Industrial vision systems typically integrate hardware and software components from multiple manufacturers. While this enables application-specific and customised solutions for complex production environments, it also increases the complexity of integration.
As a result, there is a growing demand for standardised, modular, and manufacturer-independent electrical installation concepts that simplify connectivity and ensure interoperability.
Such installation architectures represent a significant advantage for machine builders and system integrators.
Single-camera solution
Murrelektronik, for example, has developed an integrated machine vision installation solution designed to address these requirements and reduce system implementation effort.
The portfolio includes a new installation bundle specifically designed for single-camera applications: One-Cam-Connect.
Murrelektronik, a manufacturer of decentralised electrical installation and automation technology, offers a modular, manufacturer-independent machine vision installation system.
The solution is based on fully pluggable components and enables the decentralised distribution of power, data, and signal connections directly within the machine environment, supporting efficient integration of machine vision devices at the field level.
Stop wiring, simply plug in
One-Cam-Connect is a simple plug-and-play installation solution designed for the rapid and safe implementation of inspection systems using a single smart camera. Typical applications include intralogistics scenarios such as barcode or text recognition at conveyor gates or manual packing stations.
The One-Cam-Connect bundle consists of an industrial switch with integrated voltage control, combined with a power supply unit that can be connected to a standard power outlet.
The bundle includes the first 90-watt power supply with IP67 protection and industrial certification, specifically designed for single-camera vision applications.
Integrated mounting tabs allow the power supply to be mounted quickly and securely on a machine frame or rack, supporting flexible installation close to the process.
Decentralised solutions for multi-camera applications reduces complexity
Beyond the One-Cam-Connect bundle, Murrelektronik’s machine vision installation systems are based on a decentralised architecture.
By relocating components from the control cabinet to the field level and connecting local, self-managed vision systems to a central server via a single standardised cable, engineering, assembly, and installation effort can be reduced.
According to Murrelektronik, this approach can result in cost reductions of up to approximately 30 percent across the process chain, including planning, design, assembly, and installation.
At the same time, the number of required components is reduced, while system transparency, flexibility, and scalability are increased.
Plug-and-play installation and expansion
Installation is simplified through the use of preassembled connection and junction cables based on internationally recognised standards. The plug-and-play principle enables fast, safe, and repeatable installation without complex wiring.
Existing systems can be expanded easily by adding additional cameras using standardised components.
Rugged, IP67-rated connectors are mounted directly on the machine frame, reducing installation time and minimising the risk of wiring errors.
Up to four cameras can be connected to a hybrid switch that integrates power, fuse and switch functions in a single device.
Multiple switches can be daisy-chained to expand the camera network and connect additional peripherals.
In this configuration, up to four cameras can be installed, commissioned, and networked using only two cables. Additional devices can be integrated using the same standardised daisy-chain concept.
Simplified maintenance and diagnostics
The decentralised system architecture also simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting. All components of the machine vision system are interconnected locally, allowing cameras to be replaced or added directly to the machine without the need to search for connections in a control cabinet.
This enables basic maintenance tasks to be performed quickly by on-site personnel without specialised expertise.
Integrated LED indicators on each port of the I/O modules or switch provide immediate visual feedback on system status, while online diagnostic tools support more detailed fault analysis.
Minimising downtime
In the event of a cable failure, the affected port is identified immediately by the switch. The team on site only needs to replace the faulty cable, and the camera is up and running again.
During this time, only the affected port is shut down. This minimises system downtimes and repair costs.
The I/O systems, power supplies, and network components are highly standardised and use industrial-grade connectors, ensuring compatibility with machine vision devices from any manufacturer.
Designed for harsh industrial environments
Decentralised installation places high demands on component robustness. All Murrelektronik machine vision installation components are designed for field-level installation and feature fully encapsulated housings, resistance to shock and vibration, and IP67 protection.
The components support operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C.
For these applications, industrial-grade power supplies can be installed directly in the field using standardized M12 A-coded connectors, enabling fast, safe, and manufacturer-independent implementation.