What is the Industrial Camera Link Cable? (Source: STC Cable)
Industry: Consumer Electronics
What is the Industrial Camera Link Cable? The Industrial Camera Link Cable is a high-performance data transmission cable specifically designed for connecting industrial cameras to frame grabbers or image processing systems in machine vision and automation applications. It provides a high-speed, reliable interface for transferring large amounts of image data with minimal latency.
Shenzhen, China (PRUnderground) July 1st, 2025
What is the Industrial Camera Link Cable?
The Industrial Camera Link Cable is a high-performance data transmission cable specifically designed for connecting industrial cameras to frame grabbers or image processing systems in machine vision and automation applications. It provides a high-speed, reliable interface for transferring large amounts of image data with minimal latency.
Key Characteristics of Industrial Camera Link Cables:
1. Purpose-Built for Machine Vision
Enables real-time transfer of high-resolution images from industrial cameras to computers or processing units.
Commonly used in automated inspection, robotics, medical imaging, and scientific research.
2. High-Speed Data Transmission
Supports Camera Link standard (Base, Medium, Full, or 80-bit configurations).
Base configuration: Up to 2.04 Gbps (4 data pairs).
Full configuration: Up to 6.8 Gbps (12 data pairs).
3. Robust & Industrial-Grade Design
Shielded twisted pairs (STP) are used to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Durable connectors (MDR-26 or HD-26) for secure connections in harsh environments.
Resistant to vibrations, dust, and temperature variations.
4. Reliable Over Long Distances
Standard lengths: 1m to 10m (longer distances may require repeaters).
Low signal loss due to high-quality shielding.
Camera Link vs. Other Vision Cables:
| Feature | Camera Link | GigE Vision | USB3 Vision | CoaXPress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Up to 6.8 Gbps | ~1 Gbps (GigE) / 10 Gbps (10GigE) | Up to 5 Gbps | Up to 12.5 Gbps per lane |
| Latency | Very Low | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Max Distance | Up to 10m (longer with repeaters) | Up to 100m (with Ethernet) | Up to 5m (active USB) | Up to 100m+ |
| Industrial Use | High (factory automation, medical) | Moderate (general vision) | Moderate (lab/light industrial) | High (high-speed imaging) |
Common Applications:
✔ Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) – PCB, semiconductor, and manufacturing quality control.
✔ Medical & Scientific Imaging – Microscopy, X-ray, and high-speed cameras.
✔ Robotics & Automation – Real-time vision-guided robotics.
✔ Traffic & Surveillance – License plate recognition, high-speed monitoring.
Connector Types:
1. MDR-26 (26-pin Micro-D Ribbon) – Most common for standard Camera Link.
2. HD-26 (High-Density 26-pin) – Compact alternative.
Buying Considerations:
1. Check compatibility with your camera and frame grabber.
2. Choose the right configuration (Base/Medium/Full) based on bandwidth needs.
3. Ensure proper shielding if operating near motors or high-EMI sources.
MDR 26P to SDR 26Pin Industrial Camera Link Cable
SDR 26P to SDR 26Pin Industrial Camera Link Cable
USB 3.0 Micro-B Industrial Camera Link Cable
USB 2.0 Type A to B Industrial Camera Link Cable
About Shenzhen STC Electronic Co., Ltd
STC-CABLE is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance cabling and connectivity solutions. Founded in 2008, STC provides end-to-end connectivity solutions serving a variety of markets–including corporate, digital signage, education, healthcare, home theater, and hospitality.
As a professional cable assembly factory, STC brings a complete portfolio of products and solutions including USB 2.0 Cables, USB 3.0 Cables, USB C Cables, Drive Cables, Network Cables & Adapters, Audio & Video Cables, Serial & Parallel Cables, Audio-Video Products, Computer power Cables internal and so on.
Leo Zhang
Sales Manager
leo@stccable.com
Tel: (86) 0755 2321 4701
(86) 134 2285 3610
www.stc-cable.com
STC Electronic (Hong Kong) Co., Limited
Shenzhen STC Electronic Co., LTD
