Software Signal Pulse#

The Software Signal Pulse camera feature allows you to execute a software command that can be used for multiple purposes.

The feature serves as an alternative to software commands that are limited to a specific purpose, e.g., the TriggerSoftware command.

Using the Feature#

Why Use Software Signal Pulse Commands#

Standard software commands can only be used for a single purpose. For example, you can use the TriggerSoftware command only to trigger the camera and the UserSetLoad command only to load a user set.

The SoftwareSignalPulse command, however, can be used for multiple purposes. You can also use the command to control multiple camera features in a single operation.

How It Works#

Supported Camera Features#

Depending on your camera model, the Software Signal Pulse feature can be used to control the following camera features:

• Triggered Image Acquisition
  You can trigger the camera when required.
• Sequencer (ace Classic/U/L USB)
  You can advance the sequencer, reset the sequencer, or both.
• Counter
  You can count certain camera events.
• Timer
  You can configure a timer output signal.

Signal Channels#

Depending on your camera model, up to three signal channels are available, e.g., SoftwareSignal1 and SoftwareSignal2.

Using different signal channels is useful if you want to keep the camera features you control separate. For example, you can trigger the camera via signal channel 1 and advance the sequencer via signal channel 2.

Using Software Signal Pulse Commands#

To configure the SoftwareSignalPulse command:

1. Set the source of the desired camera feature to one of the available signal channels. For example, set the TriggerSource parameter to SoftwareSignal1.
2. Repeat the step above for all camera functions that you want to control with the Software Signal Pulse feature. If you want to control multiple features at the same time, assign the same signal channel to each of them. If you want to keep the controlled features separate, assign a different signal channel to each of them.

To execute a SoftwareSignalPulse command:

1. Set the SoftwareSignalSelector parameter to one of the available signal channels, e.g., SoftwareSignal1.
2. Execute the SoftwareSignalPulse command.
   A software signal is sent. The signal uses the selected signal channel and executes the assigned action(s), e.g., advances the sequencer.

Specifics#

Show all camera models

Sample Code#

// Set software signal 1 as "path 0" trigger signal (sequencer reset)
camera.SequencerTriggerSource.SetValue(SequencerTriggerSource_SoftwareSignal1);
// Select software signal channel 1
camera.SoftwareSignalSelector.SetValue(SoftwareSignalSelector_SoftwareSignal1);
// Execute the command
camera.SoftwareSignalPulse.Execute();

INodeMap& nodemap = camera.GetNodeMap();
// Set software signal 1 as "path 0" trigger signal (sequencer reset)
CEnumParameter(nodemap, "SequencerTriggerSource").SetValue("SoftwareSignal1");
// Select software signal channel 1
CEnumParameter(nodemap, "SoftwareSignalSelector").SetValue("SoftwareSignal1");
// Execute the command
CCommandParameter(nodemap, "SoftwareSignalPulse").Execute();

// Set software signal 1 as "path 0" trigger signal (sequencer reset)
camera.Parameters[PLCamera.SequencerTriggerSource].SetValue(PLCamera.SequencerTriggerSource.SoftwareSignal1);
// Select software signal channel 1
camera.Parameters[PLCamera.SoftwareSignalSelector].SetValue(PLCamera.SoftwareSignalSelector.SoftwareSignal1);
// Execute the command
camera.Parameters[PLCamera.SoftwareSignalPulse].Execute();

/* Macro to check for errors */
#define CHECK(errc) if (GENAPI_E_OK != errc) printErrorAndExit(errc)
GENAPIC_RESULT errRes = GENAPI_E_OK;  /* Return value of pylon methods */
/* Set software signal 1 as "path 0" trigger signal (sequencer reset) */
errRes = PylonDeviceFeatureFromString(hdev, "SequencerTriggerSource", "SoftwareSignal1");
CHECK(errRes);
/* Select software signal channel 1 */
errRes = PylonDeviceFeatureFromString(hdev, "SoftwareSignalSelector", "SoftwareSignal1");
CHECK(errRes);
/* Execute the command */
errRes = PylonDeviceExecuteCommandFeature(hdev, "SoftwareSignalPulse");
CHECK(errRes);

# Set software signal 1 as "path 0" trigger signal (sequencer reset)
camera.SequencerTriggerSource.Value = "SoftwareSignal1"
# Select software signal channel 1
camera.SoftwareSignalSelector.Value = "SoftwareSignal1"
# Execute the command
camera.SoftwareSignalPulse.Execute()

You can also use the pylon Viewer to easily set the parameters.