What is the maximum cable length for camera link?
The maximum cable length for standard CameraLink depends on the configuration and data rate, but here are the key specifications:
Standard CameraLink Cable Lengths
| Configuration | Max Recommended Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base (2.04 Gbps) | 10 meters (33 ft) | Most common limit for reliable signal integrity. |
| Medium (4.08 Gbps) | 7–10 meters | Shorter lengths recommended for higher speeds. |
| Full (6.8 Gbps) | 5–7 meters | Signal degradation increases at max bandwidth. |
Extending CameraLink Beyond 10m
1. Using Repeaters (Signal Boosters)
A CameraLink repeater can extend the range up to 20–30m total (10m + repeater + another 10m).
Example: DALSA Xtium™ CLHS Repeater Module.
2. Fiber Optic Extenders
Fiber-optic CameraLink extenders (e.g., BitFlow Fiber Optic Link) can push signals 100m–2km+.
Converts LVDS signals to optical, eliminating EMI issues.
3. CameraLink HS (High Speed)
The newer CameraLink HS standard supports longer distances natively (up to 15m at 3.125 Gbps/lane).
Factors Affecting Max Length
1. Cable Quality: Shielded twisted-pair (STP) with low skew is critical.
2. EMI Environment: High interference may reduce reliable distance.
3. Data Rate: Higher speeds (Full config) require shorter cables.
Comparison with Other Standards
| Interface | Max Length (No Extenders) | With Extenders |
|---|---|---|
| CameraLink | 10m (Base) | 30m (repeaters) / 2km (fiber) |
| GigE Vision | 100m | 10km+ (fiber) |
| CoaXPress | 40m (CXP-6) | 100m+ (active cables) |
| USB3 Vision | 3–5m | 10m (active USB) |
Best Practices
✔ Use high-quality MDR-26/HD-26 cables (e.g., Tekscan CL Series).
✔ For >10m, consider fiber optic conversion for zero signal loss.
✔ Avoid sharp bends or kinks in cables to maintain signal integrity.
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Post time: Jun-10-2025