Choosing a Vision Interface
Equip your vision system with the right interface to ensure proper application performance.
Choosing the right interface is crucial for smooth data transfer and efficient operation of your application. The required bandwidth, cable length, and number of cameras required are important criteria. At Basler, you will find the right interface to get the optimum performance out of your vision system.
Basler’s interface portfolio
As a leading manufacturer of vision technology, Basler offers systems based on stable and powerful interfaces. The camera portfolio includes both small, price/performance optimized designs as well as larger and more powerful variants. Basler delivers a variety of options - for the present and the future.
Upgrading your interface
Looking for a more powerful interface to increase your application efficiency? Select your current interface and we'll share upgrade options.
The most important vision interfaces
Basler routinely observes and assesses technological changes in the market. USB, CoaXPress and GigE serve well - today and in the future.
Key selection criteria for choosing an interface
Bandwidth
The speed at which image data is transferred from the camera to the host system. The higher the bandwidth, the more data flows from A to B simultaneously.
Cable length
The distance between the vision system and the host system determines the required cable length.
Multi-camera-setup
Not all interfaces are equally suitable for operating a multi-camera system; these setups require precise synchronization and real-time capability.
The strengths of the different interfaces
Advantages of USB 3.0
USB3 vision cameras are suitable for many applications. Its bandwidth falls between Camera Link and GigE interface in terms of speed. Its easy plug-and-play functionality and adherence to a vision standard built on industrial requirements are decisive advantages, allowing easy integration and robust operation.
CXP-12 / CoaXPress 2.0 for high bandwidth
- High data transmission rates of up to 12.5 Gbps per channel
- Maximum cable lengths of 40 m
- Multi-camera setup possible
- High frame rates for maximum performance of modern CMOS sensors
- Ideal for real-time, low-latency applications
- Image pre-processing on acquisition cards reduces CPU load
- Versatile solutions from carefully matched CXP-12 components
Advantages of CXP-12
CXP-12 is the right interface for applications where large amounts of data must be transferred over distances of up to 40 meters. The high bandwidths of up to 50 Gbps with 4 channels accelerates this data transfer considerably. CXP-12 is the ideal choice for an upgrade of an older Camera Link, CXP 1.1.1 or CXP-6 system. By combining this interface with high-resolution cameras and lenses, powerful acquisition cards, and suitable cables, you can create a high-performance vision system ideal for real-time, low-latency applications.
Advantages of 5GigE
GigE is the right interface if your application requires you to bridge greater distances between the vision system and the host PC. With cable lengths of up to 100 meters, Gigabit Ethernet offers the greatest possible spatial flexibility for single and multi-camera systems. 5GigE accommodates higher resolutions thanks to five times faster data transfer than GigE. With a system of coordinated 5GigE components from Basler, expect increased efficiency and productivity for your application.
Learn more about the individual interfaces and standards
USB 3.0 interface
USB 3.0 falls between Camera Link and GigE interface in terms of bandwidth and speed. It offers simple plug-and-play functionality and meets the industrial requirements of machine vision thanks to the USB3 Vision standard.
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CoaXPress 2.0 interface
With up to 12.5 Gbps, the CoaXPress 2.0 standard specifies very high transfer speeds. This means even higher resolutions and frame rates can be achieved compared to other standards. CXP-12 is the ideal option for upgrading a Camera Link system thanks to its performance and modern technology.
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GigE interface
GigE systems are widely used in a variety of applications in industrial production environments thanks to cable lengths of up to 100 m. With 5GigE, data transmission is significantly faster, making it the ideal upgrade from an existing GigE or USB 3.0 system.
Learn moreHave questions?
We look forward to advising and supporting you! The Basler Sales Team will be happy to provide you with information and recommendations.