Matrix Vision's smart camera uses an ARM core plus a separate DSP

PRESS RELEASE

The reduction of power consumption and size together with increasing power are the three common approaches to become eco-friendly in Automation. Automation solutions like intelligent cameras and smart vision sensors require a lot of processing power. Here in particular, there are potential savings with the right choice of the processor concept. Currently, there are two concepts on the market: Intel’s Atom is deemed to be a low power processor, however, ARM processors have a better savings potential because they not only have reduced power requirements, but also are smaller in size.

For this reason, MATRIX VISION's (Oppenweiler, Germany) new intelligent camera solution mvBlueLYNX-X uses Texas Instruments’ OMAP 3 series. These processors feature a powerful ARM-Cortex-A8 core and offer an efficient performance up to 1 GHz plus an additional, separate DSP. Atom processors reach use higher processor clocks, however, they have a considerably higher power consumption. Typically, Atom systems need 15 Watts, whereas mvBlueLYNX-X only operates with 5 Watts under full load.

By using the ARM processor a small housing is possible. Without lens, the mvBlueLYNX has a size of 85 x 55 x 35 mm (H x W x D). Besides the size, OEMs and system integrators also benefit from the wide range of interfaces. The camera series feature 100 Mbit LAN; two USB 2.0 interfaces, RS-232, digital inputs and outputs, display output as well as MicroSD card interfaces. A wide range of high quality global shutter CMOS sensors from WVGA to SXGA are also available. As lens holder, the S-Mount is standard, but C- and CS-Mount lens holders are available as an option. Models with integrated illumination improve the handling and guarantee image quality. Furthermore, models with IP65 are available as well.

A .NET compliant MONO interface allows the comfortable development of software. MONO makes it possible to develop .NET based cross platform applications and to use them on the mvBlueLYNX-X without further compiling.

The mvBlueLYNX-X will be available at the beginning of 2011.

Source: Matrix Vision GmbH

-- Posted by Vision Systems Design