XIMEA, a world-leading specialist in state-of-the-art machine vision and scientific imaging cameras, is leveraging the latest SOM-5899 COM Express® module and SSD data storage from Advantech in its new xSWITCH xiCX high-performance computer for multi-camera systems. Thanks to the adoption of Advantech solutions, the xSWITCH can connect with more than 16 cameras simultaneously – all while streaming data at full bandwidth and without losing any frames.
Although the company has roots traceable to 1992, XIMEA as it stands today was founded in 2010 with the aim of developing cameras at the forefront of machine vision and imaging. Products primarily designed for the scientific field bring exceptional quality to both machine vision and consumer segment applications.
Typically offering the market’s smallest form factor, fastest speed, lowest power consumption or widest interoperability, XIMEA’s camera portfolio is wide. The product model options extend from 15x15mm cameras for augmented reality glasses, X-ray cameras for micro CT scanners and hyperspectral cameras for precision agriculture, to cameras with large sensors and back illumination for astronomy applications.
Product roadmap
A major part of company’s product roadmap consists of models developed utilizing the newest advances in components and technologies. XIMEA’s xSWITCH reflects this strategy particularly well.
The xSWITCH is designed to support the high-resolution, high-speed capabilities of XIMEA cameras. These capabilities require a powerful computer to handle and save the data, especially in multi-camera set-ups. More specifically, the heavy data throughput generated by multiple connected cameras makes it vital to have sufficient RAM capacity. XIMEA’s cameras stream huge amounts of data in RAW format directly to RAM.
After careful evaluation of the application, Advantech proposed the inclusion of DDR4 industrial grade DRAM in the shape of its SQRAM SD4N with 32GB SO-DIMM and SQRAM SD4M (16GB). All SQRAM solutions are designed with an IC chip and complete a rigorous test programme to ensure durable and reliable quality.
The Advantech COM Express® module (SOM-5899) was one of the very few identified by XIMEA to offer SO-DIMMs (small outline dual in-line memory modules). SOM-5899 is a COM Express® Basic Module Type 6 with 9th/8th Gen Intel® Xeon®/Core™ processor. Features include: 6C CPU with up to 96GB large memory capacity; 4x USB3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps)/PEG x16; 8x PCIe Gen3 (8Gbps); and 3x DDI (digital display interface) with 4k resolution. Thanks to the use of 32GB SO-DIMM SQRAM modules, another benefit of SOM-5899 is the adoption of up to 96GB RAM.
While xSWITCH uses the Advantech COM Express® module to collect all the data from simultaneously connected cameras, the device stores data on an Advantech SQF series SATA-SSD (256GB) storage array (4 x SSD NVMe M.2 slots, up to 8TB). According to XIMEA, it was challenging to find a solution with enough (if any) SSD slots. The xSWITCH also features 1 x SSD NVMe M.2 for the OS. Microsoft Windows 10 licences are being supplied by Advantech.
Effective support
In addition to high-capability products, Advantech delivered highly responsive and effective technical support during the development process. For example, a complication occurred when XIMEA’s R&D engineers encountered frame drop issues if more than three cameras were connected to xSWITCH simultaneously.
This unwanted outcome had to be avoided, so XIMEA contacted Advantech’s expert support team, who proved to be “fast and competent”. Advantech helped XIMEA’s staff to progress and resolve the problem, ultimately allowing the connection of more than eight cameras streaming at full bandwidth without any frame loss. XIMEA also reports that the “extensive and clear documentation from Advantech was very helpful”.
Michail Klimkovic, Project Leader and Head of R&D at XIMEA, says: “During the prototype development of the xiCX computer based on Advantech COM Express® module technology, we experienced a problem in our target application where we connect and record from multiple cameras to a single xiCX computer unit. Multi-camera system application was of paramount interest to the whole project, so resolving this issue was crucial.”
He continues: “It’s moments like this when you get to know the true value and reliability of your partners. Advantech was willing to take one of our prototype systems, including the cameras, to their regional office for analysis, and later to their headquarters. After multiple weeks of hard work on their side, Advantech engineers came up with a customised BIOS optimisation. The increased performance allowed us to connect 8 x 12MPix cameras running at full 60fps bandwidth and store the data to an SSD array in the real time. Previously, this application started to drop frames with just three connected cameras. Good work Advantech and thank you for your extraordinary support!”
Claus Giebert, Product Sales Manager for Modular Solutions at Advantech, adds: “The XIMEA project was a perfect fit for our one-stop shop concept, benefitting from our SOM integrated with our prequalified SQR 96GB memory and SQF mass storage. We could play our big trump card of local technical resources and competence. This local support offered incredibly fast turnaround through local BIOS know-how and technical support. Having a strong technical base in Europe made fine-tuning the IO performance fast and easy.”
XIMEA’s xSWITCH is a compact (160 x 188 x 50mm) industrial grade PC for USB and PCIe interface. Meeting demand for high-speed image acquisition and data storage, the device offers simultaneous synchronisation and triggering, as well as 10GbE for seamless integration into high-speed networks and servers. The core system delivers HDMI 1.4 with 4096×2160 maximum resolution at 24Hz.
In summary, XIMEA reports that Advantech was the leading one-stop shop for both SOM AND SQRAM. The company met all the demands XIMEA sought in a best-in-class technology partner, including top-quality product specification, professional support, intuitive documentation and a proactive approach.
