Controller Types and Light Control Modes#

Depending on your application, a Basler Light can be operated either by the internal controller integrated into the light or by an external light controller.

The selected controller type determines the available light control modes:

• Trigger Control Mode
  The light follows an external trigger signal.
• Intelligent Light Control Mode
  The camera intelligently controls the light through the SLP protocol.
• External Control Mode
  An external controller manages all lighting functions via the applied current.

Choosing the right mode depends on how you want to control the light and how much functionality your application requires. See Internal Controller and Available Light Control Types.

Legacy Lights and New Basler Lights#

Changes to the Pin Assignment#

Internal Controller and Available Light Control Types#

If you use the controller integrated into a Basler Light, no external light controller is required. Depending on your application, you can operate the light in one of the following light control modes:

• Trigger Control Mode
• Intelligent Light Control Mode

Trigger Control Mode#

Use the trigger control mode when you want a simple and direct lighting setup.
In this mode, the light is controlled through a dedicated trigger input, the peripheral control protocol isn't used. The light follows the state of the trigger signal:

• Trigger HIGH (> 2.8 V on the signal pin/pin 3): Light ON
• Trigger LOW (< 1.4 V on the signal pin/pin 3): Light OFF

The trigger signal can be provided by a camera output (for example, Exposure Active or User Output) or by another external trigger source. Because the light reacts directly to the electrical trigger signal with no further communication, a fine pulse resolution and high strobe frequencys can be achieved. <!–_SK: Beide Modes (ILC und Trigger) reagieren nahezu gleich schnell, die Auflösung des ILC-Strobes beträgt aber 10µs und die FPS ist auf ~200Hz begrenzt >

Key Charcteristics

• No external controller required
• No compatible camera required
• Direct hardware-based triggering
• Very short trigger pulses possible
• No status feedback from the light
• No built-in synchronization between multiple lights
• No advanced light management features

Typical Use Case

Applications where a camera or PLC directly triggers the illumination and a simple, deterministic setup is required.

Requirements

• Basler Light
• 24 VDC power supply
• Basler recommends using a light sync cable from the Basler cable portfolio:
  • Light Sync Cable

For further information, e.g., pin assignment and circuit diagram examples, see the Trigger Control Mode section in the Operating Basler Lights with Internal Controller topic.

Intelligent Light Control Mode#

Use the intelligent light control mode (ILC) when you want the camera to control and configure the lighting system. In this mode, a compatible camera communicates with the light through the SLP (Standard Light Protocol). The light is configured and controlled through the camera's GenICam interface. In the intelligent light control mode, pin 3 serves as a dedicated communication line. SLP commands are transmitted over the same line, allowing communication between the connected devices without requiring an additional signal connection.

Unlike the trigger control mode, the camera actively manages the light and can access advanced lighting features.

Key Charcteristics

• No external controller required
• Compatible camera required
• Camera-controlled operation through GenICam
• Independent control of up to four lights
• Status feedback and device monitoring
• Heartbeat supervision
• Built-in overdrive functionality
• Software-configurable pulse generation

Typical Use Case

Integrated vision systems where lighting should be configured, monitored, and controlled directly from the camera.

Requirements

• Basler Light with intelligent light control capability (ILC)
• Camera with Light Control feature available
• 24 VDC power supply
• Basler recommends using cables from the Basler cable portfolio:
  • Suitable Light Sync Cable.
  • If the setup also synchronizes an autofocus lens (i.e., Partner Liquid Lenses or Partner Motorized Lenses), use a Vision Sync Cable.

For further information, e.g., pin assignment and circuit diagram examples, see the Intelligent Light Control Mode section in the Operating Basler Lights with Internal Controller topic.

External Controller and Available Light Control Type#

Use an external controller when integrating a Basler Light with intelligent light control (ILC) into an existing system that relies on a light controller without SLP functionality. In this case, the light can only be operated in External Control Mode.

External Control Mode#

In this mode, the light is connected to a dedicated external controller without SLP functionality. The controller determines all operating parameters, including timing, current levels, protection mechanisms, and optional overdrive functions. The capabilities of the system depend entirely on the selected controller.

Key Characteristics

• External controller required
• Timing and current regulation handled externally
• Controller-specific features and performance
  The available features for External Control Mode (e.g., built‑in overdrive or time resolution) depend entirely on the controller you choose.
• Suitable for demanding strobe applications
• User must ensure compliance with the electrical limits of the light.

Typical Use Case

High-performance machine vision applications requiring specialized strobe control, custom timing, or advanced illumination management.

Requirements

• External LED controller on the current input; pin assignment and sample circuit.
• Suitable cables:
  • BL cable M8, 5m, axial
  • BL cable M12, 5m, axial

The External Control Mode section in the Operating Basler Lights with External Controller topic provides a sample circuit diagram and connection information for using an external LED controller with a Basler Light in external control mode.

Choosing the Right Light Control Mode#

Pin Assignment Changes in Light Revision 05#

Further Information#

Installation (Basler Lights).