standard di interfaccia

Choosing the Right Industrial Camera Interface: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right interface ensures smooth data transfer and optimal vision system performance. Key factors like bandwidth, cable length, and camera count matter when choosing the best option. This guide compares GigE/5GigE, USB 3.0, and CXP-12 to help you understand their benefits and make informed decisions for upgrades and optimize your system.

Most important camera interfaces
White Paper

CoaXPress 2.0 come alternativa a Camera Link

Camera Link e CoaXPress sono utilizzati in applicazioni che richiedono velocità di trasmissione dati o risoluzioni elevate. Tuttavia, l'aggiornamento a CoaXPress 2.0 garantisce prestazioni migliori e costi di sistema inferiori. Nel nostro white paper trattiamo, tra gli altri, i seguenti argomenti:

  • Camera Link e CoaXPress: due interfacce per velocità di trasmissione dati elevate

  • Confronto dettagliato tra Camera Link e CoaXPress 2.0

  • Cosa occorre considerare quando si esegue l'aggiornamento?

Cosa sono le interfacce della telecamera nella visione artificiale?

Le interfacce per telecamere fanno da ponte tra le telecamere e i PC, trasferendo i dati delle immagini dal sensore al software per l'elaborazione. La scelta dell'interfaccia giusta bilancia le prestazioni, i costi e l'affidabilità in base a fattori quali la larghezza di banda, la lunghezza del cavo e i requisiti di più telecamere. Standard come GigE Vision, USB3 Vision, Camera Link e CoaXPress garantiscono la compatibilità con i componenti conformi agli standard, mentre le tecnologie più vecchie come FireWire e USB 2.0 sono meno adatte ai sistemi avanzati di oggi.

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.

Future-proof interfaces (in orange).
Future-proof interfaces (in orange).

How to choose a camera interface: key criteria

Bandwidth

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

Cable length

The distance between the vision system and the host system determines the required cable length.
Multi-camera-setup

Multi-camera setup

Not all interfaces are equally suitable for operating a multi-camera system; these setups require precise synchronization and real-time capability.

Key features & benefits of major camera interfaces

ace 2 5GigE

GigE / 5GigE: long-distance flexibility

  • Bandwidths up to 5Gbps

  • Cable lengths up to 100m

  • Ideal for multi-camera setups

Benefits

GigE supports flexible layouts with its long cables and robust performance. For higher resolutions and frame rates, 5GigE offers 5x faster data speeds while maintaining compatibility with existing GigE setups.


Discover our 5GigE portfolio

CXP-12 / CoaXPress 2.0 for high bandwidth

CXP-12: maximum bandwidth for real-time applications

  • High data rates of up to 12.5 Gbps per channel

  • Maximum cable lengths of 40 m

  • Ideal for real-time, low-latency applications

Benefits:

CXP-12 accelerates data transfer, supports high-resolution CMOS sensors, and reduces CPU load with image pre-processing. Upgrade seamlessly from older Camera Link or CXP standards for cutting-edge performance.


Discover our CoaXPress portfolio

ace 2 USB 3.0

USB 3.0: well-rounded for various applications

  • Bandwidths of up to 380 MB/s

  • Low latency and jitter times

  • Highest reliability and stability, and plug-and-play

Benefits:

USB 3.0 balances speed and convenience, making it suitable for diverse applications. Its industrial-grade stability and simplicity make it a robust choice for many systems.


Discover our USB 3.0 portfolio

Choose the right camera interface with Interface Advisor

Upgrade to next-gen camera interfaces

Transitioning to a newer camera interface generation offers significant benefits in performance, speed, and integration simplicity. Whether you’re moving from USB 3.0/GigE to 5GigE or from Camera Link/CXP-6 to CXP-12, each upgrade path is designed to enhance system capabilities while ensuring a smooth transition. The following guide explores the key reasons to upgrade, practical tips for implementation, and the advantages these interfaces bring to your next-generation vision systems.

Upgrade to 5GigE: faster, seamless, and future-ready

Moving from 1GigE or USB 3.0 to 5GigE unlocks 5x faster data speeds, boosting application performance and productivity. With 1:1 compatibility for GigE setups and easy integration from USB 3.0, upgrading is simple and efficient.

Why upgrade?

  • 5x Faster Speeds: Improve efficiency and throughput.

  • Seamless Transition: Direct replacement for GigE setups.

  • Easy USB 3.0 Upgrade: Minimal changes required.

Upgrade tips

  • Cabling: Use Cat 5e or better for full performance.

  • Hardware Compatibility: Check switches, NICs, and system compatibility.

  • Software Updates: Ensure your stack supports 5GigE.

When switching from USB to 5GigE, the cable length can be increased up to 100 m.
When switching from USB to 5GigE, the cable length can be increased up to 100 m.

Upgrade to CXP-12: highest speed, simplified integration

Switching from Camera Link or CXP-6 to CXP-12 is straightforward, offering up to 12.5 Gbps per cable, longer cable lengths, and future-proof performance for high-speed vision systems.

Why upgrade?

  • From Camera Link: higher bandwidth and frame rates with compact, efficient cabling.

  • From CXP-6: Effortless transition for legacy systems.

Upgrade tips

  • Check cabling and hardware compatibility.

  • Plan for scalability to meet future needs.


Read our CoaXPress 2.0 White Paper

One advantage in switching from Camera Link to CXP-12 is higher bandwidths. Switching from CXP-6 to CXP-12 reduces the number of cables and therefore system complexity.
One advantage in switching from Camera Link to CXP-12 is higher bandwidths. Switching from CXP-6 to CXP-12 reduces the number of cables and therefore system complexity.

Basler’s camera interface portfolio

Basler delivers reliable, high-performance industrial cameras paired with expertly tested vision components for versatile applications. Whether you’re optimizing current setups or planning for future advancements, our portfolio ensures seamless upgrades, scalability, and top-tier efficiency for your vision systems.

Future-proof, stable, and powerful interfaces in Basler's camera portfolio.
Future-proof, stable, and powerful interfaces in Basler's camera portfolio.

In-depth insights on leading camera interfaces

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