Artificial Intelligence, edge computing, and Industry 5.0 are machine vision trends that necessitate high-density computer controlled I/O signals for devices ranging from strobes and solenoids, to actuators and photo detectors. Purchasing an I/O card has been the solution up until recently, but this step necessitates additional expenses, software, system complexity, and the use of a host PC slot.
BitFlow BitBox. Image Credit: BitFlow
The BitFlow BitBox is an alternative to I/O cards. This DIN-rail mounted I/O device features 36 inputs and 36 outputs supporting 24V, TTL, LVDS, opto-isolated, and open collector signaling. Simple and inexpensive to deploy, the BitBox is controlled by a BitFlow frame grabber, using the same API, driver and manual. As a result, the machine maker achieves significant cost savings, while reducing space requirements and flattening the learning curve for customers. In addition, this configuration isolates noisy, high-voltage signals generated by the PC, preventing data drops, video glitches, malfunctions and random network errors.
With the BitBox, all transmitters and receivers are situated on the rail, close to the other equipment with only a small high-speed 15-wire cable running between it and the frame grabber. Maximum length cable is a generous 10 meters (33 feet), providing maximum flexibility in positioning equipment within the machine. This compares favorably with a traditional I/O card that puts transmitters and receivers on a board inside the host PC, therefore requiring the wires to be brought from their sources to the PC.
The BitBox contains 12-pin connector blocks that can be added or removed easily, but still lock securely in place for factory floor reliability. Blocks are logically grouped by signal type and have snap-in connectors that allow the fabrication of a harness without directly wiring the BitBox.