Simplifying Machine Vision with Decentralised Installation Technology

Murrelektronik’s decentralised installation approach – from complex camera wiring to a standardised plug-and-play architecture.

Machine vision has become an important technology in modern manufacturing. Cameras are used for quality inspection, barcode and QR-code reading, presence detection, dimensional measurement, product identification and process monitoring.

As the number of cameras increases, however, the electrical installation can become increasingly complex. Conventional architectures often require individual camera connections to be routed back to the control cabinet. This can result in large cable bundles, extensive terminal-strip wiring, longer installation times and additional engineering effort.

Murrelektronik's Machine Vision Installation Solutions address this challenge by moving important connectivity functions closer to the camera and machine. The approach combines decentralised installation technology, standardised connectors, pre-assembled cables and IP67-rated components.

1. Decentralisation simplifies the architecture

Instead of bringing every camera connection directly into the control cabinet, decentralised components can be installed directly on the machine. This creates a cleaner installation with shorter and more clearly identifiable cable routes. It also allows modifications or additional camera connections to be made without extensive control-cabinet modifications.

Murrelektronik's machine-vision concept is based on standardised interfaces and pre-assembled camera cables, allowing different vision systems to be integrated while maintaining a consistent installation philosophy.

2. One-Cam-Connect for single-camera applications

For applications requiring one camera, One-Cam-Connect provides a compact installation concept. Typical applications include barcode scanning, logistics identification, product inspection and quality monitoring.

Instead of conventional individual-wire installation, the camera can be connected using pre-assembled components and robust industrial connectors. The solution is designed for quick installation and includes integrated circuit protection.

3. Multi-camera applications

Applications involving several cameras require a different architecture. Murrelektronik provides a 4-port unmanaged switch solution that allows multiple cameras to be connected close to the machine.

The decentralised switch can be combined with power distribution and protection. Daisy-chain capability allows additional components to be connected without requiring every connection to return individually to the control cabinet.

This architecture is particularly useful for inspection stations, packaging systems and logistics applications where multiple cameras may be positioned around a product or conveyor.

4. Hybrid Managed Switch for demanding applications

For more advanced applications, Murrelektronik offers a Hybrid Managed Switch that combines camera communication and power distribution.

Up to four cameras can be connected to one module. This is particularly useful in robotic applications where cable weight, bending radius and available installation space are important considerations. The solution can also support applications requiring external trigger and encoder signals.

5. Daisy-chain architecture

Daisy-chain connectivity provides another important advantage. In applications such as conveyor inspection and large multi-camera scanning systems, several cameras may be required. A decentralised architecture allows additional devices to be connected progressively rather than creating a large centralised wiring structure.

This provides scalability while keeping the installation organised.

6. IP67 technology at the machine

Industrial machine environments can expose electrical components to dust, moisture, vibration and mechanical stress. Murrelektronik's machine-vision installation concept uses robust industrial connectors and IP67-protected components designed for decentralised installation directly on the machine.

This enables machine builders to move connectivity out of the control cabinet and closer to the actual application.
7. Easier commissioning and maintenance

A major benefit of decentralised installation is serviceability. Clearly visible status LEDs can help technicians identify connection or device problems directly at the machine. This reduces the need to trace extensive cable bundles back to the control cabinet.

For machine builders and maintenance teams, this can simplify troubleshooting and help reduce downtime.

8. Supporting different camera manufacturers

Machine builders frequently work with different vision-system suppliers depending on the application. Murrelektronik's concept is designed to be camera-manufacturer independent, using standardised infrastructure together with pre-assembled manufacturer-specific camera cables.

This provides flexibility when selecting the vision system while maintaining a consistent machine installation architecture.

9. Application examples

The technology can be applied across several automation sectors:
• Automotive inspection
• Packaging and assembly
• Logistics and intralogistics
• Barcode and QR-code reading
• Quality inspection
• Robot-mounted vision
• Conveyor inspection
• Product identification
• Presence and position detection, and
• Multi-camera inspection systems.

Conclusion

Machine vision is no longer only about selecting the right camera. The electrical installation surrounding the camera can have a significant impact on machine design, commissioning and maintenance.

Murrelektronik's decentralised Machine Vision Installation Solutions provide a standardised approach that combines power, communication, connectivity and I/O integration closer to the machine.

From a single-camera One-Cam-Connect installation to multi-camera systems using unmanaged or Hybrid Managed Switches, the concept provides a scalable architecture for modern automation.

By replacing complex individual wiring with standardised, pluggable installation technology, machine builders can create cleaner, more serviceable and easier-to-expand machine-vision systems. Murrelektronik states that its decentralised installation approach can reduce overall costs by up to 30%, depending on the application.