Simplify Integration and Control of Multiple Machine Vision Devices in High I/O Applications with BitFlow BitBox

WOBURN, MA - May 24, 2024 - 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.
 
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. 

About BitFlow

BitFlow has been developing reliable, high-performance Frame Grabbers for use in imaging applications since 1993. BitFlow is the leader in CoaXPress and Camera Link frame grabbers, building the fastest frame grabbers in the world, with the highest camera/frame grabber densities, triggering performance and price. With thousands of boards installed throughout the world, into hundreds of imaging applications, BitFlow is dedicated to using this knowledge and experience to provide customers with the best possible image acquisition and application development solutions. BitFlow, located in Woburn, MA, has distributors and resellers located all over the world including Asia, the Americas and Europe. BitFlow was acquired by Advantech in 2023.

About Advantech

Advantech’s corporate vision is to enable an intelligent planet. The company is a global leader in the fields of IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms. To embrace the trends of IoT, big data and artificial intelligence, Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with the Edge Intelligence WISE-PaaS core to assist business partners and clients in connecting their industrial chains. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence.