White Paper: Robotics, Automation & Control
The Next Wave of Machine Vision Interfaces — Thunderbolt, RocEv2, and Embedded
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One of the biggest game changers for machine vision has been the introduction and standardization of interfaces. In the earlier years of this century GigE Vision and Camera Link, followed by CoaXPress (CXP) and USB3 Vision, all made it easier to design, deploy, and integrate machine vision cameras, sensors, and processing.
As a result, machine vision moved from research labs to manufacturing floors in an impactful way, and spread to new markets including security and defense, transportation and logistics, and medical diagnostics.
Jump ahead a few decades, and we’re seeing new interface technologies and standards that will further propel machine vision market growth. Driving this is increasing demand for higher bandwidth image transfer and processing capabilities as automated processes become faster and more sophisticated, combined with advancements that make edge and embedded technologies attractive for vision systems.
This whitepaper introduces new interface options for device and system designers that support higher bandwidths, cost advantages, and ease-of-use benefits.
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Overview
The whitepaper titled "The Next Wave of Machine Vision Interfaces" by Pleora Technologies discusses the evolution of machine vision interfaces, emphasizing the transition from traditional standards to newer technologies that meet the increasing demands for higher bandwidth and efficiency in imaging applications.
Historically, machine vision interfaces like GigE Vision, Camera Link, and CoaXPress have facilitated the integration of cameras and sensors into various industries, including manufacturing, security, and medical diagnostics. However, as technology advances, there is a growing need for interfaces that can support faster automated processes and more sophisticated imaging requirements.
The document highlights the limitations of existing technologies, particularly the decline of PCIe card slots in modern PCs, which complicates connectivity for small form factor and embedded systems. In response, the paper introduces new interface options, notably Thunderbolt and RocEv2, which offer significant advantages in terms of bandwidth, cost, and ease of use.
Thunderbolt technology, which has evolved to support bidirectional data rates and multiple protocols, is positioned as a key player in the machine vision landscape. It allows for high-speed data transfer (up to 40 Gbps with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, and up to 80 Gbps with Thunderbolt 5) while simplifying connections through a single cable that can transmit video, data, and power. This capability is particularly beneficial for applications requiring low latency and high performance.
The paper also discusses the integration of external frame grabbers that convert GigE Vision cameras into PCIe cameras, enabling high-bandwidth imaging data transmission over standard cables. This approach optimizes CPU usage and reduces system latency, making it suitable for demanding imaging applications.
Additionally, the document outlines the emerging protocols like RocEv2, which promise ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, further enhancing the capabilities of machine vision systems. The evolution of these interfaces is crucial for meeting the performance, cost, and interoperability demands of modern applications.
In conclusion, the whitepaper serves as a comprehensive overview of the current trends and future directions in machine vision interfaces, providing valuable insights for designers and engineers looking to leverage these advancements in their systems.