Get on the Bus!

6-pin to 9-pin locking IEEE-1394a to 1394b cable

Did you know that 1394b cameras work seamlessly with existing 1394a systems, and offer other benefits like increased bandwidth and secure connectors?

1394b works with 1394a:

• You can use a combination of legacy 1394a cameras with newer 1394b cameras, without making changes to the drivers, cards, or the computer in use. The 9 to 6 pin cable (see image above) provided with Point Grey's 1394b Flea^® 2 Camera Accessory Kit allows you to plug the Flea2 camera directly into your existing 1394a card. When plugged into a 1394a port, the Flea2 behaves just like a 1394a device. This means you continue to get value out of your existing system while transitioning to more robust 1394b cameras. Note that operating on a 1394a bus prevents access to some of the benefits offered by 1394b cameras.

The benefits of 1394b over 1394a:

• 1394b delivers double the bandwidth of 1394a. For example, when transitioning a 1394a system that historically incorporated a single 1024x768 mono Flea2 camera running at full resolution, 16bit/pixel and 15 FPS, to a 1394b-based system, the user could run:
  a) a single camera in full XGA resolution, 16bit/pixel at 30 FPS,
  or
  b) two cameras in full XGA resolution, 16bit/pixel at 15 FPS on the same bus.
  
• More bandwidth also translates into reduced CPU usage when using cameras with onboard color processing capability. For example, when the color VGA Flea2 camera is running on a 1394a bus, the only way to get full resolution, 24bit color at 60 FPS is to access the 8bit raw Bayer data and do the color processing on the PC. When using a 1394b bus, the color processing can be left to the camera as it is possible to acquire full resolution, full processed 24bit color data at 60 FPS.
• The Flea2 1394b camera system includes jack screw connector cables, which guarantee a reliable camera connection, and reduce stress on internal electronics that can be caused by cable movement.
• Upgrading to 1394b does not have to cost more. For example, the Flea2 1394b camera is offered at a lower price point than the Flea 1394a camera, making it affordable for any commercial or research application.
• 1394b cameras can be very small yet robust. At 29x29x30mm, the tiny Flea2 camera packs a lot of functionality into a tight space.

Flea2 with C-mount

Point Grey Research offers several downloadable Knowledge Base articles, such as Technical Application Note 2006005 to assist with migrating your custom application from the Flea to the Flea2. We also recommend Flea camera users put the Flea2 through a re-qualification process before deciding to fully migrate over. Our camera Evaluation Program offers an excellent opportunity to do this.

Watch for news about additions to our Flea camera series in upcoming issues of the newsletter. In the meantime, if you would like more information on the Flea2, or to place an order, email sales@ptgrey.com or call 1-604-730-9937 option #1.

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If you have questions, comments or suggestions on what you'd like to see in future issues of the newsletter, email us at newsletter@ptgrey.com

Cheers, The staff at PGR

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If you would like to purchase one of our cameras or would like a price quote, please email us at sales@ptgrey.com or call +604-730-9937 option #1.