directly to either contiguous or fragmented memory  
buffers.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
Bus Master PCI Interface  
The PCI/PXI-1411 implements the PCI interface with a National  
Instruments custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the  
PCI MITE. The PCI interface can transfer data at a maximum rate of  
132 Mbytes/s in bus master mode. The PCI/PXI-1411 can generate 8-, 16-,  
and 32-bit memory read and write cycles, both single and multiple. In slave  
mode, the PCI/PXI-1411 is a medium-speed decoder that accepts both  
memory and configuration cycles. The interface logic ensures that the  
PCI/PXI-1411 can meet PCI loading, driving, and timing requirements.  
Board Configuration NVRAM  
The PCI/PXI-1411 contains onboard nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) that  
configures all registers on power-up.  
Start Conditions  
The PCI/PXI-1411 can start acquisitions in a variety of conditions:  
Software control—The PCI/PXI-1411 supports software control of  
acquisition start. You can configure the PCI/PXI-1411 to capture a  
fixed number of fields or frames. This configuration is useful for  
capturing a single frame or a sequence of frames.  
Trigger control—You can start an acquisition by enabling the external  
trigger line. This input can start a video acquisition on a rising or  
falling edge.  
Frame/field selection—With an interlaced camera and the  
PCI/PXI-1411 in frame mode, you can program the PCI/PXI-1411  
to start an acquisition on any odd or even field.  
Acquisition Window Control  
You can configure numerous parameters on the PCI/PXI-1411 to control  
the video acquisition window. A brief description of each parameter  
follows:  
Acquisition window—The PCI/PXI-1411 allows the user to specify a  
particular region of active pixels and active lines within the incoming  
video data. The active pixel region selects the starting pixel and  
number of pixels to be acquired relative to the assertion edge of the  
horizontal (or line) enable signal from the camera. The active line  
region selects the starting line and number of lines to be acquired  
relative to the assertion edge of the vertical (or frame) enable signal.  
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Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
Region of interestThe PCI/PXI-1411 uses a second level of active  
pixel and active line regions for selecting a region of interest. When  
you disable the region-of-interest circuitry, the board stores the entire  
acquisition window into with onboard or system memory. However,  
when you enable the region-of-interest circuitry, the board acquires  
only a selected subset of the image frame.  
Scaling down—The scaling down circuitry also controls the active  
acquisition region. The PCI/PXI-1411 can scale down a frame by  
reducing the number of pixels per line, the number of lines per frame,  
or both. For active pixel selection, the PCI/PXI-1411 can select every  
pixel, every other pixel, every fourth pixel, or every eighth pixel. For  
active line selection, the PCI/PXI-1411 can select every line, every  
other line, every fourth line, or every eighth line. You can use the  
scaling down circuitry in conjunction with the region-of-interest  
circuitry.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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4
Signal Connections  
This chapter describes cable connections for the PCI/PXI-1411.  
I/O Connector  
The PCI/PXI-1411 uses one S-Video and two BNC connectors on the  
front panel to connect to video data inputs and the external trigger signal.  
Figure 4-1 shows the position of the three connectors.  
VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
TRIG  
Figure 4-1. PCI/PXI-1411 Connectors  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 4  
Signal Connections  
Signal Description  
Table 4-1 describes each signal connection on the 1411 device connectors:  
Table 4-1. I/O Connector Signals  
Signal Name  
VIDEO  
Description  
Composite Video—The signal allows you to make a referenced single-ended  
(RSE) connection to the video channel.  
S-VIDEO  
S-Video—A connector composed of two signals, as follows:  
Y—The Y signal of the S-Video connection contains the luma and  
synchronization information of the video signal.  
C—The C signal of the S-Video connection contains the chroma  
information of the video signal.  
TRIG  
External trigger—A TTL I/O line you can use to start an acquisition or to  
control external events. You can program the triggers to be rising or falling  
edge sensitive. You can also program the triggers to be programmatically  
asserted or unasserted similar to the function of a digital I/O line or to contain  
internal status signals (by using the onboard events). For a list of mappable  
status signals, see Chapter 3, Programming with NI-IMAQ, of the  
NI-IMAQ User Manual.  
GND  
Ground—A direct connection to digital ground on the PCI/PXI-1411.  
