Matrox Imaging is pleased to announce Matrox Rapixo CXP, a new series of multi-link CoaXPress 2.0 frame grabbers. Leveraging the latest version of CoaXPress®, the Rapixo CXP boards support data rates of up to four times 12.5 Gbps, with a PCIe® x8 host computer interface to match, as required in high-speed, high-resolution machine vision applications. Rapixo CXP features up to four connections, and further simplifies integration with support for Power-over-CoaXPress (PoCXP) that combines power, command, and data interfaces onto one cable. Matrox Rapixo CXP boards also offer custom onboard image processing using their field-programmable gate array device (FPGA) and can also host the license for Matrox Imaging software, avoiding the need for a separate hardware key.
Higher speed with CXP 2.0
The major feature of the CoaXPress 2.0 standard is the increased data rate; now to up to 12.5 Gbps. The doubled bandwidth per connection is thoroughly ready for the new generation of high-resolution high-rate image sensors.
Simplified connection
Rapixo CXP supports up to four connections to either interface with up to four CXP 2.0-compliant cameras or to accommodate higher data rates from one or two cameras through connection aggregation. The PoCXP design streamlines system set up by combining the camera’s power interface with its command- and data-interface onto the same coaxial cable.
Custom FPGA-based image processing
Rapixo CXP makes use of a FPGA device from the Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ family for not only integrating the control, formatting, and streaming logic of the various interfaces, but also allowing developers to incorporate Matrox Imaging- or user-developed custom image pre-processing operations—developed in C/C++—to offload from the host computer.
Supported by Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) software
Applications using the Rapixo CXP are programmed using the latest MIL software development kit (SDK) and can target either 64-bit Windows® or Linux®. The frame grabber series also facilitates application deployment through an integrated license fingerprint for MIL software.
“The Matrox Rapixo CXP family provides immediate benefits and access to customers looking to leverage the CoaXpress 2.0 standard,” says Mathieu Larouche, product manager, Matrox Imaging. “The added speed over a single link looks to be a boon for interfacing to cameras that will integrate a new generation of still higher-resolution and higher-rate sensors in the most straightforward way.”
The company has also announced the Matrox Concord PoE, a new line of multi-port Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) adaptors with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for GigE Vision. Available in two- or four-port options, these network interface cards (NICs) simplify system configurations involving multiple GigE Vision cameras, not only by handling command and streaming protocols but also providing power over a single standard Cat 5e/6 cable per camera connection. Matrox Concord PoE boards come pre-licensed with GigE Vision support in Matrox Imaging software, removing the need for an additional software feature license.
PoE for simplified cabling
The single-cable-per-camera offer simplifies cabling between cameras and vision computer by eliminating the need for a separate power cable. An isolated PoE implementation also protects cameras, board, and host computer from damage due to electrical faults and stray current that could adversely impact camera detection.
Pair with Matrox Imaging software
Certified for use with GigE Vision systems, these multi-port GigE adaptors also facilitate deployment through an integrated license fingerprint for Matrox Imaging software. Supported by both the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) software development kit (SDK) and the Matrox Design Assistant integrated development environment (IDE) for Windows®, each software offers developers the benefits of different environments with the same underlying vision tools.
“The Matrox Concord PoE board leverages the fact that most GigE Vision cameras support PoE as a way of simplifying system cabling. The PoE implementation is isolated, which protects cameras, board, and vision system from potential electrical faults and is a must for industrial use,” says Mathieu Larouche, product manager, Matrox Imaging. “The board also streamlines the deployment of our vision software by eliminating the need for an additional license dongle.”
