xiB & xiB-64 - Technical Manual Version 1.06
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2.
xiB Camera Series
Figure 2-1 xiB and xiB-64 camera with heat sinks.
2.1.
What is xiB
xiB [ksi-bee: or sai-bee:] is a compact PCI express Industrial camera family with outstanding features:
•
Small footprint
•
High speed computer interface
•
Sensors for xiB: 12, 20, and 50 Mpixel CMOSIS CMOS sensors
•
Sensors for xiB-64: 1, 12 Mpixel CMOSIS and Luxima CMOS sensors
•
frame rates: 50 MP @ 30 fps to 1 MP @ 3,500+ fps
The XiB camera line uses a PCI Express (PCIe) computer interface which eliminates the need for a framegrabber. Currently, PCIe
generations 2 and 3 are implemented for the xiB and xiB-64 camera lines. As a result, low latency communication between the
camera head and host computer is achieved. Direct Memory Access (DMA) engine is utilized for data transfer between
the camera and PC memory, reducing the CPU load to almost negligible values compared to other protocols.
Off the shelf hardware can be used for camera to computer interfaces, but testing was limited to the items discussed in this
manual. See section
for materials needed to interface your camera to the computer. Both copper (10m) and fiber
optic (>100m) cables are available for interfaces.
2.2.
Advantages
Industry standard interface
Off the shelf components can be used – no ‘frame grabber’
Optional EF lens mount
Canon lenses controllable from software (focus and aperture)
Small
Fits into places where no other camera can fit
Powerful
Up to 64Gb/s (xiB-64)
Fast
High speed, high frame rate: up to 3500+fps (depending on the camera model)
Robust
Full metal housing, no sheet metal covers
Connectivity
Programmable opto-isolated I/O, and non-isolated digital input and output. 4 status LEDs
Compatibility
Support for Windows, Linux and MacOS, various Image Processing Libraries
Software interfaces
GenICam / GenTL and highly optimized xiAPI SDK
Economical
Excellent value and price, low TCO and fast ROI
Low latency
Computer CPU not involved in data transfer, latency from camera to memory is low
table 2-1, advantages