Custom Cables  
If you plan to make your own cables, refer to Figure 4-2 for the pin-out of  
the S-Video connector, as seen from the front of the PCI/PXI-1411.  
GND  
C
Y
GND  
Figure 4-2. S-Video Connector Pin Assignments  
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A
Specifications  
This appendix lists the specifications of the PCI/PXI-1411. These  
specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise stated.  
Formats Supported  
Input formats  
RS-170/NTSC................................. 29.97 frames/s  
CCIR/PAL ...................................... 25 frames/s  
Output formats  
RGB ............................................... 32-bit  
HSL................................................. 32-bit  
R, G, B, H, S, or L .......................... 8-bit  
Pixel aspect ratio............................. Square pixel  
Video Input  
Quantity.................................................. 1 (VIDEO)  
VIDEO ................................................... Composite video on BNC (RSE),  
Y/C on S-Video connector (RSE)  
Input impedance..................................... 75 Ω  
Input range (blank to white)................... 700 mV (calibrated) or  
400 mV to 1.00 V (variable gain)  
Frequency response (luminance)  
Full range ........................................ 12 MHz (–3 dB) typ  
(all filters off)  
Programmable................................. Decimation and lowpass filters  
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Appendix A  
Specifications  
A/D Conversion  
Quantity ..................................................One 8-bit 2X oversampling  
for composite video  
Two 8-bit 2X oversampling  
for Y/C (S-Video)  
Dynamic range........................................46 dB typ  
Sampling Frequency  
RS-170/NTSC..................................27.54 MHz (double rate  
of square pixel  
CCIR/PAL.......................................29.5 MHz (double rate  
of square pixel)  
Color Decoding  
Accuracy  
Composite video  
Luma path........................................Chroma trap filter and/or  
line comb  
Chroma path ....................................Bandpass filter and/or line comb  
Calibrated  
Luma level at DC.............................+/– (1% of value and 1% of white)  
(tentative)  
Demodulated chroma level at DC ...+/– 2% (tentative)  
Memory  
Onboard memory....................................16 MB synchronous  
dynamic RAM  
LUTs.......................................................Three 256 × 8 (RGB only)  
External Connections  
Trigger sense...........................................TTL  
Trigger level ...........................................Programmable (rising or falling)  
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Appendix A  
Specifications  
PCI Interface  
PCI initiator (master) capability............. Supported  
PCI target (slave) capability................... Supported  
Data path ................................................ 32 bits  
Board voltage ......................................... 5 V, 12 V, –12 V  
Board type.............................................. 32-bit half-size card  
Parity generation/checking,  
error reporting ........................................ Supported  
Target decode speed............................... Medium (1 clock)  
Target fast back-to-back capability........ Supported  
Resource locking.................................... Supported as a master and slave  
PCI interrupts ......................................... Interrupts passed on  
INTA# signal  
Base address registers ............................ BAR0 (16 KB)  
BAR1 (64 KB)  
Expansion ROM..................................... 4 KB  
PCI master performance  
Ideal ................................................ 133 Mbytes/s  
Sustained......................................... 100 Mbytes/s  
Power Requirements  
Voltage................................................... + 5 V (1.00 A)  
+12 V (75 mA)  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Appendix A  
Specifications  
Physical  
Dimensions  
PCI-1411..........................................10.7 by 17.5 cm  
(4.2 by 6.9 in.)  
PXI-1411 .........................................10 by 16 cm  
(3.9 by 6.3 in.)  
Weight  
PCI-1411..........................................0.136 kg (0.3 lb.)  
PXI-1411 .........................................0.154 kg (0.34 lb.)  
Environment  
Operating temperature ............................ 0–55 °C  
Storage temperature................................–20–70 °C  
Relative humidity ...................................5–90%, noncondensing  
MTBF .....................................................839,653 h at 30 °C  
Emissions................................................EN 55011:1991 Group 1 Class A  
at 10 m FCC Class A at 10 m  
Functional shock (PXI only)...................MIL-T-28800 E Class 3 (per  
Section 4.5.5.4.1) Half-sine shock  
pulse, 11 ms duration, 30 g peak,  
30 shocks per face  
Operational random vibration  
(PXI only)...............................................5 to 500 Hz, 0.31 grms, 3 axes  
Nonoperational random vibration  
(PXI only)...............................................5 to 500 Hz, 2.5 grms, 3 axes  
Note Random vibration profiles were developed in accordance with MIL-T-28800E and  
MIL-STD-810E Method 514. Test levels exceed those recommended in MIL-STD-810E  
for Category 1 (Basic Transportation, Figures 514.4-1 through 514.4-3).  
