SONY introduces new series of 1394B digital cameras for MACHINE-VISION applications

PARK RIDGE, NJ..– Sony Electronics today unveiled its XCD series, a comprehensive line-up of machine vision cameras, which use the high-bandwidth 1394b interface (800 Mbps).

Designed for applications ranging from parts inspection to microscopy, these six new units feature a range of resolutions combined with high frame rates that set new performance benchmarks.

“With the XCD series we are advancing both machine-vision technology and the 1394 interface,” said Ken LaMarca, vice president of the visual imaging group at Sony Electronics. “We introduced the industry’s first 1394 products and now we are continuing to take the lead with this new lineup.”

The new series comprises three sets of cameras offered in VGA, SXGA and UXGA resolutions. Plus, they are available in either monochrome or raw color versions. Each fit the same compact form factor (44x33.57.5mm) to ease integration in industrial environments, and all can be configured as a star connection or daisy-chained.

Sony’s new 1394b software driver helps to maximize the 800 Mbps bandwidth and delivers reliable daisy chaining of up to 62 cameras with an optional external power supply.

When daisy-chained, the XCD cameras’ Bus Synchronization and Broadcast Delivery features further extend their utility.

Bus Synchronization allows cameras on the same Bus to acquire images simultaneously without the need to provide an external synchronization signal.

Broadcast Delivery enables simultaneous change of settings to all cameras in the same Bus with a single command. In addition, a multi-trap function allows XCD Series cameras to grab up to 15 images with different exposure rates to see objects in different lighting.



The XCD-V60/V60CR

The VGA resolution (640x480) XCD-V60/V60CR cameras raise the bar on frame rate speed to a full 90 fps. This marks a 50 percent increase over the 60 fps performance that has been the standard for the specific CCD sensor. This ability for high-speed capture creates new efficiencies for parts inspection, automotive assembly, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and electronics applications.



The XCD-SX90/SX90CR

The SXGA resolution (1280x960) XCD-SX90/SX90CR features a unique high-speed, low-noise sensor. This Sony exclusive 1/3-type progressive scan CCD achieves 30 fps performance, twice the 15 fps speed that has been the norm for SXGA cameras. The 30 fps rate achieves the long-standing goal of delivering “live” video performance at high resolution.



The XCD-U100/U100CR

The UXGA resolution (1600x1200) XCD-U100/U100CR is designed for critical applications that demand the highest-quality imaging at high resolution captured at high speeds. The 15 fps performance combined with the full range of XCD Series features makes for a standout combination suitable for part/surface inspection, PCB inspection, gauging and bioscience applications.

The XCD Series of machine vision cameras are now available through Sony-authorized distributors. The suggested resale prices for the new cameras are:

XCD-V60/V60CR - $867

XCD-SX90/SX90CR - $1,583

XCD-U100/U100CR - $2,417