Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK cRTV‑24 Quad Simultan 878A cPCI 3U Image Acquisition Card

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: cRTV‑24 Quad Simultan 878A Image Acquisition Card
Model: cRTV‑24
Series: Angelo Frame Grabber Series (CompactPCI variant)
Article Number: cRTV‑24 / Part No. 50‑12419‑001
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Revision: Manual Rev. 1.00 (March 31, 2003)
Form Factor: 3U CompactPCI (cPCI) board, 32/64‑bit, 33/66 MHz bus interface

The ADLINK cRTV‑24 is a high‑performance, multi‑channel image acquisition card designed for real‑time video capture in industrial, scientific, and security applications. It belongs to the Angelo family of frame grabbers, optimized for PC‑based digital video recording and machine vision systems. The board integrates four Connexant 878A video digitizers, enabling simultaneous capture of up to four composite video streams in real time.

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### 2. Key Features

- Quad‑Channel Real‑Time Video Capture:
Simultaneous acquisition of four analog video inputs using four Connexant 878A encoders. Each channel supports full‑frame, real‑time capture at 30 fps (NTSC) or 25 fps (PAL).

- Multi‑Format Video Compatibility:
Supports standard composite color formats (NTSC‑M, NTSC‑Japan, PAL‑B/D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM) and monochrome standards (CCIR, EIA/RS‑170).

- Programmable Resolution and Scaling:
Adjustable capture resolution including square‑pixel (640 × 480 NTSC, 768 × 576 PAL) and broadcast resolutions. Hardware scaling down to 1:16 and region‑of‑interest cropping supported.

- Image Adjustment Controls:
Software‑configurable hue, brightness, contrast, and saturation (0–200 %) with automatic chrominance gain control.

- Channel Extension Capability:
Expandable up to 8 video channels via 10‑pin ribbon cable headers for additional inputs.

- Status Indication:
On‑board LEDs provide per‑channel video status feedback.

- User EEPROM:
1 Kbit non‑volatile memory for user‑defined data storage.

- Watchdog Timer:
Hardware watchdog monitors system activity and can reset the host PC after a programmable timeout, ensuring fault‑tolerant operation.

- Software Support:
WDM drivers for Windows 98/NT/2000/XP; compatible with Visual C++, Visual Basic, Borland C++ Builder, and Delphi. Includes ViewCreator utility for configuration and testing.

- I/O and Triggering:
TTL‑compatible general‑purpose I/O lines (4 in/4 out/4 software triggers) with overload and ESD protection. Programmable trigger pulse width from 60 µs to 16 ms.

- API and SDK:
Comprehensive function library for image capture, configuration, GPIO control, EEPROM access, watchdog, and software triggering.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

Bus Interface:
- CompactPCI (cPCI) 3U form factor
- 32/64‑bit data path, 33/66 MHz bus speed

Video Input:
- 4 × composite video color digitizers (Connexant 878A)
- 4 × BNC connectors for composite input
- Coaxial cable recommended
- LED indicators for each channel

Video Standards:
- Color: NTSC‑M/J, PAL‑B/D/G/H/I/M/N, SECAM
- Monochrome: CCIR, EIA (RS‑170)

Frame Rates:
- NTSC: 30 fps per channel (60 fields/s)
- PAL: 25 fps per channel (50 fields/s)
- Simultaneous 4‑channel capture at full frame rate

Resolution Options:
- Full: 640 × 480 (NTSC), 768 × 576 (PAL)
- CIF: 320 × 240 (NTSC), 384 × 288 (PAL)
- QCIF: 160 × 120 (NTSC), 192 × 144 (PAL)

Color Formats:
RGB 8/15/16/24/32‑bit, grayscale, YUV 4:2:2, YUV 4:1:1, RAW8X

Scaling and Cropping:
- Programmable region of interest
- Down‑scaling ratios up to 1:16

