CoaXPress-over-Fiber (CoF) is an extension of the existing CoaXPress (CXP) interface standard, built into version 2.1, that allows the CoaXPress protocol to run unmodified over fiber-optic connections, rather than traditional copper coaxial cables. It leverages standard Ethernet physical layers, such as SFP+/QSFP+ optics, but continues using the CoaXPress communication protocol.
Why CoF revolutionizes machine vision:
- Bandwidth Upgrades: The initial setup uses QSFP+ with four 10 Gbps lanes, yielding 40 Gbps, matching four CXP-12 links. Future paths include QSFP28 (100 Gbps) and QSFP56 (200 Gbps).
- Unrestricted Distance: Fiber optics eliminate the cable length limits of coax. Applications now support ranges up to several kilometers (even 120 km in single-mode fiber) with minimal latency and no signal loss.
- Immunity to EMI: Fiber’s electrical isolation makes CoF ideal for environments with high electromagnetic interference, enhancing signal integrity.
- Low Latency & Jitter: CoaXPress’s hardware-based packet handling ensures ultra-low latency and jitter, with the same efficiency maintained when running over fiber.
The Vieworks VC-21MDF camera is Vieworks’ first camera with the CoF interface that offers 454 frame rates per second at 5120 x 4096 resolution. Featured with high speed and high performance, the camera is an excellent choice for demanding applications such as FPD, PCB, and semiconductor inspection. The VC-21MDF is offered in two different types- the fan type and the heat sink type- both with the same specifications.
In Conclusion
CoF technology positions CoaXPress as more than just a short-distance, high-speed link; it becomes a robust, scalable, long-distance imaging protocol.