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B
Introduction to Color  
Color is the wavelength of the light we receive in our eye when we look at  
an object. In theory, the color spectrum is infinite. Humans, however, can  
see only a small portion of this spectrum—the portion that goes from the  
red edge of infrared light (the longest wavelength) to the blue edge of  
ultraviolet light (the shortest wavelength). This continuous spectrum is  
called the visible spectrum, as shown in Figure B-1.  
Figure B-1. White Light and the Visible Spectrum  
White light is a combination of all colors at once. The spectrum of white  
light is continuous and goes from ultraviolet to infrared in a smooth  
transition. You can represent a good approximation of white light by  
selecting a few reference colors and weighting them appropriately. The  
most common way to represent white light is to use three reference  
components, such as red, green, and blue (R, G, and B primaries). You can  
simulate most colors of the visible spectrum using these primaries. For  
example, video projectors use red, green, and blue light generators, and an  
RGB camera uses red, green, and blue sensors.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Appendix B  
Introduction to Color  
The perception of a color depends on many factors, such as:  
Hue, which is the perceived dominant color. Hue depends directly on  
the wavelength of a color.  
Saturation, which is dependent on the amount of white light present in  
a color. Pastels typically have a low saturation while very rich colors  
have a high saturation. For example, pink typically has a red hue but  
has a low saturation.  
Luminance, which is the brightness information in the video picture.  
The luminance signal amplitude varies in proportion to the brightness  
of the video signal and corresponds exactly to the monochrome  
picture.  
Intensity, which is the brightness of a color and which is usually  
expressed as light or dark. For example, orange and brown may have  
the same hue and saturation; however, orange has a greater intensity  
than brown.  
Image Representations  
Color images can be represented in several different formats. These formats  
can contain all color information from the image or they can consist of just  
one aspect of the color information, such as hue or luminance. The  
following image representations can be produced using the PCI/PXI-1411.  
RGB  
The most common image representation is 32-bit RGB format. In this  
representation, the three 8-bit color planes—red, green and blue—are  
packed into an array of 32-bit integers. This representation is useful for  
displaying the image on your monitor. The 32-bit integer organized as:  
0
RED  
GREEN  
BLUE  
where the high-order byte is not used and blue is the low-order byte.  
Color Planes  
Each color plane can be returned individually. The red, green, or blue plane  
is extracted from the RGB image and represented as an array of 8-bit  
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Appendix B  
Introduction to Color  
Hue, Saturation, Luminance, and Intensity Planes  
The 8-bit hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity planes can also be  
returned individually if you want to analyze the image.  
Luminance, Intensity, Hue, or Saturation are defined using the Red, Green,  
and Blue values in the following formulas:  
Luminance = 0.299 × Red + 0.587 × Green + 0.114 × Blue  
Intensity = (Red + Green + Blue) / 3  
Hue = ATN2 (Y, X)  
where  
Y = (Green - Blue) / 2 and  
X = (2 × Red - Green - Blue) / 6  
3 × Min(R, G, B)  
Saturation = 255 × 1 – -----------------------------------------  
R + G + B  
32-Bit HSL and HSI  
You can also pack the three 8-bit Hue, Saturation, and Luminance planes  
(HSL) or the three Hue, Saturation, and Intensity planes (HSI) in one array  
of 32-bit integers, which is equivalent to the 32-bit RGB representation.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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C
Technical Support Resources  
This appendix describes the comprehensive resources available to you in  
the Technical Support section of the National Instruments Web site and  
provides technical support telephone numbers for you to use if you have  
trouble connecting to our Web site or if you do not have internet access.  
NI Web Support  
To provide you with immediate answers and solutions 24 hours a day,  
365 days a year, National Instruments maintains extensive online technical  
support resources. They are available to you at no cost, are updated daily,  
and can be found in the Technical Support section of our Web site at  
Online Problem-Solving and Diagnostic Resources  
KnowledgeBase—A searchable database containing thousands of  
frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their corresponding answers or  
solutions, including special sections devoted to our newest products.  
