June 2021 | Integrys

New SOSA™ Aligned, VITA 62, 6U VPX AC/DC Power Supply Unit

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Mihir Mehta

Rugged, off-the-shelf power supply solution ready to roll

In April, North Atlantic Industries, Inc. (NAI), a leading supplier of embedded computing solutions and power supplies that Integrys is proud to represent in Canada, announced the availability of the VPX56H2-6 1,400-Watt Ruggedized, Programmable Power Supply.

SOSA™ Aligned

The VPX56H2-6 power supply unit is aligned with SOSA™, the main aim of which is to speed up and simplify the development and deployment of C4ISR systems (joint battle management that can gather data, understand it, and communicate freely with all of its components) based on open standards components. SOSA aligned systems are based on a multi-purpose backplane that allows for easy reconfiguration of the VPX Plug In Cards (PICs) to create Electronic Warfare, Signal Intelligence, RADAR or other sensor-based systems. Enabling future technology upgrades and reconfiguration are two key benefits of SOSA aligned solutions that will reduce the cost and extend the useful life of these platforms.

Adaptable workhorse for when the going gets heavy

Designed to meet the many harsh environmental requirements of rugged military and aerospace applications, NAI’s VPX56H2-6 plugs directly into a standard 6U VPX chassis with a VITA 62, 1.0” power supply slot. This off-the-shelf solution for VITA 46.0 and VITA 65 systems is:

Compatible with VPX specifications
Supports all VITA standard I/O, signals, and features
Conforms to the VITA 62 mechanical and electrical requirements for modular power supplies

The VPX56H2-6 is conduction-cooled through the card edge/wedgelock. It operates at full load through the entire -40°C to +85°C temperature range, accepts 3Ø AC or +270 VDC input and provides up to five outputs and I/O at up to 1,400 Watts.

Output configurations include Standard VITA 62 and SOSA™ Aligned, +12V Only (with +3.3VDC_Aux) and +12V Heavy configurations. In addition, the VPX56H2 contains Integrated IPMC, with Dual Bus IPMB-A, IPMB-B.

With its intelligent design, the VPX56H2-6 also has the flexibility to address special needs and includes current share and alignment keys for input and output configurations.

The VPX56H2 is compliant with MIL-STD-810H and VITA47 as well as MIL-STD-704F, MIL-STD-461F.

Additional standard features

Continuous Background Built-in-Test (BIT)
Remote error sensing and protection against transients
Over-voltage, over-current, and short circuits

Security

“We are delighted to be teaming with wolfSSL to offer embedded security in our growing portfolio of rugged COTS SBC’s,” says Lino Massafra, VP of Sales and Marketing at NAI. “North Atlantic Industries takes security seriously and is working hard to protect our solutions against cyber threats. Aligning with wolfSSL helps achieve this.”

About NAI

NAI is a leading independent supplier of embedded computing, Input/Output, communications, measurement, simulation, power and systems products for commercial, industrial and military applications built on a Configurable Open Systems Architecture™ (COSA®). COSA offers the greatest modularity, flexibility, adaptability and configurability in the industry that accelerates time-to-mission. COSA supports a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that delivers the best of both worlds: custom solutions from COTS components with No NRE.

For over 50 years, companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon have leveraged NAI’s capabilities to meet the demanding requirements of a wide range of processing, I/O and communication-centric applications, and do so with uncompromising quality, efficiency and responsiveness.

Learn More

For additional information on NAI’s latest power supply unit for rugged military and aerospace applications, click here. We look forward to discussing your power supply requirements with you.

Matrox Iris GTX Enhanced Smart Cameras for Machine Vision at the Edge

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Mihir Mehta

On May 19 Matrox Imaging announced the launch of the Matrox Iris GTX Enhanced Smart Cameras, the “next evolution” of smart cameras from this dynamic, Dorval, Quebec-based company that will hit the market in Q3 2021. The Matrox Iris GTX is a machine vision and deep learning edge IoT device designed to handle traditional machine vision operation and deep learning inference.

Higher resolution and faster processing

What makes the Matrox Iris GTX so special? For starters it boasts an Intel Atom x6000 series embedded processor that allows the Matrox Iris GTX to use higher-resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors from two to 16 megapixels —which drives performance to unprecedented heights for a compact all-in-one vision system. The graphic below makes it clear just how much better the Matrox Iris GTX performs compared to its immediate predecessor, the Matrox Iris GTR.

The performance boost derived from the Matrox Iris GTX’s processor and image sensors allow the cameras to capture high-resolution images at high speed, which translates to more detailed inspections that provide users with additional critical information.

