20-Feb-2018

At the embedded world tradeshow, industrial camera manufacturer Basler presents a unique product concept: The new dart camera modules with BCON for MIPI interface can be connected to selected embedded platforms in the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ extended life product portfolio and access its integrated image pre-processing unit (ISP) under Linux. Without any integration efforts, developers can create particularly cost- and performance-optimized embedded vision systems.

Ahrensburg, 20 February 2018 – Basler, the world's leading manufacturer of industrial digital cameras, adds models with a BCON for MIPI interface to their dart camera module series. This innovative product concept combines the established MIPI CSI-2 interface from the embedded arena with the high camera standards and the typical long-term availability of the machine vision industry.

The dart camera modules with BCON for MIPI interface are well positioned to fully harness the ISP of select embedded platforms in the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ extended life product portfolio on a Linux Open Embedded operating system (Linaro). Basler supplies not only a high quality camera module with 5 megapixel resolution and 60 fps based on the ON Semiconductor AR0521 sensor but also the appropriate driver package for controlling the sensor and image acquisition via the MIPI CSI-2 interface. Users receive an industry-ready, robust embedded vision system with outstanding image quality and no integration effort.

The high-quality dart BCON for MIPI camera modules are available from 49€. In addition, an embedded vision development kit based on the DragonBoards™ from Arrow Electronics and a 96boards.org compliant mezzanine board for the camera module will be available, allowing users to quickly and easily start and test their system setup.

Originally developed for the connection of smartphone camera modules with mobile processors, Basler integrates the complex MIPI technology into the world of Machine Vision standards (GenICam) and now also makes their proven Machine Vision feature set available in the MIPI world. The intelligent use of existing hardware resources on Snapdragon embedded platforms makes it possible to create an exceptionally cost effective and powerful embedded vision system. Thanks to the integrated standards (GenICam, 96boards.org) customers also have the possibility of an ideal system structure and can react flexibly to changing system requirements. The system can be set up and operated quickly and easily thanks to the user-friendly Basler Driver Package and the tried-and-tested pylon Camera Software Suite.

Working with Qualcomm Technologies

With the technical integration of the dart BCON for MIPI camera modules and Snapdragon embedded platforms, Basler and Qualcomm Technologies are laying the foundation for a close and long-standing relationship.

Gerrit Fischer, Head of Product Management at Basler explains: “Qualcomm Technologies’ integrated ISPs within Snapdragon embedded platforms are known for their excellent image quality and we are delighted to be able to offer them to our customers. The combination of our camera modules and Qualcomm Technologies’ extended life portfolio is embedded vision at its best - smart, powerful, cost-effective. With Qualcomm Technologies by our side, we're consistently moving forward on our path to delivering embedded systems with unmatched ease of use, outstanding image quality and long-term availability."

“Qualcomm Technologies recognizes there’s a growing demand for high-quality, easy-to-integrate and perfectly matched solutions for the creation of embedded vision products," said Tia Cassett, Senior Director of Product Management for Qualcomm Technologies. “We are pleased to work with Basler, a leader in the field of digital industrial cameras, to introduce a cost efficient, power-optimized camera solution that supports machine learning and edge computing based on Snapdragon embedded platforms.”

The Embedded Vision Camera Modules with MIPI CSI-2 interface will be available for purchase from Arrow Electronics presumably in Q3 this year.

More information: www.baslerweb.com/dartMIPI