We are making Machine Vision systems for manufacturing machines. In many cases, the Raspberry Pi version 3 or 4 delivers enough compute power for the vision algorithms, but we are dependent on a high bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet connection for the GigE cameras that we typically use.
The Revolution Pi Connected+ platform seems to be a really nice device with some good design thoughts behind it. Especially its small form factor, DIN compatibility, and communication extension modules are attractive. However, it seems to be equipped with 100 Mbit Ethernet connection just as the standard Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
Are there any plans on developing a version with 1000 Mbit Ethernet, which could be used for Machine Vision applications? If so, when do you expect this version to be available?
Edit: After posting my question, I realized that the Rev Pi is based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module. As version 4 of that module is not yet available, it does not yet make sense to talk about a version 4 Rev Pi. Anyway, Gigabit Ethernet is our main interest. Could it possibly be added by an extension module?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards
Rasmus
When will there be a version with Gigabit Ethernet?
Re: When will there be a version with Gigabit Ethernet?
We will definitely look into creating products based on the CM4 once it becomes available.
If we would upgrade the RevPi Connect or Core with Gigabit Ethernet, it would be constrained by the bandwidth of the USB2 host controller on the Raspberry Pi SoC. So far we are not looking into such an upgrade.
However we will release a new product soon (circa May) which is called RevPi Compact and exposes one CSI camera port. This is specifically meant to be used for machine vision applications. It allows for a 5 megapixel resolution (1920x1080@30fps). Would this be sufficient for your use case? The RevPi Compact was already on display at past trade shows. It is not a modular extensible product as the RevPi Connect is. It's an all-in-one product with 8 digital inputs and outputs, 8 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs as well as an RS485 port, two Ethernet and four USB ports. The I/O ports are a bit more constrained compared to the other products, e.g. maximum RS485 bandwidth is lower than on the Connect, digital inputs are not galvanically isolated, etc. The enclosure is larger (as broad as a Connect with 5 extension modules), but flatter, hence can be mounted in flat electrical cabinets. If this product is of interest to you, please get in touch with our sales department to get more information, a quote and perhaps a demo product.
If we would upgrade the RevPi Connect or Core with Gigabit Ethernet, it would be constrained by the bandwidth of the USB2 host controller on the Raspberry Pi SoC. So far we are not looking into such an upgrade.
However we will release a new product soon (circa May) which is called RevPi Compact and exposes one CSI camera port. This is specifically meant to be used for machine vision applications. It allows for a 5 megapixel resolution (1920x1080@30fps). Would this be sufficient for your use case? The RevPi Compact was already on display at past trade shows. It is not a modular extensible product as the RevPi Connect is. It's an all-in-one product with 8 digital inputs and outputs, 8 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs as well as an RS485 port, two Ethernet and four USB ports. The I/O ports are a bit more constrained compared to the other products, e.g. maximum RS485 bandwidth is lower than on the Connect, digital inputs are not galvanically isolated, etc. The enclosure is larger (as broad as a Connect with 5 extension modules), but flatter, hence can be mounted in flat electrical cabinets. If this product is of interest to you, please get in touch with our sales department to get more information, a quote and perhaps a demo product.
