In the rapidly evolving field of machine vision, CoaXPress high-speed video technology has emerged as a transformative force. Offering unmatched data transmission speeds, it is ideally suited for applications that demand swift and efficient image processing. This article explores what CoaXPress is, how it impacts high-speed video, and how KAYA Instruments harnesses this technology to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
What is CoaXPress?
CoaXPress, abbreviated as CXP, is a digital interface standard designed specifically for high-speed image data transmission in machine vision applications. The name combines “coaxial” and “express,” highlighting its ability to deliver faster data rates over coaxial cables compared to traditional standards like Camera Link or GigE Vision. Utilizing 75-ohm coaxial cables as its physical medium, CoaXPress ensures efficient and reliable data transfer over considerable distances.
In a typical CoaXPress setup, a device such as an industrial digital camera transmits data to a host, like a frame grabber in a computer, via one or more coaxial cables. The CoaXPress 2.0 standard supports bit rates up to 12.5 Gbit/s per cable from the device to the host, with no limit on the number of cables used. This scalability means data rates can be increased to meet the demands of specific applications. For example, modern CoaXPress cameras and frame grabbers may use eight cables to achieve a maximum image data rate of approximately 4.8 GB/s, significantly surpassing the 850 MB/s limit of older standards like Camera Link.
Additionally, CoaXPress provides a low-speed uplink channel, operating at up to 41.6 Mbit/s, which is used for device control and triggering. The host can also supply power over the coaxial cable, delivering up to 13 W per cable, simplifying system setup by reducing the need for separate power supplies. Importantly, CoaXPress requires both the device and host to support GenICam, a standardized programming interface that ensures compatibility and ease of integration across different systems.
How Does CoaXPress Impact High-Speed Video?
The advent of CoaXPress high-speed video technology has significantly influenced the capabilities of high-speed imaging systems. Traditional digital interfaces like Camera Link and GigE Vision have limitations in bandwidth and transmission distance, which can hinder performance in applications requiring rapid data acquisition and processing.
CoaXPress overcomes these limitations by offering higher data transfer rates and the ability to maintain signal integrity over longer cable lengths. This is crucial for applications such as industrial inspection, medical imaging, and scientific research, where capturing and processing high-resolution images in real-time is essential.
Compared to other interfaces, CoaXPress provides several advantages that make it ideal for high-speed video applications. Firstly, it offers higher bandwidth, enabling the transmission of high-resolution images at high frame rates. This is essential for capturing fast-moving objects or processes without loss of detail. Secondly, the use of coaxial cables allows for longer transmission distances without degrading signal quality, providing greater flexibility in system design and installation.
Moreover, CoaXPress supports power over cable, which simplifies setup by allowing both data and power transmission through a single cable. This reduces system complexity and potential points of failure. Additionally, CoaXPress delivers low latency, ensuring minimal delay between image capture and processing. This is critical in time-sensitive applications where immediate data analysis is required.
By addressing the shortcomings of previous standards, CoaXPress high-speed video technology enhances the performance, reliability, and efficiency of high-speed imaging systems, making it a preferred choice for modern machine vision applications.
KAYA Instruments CoaXPress Solutions
KAYA Instruments is at the forefront of utilizing CoaXPress high-speed video technology to provide advanced imaging solutions. Their range of CoaXPress cameras and frame grabbers are designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s high-speed imaging applications.
CoaXPress Cameras
KAYA Instruments offers cameras that leverage the full potential of CoaXPress technology. These cameras feature high-resolution sensors with pixel sizes as small as 4.5 µm x 4.5 µm, delivering detailed and precise images. They are capable of capturing hundreds to thousands of frames per second, making them ideal for recording rapid events in high-speed applications.
Equipped with global shutter technology, these cameras eliminate motion blur by capturing the entire image simultaneously, ensuring clarity even when capturing fast-moving subjects. The cameras utilize up to four CoaXPress channels, achieving data transfer rates up to 50 Gbps, which allows for the transmission of high-resolution images at high frame rates.
Advanced image processing features are integrated into the cameras, including defect pixel correction, lookup tables (LUTs), digital binning, and region of interest (ROI) capabilities. These features enhance image quality and processing efficiency, enabling users to focus on critical image areas and reduce data load.
CoaXPress Frame Grabbers
To complement their cameras, KAYA Instruments provides frame grabbers that efficiently handle the high data rates facilitated by CoaXPress. These frame grabbers support aggregated camera data transfer rates up to 100 Gbit/s, ensuring that no data is lost during transmission.
Designed for flexibility, the frame grabbers can interface with multiple cameras simultaneously, which is beneficial for complex imaging setups requiring synchronized data capture from various sources. On-board processing capabilities include tasks such as Bayer de-mosaic, color transformation, and image decimation, which offload processing from the host system and enhance overall performance.
Robust design features such as overload protection and compliance with industry standards ensure reliable operation in various environments. By integrating these frame grabbers into their systems, users can fully exploit the benefits of CoaXPress high-speed video technology.
CoaXPress high-speed video technology is revolutionizing the field of machine vision by providing unmatched data transmission speeds, reliability, and flexibility. It effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional digital interfaces, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high-speed, high-resolution imaging.
KAYA Instruments leverages this technology to offer a range of CoaXPress cameras and frame grabbers that meet the rigorous demands of high-speed imaging applications. Their solutions empower users to achieve superior performance and efficiency, whether in industrial inspection, medical imaging, or scientific research. By choosing KAYA Instruments, users invest in state-of-the-art CoaXPress high-speed video technology that drives innovation and excellence in imaging applications. Their products ensure that users remain at the cutting edge of high-speed imaging, capable of meeting the challenges of today’s most demanding machine vision tasks.