Last week’s Vision Show in Boston highlighted two major trends in machine vision technology: the widespread adoption of CMOS cameras and the rapid evolution of CoaXPress connectivity.

The Rise of CMOS Cameras

CMOS image sensors have become increasingly prevalent in machine vision applications, offering significant advantages in frame speed that enable high resolutions—even as high as 25 Megapixels—to be effectively utilized in demanding scenarios. Established camera suppliers expanded their portfolios with more CMOS offerings, while new manufacturers showcased innovative products based on this technology.

Adimec’s latest Sapphire camera exemplifies these advancements, delivering 25 Megapixels at 32 fps via a Camera Link Deca configuration. This demonstrates the potential of CMOS sensors to handle complex imaging tasks efficiently.

CoaXPress Maturity and Expansion

The CoaXPress standard has seen rapid development in recent months. At the show, discussions around Version 1.1 (expected to release later this year) introduced notable enhancements, including multi-way connectivity support and a new connector type—the DIN 1.0/2.3 connector. This latest generation supports compact single and multi-lane coaxial connections with locking mechanisms and angled options for improved system design flexibility.

The protocol’s versatility was evident across the exhibition floor: over six camera manufacturers (including Adimec) and more than six frame grabber suppliers (such as Active Silicon, Matrox, Bitflow, and Silicon Software) showcased CoaXPress-enabled products in their booths.

Dual CoaXPress Implementation

Adimec’s Quartz Q-4A180/CXP camera leverages dual CoaXPress interfaces to achieve maximum frame rates—180 fps for 4 Megapixels, or 340 fps for 2 Megapixels. This configuration supports CXP-5 and CXP-6 standard profiles, utilizing two separate coaxial cables each capable of transmitting data at up to 5 Gbps over 60 meters. The protocol’s power-over-cable feature further simplifies system design by eliminating additional cabling requirements.

For a live demonstration of this camera in action, please refer to the provided link.

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 19:02:44