The Matrox Meteor-II MC/4 is a multi-channel PCI frame grabber for real-time image acquisition in machine vision systems. It captures analog monochrome and component RGB video from single or multiple sources, delivering sustained data transfer rates up to 130 MB/s to system or VGA memory. The board accommodates standard and non-standard video formats with flexible input configurations supporting up to six monochrome sources or two RGB sources, switchable on demand. For synchronized capture, it supports simultaneous acquisition from up to three gen-locked RS-170/CCIR cameras on specific variants. On-board 4 MB buffering ensures reliable data integrity in demanding applications.
Technical Specifications
• Host Interface: 32-bit/33 MHz PCI Bus-Master (PCIe x1 or conventional PCI variant)
• Data Transfer Rate: 130 MB/s sustained to system or VGA memory
• On-Board Buffer: 4 MB
• Sampling Rate: Up to 30 MHz
• ADC: 47 dB signal-to-noise ratio, ±1.5 ns pixel jitter, variable gain amplifier, 10 MHz input low-pass filter, adjustable references
• Look-Up Tables: Three 256 × 8-bit programmable LUTs
• Power Output: 5V DC (SATA or 6-pin connector), 12V DC (6-pin connector) to cameras
– Key Features
• Input cropping and Region of Interest (ROI) capture
• Horizontal and vertical sub-sampling from 2 to 16 by decimation
• Packed or planar transfer support for color and multi-monochrome streams
• Real-time re-ordering of multi-tap camera data
• Single and dual-tap configurations
• Interlaced and progressive scan support
• Synchronization: Separate TTL pixel clock (in/out), hsync (in/out), vsync (in/out)
• Two opto-isolated differential and two TTL auxiliary inputs/outputs
• Opto-isolated differential and TTL trigger inputs (synchronous and asynchronous)
• 16 discrete digital I/Os
• Two rotary incremental encoder support
• Status indicator LED per I/O
• Two timer outputs for exposure control
– Typical Applications
Factory automation, quality inspection, medical imaging, scientific research, and other applications requiring synchronized multi-camera capture with precise timing and flexible video source compatibility.
– Compatibility & Integration
Programmable via Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) or MIL-Lite. Compatible with standard PCI-based host systems supporting 32-bit/33 MHz bus mastering.
