How to make a camera link cable?

How to make a camera link cable?

Making a ​Camera Link cable​ requires specialized components and careful assembly due to its high-speed LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide, but note that ​commercially available cables are recommended​ for reliability unless you have specific customization needs.

​Components Needed​

1. ​MDR-26 (Micro-D Ribbon) Connectors​ (male & female, shielded)

2. Shielded twisted-pair cable​ (for LVDS signals)

3. Power wires​ (for +12V/+24V and ground)

4. ​RS-232 wires​ (for serial communication)

5. Shielding & strain relief components​

6. Crimping tools & soldering equipment​

7. ​Multimeter & continuity tester​ (for verification)

​Step-by-Step Assembly​

​1. Understand the Camera Link Pinout​

The ​MDR-26 connector​ has 26 pins, with specific assignments for:

1> LVDS pairs​ (data channels)

2> Camera power (+12V/+24V)​​

3> ​Ground (GND)​

4> ​RS-232 (serial control)​​

Refer to the ​Camera Link standard pinout​ (e.g., from the ​AIA (Automated Imaging Association)​​ specification).

​2. Prepare the Cable​

Use ​shielded twisted-pair cables​ for LVDS signals (minimizes crosstalk).

Separate ​power wires​ (thicker gauge for higher current).

Keep ​RS-232 wires​ away from LVDS pairs to avoid interference.

​3. Wire the Connectors​

LVDS pairs (Data Channels)​​

1> Each data lane (X0, X1, X2, etc.) requires a ​differential pair (P/N)​.

2> Solder or crimp twisted pairs to the correct pins (e.g., X0+ to pin 1, X0- to pin 14).

​Power & Ground​

1> Connect ​​+V (pin 26)​​ and ​GND (pin 13)​​ for camera power.

2> Ensure proper gauge for current requirements.

​RS-232 (Serial Control)​​

1> ​TX (pin 4), RX (pin 17), GND (pin 13)​​ for communication.

​4. Shielding & Strain Relief​

Ensure ​all LVDS pairs are shielded​ (foil or braid).

Use ​strain relief boots​ to prevent cable damage.

Secure the ​connector shield​ to the cable shield for EMI protection.

​5. Testing & Verification​

Continuity check​ (multimeter) for all connections.

High-speed signal integrity test​ (oscilloscope for LVDS eye diagram).

Power delivery test​ (verify voltage levels).

​Challenges & Considerations​

✅ ​Signal Integrity​ – LVDS requires precise impedance matching (~100Ω differential).
✅ ​EMI Shielding​ – Poor shielding causes noise and data corruption.
✅ ​Connector Quality​ – Cheap connectors may cause signal loss.
✅ ​Cable Length​ – Beyond 10m, signal degradation occurs (use repeaters).

​Alternative: Custom Cable Solutions​

If DIY is too complex, consider:

1. Buying pre-made Camera Link cables​ (e.g., from ​Teledyne DALSA, Basler, Matrox).

2. ​Using Camera Link HS with CX4/SFP+​​ for higher speeds.

3. Opting for fiber-optic extenders​ for long-distance transmission.

​Final Recommendation​

For ​reliable performance, purchasing a ​commercial Camera Link cable​ is best. However, if you need a ​custom solution, ensure strict adherence to LVDS and shielding standards.

Would you like help with a ​specific pinout diagram​ or troubleshooting?

• [cf7ic]