Description


The Trigger Accessory is an optically activated trigger designed for use with the PixeLINK PL-B Machine Vision Cameras.  It consists of a slotted, optical switch and a nine-pin micro-d cable receptacle connected by a 2-meter cable, as shown in Figure 1.  The trigger is activated by interrupting or completing the optical path within the 1/8” (3 mm) slot, depending on the trigger polarity.


 

Figure 1:  Trigger Accessory


Connection

The PL-B Trigger Accessory's nine-pin cable plug attaches to the “Control” connector on the back of the PL B series Machine Vision Camera. 

Triggering

Negative trigger—Activate the trigger by inserting an opaque object into the 1/8” (3 mm) slot in the trigger switch, interrupting the optical path. 

Positive trigger—Insert an opaque object into the 1/8” (3 mm) slot in the trigger switch.  Activate the trigger by removing the object, completing the optical path.



Figure 1:  Micro-D 9 Male Plug Pinout.



Pin Assignment


PinWire ColorPin Name FunctionComments

1

Black

POWER (Firewire camera only)

Firewire cable power, 8-30 VDC (typically 12 V)

Maximum current available from this pin is 250 mA.

1

Black

Power (USB2 camera only)

+ 5.5 VDC (internally generated by camera).

Maximum current available from this pin is 50 mA.

2

Brown

GP2+

Positive terminal of optically isolated General Purpose Output 2.

Optical isolator open collector output. Provides current sink to pin 3 when GP2 is active. Also see GPO notes below chart.

3

Red

GP2-

Negative terminal of optically isolated General Purpose Output 2

Optical isolator emitter output. Typically connected externally to pin 9 (Ground).

4

Orange

GP1+

Positive terminal of optically isolated General Purpose Output 1

Optical isolator open collector output. Provides current sink to pin 5 when GP1 is active. Also see GPO notes below chart.

5

Yellow

GP1-

Negative terminal of optically isolated General Purpose Output 1.

Optical isolator emitter output. Typically connected externally to pin 9 (Ground).

6

Green

TRIGGER+

Positive terminal of optically isolated trigger input

See trigger notes below chart.

7

Blue

TRIGGER-

Negative terminal of optically isolated trigger input

See trigger notes below chart.

8

Violet

(no connection)

(not used)


9

Grey

GROUND

Logic and chassis ground