xiX - Technical Manual Version 1.3
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2.5.
What is xSWITCH
Utilizing PCIe as a camera interface offers unique camera aggregation options, at extremely high bandwidths: multiple cameras
can be efficiently connected and their respective data streams bundled into a single copper or fiber optic cable connection to a
host computer, writing directly to memory (DMA) at 64 Gbit/s. Flat-flex cables between the cameras and the xSWITCH allow the
most compact integration in tight spaces.
figure 2-1, Example of aggregation of many camera in to one cable
PCIe allows multi camera assembly in to one cable stream with other end connected to expansion slot in host computer. It is
possible to chain several PCIe switches to create optimal infrastructure. Together with the cameras it is also possible to populate
PCIe switch downstream ports with other controllers, like USB 3.0, UART, etc.
figure 2-2, PCI Express Topology