Matrox Design Assistant® X1 software

Paired with flowchart-based Matrox Design Assistant® X¹ software, engineers and technicians can quickly configure and deploy machine vision to the Matrox Iris GTX smart cameras. Video capture, analysis, classification, location, measurement, reading, verification, communication, and I/O operations—as well as a web-based operator interface—are all set up within the same software. With Matrox Design Assistant® X¹ software you can choose from a wide variety of image processing and analysis tools including image classification using deep learning.

The Matrox Iris GTX is pre-licensed for pattern recognition (PatternMatching step), feature extraction and analysis (BlobAnalysis step), 1D and 2D measurements (Measurement, BeadInspection, and Metrology steps), color analysis (ColorMatcher step; GTX…C model only), 1D and 2D code reading and verification (CodeReader and CodeGrade steps), 2D calibration, basic image processing (IntensityChecker, ImageProcessing, and EdgeLocator steps; not EdgeFinder), image compression, and industrial communication.

BlobAnalysis step in Matrox Design Assistant X used to identify, count, locate, and measure basic features and objects (i.e., blobs) to determine presence and position, and enable further inspection.

Built for harsh environments, ease of upgrade and use

Matrox Iris GTX smart cameras preserve the same small footprint and cabling connections as its immediate predecessor, for ease of upgrade and implementation. They feature a sturdy, compact IP67-rated housing and robust M12 connectors for their external interfaces, allowing them to operate in dusty, wet, and other demanding conditions. By offering the same footprint, connection options, and software platform as the Matrox Iris GTR, Matrox Imaging makes it easy to expand or upgrade an existing system. The Matrox Iris GTX line also features an interface for direct focus adjustment, as well as an LED lighting intensity control output for direct adjustments, directly through the on-device software.

Direct interfacing to automation devices

Another benefit of the Matrox Iris GTX smart cameras is that they also offer real-time digital I/Os for interfacing directly to automation devices. They provide GigE and USB ports, and a VGA video output to enable full integration within an automation cell or machine.

Purchase

The Matrox Iris GTX is the “next evolution” of smart cameras from Matrox Imaging and will be available in Q3 2021. To learn more and request a quote, click here.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Machine Vision

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Mihir Mehta

The use of artificial intelligence (specifically, machine learning by way of deep learning) in machine vision is an incredibly powerful technology with an impressive range of practical applications, including:

Giving virtual assistants the ability to process natural language;
Enhancing the e-commerce experience through recommendation engines;
Assisting medical practitioners with computer-aided diagnoses; and
Performing predictive maintenance in the aerospace industry.

Deep learning technology is also fundamental to the fourth industrial revolution, the ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial processes with smart technology, a movement in which machine vision has much to contribute.

Deep learning alone, however, cannot tackle all types of machine vision tasks, and requires careful preparation and upkeep to be truly effective. In this article we look at how machine vision—the automated computerized process of acquiring and analyzing digital images primarily for ensuring quality, tracking and guiding production—benefits from deep learning as the latter is making the former more accessible and capable.

Machine vision and deep learning: The challenges

Machine vision deals with identification, inspection, guidance and measurement tasks commonly encountered in the manufacturing and processing of consumer and industrial goods. Conventional machine vision software addresses these tasks with specific algorithm and heuristic-based methods, which often require specialized knowledge, skill and experience to be implemented properly. Moreover, these methods or tools sometimes fall short in terms of their ability to handle and adapt to complex and varying conditions. Deep learning is of great help but requires a painstaking training process based on previously collected sample data to produce results generally required in industry. Furthermore, more training is occasionally needed to account for unforeseen situations that can adversely affect production. It is important to appreciate that deep learning is primarily employed to classify data and not all machine learning tasks lend themselves to this approach.

Where deep learning does and does not excel

As noted, deep learning is the process through which data—such as images or their constituent pixels—are sorted into two or more categories. Deep learning is particularly well suited to recognizing objects or objects traits, such as identifying that widget A is different from widget B The technology is also especially good at detecting defects, whether the presence of a blemish or foreign substance, or the absence of a critical component in or on a widget that is being assembled. It also comes in handy for recognizing text characters and symbols such as expiry dates and lot codes.

While deep learning excels in complex and variable situations such as finding irregularities in non-uniform or textured image backgrounds or within an image of a widget whose presentation changes in a normal and acceptable manner, deep learning alone cannot locate patterns with an extreme degree of positional accuracy and position. Analysis using deep learning is a probability based process and is, therefore, not practical or even suitable for jobs that require exactitude. High-accuracy, high-precision measurement is still very much the domain of traditional machine vision software. The decoding of barcodes and two-dimensional symbologies, which is inherently based on specific algorithms, is also not an area appropriate for deep learning technology.

