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What is PoCL?


Power over camera link (PoCL) is a recently approved standard by the AIA. PoCL provides power to the camera over the camera link cable. It was derived from the current camera link standard and first proposed by CIS Corporation, which led a Working Group to develop and author the outline of this standard together with Active Silicon Ltd.


PoCLStandard details


There are currently two Camera Link standard annexes for PoCL. Annex D and Annex E.

Annex D is a electrical descritions, allowing manufacturers to create cables optimized for varying combinations of length, diameter, and flexibility. Annex D defines a connector that permits Camera Link to be integrated into miniature and remote-head cameras.

Annex E provides an optional feature for powering and controlling the camera using a single cable similar to USB and FireWire. This capability eliminates the need for a separate power cable while providing full backward compatibility for systems that do not use PoCL.

The PoCL standard allows the camera link cable to supply power to the camera. This solution is particularly suitable for a small digital camera since this allows cameras to be installed in a smaller physical area.

Benefits of PoCL

Easy installation
Single cable digital I/F (instead of current 2 cable solutions)
2.2 Gbps, Highest rate real time data transmission
Compact camera size (29mm cube, right angle connection possible)
Reconfiguration of the vision software is minimal


PoCL Requirements

PoCL Camera
PoCL compatible frame grabber
PoCL compatibloe cable


CIS PoCL product lines


Most of CIS camera link cameras will offer new PoCL compatible cameras starting this summer.



Gig-E and PoCL working together


With a CIS's new multiplexer, the CL-GE300, you can have up to three camera link cameras linked to a Gig-E connection, providing multiple image processing without compromising superior vision camera quality.