In November 2013, Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and semiconductor solutions, acquired EqcoLogic—an innovator in coaxial transceiver products based in Brussels, Belgium (http://www.microchip.com/pagehandler/en-us/press-release/microchip-acquires-eqcologic.html). EqcoLogic was one of the founding members of the CoaXPress Consortium, which developed this interface standard through support from the Japanese Industrial Imaging Association (JIIA).

Following the acquisition, CoaXPress product sales grew by 200 to 300% annually. This rapid expansion highlights Microchip’s commitment to advancing the technology and ensuring its long-term stability.

To understand the growth trajectory of CoaXPress, we spoke with Zeph Freeman, Global Marketing Manager at Microchip Technology.

Q: What were some initial challenges in adopting CoaXPress?

When EqcoLogic provided the CoaXPress chip, potential customers raised concerns about relying on a single supplier—a small start-up. Many conversations focused on financial stability and future product availability rather than performance. Other manufacturers adopted a wait-and-see approach regarding emerging standards.

Microchip’s acquisition eliminated these apprehensions by investing in continued development and standardization. This significantly increased adoption rates.

Q: Which applications have embraced CoaXPress the most?

Semiconductor inspection and metrology equipment manufacturers were among the early adopters, seeking high resolution and speed. Industrial applications like food production, glass manufacturing, and automotive parts inspections also leveraged CoaXPress for its long cable lengths and fast frame rates.

CoaXPress enables systems to process data faster than conveyor belts, allowing factories to increase output efficiency by up to four times compared to Camera Link systems in some cases.

Other sectors benefiting from this technology include intelligent traffic management, security systems, and postal sorting operations.

Q: What advantages does CoaXPress offer over other interface standards?

CoaXPress uniquely delivers video, camera control, and power through a single long cable. Unlike competitors, it avoids complex trade-offs between these functions.

The standard was developed collaboratively by the consortium to ensure consistent availability of components without unnecessary complexity or delays.

Q: What future plans are there for CoaXPress?

Microchip is focused on continued growth with faster speeds—soon supporting up to 12.5 Gbps—and reducing costs through incremental improvements.

The CXP-6 (6.25 Gbps) version targets high-speed applications, while the more affordable CXP-3 (3.125 Gbps) serves mid-range markets. This strategy aims to expand CoaXPress adoption into even more diverse applications and systems.

We extend gratitude to Zeph Freeman for sharing his insights on CoaXPress’s evolution. We welcome further industry perspectives on imaging topics—please reach out if you’d like to contribute.

Last Updated: 2025-09-04 20:54:42