Machine Vision
3M™ industrial camera cable assemblies for machine vision
Machine vision is a technology that enables computers and automated systems to interpret and process visual information from the real world. It involves capturing, analyzing, and making decisions based on images or video, typically using cameras, sensors, image processing algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This is the future and the present in factory automation: functions like presence inspection, defect detection, measurement and more must be highly responsive in real time. Advanced camera and sensor systems must capture increasingly complex information and deliver it with greater clarity. More than ever, machine vision depends on the deep expertise required to connect it all together. You can improve the performance, robustness and reliability of your machine vision equipment – often at lower system costs – with cables, connectors and cable assemblies from 3M.
3M leverages decades of expertise in cable design, with a focus on high-speed data transmission, high flex for repetitive motion and signal integrity, to enhance machine vision system performance in industrial applications. 3M cable technology improves the performance, robustness, and reliability of machine vision systems, often at a lower total system cost. 3M offers a comprehensive range of connectors, cables, and cable assemblies for high-speed/density input/output applications, adhering to three major standards: USB3 Vision®, Camera Link®, and CoaXPress®. These solutions cover the entire spectrum of machine vision, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
3M offers a variety of products that support key components of machine vision systems, particularly in image acquisition, image processing, and system reliability.
- Repetitive Motion (Robotics, Pick and place, print, packaging, sorting inspection etc)
- Manufacturing & Quality Control
- Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
- Agriculture and crop management
- Retail – Inventory controls and enhanced customer experiences
- Drone Vision
- Robotics
- Poor Image Quality Due to Glare, Reflections, or Uneven Lighting
- Sensor & Camera Interference from EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
- Overheating in High-Performance Vision Systems
- Vibration & Impact Affecting Camera Stability
- Difficulty in Compact & Flexible System Integration
- Labeling & Traceability in Machine Vision Applications
- Durable and reliable system components to withstand system environmental variables like vibration, EMI interference & mate/unmating cycles
- Repetitive motion and minimum bend radius requirements to fit into system architectures
- Transmission distance while maintaining signal integrity
3M Machine Vision cables are designed to solve key challenges such as vibration, EMI interference, repetitive motion, and transmission distance, while maintaining signal integrity. Our high-flex cables withstand constant movement and mechanical stress, ensuring durability and reliability (Options from 10 to 100 million flex cycles). Advanced shielding techniques protect against EMI, ensuring clear signal transmission. Optimized for extended distances, our cables maintain high-speed data transfer without degradation. Leveraging 3M’s expertise, our cables enhance the performance and reliability of machine vision systems in demanding industrial applications.
3M machine vision solutions cover three major industry standards for high speed/high density I/O applications.
Featured Product Solutions
USB3 Vision
USB3 Vision® has become a key standard in next-generation machine vision, offering 5 Gbps high-speed data transfer and broad system compatibility. It supports both fixed and dynamic multi-camera setups, delivering high-speed, high-resolution imaging that enhances quality control, minimizes downtime, and reduces waste. However, traditional USB3 Vision implementations have faced limitations due to shorter transmission distances.
3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assemblies enhance the USB3 Vision® standard by enabling extended cable lengths beyond 10 meters and offering exceptional dynamic bending durability of over 100 million cycles. This allows for greater flexibility in designing machine vision systems tailored to specific application needs.
3M offers a higher functional cable length than any other known USB3 connector solution – more than 10 meters for stationary cables (depending on system requirements) and up to 7 meters for cables tested to repetitive motion. We also provide cables drag chain tested from 10 million to greater than 100 million cycles.
3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, 1U30G Series combines long-distance connection and excellent repeated bending durability,
far exceeding the performance of generic USB3 Vision® cables. In fact, this assembly delivers functional cable length up to 7 meters – the longest
reliable transmission distance available in the USB3 Vision standard. It is also an ideal choice for sliding bendability at more than 100 million cycles,
excellent for applications where repetitive bending is required. The assembly features USB Type A and USB Micro B connectors, ideal for connecting
cameras to control units. Locking screws are available on both ends for added stability. Connectors are available in straight, upward, downward,
left-hand, and right-hand configurations for space savings and design flexibility. 3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, 1U30G Series
serves a broad range of industries and is excellent for machine vision as part of industrial automation.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-Speed Connecting, High-Speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- High-Flex Cable for motion with Standard A – Micro B
- Strong transmission > 7 m, the longest known functional cable length in USB3 Vision®
- Moveable cable has outstanding repeated bending durability, tested at >100 million cycles
- Excellent U-shaped sliding durability
- Micro-B connector available in a variety of configurations for directional cable routing in tight or complex spaces
- Locking screws are available for added stability during repetitive motion
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3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly 1U30A Series helps deliver reliable transmission distance up to and beyond 7 meters
– the longest known transmission distance available in the USB3 Vision standard. This cable assembly features USB Type A and USB Micro B
connectors on a cable used for non-repetitive motion applications.