The database is updated daily in response to new customer experiences  
and feedback.  
Troubleshooting Wizards—Step-by-step guides lead you through  
common problems and answer questions about our entire product line.  
Wizards include screen shots that illustrate the steps being described  
and provide detailed information ranging from simple getting started  
instructions to advanced topics.  
Product Manuals—A comprehensive, searchable library of the latest  
editions of National Instruments hardware and software product  
manuals.  
Hardware Reference Database—A searchable database containing  
brief hardware descriptions, mechanical drawings, and helpful images  
of jumper settings and connector pinouts.  
Application Notes—A library with more than 100 short papers  
addressing specific topics such as creating and calling DLLs,  
developing your own instrument driver software, and porting  
applications between platforms and operating systems.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Appendix C  
Technical Support Resources  
Software-Related Resources  
Instrument Driver Network—A library with hundreds of instrument  
drivers for control of standalone instruments via GPIB, VXI, or serial  
interfaces. You also can submit a request for a particular instrument  
driver if it does not already appear in the library.  
Example Programs Database—A database with numerous,  
non-shipping example programs for National Instruments  
programming environments. You can use them to complement the  
example programs that are already included with National Instruments  
products.  
Software Library—A library with updates and patches to application  
software, links to the latest versions of driver software for National  
Instruments hardware products, and utility routines.  
Worldwide Support  
National Instruments has offices located around the globe. Many branch  
offices maintain a Web site to provide information on local services. You  
can access these Web sites from www.ni.com/worldwide  
If you have trouble connecting to our Web site, please contact your local  
National Instruments office or the source from which you purchased your  
National Instruments product(s) to obtain support.  
For telephone support in the United States, dial 512 795 8248. For  
telephone support outside the United States, contact your local branch  
office:  
Australia 03 9879 5166, Austria 0662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 02 757 00 20,  
Brazil 011 284 5011, Canada (Calgary) 403 274 9391,  
Canada (Ontario) 905 785 0085, Canada (Québec) 514 694 8521,  
China 0755 3904939, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland 09 725 725 11,  
France 01 48 14 24 24, Germany 089 741 31 30, Greece 30 1 42 96 427,  
Hong Kong 2645 3186, India 91805275406, Israel 03 6120092,  
Italy 02 413091, Japan 03 5472 2970, Korea 02 596 7456,  
Mexico (D.F.) 5 280 7625, Mexico (Monterrey) 8 357 7695,  
Netherlands 0348 433466, Norway 32 27 73 00, Poland 48 22 528 94 06,  
Portugal 351 1 726 9011, Singapore 2265886, Spain 91 640 0085,  
Sweden 08 587 895 00, Switzerland 056 200 51 51,  
Taiwan 02 2377 1200, United Kingdom 01635 523545  
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Glossary  
Prefix  
p-  
Meaning  
pico-  
Value  
10–12  
10–9  
10– 6  
10–3  
103  
n-  
nano-  
micro-  
milli-  
kilo-  
µ-  
m-  
k-  
M-  
G-  
t-  
mega-  
giga-  
106  
109  
tera-  
1012  
Numbers/Symbols  
+
Positive of, or plus.  
Per.  
/
±
Ohm.  
Plus or minus.  
Negative of, or minus.  
A
A
Amperes.  
AC  
Alternating current.  
acquisition window  
active line region  
The image size specific to a video standard or camera resolution.  
The region of lines actively being stored. Defined by a line start (relative to  
the vertical synchronization signal) and a line count.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Glossary  
active pixel region  
The region of pixels actively being stored. Defined by a pixel start (relative  
to the horizontal synchronization signal) and a pixel count.  
address  
API  
Value that identifies a specific location (or series of locations) in memory.  
Application programming interface.  
area  
A rectangular portion of an acquisition window or frame that is controlled  
and defined by software.  
array  
ASIC  
Ordered, indexed set of data elements of the same type.  
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. A proprietary semiconductor  
component designed and manufactured to perform a set of specific  
functions for specific customer needs.  
B
b
Bit. One binary digit, either 0 or 1.  
