PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY
PCI Express Mini Card Enables Wireless Voice Communications
USB 3.0 Cameras with 2 and 4 MP CMOSIS Sensors
A mobile phone voice interface PCI Express mini card provides cost-effective wireless audio transmissions in rugged, mobile applications such as railway and on-road vehicle networks. The new PX4 from MEN Micro can be integrated into MEN Micro’s full line of rugged, flexible box PCs. This allows voice and phone functionality across many popular communication networks to be easily incorporated into a mobile system. Developers no longer need to implement a separate, costly audio system that enables the driver to call the control room or the control room to make an announcement to the passengers, for example. The new Mini Card supports the transmission of the audio data via Ethernet or analog signals through a USB interface. An additional PCI Express Mini Card (Telit HE910) for wireless functions like UMTS, LTE or Edge mounted on the PX4 makes mobile telephony possible. One SIM card slot is also available. All box PCs from MEN Micro are specially designed for demanding operation in buses and railway systems or in agriculture and building machines. Working at an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, they conform to EN 50155 and can be certified to E-mark. Pricing for the PX4 is $250. Delivery is six to eight weeks ARO.
Camera manufacturer Basler is expanding its portfolio of ace USB 3.0 cameras to models featuring 2 MP and 4 MP CMV2000 and CMV4000 CMOS sensors from image sensor manufacturer CMOSIS. The cameras are available in monochrome and color as well as in near-infrared. USB 3.0 models combine the benefits of high-performance CMOSIS sensors with the bandwidth, simple plug&plug compatibility and reliability of USB3 Vision. They deliver a fast 165 frames per second at 2 MP and 90 frames per second at 4 MP resolution, all while placing only a very small CPU load. Image quality is excellent, with low noise, high dynamic performance and very strong sensitivity. The 5.5 µm² pixel size and the global shutter capture high-precision images even in difficult lighting conditions or fast movement situations. Also of interest for users: The cameras are extra small and light (29 x 29 x 29.3 mm at 80 g), making them perfectly suited for systems where space is at a premium. Because of this combination, they are in high demand for nearly all areas of machine vision. This includes not just many classic industrial applications in factory automation, but also traffic, logistics, medicinal and laboratory automation applications.
MEN Micro, Blue Bell, PA. (215) 542-9575. www.menmicro.com
Basler, Ahrensburg, Germany. +49 4102 463 258. www.baslerweb.com
48 | RTC Magazine SEPTEMBER 2014