CamSim-CL
Gidel CamSim-CL: Camera Link Camera Simulations
Gidel CamSim-CL: Camera Link Camera Simulations
Gidel CamSim-CL: System Overview
Gidel CamSim-CL GUI Example

Camera Link Simulator

Camera Link Camera Simulator for testing & validating imaging systems

  • Simulates all Camera Link v2.0 configurations
  • Supports BMP and RAW input image files
  • Pattern generator for transmitting color and grayscale test patterns
  • Fully programmable image timing and data parameter configuration via user-friendly GUI
  • API methods for developing user simulator applications
  • User-configurable Camera Control (CC) lines for triggering options
  • Ideal for testing tailored designs developed on Gidel’s customizable Frame Grabbers and Jetson Edge Computer
  • Form factor: full-height, single-slot, half-length PCI Express card
  • Optional: Low Profile

CamSim-CL: Camera Link Simulator

The CamSim-CL is a high-performance Camera Link simulator designed for testing and validating imaging systems and Frame Grabbers. Fully compliant with Camera Link v2.0, it generates test patterns and video streams that accelerate development, ensure robust system validation, and reduce time-to-market.

Performance and Simulation Capabilities

The CamSim-CL supports all Camera Link v2.0 configurations and delivers unmatched flexibility for developers. It transmits BMP and RAW image files as well as grayscale and color test patterns using its built-in generator. Moreover, users can program image timing and data parameters through an intuitive GUI, providing full control over simulation accuracy and flexibility. As a result, developers gain both precision and efficiency during testing.

Flexible Development Tools

The CamSim-CL offers a complete development environment:

  • Application Software: GUI-based control for transmitting images, configuring parameters, defining timing, and displaying results.

  • API Methods: A robust set of APIs for Windows and Linux, enabling tailored simulator applications.

  • User-Configurable CC Lines: Programmable Camera Control lines for versatile triggering and synchronization.

In addition, these tools ensure seamless integration into diverse workflows and simplify the process of creating custom test setups.

Boosting Productivity and Reducing Costs

By enabling simulation in a low-cost lab environment, the CamSim-CL eliminates reliance on expensive cameras during early-stage development. In addition, its data-flow repetition capability ensures reproducible testing, allowing engineers to validate algorithms and quickly identify and resolve rare bugs. Consequently, teams gain higher productivity and stronger confidence in their imaging systems.

Why Choose the CamSim-CL? (Camera Link Simulator)

  • Fully compliant with Camera Link v2.0.

  • Flexible test pattern generation with BMP/RAW and color/grayscale options.

  • FPGA-based transmission for accurate, repeatable simulations.

  • GUI and API support for fast customization.

  • Cost-effective solution for developing and validating imaging pipelines.

The CamSim-CL provides engineers with a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective Camera Link simulator built to streamline imaging system development.

Need a Camera Link frame grabber? Check out the HawkEye-CL Grabber

For a Jetson-based Camera Link grabber solutions, see FantoVision20-CL and FantoVision20 Edge Computers.

Looking for a CoaXPress Camera Simulator solution? visit CamSim-X.

Applications Examples

  • Vision Algorithms Development
  • Image Processing Application Testing
  • Vision System Reliability Testing
  • Debugging Rare Bugs

General

Camera Link Modes
  • 80-bit (Deca)
  • Full, Medium and Base Camera Link
User Image Source
  • Raw Files
  • DNG Raw Files
  • BMP Files
Output Pixel Formats
  • Mono - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • Bayer - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • RGBA(I) - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • RGB - (8, 10 and 12 bits/color)
Max. Resolution
  • Horizontal: 16 K pixels (24-bit)
  • Vertical: 65 K lines (16-bit) or infinite in Line scan simulation
Configurations
All configurations as defined by the Camera Link standard, including 80-bit (Deca):
10 taps/8bits, 8bits/10taps.
Camera Link Pixel Clock
Up to 85 MHz
Connectors
  • 2x SDR26 (mini Camera Link)
  • 15-pin header I/O
Memory
1 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB
Camera Types
  • Area
  • Line Scan
Form Factor
Full-height, single-slot, half-length PCIe card
Optional: low profile
Host Bus
PCIe x8 Gen. 3,
Power
5-32W: Depends on user application and FPGA Type
Cooling
Passive cooling | Active cooling (fan)
MTBF
> 450K hours

