TPT September 2011

T echnology U pdate

Industry’s first dual CoaXPress camera

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: www.adimec.com

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S eptember 2011

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