Interface Properties
Features | CXP-12 | GigE | • 2x USB 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
Bandwidth | Very high (12.5 Gbps per channel) | High (1-10 Gbps) | Standard (>350 MBps) |
Cable length | Up to 40 m (over 100 m with low bandwidth) | Up to 100 m (expandable via switches) | up to 8 m |
Plug-and-play | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Single-cable solutions | Data & Power via coaxial cable | Yes (PoE possible) | possibly with additional HW |
System flexibility | Precise synchronization (up to 4 cameras) | High scalability | Very flexible for single and small systems |
Hardware availability | Good availability | High scalability | Widely used |
CPU load | Low | 3-15 % (can be optimized) | Low |
Frame grabber required | Generally required | No | No |
Costs | High (due to frame grabber) | Low | Low |
Camera Size | Tends to be larger (due to sensor/heat) | Compact | Compact |
Multi-camera complexity | Limited (up to 4) | High scalability, but pay attention to CPU load | Difficult from >4 cameras (bandwidth limitation) |
Additional equipment | Frame grabber or interface card required | Interface card generally required for maximum performance | No additional cards required |
CPU performance | - | Standard approx. 10-15 % (can be optimized to 3-8 %) | - |
Tips for selecting suitable PC cards
If the on-board host controller of the PC is already allocated with peripherals, the use of dedicated PC cards is recommended to avoid disturbances.
Ideally, only tested and manufacturer-approved drivers should be used to ensure compatibility and system stability.
Dedicated chipsets on PC cards help to save computing powerand optimize performance.
Some PC cards supply the camera directly with power (PoE), making additional cabling and power supply units superfluous.
The table shows which technology and infrastructure makes sense based on the number of cameras.
System size | Power supply / infrastructure | Triggering | benefits | Special features / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-4 cameras | Trigger cable (direct) or optional PoE | Classic via trigger cable | Low complexity, simple cabling | PoE not absolutely necessary |
5-8 cameras | PoE of the interface card (one-cable solution) | About software triggering | Fewer cables, increased flexibility | Software triggering also possible <4 |
Up to 10 cameras | 10GigE interface card (1 port) + 10GigE switch | About Software | Scalability, full bandwidth | Each camera connected at 1 Gbit/s |
Up to 20 cameras | 10GigE interface card (2 ports) + 10GigE switch | About Software | Central management, maximum scaling | Two ports bundle up to 20 cameras |
Sports applications
Camera-based analysis systems support tennis and soccer applications at the highest level. In tennis, five cameras record every movement of the ball and player and automatically evaluate all stroke variations.
In professional soccer, three GigE cameras seamlessly capture the entire pitch. The images are merged into a high-resolution video panorama in real time using software - including a pan and zoom function for complete control and detailed analysis.
Assembly line application
In a typical automotive assembly line application, several GigE Machine Vision cameras check front frames for dimensional accuracy and completeness, for example. Optimized LED lighting ensures uniform illumination.
Each camera works in a precisely timed cycle and imaging takes just a few seconds. Power-over-Ethernet minimizes cabling effort and simplifies maintenance and installation.
It is controlled centrally via software. Fast electronic shuttering enables reliable imaging even at high belt speeds.