Oliver Senghaas, Head of Marketing at industrial camera manufacturer IDS Imaging Development Systems: "We don't expect industrial cameras with a transmission rate of 10 Gbit/s until later in 2017."

© IDS Imaging Development Systems

Mr. Senghaas, the announcement of the USB-IF was some time ago - when can we expect the first USB 3.1 or 'Superspeed Plus' industrial cameras?
Senghaas: A few points need to be clarified at this point: The USB 3.1 specification only refers to the bandwidth - with 'Superspeed Plus' we are talking about 10Gbit/s and USB3.1 Gen.2, while USB3.1 Gen.1 only offers a transfer rate of 5Gbit/s. In the wake of USB3.1, there is also a new specification for the connection, namely Type-C. This defines more universal, twist-proof connectors with more contacts.

As far as connectors and cables are concerned, everything is ready for USB3.1 Gen.2. However, the first chipsets suitable for use in small industrial cameras are not expected to be available until early 2017. A third USB specification, the so-called 'USB Power Delivery' (PD), will also cause some effort for cable and camera manufacturers - although this specification has nothing to do with the connector and the bandwidth. Ultimately, it will probably be quite some time in 2017 before we see a USB 3.1 Gen 2 industrial camera with a 10 Gbit/s transfer rate.

By doubling the bandwidth, USB 3.1 would achieve the same speeds as the CameraLink and 10 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces in the future. So what are the advantages of USB 3.1 compared to other BV interfaces?
Senghaas: In general, USB clearly scores points for the widespread availability of the connection - which is also driven by the manufacturers of PCs and consumer electronics - easier handling - keyword Plug & Play - and of course the price. Even for high-performance multi-camera systems with up to 16 cameras, for example, virtually no additional components are required, with the possible exception of PC plug-in cards or hubs.

What other differences between USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 - apart from the higher transfer rate - are of benefit to the user?
Senghaas: A significant advantage is derived from the higher bandwidth. This will enable the use of even more powerful sensors with higher resolution and faster frame rates in the future. Further advantages result from the two specifications Type-C and USB PD, which define the connection technology and power supply. The USB 3.1 Type C connectors are not only twist-proof, but also equipped with more contacts. This means that higher currents and other signals such as PCI Express, DisplayPort or audio can be transported in addition to USB signals. There is also no need to differentiate between the device and host side; the cables have the same connectors on both sides.

USB PD Power Delivery also offers interesting options for image processing users: The devices involved negotiate themselves who supplies power and who receives it. A maximum of 20V and 5A can be transported, i.e. 100W. This means, for example, that a flash connected to the camera could be supplied with power directly via the USB port, eliminating the need for an additional power supply unit for the flash system.

IDS has announced the 'USB 3 uEye LE', the first industrial camera series with a USB 3.1 connection. It offers the new connector, but not yet the transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s. Why this step?
Senghaas: This is a USB 3.1 Gen 1 camera with a Type C connection. With it, users can already take advantage of the new connector. At the same time, we are taking a first step towards the 'Superspeed Plus' industrial camera. IDS is a pioneer in USB industrial cameras; we are fully committed to the next stage of USB development and want to signal to users that we have been there right from the start. We are working on the technology and gathering experience. As soon as the first suitable USB 3.1 Gen. 2 chipsets are available, we will be fully prepared.

The Ethernet connection is currently experiencing something of a comeback in industrial cameras. How do you see this development?
Senghaas: Ethernet is a well-known and proven technology - the infrastructure is already in place in many companies and new cables can be laid quickly and easily. Furthermore, cable lengths of up to 100 m are possible, which increases connection flexibility. This is why we are focusing on industrial cameras with an Ethernet connection as well as the USB interface; accordingly, we are also pushing ahead with the expansion of our GigE camera range. At 'Vision' in Stuttgart, we will be presenting a GigE industrial camera with an IP65/67 housing and M12 X-type circular connector, which utilizes the high bandwidth of the interface and is designed for use in factory automation or under the harshest environmental conditions. Our first GigE Vision camera will also be presented in Stuttgart.