Where deep learning excels: Identification (left), detect defection (middle) and OCR (right)

Where deep learning does not excel: High-accuracy, high-precision pattern matching (left), metrology (middle), and code reading (right)

Matrox Imaging software

Matrox Imaging offers two established software development packages that include classic machine vision tools as well as image classification tools based on deep learning. Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) X is a software development kit for creating applications by writing program code. Matrox Assistant X is an integrated development environment where applications are created by constructing and configuring flowcharts (see graphic below). Both software packages include image classification models that are trained using the MIL CoPilot interactive environment, which also has the ability to generate program code. Users of either software development packaged get full access to the Matrox Vision Academy online portal, offering a collection of video tutorials on using the software, including image classification, that are viewable on demand. Users can also opt for Matrox Professional Services to access application engineers as well as machine vision and machine learning experts for application-specific assistance.

Integrys New Product Announcement - Expanded Baumer CX Series

Press Release – Direct control: 65 MP cameras for Canon EF lenses

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Mihir Mehta

(06/01/2021) Two new 65 megapixel cameras enhance the Baumer portfolio of high-resolution and robust 10 GigE cameras of the LX series. Thanks to an integrated EF mount, Canon EF lenses are easily configured via Baumer GAPI, Baumer neoAPI, or third party software to allow the focus and the aperture to be dynamically matched to the applications. External accessories and associated cabling become completely unnecessary. This simplifies the integration and reduces costs while enhancing reliability. Dynamic lens control mainly benefits applications with varying operating distances and lighting situations, e.g., track-and-trace in pharmaceutical logistics. The serial production of the new models will commence in the 2nd quarter of 2021.

The high-quality Canon EF lenses deliver high-contrast images with great depth of field. The cameras also support modern lenses with ultrasound motors. These combine reduced power consumption with precise, low-noise, and very quick focus with high reliability for the cost-efficient and robust implementation of applications. Based on the GMAX3265 sensor from Gpixel, the cameras offer excellent image quality and a high dynamic range of 66 dB. A compact optical format with a diagonal of 37 mm is achieved by a small pixel size of only 3.2 µm. This reduces edge shadowing and simplifies the choice of lenses. Minimal exposure times of 19 µs reduce the motion artifacts of fast moving objects. Thanks to the 65 megapixel resolution, the number of required cameras for each application is often even cut in half to reduce system and integration costs as well as enhance reliability.

The 10 GigE cameras of the LX series are the ideal choice for demanding inspection tasks that place strict demands on both the image capture precision and throughput. They have an exceptionally high range of functions for solving demanding applications. These include Multi ROI, shading correction, HDR, precise time synchronization according to IEEE 1588, or the direct control of illumination without external controllers. Robust M12 plug connectors, IP 65 and IP 67 protection class, as well as a temperature range from -30 °C to 60 °C make the cameras especially well-suited for difficult ambient conditions, such as the analysis of motion sequences in outdoor sports or the inspection of overhead lines and pantographs in railway transportation. In addition, thanks to their 10 GigE interface they can be easily and inexpensively integrated, while the images can be efficiently transmitted with a high bandwidth of 1.1 GB/s, reducing the evaluation time.

More information about the LXT cameras: https://www.baumer.com/cameras/LXT

Number of characters (with spaces): approx. 2700

Text and picture download at: www.baumer.com/press

Baumer Group

The Baumer Group is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of sensors, encoders, measuring instruments and components for automated image processing. Baumer combines innovative technologies and customer-oriented service into intelligent solutions for factory and process automation and offers an unrivalled wide technology and product portfolio. With around 2,700 employees and 39 subsidiaries in 19 countries, the family-owned group of companies is always close to the customer. Baumer provides clients in most diverse industries with vital benefits and measurable added value by worldwide consistent high quality standards and outstanding innovative potential. Learn more at www.baumer.com on the internet.

Press contact:

Nicole Marofsky

Marketing Communication

Baumer Group

Phone +49 (0)3528 43 86 19

Fax +49 (0)3528 43 86 86

nmarofsky@baumer.com

www.baumer.com

Company contact global:

Baumer Group

Phone +41 (0)52 728 11 22

Fax +41 (0)52 728 11 44

sales@baumer.com

www.baumer.com

Photo: The new 65 MP cameras with integrated EF mount allow the dynamic adjustment of focus and aperture with varying working distances or illumination conditions.