Sony’s New XCD Series – With the IEEE 1394b Interface and a Number of Resolutions and Frame Rates to Choose From – Selecting the Right Camera for Your Machine Vision Application Has Never Been Easier

Sony, a renowned leader in digital camera technology, is introducing six new models to its XCD Series: the XCD-U100/U100CR, the XCD-SX90/SX90CR, and the XCD-V60/V60CR. Featuring outstanding picture quality, high-speed image capturing, and the digital 1394b interface, this new XCD Series is perfect for high-quality industrial and manufacturing solutions.

The XCD-U100/U100CR incorporates a 1/1.8-type IT CCD that captures extremely, high-quality, detailed images with an ultra-high resolution of 1600 x 1200 (UXGA). The XCD-SX90/SX90CR employs a Sony unique CCD that achieves a frame rate of up to 30 fps at 1280 x 960 (SXGA) resolution. The XCD-V60/V60CR achieves up to

90 fps at VGA resolution, which is commonly used in many machine-vision applications. With this wide range of new solutions – each with feature-rich benefits – it’s never been easier to select the right camera for your specific machine vision applications.

The new XCD Series of cameras adopts the IEEE 1394b interface that supports the IIDC protocol. By utilizing this interface, users can transfer images to a host PC at speeds of up to 800 Mb/s. Moreover, because multiple cameras can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration, users can enjoy the benefits of simplified operation in a multi-camera system. When these XCD cameras are daisy-chained, Bus Synchronization and Broadcast Delivery are available. With Bus Synchronization, users can capture images from different angles simultaneously simply by sending a single trigger from the host PC. Broadcast Delivery allows users to capture images from multiple cameras using a software trigger instead of a hardware trigger, which helps to minimize the occurrence of false triggers. This function also enables users to change the settings of multiple cameras simultaneously.

Their compact design and rugged body enables the XCD Series to be integrated into a wide variety of industrial environments. In addition, the XCD series incorporates other features such as partial scanning, binning, and a hardware LUT (Look Up Table). The new XCD Series of cameras is ideal for industrial machine- vision applications such as object recognition, inspection, measurement, alignment, and for microscopy applications in scientific research.

Features

Excellent Picture Quality/

High Frame Rates

The XCD-U100/XCD-U100CR features a UXGA CCD that provides the highest resolution out of all the new XCD cameras. This particular camera is ideal for applications that require the capture of ultra-high image detail.

The XCD-SX90/XCD-SX90CR employs an exclusive Sony CCD and achieves up to 30 fps with SXGA image quality. For applications that require high-speed image capture at up to

90 fps, the XCD-V60/XCD-V60CR is the answer.

XCD-U100 XCD-U100CR XCD-SX90 XCD-SX90CR XCD-V60 XCD-V60CR

B&W

Color

B&W

Color

B&W

Color

1/1.8-type

 

1/3-type

 

progressive scan

 

progressive scan

 

IT CCD

 

IT CCD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1600 x 1200

1280 x 960

640 x 480

(UXGA)

(SXGA)

(VGA)

15 fps

30 fps

90 fps

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 1394b Digital Interface

The new XCD Series employs the IEEE 1394b interface which attains high data-transfer rates of up to 800 Mb/s. Since the XCD Series is backward compatible with IEEE 1394a, these cameras can be easily integrated with legacy 1394a systems.

Daisy-chain Configuration

The new XCD cameras are equipped with two IEEE 1394b ports allowing multiple cameras to be daisy-chained and controlled from a single PC. A daisy-chain configuration with a large number of cameras*1 is made possible by their EIAJ 12-pin connector, which allows external power to be supplied to the cameras.

*1 Up to 62 cameras, with additional external power being supplied, can be daisy-chained.

IEEE 1394b 9-pin cable

PC

XCD Series

2

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Motorola IEEE 1394.B manual Features, Excellent Picture Quality High Frame Rates, Ieee 1394b Digital Interface

IEEE 1394.B specifications

Motorola's contribution to the IEEE 1394.b standard revolutionized the way devices communicated with each other, facilitating high-speed data transfer in various applications. The IEEE 1394.b, commonly known as FireWire or i.Link, is an advanced version of the original IEEE 1394 standard, which aimed to provide a seamless and efficient communication interface for multimedia devices.

One of the standout features of IEEE 1394.b is its data transfer rate. While the original specification supported speeds up to 400 Mbps, IEEE 1394.b increased this capability significantly to 800 Mbps and beyond. This high-speed transmission allows for the connection of multiple devices, such as digital cameras, hard drives, and printers, creating a flexible and expandable network.

The technology supports a peer-to-peer communication model, allowing devices to communicate directly without the need for a central controller. This architecture promotes efficient data exchange, making it ideal for environments with multiple connected devices. Moreover, the standard includes dynamic bandwidth allocation. This means that the available bandwidth can be intelligently distributed among connected devices based on their current needs, optimizing performance across the network.

Another noteworthy characteristic of IEEE 1394.b is its hot-swappable nature. Users can connect and disconnect devices while the system is powered on without experiencing any interruptions or device failures. This feature enhances usability, especially in settings where devices frequently need to be added or removed.

In terms of physical characteristics, IEEE 1394.b uses a variety of connector types, including the 6-pin and 9-pin connectors, for different applications. The cabling can also extend longer distances than previous standards, with devices able to be connected up to 100 meters apart using optical fiber cables, facilitating greater flexibility in device placement.

Furthermore, the IEEE 1394.b standard improves power management capabilities. Devices can draw power through the FireWire connection, simplifying setups by reducing the number of necessary power supplies. This power delivery not only streamlines connections but also contributes to a decreased need for bulky power adapters.

In summary, Motorola's role in developing the IEEE 1394.b standard has had a lasting impact on data communication technology. Its high-speed transfer capabilities, peer-to-peer architecture, hot-swappability, flexible cabling options, and efficient power management make IEEE 1394.b a versatile choice for a wide range of multimedia applications. The standard continues to serve as a vital part of device connectivity, especially in professional and consumer electronics.