TPT September 2011

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68 September 2011 ›
Technology Update
ADIMEC, which specialises in application-
specific, leading-edge industrial camera
solutions, has introduced the Quartz
Q-4A180/CXP area scan camera, the
industry’s first camera to support a dual
CoaXPress interface. This camera delivers
the performance and cost benefits of the
CoaXPress standard, and combines proven
global shutter CMOS technology with the
proprietary Adimec True Accurate Imaging®
approach. This results in CCD-like image
quality with unmatched speed. The Q4A180/
CXP transmits 180 frames per second (FPS)
at a 2,048 x 2,048 resolution with 10 bits per
pixel over two standard coaxial cables with
lengths over 60m without repeaters.
More and more system developers are
interested in the advantages of CoaXPress
to reduce costs, enable more connectivity
flexibility and achieve higher transmission
rates over long distances, all at the same
time. Traditionally, Camera Link has been
the preferred interface option for high-speed
cameras, though the high costs of rigid cabling
and limitations in data rates have driven
the industry to new approaches. The dual
CoaXPress interface of the Q-4A180/CXP
camera supports the CXP-5 configuration of
the standard. It utilises two standard coaxial
cables, each with a maximum transmission
rate of 5 Gbps over 60m. The costs of these
cables are one-tenth of a single camera link
cable, while enabling far greater transmission
length without additional costs of repeaters
or extenders. The CoaXPress standard also
supports power over cable, reducing the
need for a separate power connection.
“CoaXPress has emerged as a preferred
interface option thanks to its performance
capabilities and low-cost implementation.
For applications in outdoor and machine
vision markets, it is an ideal way to address
speed requirements and cost reductions
at the same time,” said Marcel Dijkema,
strategic product manager at Adimec. “By
offering our highest-speed camera family
with CoaXPress, we are further enabling the
advantages CoaXPress delivers.”
Adding CoaXPress to the Q-4A180,
results in one of the most advanced CMOS
cameras available. The camera offers a range
of quality-enhancing features. Advanced flat
field correction capabilities, even in colour
and with field calibration support, deliver
better image uniformity. The camera delivers
signal-to-noise improvements of up to 12 dB
shot noise improvement compared to off-
the-shelf CMOS sensor performance. It also
offers an HDR mode for large scene dynamic
capture capabilities. With CoaXPress, this
quality data is now available at maximum
resolution and speed in true 10 bits per pixel,
eliminating a clear limitation of the camera
link interface (8 bits only).
The Q-4A180/CXP camera is available
in monochrome or colour models, and offers
optional near infrared (NIR) capabilities.
Solutions with anti-reflection coatings are
supported to maximise the application
performance.
Adimec Advanced Image Systems –
Netherlands
Fax: +31 4023 53905
Website:
Industry’s first dual CoaXPress camera