General Purpose I/O (TTL):
- 4 inputs, 4 outputs, 4 software triggers
- Input high voltage: 2.0 – 5.25 V
- Input low voltage: 0.0 – 0.8 V
- Output high voltage: 5.0 V @ –1 mA
- Output low voltage: –0.5 V @ 100 mA
- Internally pulled‑up lines

EEPROM:
- 1 Kbit user‑programmable non‑volatile memory

Watchdog Timer:
- Programmable timeout intervals: 8 s, 16 s, 32 s
- Reset output via 2‑pin header

Trigger Output:
- 4 software‑controlled trigger channels
- Pulse width adjustable from 60 µs to 16 ms

Channel Extension:
- One 10‑pin header (CN8) for additional 4 channels (CH4–CH7)
- Up to 8 channels total

Connectors:
- 4 × BNC (video inputs)
- 1 × 10‑pin header (channel extension)
- 2 × 10‑pin GPIO headers (on cRTV‑44 variant)

Physical Characteristics:
- Form factor: 3U CompactPCI board
- Bus width: 32/64‑bit
- Bus speed: 33/66 MHz
- Weight: approx. 200 g (typical for 3U cPCI board)
- Operating temperature: 0 °C – 60 °C (typical industrial range)
- Storage temperature: –20 °C – 80 °C

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### 4. Functionality

The cRTV‑24 operates as a real‑time frame grabber, digitizing analog composite video signals into digital bitmaps for processing or storage. Each of the four Connexant 878A chips independently converts an analog input into a digital stream, allowing simultaneous multi‑channel capture without multiplexing delays.

Captured frames can be processed in RGB or YUV color spaces and transferred directly to system memory via the CompactPCI bus. The board supports continuous or triggered acquisition modes, region‑of‑interest selection, and real‑time scaling.

Typical Applications:
- Multi‑camera surveillance and security DVR systems
- Industrial machine vision and inspection
- Factory automation monitoring
- Scientific and medical imaging
- Research instrumentation requiring synchronized multi‑channel capture

Compatibility:
- Operating Systems: Windows 98/NT/2000/XP
- Development Environments: Visual C++, Visual Basic, Borland C++ Builder, Delphi
- API: AngeloRTV function library (DLL‑based)

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- cRTV‑24 3U CompactPCI frame grabber board
- User’s Manual (PDF or printed)
- Driver and SDK package (WDM driver, ViewCreator utility, API libraries)

Connectors:
- 4 × BNC composite video inputs (CH0–CH3)
- 1 × 10‑pin header (CN8) for channel extension (CH4–CH7)
- 2‑pin header for watchdog reset output

Optional Accessories:
- Channel extension ribbon cable (10‑pin)
- Additional video input expansion boards (for up to 8 channels)
- Coaxial cables and BNC adapters
- GPIO breakout cables (for cRTV‑44 variant)

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### 6. Installation & Setup

System Requirements:
- CompactPCI chassis with available 3U slot (32/64‑bit, 33/66 MHz)
- Compatible CPU board or controller supporting cPCI bus
- Windows 98/NT/2000/XP operating system
- Minimum 128 MB RAM (recommended ≥ 256 MB)

Installation Procedure:
1. Power off the system and remove the chassis cover.
2. Identify an empty 3U CompactPCI slot.
3. Remove the blank front panel and retain the mounting screw.
4. Align the cRTV‑24 board with the slot guide and insert carefully into the backplane connector.
5. Secure the board using the front‑panel screw and engage the locking lever.
6. Connect video sources to the BNC inputs (CH0–CH3).
7. Optionally connect channel extension or GPIO headers.
8. Power on the system; Windows Plug‑and‑Play will detect multiple devices (four video and four audio).
9. Install the ADLINK WDM driver when prompted.
10. Verify operation using the ViewCreator utility.