B
Byte. Eight related bits of data, an eight-bit binary number; also used to  
denote the amount of memory required to store one byte of data  
brightness  
A constant that is added to the red, green, and blue components of a color  
pixel during the color decoding process.  
buffer  
bus  
Temporary storage for acquired data.  
A group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a computer,  
such as the PCI bus; typically the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other  
devices are connected.  
C
C
Celsius.  
cache  
High-speed processor memory that buffers commonly used instructions or  
data to increase processing throughput.  
CMOS  
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.  
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Glossary  
color space  
The mathematical representation for a color. For example, color can be  
described in terms of red, green, and blue; hue, saturation, and luma; or hue,  
saturation, and intensity.  
composite video  
contrast  
A type of color video transmission where synchronization, luma, and  
chroma information are transmitted on one analog signal.  
A constant multiplication factor applied to the luma and chroma  
components of a color pixel in the color decoding process.  
coring  
The process of eliminating color information in low-color situations (if the  
saturation is lower than a predefined value).  
CPU  
Central processing unit.  
D
DAQ  
Data acquisition. (1) Collecting and measuring electrical signals from  
sensors, transducers, and test probes or fixtures and inputting them to a  
computer for processing. (2) Collecting and measuring the same kinds of  
electrical signals with A/D or DIO boards plugged into a computer, and  
possibly generating control signals with D/A and/or DIO boards in the  
same computer.  
dB  
Decibel. The unit for expressing a logarithmic measure of the ratio of two  
signal levels: dB = 20log10 V1/V2, for signals in volts.  
DC  
Direct current.  
default setting  
A default parameter value recorded in the driver; in many cases, the default  
input of a control is a certain value (often 0) that means use the current  
default setting.  
DMA  
Direct memory access. A method by which data can be transferred to and  
from computer memory from and to a device or memory on the bus while  
the processor does something else; DMA is the fastest method of  
transferring data to/from computer memory.  
DRAM  
Dynamic RAM.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Glossary  
drivers  
Software that controls a specific hardware device, such as an image  
acquisition board.  
dynamic range  
The ratio of the largest signal level a circuit can handle to the smallest  
signal level it can handle (usually taken to be the noise level), normally  
expressed in decibels.  
E
EEPROM  
Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. ROM that can be  
erased with an electrical signal and reprogrammed.  
external trigger  
A voltage pulse from an external source that triggers an event such as  
A/D conversion.  
F
field  
For an interlaced video signal, a field is half the number of horizontal  
lines needed to represent a frame of video. The first field of a frame  
contains all the odd-numbered lines, the second field contains all of the  
even-numbered lines.  
FIFO  
First-in first-out memory buffer. The first data stored is the first data sent  
to the acceptor; FIFOs are used on IMAQ devices to temporarily store  
incoming data until that data can be retrieved.  
frame  
ft  
A complete image. In interlaced formats, a frame is composed of two fields.  
Feet.  
G
gamma  
The nonlinear change in the difference between the video signal’s  
brightness level and the voltage level needed to produce that brightness.  
genlock  
Circuitry that aligns the video timing signals by locking together the  
horizontal, vertical, and color subcarrier frequencies and phases and  
generates a pixel clock to clock pixel data into memory for display or into  
another circuit for processing.  
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Glossary  
H
h
Hour.  
HSI  
HSL  
Color encoding scheme in Hue, Saturation, and Intensity.  
Color encoding scheme using Hue, Saturation, and Luma information  
where each image in the pixel is encoded using 32 bits: 8 bits for hue, 8 bits  
for saturation, 8 bits for luma, and 8 unused bits.  
HSYNC  
hue  
Horizontal synchronization signal. The synchronization pulse signal  
produced at the beginning of each video scan line that keeps a video  
monitor’s horizontal scan rate in step with the transmission of each  
new line.  
Represents the dominant color of a pixel. The hue function is a continuous  
function that covers all the possible colors generated using the R, G, and  
B primaries. See also RGB.  
hue offset  
Hz  
The value added to all hue values so that the discontinuity occurs outside  
the values of interest during analysis.  
Hertz. Frequency in units of 1/second.  
I
I/O  
Input/output. The transfer of data to/from a computer system involving  
communications channels, operator interface devices, and/or data  
acquisition and control interfaces.  
IC  
Integrated circuit.  
