Description
National Instruments PCIe-1427 | Camera Link Frame Grabber Specs
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The National Instruments PCIe-1427 functions as a cost-effective, high-speed image acquisition module designed for modern vision systems in PCI Express-enabled computer architectures. Interfacing directly with Base-configuration Camera Link cameras, this hardware model captures monochrome or color frames with deterministic timing and low CPU overhead. Utilizing the high-bandwidth x1 PCI Express bus architecture, the modulestreams uncompressed image matrices directly to system RAM at up to 255 MB/s, enabling real-time inline defect detection, robotic alignment, and high-speed web inspection.
Deploying or replacing this model in an industrial machine vision computer requires careful software initialization via the NI-IMAQ driver package and Vision Acquisition Software suite. Featuring onboard isolated digital I/O lines for trigger input and light strobe synchronization, the board supports hardware-timed camera control without relying on host operating system polling loops. When carrying out field swaps or retrofits, technicians must verify that the Camera Link cabling matches proper pin configurations (standard MDR 26-pin connectors) and that camera pixel clock speeds align with software frame grabber configuration files.
PCIE-1427
Key Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: National Instruments (NI)
- Product Category: Camera Link Image Acquisition / Frame Grabber Board
- Part Number / Catalog No.: PCIe-1427 (779836-01 / 191836x-01)
- Camera Interface: Base-configuration Camera Link (1 camera connection)
- Max Streaming Bandwidth: Up to 255 MB/s continuous throughput
- Camera Control Lines: 4 CC lines (CC1–CC4) for camera configuration and timing
- Onboard Digital I/O: TTL/Isolated I/O for quadrature encoder inputs, external triggers, and lighting control
- Bus Architecture: x1 PCI Express (PCIe 1.0/2.0 compatible)
- I/O Connectors: 1x 26-pin MDR Camera Link connector + 1x 15-pin D-Sub for external I/O
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +50°C
- Weight: Approximately 110 g (0.24 lb)
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide (Unique Value)
- Hot-Swapping Under Power: Never insert or remove the PCIe-1427 module while the host computer is powered on. Standard PCI Express slots do not support live hot-plugging; unseating edge connectors under power will short bus voltage rails and destroy host motherboard chipset lines.
- Camera Link Cable Length Limits: Using standard unbuffered Camera Link cables over distances exceeding 10 meters will result in bit corruption, pixel jitter, and frame synchronization drops. Use high-flex double-shielded Camera Link cables or inline repeaters for long distance runs.
- Unconfigured Camera Configuration File (.icd): The frame grabber will fail to acquire frames or display distorted images if the appropriate
.icdcamera file is not loaded in NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer). Always download or create the specific camera definition file before deploying hardware into production.
QA & Testing SOP (Transparency)
- Visual & Origin Verification: Units undergo microscopic examination to confirm clean gold-finger edge connectors, undamaged MDR connector pins, intact PCB traces, and authentic OEM labeling.
- Live Test Bench Environment: Vision cards are seated in a dedicated industrial PCIe test chassis running validated NI-IMAQ driver suites and NI MAX software to evaluate bus register response and hardware self-tests.
- Camera Acquisition & Trigger Loopback Diagnostics: Technicians connect a live Base Camera Link test camera, capturing continuous high-speed image streams while testing hardware triggering, strobe output lines, and 255 MB/s streaming DMA stability.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Post-testing units are sealed inside conductive ESD shielding bags and cushioned with high-density protective foam to prevent electrostatic discharge during transport.
Technical FAQ
Can I hot-swap the PCIe-1427 card while the host computer is energized?
No. Standard PCI Express expansion slots do not support live hot-swapping. Always power down the host computer completely before installing or servicing this board.
Does this model support Medium or Full configuration Camera Link cameras?
No. This model is specifically designed for Base-configuration Camera Link cameras. For Medium or Full configuration cameras, use higher-tier modules such as the PCIe-1430 or PCIe-1433.
What software environment is required to operate this frame grabber?
The PCIe-1427 requires NI Vision Acquisition Software (including the NI-IMAQ driver) and is compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, C#, and Python via the NI-IMAQ API.
What is the standard warranty status for surplus inventory units?
Verified surplus or factory-sealed frame grabber modules typically carry a 12-month operational warranty covering material and manufacturing defects under standard laboratory or industrial conditions.
