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USB 3.0 area scan cameras for industrial machine vision

USB 3.0 is the interface for cameras that work directly on a computer: about 400 MB/s bandwidth without a frame grabber, power over the USB cable, cable lengths up to about 5 m (more with active cables). The USB3 Vision protocol lets cameras from different manufacturers run with the same drivers. Compared with GigE, USB 3.0 delivers four times the data rate, while cable length and number of cameras per computer are limited. VISIONTECHNIK offers USB 3.0 area scan cameras from HIKROBOT and OPT with 0.3 to 25 megapixels, sensors from 1/2.9 inch to 1.1 inch and frame rates above 800 frames per second at small resolutions.

251 products

Manufacturer
Resolution
Pixels
Max. frame rate (fps)
Color / mono
Shutter type
Sensor format
Pixel size (µm)
Lens mount

Products

USB 3.0 area scan cameras: choosing by inspection task

Where USB 3.0 is the right interface

USB 3.0 fits inspection benches, laboratory setups, microscopy and compact machines where camera and computer are close together. The high data rate allows around 80 frames per second at 5 megapixels and several hundred with small sensors.

For cable runs above 5 m, for more than two or three cameras per computer or in environments with strong interference, GigE is the more robust choice. The USB port usually supplies the camera; models with high current demand need a port with sufficient power or an external supply.

Selection criteria

The filters in this category follow the questions to settle before choosing:

  • Resolution: from 0.3 to 25 megapixels in stock
  • Sensor size: from 1/2.9 inch to 1.1 inch; it determines the image circle the lens has to cover
  • Frame rate: above 800 frames per second at 0.3 megapixels, around 80 at 5 megapixels, around 20 to 30 at 20 megapixels
  • Pixel size: from 1.4 µm to 6.9 µm; large pixels for short exposures and low light
  • Mono or colour: mono for measurement, code reading and surfaces; colour for colour checks and sorting
  • Lens mount: mostly C-mount, plus S-mount (M12) and board level cameras without a mount

Typical applications

USB 3.0 area scan cameras are used, among other things, for:

  • Inspection benches and manual workstations with the computer at the workplace
  • Microscopy, laboratory and metrology
  • Compact special machines and embedded cameras (board level)
  • Fast acquisition with high frame rates at small resolutions
  • Development and feasibility tests before a system is designed

Frequently asked questions about USB 3.0 area scan cameras

How long can the USB 3.0 cable be?
With a passive cable about 3 to 5 m, depending on cable quality. Active cables with a repeater reach 10 to 20 m; beyond that, GigE is the appropriate interface.
Can I connect several USB 3.0 cameras to one computer?
Yes, as long as each camera gets its own USB 3.0 controller. A hub shares the bandwidth. Camera interface cards with four independent ports are listed in the frame grabber category.
USB 3.0 or GigE: which is the better choice?
USB 3.0 for short distances and high frame rates on one computer; GigE for long cables, many cameras and PoE supply. At the same resolution USB 3.0 delivers the higher frame rate.

Next technical step

Still unsure which model fits?

Tell us the inspection task, object size, required resolution, cycle rate and the computer environment you have. We narrow down suitable models across manufacturers, check interface, lens and lighting together and say openly what still needs clarifying before a decision.

Request a suitable USB 3.0 camera