IEEE  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.  
IMAQ  
Image acquisition.  
Inches.  
in.  
instrument driver  
A set of high-level software functions, such as NI-IMAQ, that control  
specific plug-in computer boards. Instrument drivers are available in  
several forms, ranging from a function callable from a programming  
language to a virtual instrument (VI) in LabVIEW.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-5  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
Glossary  
intensity  
interlaced  
interrupt  
The sum of the Red, Green, and Blue primaries divided by three:  
(Red + Green + Blue)/3.  
A video frame composed of two interleaved fields. The number of lines in  
a field are half the number of lines in an interlaced frame.  
A computer signal indicating that the CPU should suspend its current task  
to service a designated activity.  
interrupt level  
IRQ  
The relative priority at which a device can interrupt.  
Interrupt request. See interrupt.  
K
k
Kilo. The standard metric prefix for 1,000, or 103, used with units of  
measure such as volts, hertz, and meters.  
K
Kilo. The prefix for 1,024, or 210, used with B in quantifying data or  
computer memory.  
kbytes/s  
Kword  
A unit for data transfer that means 1,000 or 103 bytes/s.  
1,024 words of memory.  
L
line count  
The total number of horizontal lines in the picture.  
Least significant bit.  
LSB  
luma  
The brightness information in the video picture. The luma signal amplitude  
varies in proportion to the brightness of the video signal and corresponds  
exactly to the monochrome picture.  
luminance  
LUT  
See luma.  
Look-up table. Table containing values used to transform the gray-level  
values of an image. For each gray-level value in the image, the  
corresponding new value is obtained from the look-up table.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
G-6  
 
Glossary  
M
m
Meters.  
M
(1) Mega, the standard metric prefix for 1 million or 106, when used with  
units of measure such as volts and hertz; (2) mega, the prefix for 1,048,576,  
or 220, when used with B to quantify data or computer memory.  
MB  
Megabyte of memory.  
Mbytes/s  
A unit for data transfer that means 1 million or 106 bytes/s.  
memory buffer  
memory window  
See buffer.  
Continuous blocks of memory that can be accessed quickly by changing  
addresses on the local processor.  
MSB  
MTBF  
mux  
Most significant bit.  
Mean time between failure.  
Multiplexer. A switching device with multiple inputs that selectively  
connects one of its inputs to its output.  
N
NI-IMAQ  
Driver software for National Instruments IMAQ hardware.  
noninterlaced  
A video frame where all the lines are scanned sequentially, instead of  
divided into two frames as in an interlaced video frame.  
NTSC  
National Television Standards Committee. The committee that developed  
the color video standard used primarily in North America, which uses  
525 lines per frame. See also PAL.  
NVRAM  
Nonvolatile RAM. RAM that is not erased when a device loses power or is  
turned off.  
O
operating system  
Base-level software that controls a computer, runs programs, interacts with  
users, and communicates with installed hardware or peripheral devices.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
Glossary  
P
PAL  
Phase Alternation Line. One of the European video color standards; uses  
625 lines per frame. See also NTSC.  
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect. A high-performance expansion bus  
architecture originally developed by Intel to replace ISA and EISA. PCI  
offers a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 132 Mbytes/s.  
pixel  
Picture element. The smallest division that makes up the video scan line;  
for display on a computer monitor, a pixel’s optimum dimension is square  
(aspect ratio of 1:1, or the width equal to the height).  
pixel clock  
pixel count  
Divides the incoming horizontal video line into pixels.  
The total number of pixels between two horizontal synchronization signals.  
The pixel count determines the frequency of the pixel clock.  
PLL  
Phase-locked loop. Circuitry that provides a very stable pixel clock that is  
referenced to another signal, for example, an incoming horizontal  
synchronization signal.  
protocol  
pts  
The exact sequence of bits, characters, and control codes used to  
transfer data between computers and peripherals through a  
communications channel.  
Points.  
R
RAM  
Random-access memory.  
real time  
A property of an event or system in which data is processed as it is acquired  
instead of being accumulated and processed at a later time.  
relative accuracy  
resolution  
A measure in LSB of the accuracy of an ADC; it includes all nonlinearity  
and quantization errors but does not include offset and gain errors of the  
circuitry feeding the ADC.  
