subject: Evolution of USB 2.0 [print this page] Author: Ayelet Mofar Author: Ayelet Mofar
Created as one of the first high speed capable connectivity options, USB 2.0 is popular for many machine vision camera applications. But the machine vision world is growing and so are their needs for high performance processing. Most developers and cameras manufactures turn to higher speed options despite their expense to gain better performance from vision systems. But USB 2.0 smart cameras change the price performance trade off and make high performance machine vision more affordable with USB2.0 In the beginning: USB From its inception the USB2 interface for cameras has been an affordable and user friendly option. Initially designed to limit the number or ports used for PCs, USB expanded the capability of data transfer for the typical PC. After a while USB was not enough and was expanded by the USB 2.0 to enable real time transfer for high definition data, expanding the overall maximum speed of the connection. USB2 is widely available and easily integrated into existing systems. Almost all existing operating systems support USB2 technology and there is a variety of software and drivers available which are compatible with the technology. For many reasons, USB2 is an excellent technology for the machine vision market but it does have some substantial drawbacks including bandwidth limitations, low frame rates and susceptibility to host platform activity which has limited its consideration as a viable technology for high performance machine vision applications. Taking the Next step: USB2 with DSP Smart USB 2.0 cameras are an innovative solution to this dilemma. By adding an embedded DSP (digital signal processor).USB 2.0 smart cameras provide high processing capabilities at the price of a USB camera system. DSPs increase the on camera memory and the processing capabilities of the USB, virtually eliminating the need for higher bandwidth capabilities. USB 2.0 smart cameras provide high levels of processing and data transfer for high performance applications at an affordable prices.About the Author:
is the Business Development manager at Imaging Diagnostics, a leading provider of embedded imaging solutions for a wide spectrum of capabilities in industrial and machine vision applications.