Highlights:
- Standard Cable for non-motion with Standard A – Micro B
- Strong transmission > 7 m
- Flexible 6.2 mm outside diameter cable makes for easy routing
- Available locking screws provide added connection reliability
- Micro-B connector available in a variety of configurations for design flexibility
- USB3.0 and USB3 Vision® compatible
The 3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly 1U30A-TC Series is engineered to deliver precision and reliability in demanding vision system applications. Designed for high-performance data transmission, this cable supports distances up to 7 meters while maintaining stable signal integrity. Featuring USB Standard A and USB Type C connectors, it is well-suited for non-repetitive fixed installations in industrial and electronic environments. Its durable construction, complemented by optional locking screw mechanisms, ensures secure connections and resistance to vibration or mechanical stress. With robust performance and dependable connectivity, the 3M™ USB3 Vision 1U30A-TC Series meets the stringent requirements of industrial imaging, automation, and other mission-critical applications where durability and efficiency are essential.
Features & Benefits:
- Reliable 5Gbps transmission up to 7m
- Longer transmission distance may be possible depending on equipment (1)
- Meets A3 Vision standard and USB3.2 Gen1 5Gbps, Standard A and Type C
- 1U30A series is an ideal option for static, non-repetitive motion applications
- 2mm outside diameter cable enables easy routing
- Locking screws available on host and camera end for a secure connection
- Available in lengths from 0.5m to 10m
- RoHS2 and CE Compliant
3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, 1U30E Series is excellent for long distance camera connections in applications that do not
require repetitive bending cable motion. This cable assembly features lower resistance along the transmission path, helping maintain voltage
along the entire cable connection. The result is reliable transmission up to and beyond 10 meters – the longest known transmission distance
available in the USB3 Vision® standard. 3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, 1U30E Series is ideal for USB Type A and USB Micro B
for connecting cameras to control units and serves a wide range of industries for extending camera connection distance.
Recommended Applications: High-Speed Connecting, High-Speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- High Performance Cable for non-motion with Standard A – Micro B
- Exceptional transmission > 10 m
- Lower resistance along power path helps reduce voltage drop for clear long distance connection
- Available locking screws add connection reliability
- USB3.0 compatible and USB3 Vision® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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3M™ USB3 Vision Industrial Camera Cable Assembly 1U30S Series features USB Type A and USB Micro B connectors, ideal for connecting cameras to
control units. Its durable cable holds up after 10 million U-shaped cycles for applications where repetitive bending and sliding motion is a challenge.
The cable assembly helps deliver signal transmission up to and beyond 5 meters. It serves a broad range of industries, and is excellent for machine
vision as part of industrial automation.
Highlights:
- Standard Cable for motion with Standard A – Micro B
- For repeated bending at greater than 10 million cycles
- Strong signal transmission > 5 m
- Moveable cable has excellent U-shaped sliding durability
- Locking screws are available for added stability during repetitive motion
- USB3.0 compatible and USB3 Vision® compatible
Camera Link
3M’s Camera Link product line provides high-performance connectivity solutions for machine vision and industrial imaging applications. As one of the originators of the Camera Link standard, 3M offers a comprehensive range of cable assemblies, board-mount connectors, and accessories designed for high-speed, high-resolution data transmission between cameras and frame grabber boards. These products include Miniature Delta Ribbon (MDR) and Shrunk Delta Ribbon (SDR) connectors, supporting Base, Medium, and Full configurations, as well as Power over Camera Link (PoCL) and non-PoCL versions. Engineered for durability, flexibility, and EMI shielding, 3M’s Camera Link solutions ensure low signal loss and secure connectivity, even in motion-intensive and space-constrained environments. These products are widely used in automation, quality inspection, medical imaging, robotics, and logistics, making them a trusted choice for industrial vision systems.
3M’s Camera Link cable assemblies are designed for high-speed, high-resolution image transmission in machine vision applications. These cables ensure low signal loss, EMI shielding, and durability in industrial environments.
Key Features:
- MDR 26-position plug connectors on both ends.
- Available in Base, Medium, and Full configurations.
- Supports PoCL (Power over Camera Link) and non-PoCL versions.
- Options for motion and non-motion applications.
- Angled MDR connectors (straight, upward, downward) for tight spaces.
- Thumbscrews for secure retention in high-motion applications.
Products: MDR 14×26 Series, SDR Series (shrunk Delta Ribbon Connectors)
3M offers board-mount connectors that serve as reliable interfaces for Camera Link applications, ensuring secure and stable data transmission.
Key Features:
- Miniature Delta Ribbon (MDR) and Shrunk Delta Ribbon (SDR) options.
- Designed to interface cameras and frame grabbers in machine vision systems.
- Compact and durable for industrial environments.
- High pin-count for fast data transfer and low latency.
