Ettlingen –Vision Components’ new generation of intelligent cameras feature innovative hardware and software. Operating with Linux firmware, the systems follow a new processor approach: until now, VC has been using freely programmable DSPs combined with the proprietary VCRT operating system which ensures optimal hardware utilization. Now, the VC Z series employs a new Xilinx hardware module that integrates FPGA logic and a dual core ARM processor. Both elements can be programmed. This design not only minimizes the required space on the board, but also enables a considerable speed boost, if required: since the FPGA can now be used for image processing, this process can be executed up to ten times faster than without FPGA support.
“We see the combination of Linux as an operating system and an ARM processor as a future-proof approach that opens up new possibilities for our users. Our VC Z cameras are now for instance suitable for high-speed or line scan applications that were not easy to implement with former models”, says the VC CEO and founder Michael Engel. With VC Z units, users can continue to rely on ready-to-use intelligent cameras that independently execute all image processing routines. At the same time, Vision Components have made the recently extended VC Lib image processing library which encompasses the basic software for all intelligent VC cameras available free of charge. Users can now employ more than 300 VC Lib functions free of charge, without any additional costs for runtime licenses or other fees. The most experienced supplier of industrial embedded machine vision systems worldwide, VC also offers a wide range of consulting services. Customers can now choose between ARM/VC Linux-based and DSP/VCRT-based camera models, depending on what solution is best for their application. If required, VC experts will support them along the way.
For more details, visit http://www.vision-components.com