Software Setup:
- Install the ViewCreator utility and AngeloRTV driver package.
- Configure video format (NTSC/PAL), color format, and image size.
- Adjust brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation as required.
- Test acquisition using single‑channel or multi‑channel display modes.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Acquisition Speed:

| Format | Cameras | Fields/s | Frames/s |
|---------|----------|----------|----------|
| NTSC | 1 | 60 | 30 |
| NTSC | 4 | 240 | 120 (aggregate) |
| PAL | 1 | 50 | 25 |
| PAL | 4 | 200 | 100 (aggregate) |

- Real‑time capture across all four channels without frame loss.
- Continuous or triggered acquisition modes supported.
- Hardware scaling and cropping minimize bandwidth usage.

Image Processing:
- Real‑time digitization and transfer to host memory.
- Supports RGB, YUV, and grayscale formats.
- Optional software compression or encoding via host CPU.

Efficiency:
- Direct memory access (DMA) for high‑speed data transfer.
- Low CPU overhead due to hardware digitization.

Limitations:
- Analog composite input only (no S‑Video or digital input).
- Maximum of 8 channels with extension; no hardware compression.
- Windows‑only driver support (no native Linux driver).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- Bus Standard: CompactPCI 3U (PICMG 2.0 Rev. 2.1 compliant)
- Video Standards: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, CCIR, EIA (RS‑170)
- Electrical Interface: TTL‑compatible GPIO lines
- Software Interface: WDM driver architecture (Microsoft Windows)
- Environmental Compliance: Designed for industrial environments (0–60 °C)
- Safety & EMC: Conforms to CE and FCC Class A industrial computing standards (typical for ADLINK cPCI products)

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard 2‑year limited warranty from shipment date.
- Covers manufacturing defects and normal operation failures.
- Excludes damage from misuse, improper installation, or environmental factors.
- RMA service available via ADLINK’s global support network.

Technical Support:
- Email: service@adlink.com.tw / service@adlinktech.com
- Product‑specific support: nupro@adlink.com.tw (NuPRO), nuipc@adlink.com.tw (NuIPC)
- Website: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and cabling recommended.
- Firmware and driver updates available from ADLINK’s website.
- EEPROM data retained after power‑off; user‑programmable for calibration or identification.

Software Tools:
- ViewCreator Utility: GUI‑based configuration and testing tool supporting image preview, adjustment, and saving (BMP/TIF).
- AngeloRTV API Library: Provides functions for initialization, configuration, image capture, GPIO control, EEPROM access, watchdog management, and software triggering.

Programming Interfaces:
- Languages: C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi
- Key Functions:
- `AngeloRTV_Initial()` / `AngeloRTV_Close()` – Port initialization and release
- `AngeloRTV_Capture_Start()` / `AngeloRTV_Capture_Stop()` – Frame acquisition control
- `AngeloRTV_Set_Image_Config()` – Adjust brightness, hue, contrast, saturation
- `AngeloRTV_Set_WDT()` – Configure watchdog timer
- `AngeloRTV_Trigger_Start()` – Generate software trigger pulses
- `AngeloRTV_Save_File()` – Save captured frames to BMP/TIF

Support Utilities:
- GPIO & LED Tool: Read/write digital I/O and monitor LED status.
- EEPROM Tool: Read/write user data (offset 0–127, values 0–255).
- Software Trigger Tool: Configure and initiate trigger pulses (one‑shot, 0–5 V).

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### Summary

The ADLINK cRTV‑24 Quad Simultan 878A cPCI 3U Image Acquisition Card is a robust, industrial‑grade frame grabber engineered for multi‑channel real‑time video capture. Its four independent Connexant 878A digitizers enable simultaneous acquisition of multiple analog video streams with full‑frame performance. The board’s CompactPCI 3U form factor ensures compatibility with embedded and industrial computing platforms, while its comprehensive software suite—including WDM drivers, ViewCreator utility, and AngeloRTV API—facilitates rapid integration into surveillance, machine vision, and scientific imaging systems.

With programmable image parameters, watchdog functionality, and flexible I/O triggering, the cRTV‑24 delivers reliable, high‑speed video acquisition for demanding applications requiring continuous operation and precise synchronization across multiple video channels.