Machine Vision Cable

Cable Issues

1. What are the differences between machine vision cables and ordinary cables?

Machine vision cables have higher shielding, anti-interference, and bending resistance, ensuring the stability of high-speed data transmission.

2. What are the maximum length of machine vision cables?

It depends on the interface and cable type. For passive copper cables, the maximum length for USB3.0 is about 5 meters, CoaXPress is about 70 meters, and GigE is up to 100 meters.

3. Are there fiber optic versions of machine vision cables?

Yes, optical fiber cables can achieve longer distance and high bandwidth transmission, suitable for high-speed and long-distance applications. Such as CoaXPress over Fiber, USB3.0 optical fiber.

4. What are the connector types for USB Vision machine vision cables?

The common connector type on the camera end is Micro-B, and there are also Std.B and Type-C.

5. What are the connector types for CoaXPress (CXP) machine vision cables?

Common connector types are BNC, DIN1.0/2.3 and Micro BNC.

6. Can machine vision cables be customized?

YES, COMOSS offers customized solutions with different lengths, shielding levels, flexibility and weather resistance.

7. What are the differences between USB 3.0 and USB 3.2 versions in machine vision applications?

USB 3.2 (Gen 2) has a data transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps faster than USB 3.0.

8. What are the differences between USB3.0 and USB2.0 in machine vision applications?

USB 3.0 speeds can reach 5 Gbps, far exceeding USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), making it suitable for high-resolution cameras.

9. What is the difference between shielded and unshielded cables in machine vision applications?

The shielding layer can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve signal integrity, especially suitable for industrial environments.

10. CoaXPress (CXP) vs. Camera Link: Which is better for high-speed transmission applications?

CoaXPress (CXP) cables offer higher transmission rates and longer transmission distances, making them suitable for high-speed applications.

11. When would be necessary to use additional signal amplifiers or repeaters to improve transmission quality?

If the cable length exceeds the regular application length, a signal amplifier is required. For example: The USB3.0 cable is longer than 5 meters.

12. Why cannot USB3.0 cables exceed 5 meters?

The length of USB3.0 cables is limited by signal attenuation, and cables longer than 5 meters require active extension cables or fiber optic solutions.

Application Issues

1. How to choose the suitable machine vision cables?

Select according to the camera interface type (USB, GigE, Camera Link, CoaXPress, etc.), transmission distance, and anti-interference requirements.

2. How to choose CoaXPress (CXP) cables?

Select the CoaXPress (CXP) cables of corresponding specifications according to the CXP level of the camera (such as, CXP-3, CXP-6, CXP-12).

3. How to choose Camera Link cables?

Select Base, Medium, Full, or Extended cables according to the camera interface, and make sure the cables comply with the MDR or SDR interface standards.

4. How to choose durable cables in an industrial environment?

Choose cables that are resistant to bending, abrasion, and oil stains, such as cables specifically designed for drag chains or reinforced outer sheath materials (such as PU).

5. How to choose the proper network cables for GigE Vision?

Depends on the camera transfer speed. For GigE cameras, CAT.5e or CAT.6 is recommended.
For 10 GigE cameras, it is recommended to use CAT.6A or CAT.7 cables to ensure high-speed transmission and reduce interference.

6. Does GigE Vision require special network cables?

It is recommended to use Cat.5e or Cat.6 shielded Ethernet cables to ensure Gigabit speeds and reduce interference.

7. Do machine vision cables support drag chain application?

Some industrial-grade cables support the use of drag chains, so you need to choose cables that are resistant to bending and highly flexible.

8. What is the difference between high flex cables and ordinary cables? When would be high flex cables needed?

If the application involves robotic arms or mobile equipment, it needs to choose a highly flexible and bend-resistant drag chain cable.

9. Can industrial cameras use consumer-grade USB cables?

NOT recommended. Consumer-grade cables are usually not reinforced and cannot guarantee long-term, highly stable data transmission.

10. Why does the camera sometimes drop frames?

Data loss may be caused by poor cable quality, excessive signal attenuation, or insufficient power supply.

11. Does GigE Vision require special network cables?

It is recommended to use Cat.5e or Cat.6 shielded Ethernet cables to ensure Gigabit speeds and reduce interference.

12. Do machine vision cables require an additional power supply?

Calculate the voltage drop based on the camera power requirements and the cable length. If you confirm that the voltage drop does not exceed the camera startup voltage, then it is not necessary.

13. Are machine vision cables resistant to high temperatures?

Some industrial-grade cables can withstand high temperatures (e.g., above 80°C), so you need to choose cables made of heat-resistant materials.

Performance Issues

1. How to reduce signal interference in machine vision cables?

Use shielded cables, route properly, avoid proximity to high-power devices, and use proper grounding measures.

2. How to detect whether the machine vision cable is damaged?

You can use a tester to test the continuity or replace the cables for a comparative test.

3. How to ensure the stability of high-frequency data transmission?

Choose cables with low loss, high shielding, high quality connectors, and use locking mechanisms to secure the connectors.

4. How to avoid cables damage due to bending?

Use highly flexible, resistant cables and follow minimum bend radius requirements.

5. Will using multiple cables in parallel affect performance?

It could be. It should ensure proper routing, avoid cross interference, and use appropriate electromagnetic shielding measures.

6. How to ensure the durability of machine vision cables?

Choose industrial-grade materials and secure cables properly to avoid excessive stretching and twisting.

7. How to reduce signal attenuation during long-distance transmission?

Active cables, fiber converters or repeaters can be used to extend transmission distance and reduce signal loss.

8. Does bending affect the product lifespan of machine vision cables?

Robotic arms or drag chains should use high flex cables, their bending life is usually more than millions of times.

9. How to prevent cable issues from affecting image quality?

Avoid using poor quality cables, ensure good plug and unplug connections, and regularly check for signal attenuation or interference issues.

10. How to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in machine vision applications?

Using shielded cables can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

11. Does the length of machine vision cables affect performance?

Yes, as the length increases, signal attenuation and delay may increase, so you need to choose low-attenuation, high-quality cables, or use repeater equipment.

12. Do machine vision cables need to be replaced regularly?

Highly flexible cables should be replaced according to their service life in an environment with frequent bending.

Test Issues

1. How to test whether the cables meet the specifications?

Network analyzers and time domain reflectometers can be used to check transmission quality and signal integrity.