National Instruments PCI-1426 Camera Link Image Acquisition Device

The NI PCI-1426 (Part number: 779210-02) is a low cost yet effective Camera Link Image Acquisition Device, which fully supports the Camera Link Standard. It is designed for machine vision and complicated, scientific imaging applications where high-resolution digital imaging is required with simple cabling. This model supports a broad range of Camera Link-compatible imaging devices. It acquires digital images on a real-time basis. The user can choose to store images on the onboard memory or transfer them to system memory directly. The NI PCI-1426 features a high-speed and flexible data path, optimized for accepting and formatting video data from cameras.

The NI PCI-1426 comes with a 15-pin D-SUB connector. This connector has four external TTL I/O (input/output) lines, which can be used as high-speed digital I/O lines or as triggers. The same D-SUB connector also allows access to two separate, optically isolated inputs and two RS-422 inputs. The user can have either one of these inputs selected with the help of the software. In addition, the NI 1426 and NI-IMAQ driver software can be used for more advanced analog or digital system triggering or for the triggering of digital I/O lines. The device can be programmed using application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW, LabWIndows/CVI, or Measurement Studio.

The NI PCI-1426 features an MDR 26-Pin Connector to achieve high-frequency rates of transfer between the acquisition devices and the camera. This connector can be accessed utilizing a 3M Camera Link cable. This model also accepts differential line driver inputs (RS-422). It can start acquisition in different modes, such as Software Control Mode, Delayed Acquisition Mode, Trigger Control Mode, etc.

The NI device weighs 4.48 oz, and measures 4.2 x 6.9 in.in physical dimensions. It has recommended operating and storage temperature ranges of 0 °C to 55 °C and –20 °C to 70 °C respectively, and a non-condensing relative humidity range of 5% to 90%. The camera link image acquisition device is designed to comply with the following electrical safety standards: IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1.

PCI-1426 End of Life Status has been announced by National Instruments, but will still be available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves.