The Bitflow Cyton-CXP4, an innovative four-channel frame grabber based on the CoaXPress (CXP) platform.

BitFlow, Inc., a worldwide innovator in machine vision technology since 1999, introduces the BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber. Bringing advanced skills to machine vision, industrial automation, and inspection or surveillance design applications, the BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber's innovation sets the stage for the future.

Improving on their original CoaXPress standard, the Cyton-CXP4 combines the speed of the Gen 2.0 x 8 PCI Express bus interface on the back-end and successfully doubles the Gen 1.0 bus data rate. Next, a DMA engine redesign improves efficiency to manage the additional requirements of contemporary machine vision applications. This effectively improves bandwidth from PC platforms without the use of  CPU resources and equals amazing high-speed access to host memory in multiple camera arrangement. All of this occurs while using the same small footprint and connectors.

[caption id="attachment_7372" align="alignright" width="288"]BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 Frame Grabber BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 Frame Grabber[/caption] The BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber provides an uncomplicated, commanding way to transfer high-speed serial data from a camera directly to a frame grabber. Capturing video at speeds up to 6.25 Gigabits/Second (Gb/S), it can utilize one to four CXP-6 cameras. This, while being able to support both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. When acquiring video from several cameras, each camera joins with its own virtual frame grabber, allowing for independent control. CXP permits control commands and power and triggers are sent to and from the camera simultaneously. This transpires at the quick rate of 20 Mb/S (with a trigger accuracy of +/- 2 nanoseconds). Equaling the convenience of up to 13 watts of power provided to the camera, and it all takes place over one piece of industry standard 75-Ω coaxial cable.

The Cyton platform is the ideal basis for present and upcoming frame grabbers.

This, holds true, irrespective of whether they are CoaXPress, Camera Link, or innovation from the machine vision industry. With four CXP connections, the BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 also includes an optional fifth CXP connector. This fifth connector, functioning as a high-speed uplink, is skilled at running the full 6.25 Gb/S from the frame grabber to the camera. With CXP standards advancing, bulk uploads to the camera and accurate trigger precision are already exceeding the current 20 Mb/S uplink specification - making high-speed uplink an inevitable requirement. The Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber stands ready when these new standards arrive, and will maintain utilization whenever the uplink is required. The Cyton-CXP4 sustains effortless triggering modes and application-specific triggering, and control interactions within any hardware environment.

System designers will appreciate the added speed of the Gen 2.0 x 8 PCI Express bus interface.  Greater accuracy is achieved in bio-medical, parts inspection and additional high-precision applications. BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber boards will work not only x16 and x8 PCI slots, but also x4 and x1 slots that use x16 connectors. It is fully backward compatible with Gen 1.0 motherboards, assisting in the cost-effective migration to Gen 2.0. The BitFlow-Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber also adds StreamSync features to its abilities, including:
  • Efficient support for variable sized images with fast context switches between frames
  • Per frame control of acquisition properties (AOI specifically)
  • Hardware control of image sequencing
  • Enhanced debug capabilities
  • Efficient support for on-demand buffer allocation (Genicam model)
  • Gracefully recover from dropped packets (either on the input side the DMA side)

All Cyton styles are software compatible with each other and are compatible with additional BitFlow frame grabbers. This allows transfers from Camera Link or analog to CXP quite easy and fast.

As far as features are concerned, the BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber is loaded! Using CXP standard 4+1 connector spacing, it delivers power for all cameras (up to 13 watts per link), providing safe power and full protection from all power line faults. Cameras are Plug and Play with automatic link speed detection, supporting cable lengths of up to 135 meters. Cameras can be accurately synchronized or completely independent. The Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber is highly deterministic and has a low latency frame grabber to camera trigger. The Bitflow Cyton-CX4 frame grabber is able to support simultaneous serial communications to all cameras,  and its windows are able to "see" separate frame grabbers for each camera. With FlowThru technology, onboard memory is not necessary. The list truly goes on, with features aiding this futuristic frame grabber’s abilities and usefulness. With technology changing from minute to minute, Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. is a leading product stocking distributor in the industry.  From technical support to speed of product need, to accurate shipping and support, Aegis will be with you all the way. Need the newest and the best, Aegis will make sure your interest is first, and your order number one on their minds. The BitFlow Cyton-CXP4 frame grabber is available from Aegis, and they are waiting for your call to fulfill your needs.  Call no.