Transformations are something one thinks only magicians do … However, Pleora Technologies, the world's leading supplier of high-performance video interfaces, presents an industry landmark: the very first product that easily transform Camera Link® Cameras into USB3 Vision™  (USB3 Vision™ is a global standard for transporting high-speed imaging and video data to computers over the widely available USB 3.0 bus) compliant video stream  cameras ~ the  iPORT™ CL-U3 ! This U3 External Frame Grabber is the first to bring the plug-and-play usability and low-cost cabling advantages of USB3 to Camera Link installations. Using these external frame grabbers, Camera Link cameras can transport high-speed imaging and video data over the widely available USB 3.0 bus, and can also be used with a broader selection of smaller form factor, low-power computing platforms to help reduce system costs. Pleora’s iPORT™ CL-U3 transmits video from Base and Medium mode Camera Link® cameras with low, predictable latency over a USB 3.0 cable. This connection at the workstation, is a standard USB 3.0 port, and eliminates the need for a desktop computer with an available peripheral card slot for a traditional frame grabber. Subsequently, users can lessen system size and power consumption by using computing platforms with smaller form factors, and low-power computing programs, such as laptops, embedded computers, and single-board computers (tablets).

• Camera Link cameras are imaging cameras that transfer image data using the Camera Link® serial communication protocol, and can transfer data at a rate of up to 3.6Gb/s, making them ideal choices for demanding, high resolution requirements or for high performance streaming applications.

• USB 3.0 is the third major version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard for computer connectivity. Among other improvements, USB 3.0 adds a new transfer mode called "Super Speed" (SS), capable of transferring data at up to 5 Gbit/s (625 MB/s).
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The iPORT™ CL-U3 External Frame Grabber family delivers a range of solutions for designers to meet specific system requirements, including products supporting extended operating temperature range, extensive GPIO functionality, and power over Camera Link (PoCL).  The CL-U3  product line also includes models that deliver incorporated PLC (programmable logic converter) and GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) capabilities to diminish the effects of electrical noise, to simplify cabling, and an extended -20°C to +65°C temperature operating range. Features:

• Transmits video from Camera Link Base or Medium mode cameras over USB 3.0, with low, predictable latency
• Plugs into a wide range of computing platforms without needing a PCI/PCIe frame grabber
• Compact and low power
• Mountable enclosure
• Line scan and area scan modes
• 128 MB frame buffer to accommodate multi-mega pixel sensor sizes
• Throughput approaching 3 Gb/s
• Record and playback functionality
• USB3 Vision and GenICam compatible
• Power, control, and video over the same USB 3.0 cable
• Power over Camera Link (PoCL) with models CL-U3B-IND and CL-U3M-IND (external power supply required)
• Sophisticated on-board programmable logic controller (PLC) allows users to precisely measure, synchronize, trigger, and control the operation of other vision system elements

Pleora’s iPORT™ CL-U3 is offered in 4 unique configurations: 903-0007 • iPORT CL-U3B External Frame Grabber for Base mode with 128 MB frame buffer. 903-0008 • iPORT CL-U3M External Frame Grabber for Camera Link Medium mode with 128 MB frame buffer. 903-0009 • iPORT CL-U3B-IND External Frame Grabber (industrial use) for Camera Link Base mode with 128 MB frame buffer, extended operating temperature range, extensive GPIO, and power over Camera Link (PoCL). 903-0010 • iPORT CL-U3M-IND External Frame Grabber (industrial use) for Camera Link Medium mode with 128 MB frame buffer, extended operating temperature range, extensive GPIO, and power over Camera Link (PoCL). In microscopy applications for life sciences, measurement, and quality control, for example, iPORT™ CL-U3  allows designers to keep existing cameras, sensors, and optics while leveraging the ever-present computing platform support and simplified cabling of USB3. In these applications, a Camera Link camera transmits microscopic images to a computer for analysis and observation. Customarily, these systems have required bulky, specialized cabling and a PCIe frame grabber to capture images at the computer. This results in more complex systems, higher costs, and limited component selection. In contrast, the iPORT™ CL-U3  transmits images from the microscope camera over an off-the-shelf, thin, flexible USB 3.0 cable directly to a port on a laptop, single-board computer, or tablet. Integrated programmable logic converter and General-Purpose Input/output capabilities allow end-users to control, trigger and synchronize the camera and other vision system elements. For example, in factory automation for assembly and manufacturing lines, the image feed from a Camera Link Base or Medium line scan camera is converted at the source into USB3 Vision-compliant video by the iPORT™ CL-U3Video, power, and control is transmitted between the camera and image-processing computer over a single USB 3.0 cable. The thinner, lighter USB 3.0 cable is easier to route than bulky Camera Link cables, allowing quicker setup and teardown of work cells for different products and short production runs. Pleora’s iPORT™ CL-U3  External Frame Grabbers assist systems producers and integrators to control the performance attributes of USB 3.  In addition, the frame grabbers support flexible configurations, allowing multiple cameras to be combined to a single USB 3.0 port, when using an off-the-shelf USB 3.0 hub. The CL-U3 complies fully with the USB3 Vision and GenICam™ standards, ensuring interoperability with third-party equipment in multi-vendor environments.  Thanks to Pleora, lightning-fast progress produces converting Camera Link cameras into USB3 Vision cameras!