The Micro XCD is available from November in VGA (60fps) and SXGA (45fps) modules. Data transfer is via IEEE1394b I/F firewire at 1600 Mbps; twice the speed of previous XCD modules from Sony.

The device integrates a high quality 1/3 type CMOS image sensor with the latest FPGA technology; delivering high performance at low power consumption levels.

Sony has taken an innovative approach to design; the number of PCB's required has been reduced from five to three; and thinner front and rear panels have been incorporated. The result is a robust camera with a smaller footprint, making it suited to a wide range of industrial vision applications.

"The key to this breakthrough is the use of CMOS image sensors," said Myriam Beraneck, marketing manager for machine vision cameras at Sony ISS. "Being small, high quality and affordable the Micro XCD gives an unparalleled level of flexibility to OEMs and system integrators and allows them to scale their vision systems."