Environmental conditions

Temperature
Operating ambient air temperature: 0 – 55° C
Humidity
  • Continuous Operation: 10 - 80% (non-condensing)
  • Peak Operation: 10 - 90% (non-condensing)
Environmental Compliance
CamSim-CL
Outputs: Single base/ medium/ full/80bit (DECA)
8 GB On Board Memory
Includes: CamSim board, application GUI and API suite for developing custom application
CamSim-CL-Lite
Outputs: Single base/ medium/ full/80bit (DECA)
1 GB On Board Memory
Includes: CamSim board, application GUI and API suite for developing custom application
CamSim-CL-16
Outputs: Single base/ medium/ full/80bit (DECA)
16 GB On Board Memory
Includes: CamSim board, application GUI and API suite for developing custom application

The CamSim-CL is highly modular!

Want to observe tailored Camera Simulator according to your Vision?

Contact Our Experts

CamSim-CL SDK

CamSim
The Camera Link Simulator provides a complete environment for generating, controlling, and analyzing Camera Link video streams. It enables developers to replicate real-world camera operation with full control over image formats, timing, and synchronization—ideal for testing frame grabbers, vision systems, and processing algorithms before real hardware is available.

Application Features

Simulation & Control Tools
The Camera Link Simulator offers GUI + API control to generate video streams from BMP/RAW files or built-in pattern generators; configure Camera Link timing and parameters; repeat identical sequences for deterministic debugging; and control CC lines for trigger modes. Optional software/FPGA customization supports extended machine-simulation behaviours.
User Image Source
  • Raw Files
  • DNG Raw Files
  • BMP Files
Image Format
Simulate Camera Link image formats including:

  • Mono - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • Bayer - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • RGBA - (8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits/color)
  • RGB - (8, 10 and 12 bits/color)
With throughput of 1–10 pixels in parallel at 7,000–85,000 kHz and pixel bit depth up to 36 bpp.
Tap Arrangements and Pixel Clock
Supports 10 taps × 8-bit and 8-bit × 10 taps arrangements with pixel clock rates up to 85 MHz.
Image Resolution
Resolutions up to 16K × 65K and infinite line-scan length are supported for stress testing continuous pipelines.
I/O and synchronization
Use CC lines to implement free-run or triggered operation, and connect to external equipment via RS-422, opto-coupler, or LVTTL GPIO interfaces (up to 30 V @ 0.9 A). Two SDR-26 connectors support all Camera Link modes. Frame and line timing are fully programmable to emulate camera behavior for both area-scan and line-scan modes.

Application Interfaces

GUI Applications
CamSim
APIs
CamSim with supporting examples

Software Compatibility

Operation Systems supported
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Linux (kernel 2.6.x- 6.12)
Linux version doesn’t support GUI, only API.
Documentation
PDF
CamSim-CL Datasheet Open
Gidel CamSim-CL: System Overview
CamSim-CL Block Diagram Open
Gidel CamSim-CL: Block Diagram
CamSim-CL System Overview Open
PDF
CamSim AppNote Accelerating image processing development and validation with camera simulation Open
Related Videos
Gidel CamSim Demo (Thumbnail)
CamSim Demo Watch
In the Press
CamSim Camera Simulator – Concurrent Real-Time guest article ‘From Lab to Real-Time | Gidel
Concurrent Real-Time (Guest Article) – From Lab to Real-Time with Camera Simulation See how CamSim™ delivers reproducible CoaXPress/Camera Link inputs for real-time validation. This guest article with Concurrent Real-Time shows how teams replay exact frames, synchronize multi-camera pipelines, and run closed-loop tests without risking optics—so bugs are deterministic and fixes are confirmed fast. Read CCRT Article
CamSim Camera Simulator – Vision Systems Design - “Camera Simulation Accelerates Validation” | Gidel
VSD – How to Accelerate Image Processing Development with Camera Simulation Vision Systems Design explains how camera simulation speeds testing, lowers costs, and improves repeatability—especially for multi-camera/HDR scenarios. Practical overview of using field sequences and controlled replay to validate algorithms before on-site installs. Read on VSD

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