The smallest signal increment that can be detected by a measurement  
percent of full scale. For example, a system has 12-bit resolution, one  
part in 4,096 resolution, and 0.0244 percent of full scale.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
G-8  
 
Glossary  
RGB  
ROI  
Color encoding scheme using red, green, and blue (RGB) color information  
where each pixel in the color image is encoded using 32 bits: 8 bits for red,  
8 bits for green, 8 bits for blue, and 8 bits for the alpha value (unused).  
Region of interest. A hardware-programmable rectangular portion of the  
acquisition window.  
ROM  
RS-170  
RSE  
Read-only memory.  
The U.S. standard used for black-and-white television.  
Referenced single-ended. All measurements are made with respect to a  
common reference measurement system or a ground. Also called a  
grounded measurement system.  
S
s
Seconds.  
S-Video  
A type of color video transmission where timing and luma information are  
transmitted on one analog signal and chroma is transmitted on a separate  
analog signal.  
saturation  
The amount of white added to a pure color. Saturation relates to the richness  
of a color. A saturation of zero corresponds to a pure color with no white  
added. Pink is a red with low saturation.  
scaling down circuitry Circuitry that scales down the resolution of a video signal.  
scatter-gather DMA  
SDRAM  
A type of DMA that allows the DMA controller to reconfigure on-the-fly.  
Synchronous dynamic RAM.  
Static RAM.  
SRAM  
sync  
Tells the display where to put a video picture. The horizontal sync indicates  
the picture’s left-to-right placement and the vertical sync indicates  
top-to-bottom placement.  
system RAM  
RAM installed on a personal computer and used by the operating system,  
as contrasted with onboard RAM.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
Glossary  
T
transfer rate  
The rate, measured in bytes/s, at which data is moved from source to  
destination after software initialization and set up operations. The  
maximum rate at which the hardware can operate.  
trigger  
Any event that causes or starts some form of data capture.  
trigger control and  
mapping circuitry  
Circuitry that routes, monitors, and drives external and RTSI bus trigger  
lines. You can configure each of these lines to start or stop acquisition on a  
rising or falling edge.  
TTL  
Transistor-transistor logic.  
V
VCO  
Voltage-controlled oscillator. An oscillator that changes frequency  
depending on a control signal; used in a PLL to generate a stable  
pixel clock.  
VI  
Virtual Instrument. (1) A combination of hardware and/or software  
elements, typically used with a PC, that has the functionality of a classic  
stand-alone instrument (2) A LabVIEW software module (VI), which  
consists of a front panel user interface and a block diagram program.  
VSYNC  
Vertical synchronization signal. The synchronization pulse generated at the  
beginning of each video field that tells the video monitor when to start a  
new field.  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
G-10  
 
Index  
connector for PCI/PXI-1411 (figure), 4-1  
custom cables, 4-2  
A
accuracy specifications, A-2  
acquisition  
acquisition, scaling, and ROI circuitry, 3-3  
acquisition window control, 3-4 to 3-5  
start conditions, 3-4  
D
diagnostic resources, online, C-1  
DMA controllers, scatter-gather, 3-3  
acquisition window, 3-4  
A/D conversion specifications, A-2  
E
environment specifications, A-4  
equipment, optional, 2-2  
external connection specifications, A-2  
B
block diagram of PCI/PXI-1411, 3-1  
board configuration NVRAM, 3-4  
bus master PCI interface, 3-4  
F
formats supported, A-1  
functional overview, 3-1  
C
cables, custom, 4-2  
color decoding specifications, A-2  
color overview, B-1 to B-3  
definition of color, B-1  
G
GND signal (table), 4-2  
image representations, B-2 to B-3  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
color planes, B-2  
H
hue, saturation, luminance, and  
intensity planes, B-3  
RGB, B-2  
hardware overview, 3-1 to 3-5  
acquisition, scaling, ROI, 3-3  
acquisition window control, 3-4 to 3-5  
block diagram of PCI/PXI-1411, 3-1  
board configuration NVRAM, 3-4  
bus master PCI interface, 3-4  
color-space processor and LUTs, 3-2  
functional overview, 3-1  
perception of color, B-2  
visible spectrum (figure), B-1  
color planes, B-2  
color-space processor and LUTs, 3-2  
CompactPCI, using with PXI, 1-2  
configuration  
scatter-gather DMA controllers, 3-3  
SDRAM, 3-3  
start conditions, 3-4  
acquisition window control, 3-4 to 3-5  
board configuration NVRAM, 3-4  
setting up your IMAQ system (figure), 2-3  
trigger control and mapping circuitry, 3-3  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-1  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 
 
Index  
video acquisition, 3-1  
video decoder, 3-2  
M
mapping circuitry and trigger control, 3-3  
memory  
hue  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
definition, B-2  
hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity  
planes, B-3  
board configuration NVRAM, 3-4  
SDRAM, 3-3  
specifications, A-2  
N
I
National Instruments Web support, C-1 to C-2  
NI-IMAQ driver software, 1-3 to 1-4  
NTSC video standard, 3-2  
image representations, B-2 to B-3  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
color planes, B-2  
NVRAM, 3-4  
hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity  
planes, B-3  
RGB, B-2  
O
IMAQ Vision Builder software, 1-5  
IMAQ Vision software, 1-5  
installation  
online problem-solving and diagnostic  
resources, C-1  
optional equipment for PCI/PXI-1411, 2-2  
PCI-1411 procedure, 2-4 to 2-5  
PXI-1411 procedure, 2-5  
setting up your IMAQ system  
(figure), 2-3  
P
PAL video standard, 3-2  
unpacking PCI/PXI-1411, 2-4  
intensity  
PCI interface, A-3  
PCI/PXI-1411. See also hardware overview.  
optional equipment, 2-2  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
definition, B-2  
overview, 1-1  
hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity  
planes, B-3  
I/O connector (figure), 4-1  
requirements for getting started, 2-1  
software programming choices, 1-2 to 1-6  
IMAQ Vision Builder software, 1-5  
IMAQ Vision software, 1-5  
NI-IMAQ driver software, 1-3 to 1-4  
unpacking, 2-4  
L
look-up-tables (LUTs), 3-2  
luminance  
using PXI with CompactPCI, 1-2  
physical specifications, A-4  
post-decoding coring, 3-2  
power requirement specifications, A-3  
problem-solving and diagnostic resources,  
online, C-1  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
definition, B-2  
hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity  
LUTs (look-up-tables), 3-2  
PXI, using with CompactPCI, 1-2  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
I-2  
 
Index  
external connections, A-2  
formats supported, A-1  
memory, A-2  
PCI interface, A-3  
physical, A-4  
R
RAM  
board configuration NVRAM, 3-4  
SDRAM, 3-3  
region of interest  
power requirements, A-3  
video input, A-1  
acquisition, scaling, and ROI  
circuitry, 3-3  
start conditions, 3-4  
S-VIDEO signal (table), 4-2  
configuring, 3-5  
requirements for getting started, 2-1  
RGB image representation, B-2  
T
technical support resources, C-1 to C-2  
TRIG signal (table), 4-2  
S
saturation  
trigger control and mapping circuitry, 3-3  
32-bit HSL and HSI, B-3  
definition, B-2  
hue, saturation, luminance, and intensity  
planes, B-3  
scaling down circuitry, 3-5  
scatter-gather DMA controllers, 3-3  
SDRAM, 3-3  
setting up your IMAQ system (figure), 2-3  
signal connections, 4-1 to 4-2  
custom cables, 4-2  
I/O connector (figure), 4-1  
signal description (table), 4-2  
software programming choices, 1-2 to 1-6  
IMAQ Vision Builder software, 1-5  
IMAQ Vision software, 1-5  
NI-IMAQ driver software, 1-3 to 1-4  
software-related resources, C-2  
specifications, A-1 to A-4  
accuracy, A-2  
U
unpacking PCI/PXI-1411, 2-4  
V
video acquisition, 3-1  
video decoder, 3-2  
video input specifications, A-1  
VIDEO signal (table), 4-2  
video standards, 3-2  
W
Web support from National Instruments,  
C-1 to C-2  
online problem-solving and diagnostic  
resources, C-1  
A/D conversion, A-2  
color decoding, A-2  
software-related resources, C-2  
worldwide technical support, C-2  
environment, A-4  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-3  
IMAQ PCI/PXI-1411 User Manual  
 

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