Products: MDR Series, SDR Series
3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR, 14×26 Series is ideal for connecting machine vision cameras to frame grabber boards. It features MDR 26-position plug connectors on both ends. The assembly is available in base-medium and full configurations, PoCL/non-PoCL, and versions for non-motion and motion applications to meet a broad range of electrical and mechanical requirements. 3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR, 14×26 Series is part of a wide variety of total interconnect solutions from 3M – one of the originators of the Camera Link standard.
For reliable connections even in tight or complex spaces, the camera side MDR connector of the 14×26 Series is available in straight, upward and downward versions. These angled cable connectors enable smaller-footprint connections and help reduce stress on cables, especially on motion applications. The frame grabber side features a Starlight MDR connector. Plus, thumbscrews provide rugged retention even in applications requiring repetitive motion.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-Speed Connecting, High-Speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- MDR-to-MDR assembly for camera-to-frame-grabber communications
- Camera side MDR plug connector is available in a variety of configurations for space savings and design flexibility
- Base-medium and full configurations are available
- Available in PoCL and non-PoCL, motion and non-motion versions
- Thumbscrews add connection reliability even repetitive motion applications
- Camera Link® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR, 1WL26 Series is designed for cable extensions in Camera Link applications. Featuring an MDR 26-position receptacle connector on one end and an MDR 26-position plug connector on the other end, this assembly is excellent for use with 1M x 26-x5xx or 14X26 cables to extend Camera Link connections. 3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR, 1WL26 Series is part of a wide variety of total interconnect solutions from 3M – one of the originators of the Camera Link standard.
This industrial camera cable assembly is available in base-medium and full configurations as well as versions for non-motion and motion applications to meet a broad range of electrical and mechanical requirements. The receptacle connector features an EMI shielded junction shell.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-speed Connecting, High-speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- MDR-to-MDR assembly for Camera Link cable extension
- Features straight MDR plug connector on one end and MDR receptacle connector with EMI shielded junction shell on the other
- Excellent for use with 1M x 26-x5xx or 14X26 cables
- Base-medium and full configurations are available
- Available in motion and non-motion versions
- Thumbscrews add connection reliability even for repetitive motion applications
- Camera Link® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR/SDR, 1Mx26-x5xx Series is ideal for connecting machine vision cameras to frame grabber boards. It features an MDR 26-position plug connector on one end and an SDR 26-position plug connector on the other. The assembly is available in base-medium and full configurations, PoCL/non-PoCL, and versions for non-motion and motion applications to meet a broad range of electrical and mechanical requirements. 3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR/SDR, 1Mx26-x5xx Series is part of a wide variety of total interconnect solutions from 3M – one of the originators of the Camera Link standard.
For reliable connections even in tight or complex spaces, the camera side MDR plug connector of the 1Mx26-x5xx Series is available in straight, upward and downward versions, and the camera side SDR plug connector is available in straight, upward, downward, left-hand and right-hand configurations. These angled cable connectors enable smaller-footprint connections and help reduce stress on cables, especially on motion applications. Plus, thumbscrews provide rugged retention even in applications requiring repetitive motion.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-speed Connecting, High-speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- MDR-to-SDR assembly for camera-to-frame-grabber communications
- Camera side plug connectors are available in a variety of configurations for space savings and design flexibility
- Base-medium and full configurations are available
- Available in PoCL and non-PoCL, motion and non-motion versions
- Frame grabber side features straight MDR/SDR connector
- Thumbscrews add connection reliability even for repetitive motion applications
- Camera Link® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR/SDR, 1Mx26-xFxx Series is ideal for cable extensions in Camera Link applications. It features an MDR 26-position receptacle connector with EMI shielded junction shell on one end and an SDR 26-position plug connector on the other. It is excellent for use with 1M x 26-x5xx or 14 x 26 cables to extend Camera Link system applications. 3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, MDR/SDR, 1Mx26-xFxx Series is part of a wide variety of total interconnect solutions from 3M – one of the originators of the Camera Link standard.
This industrial camera cable assembly is available in base-medium and full configurations as well as versions for non-motion and motion applications to meet a broad range of electrical and mechanical requirements. Thumbscrews provide rugged retention even for applications requiring repetitive motion.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-speed Connecting, High-speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- MDR-to-SDR assembly for Camera Link cable extension
- Features straight MDR receptacle connector with EMI shield junction shell on one end and a straight SDR plug connector on the other
- Excellent for use with 1M x 26-x5xx or 14 x 26 cables
- Base-medium and full configurations are available
- Available for motion and non-motion applications
- MDR receptacle connector features EMI shielded junction shell
- Thumbscrews add connection reliability even for repetitive motion applications
- Camera Link® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, SDR, 1Sx26-x1xx Series is ideal for connecting machine vision cameras to frame grabber boards. It features SDR 26-postition plug connectors on both ends. The assembly is available in base-medium and full configurations, PoCL/non-PoCL, and versions for non-motion and motion applications to meet a broad range of electrical and mechanical requirements. 3M™ Camera Link Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, SDR, 1Sx26-x1xx Series is part of a wide variety of total interconnect solutions from 3M – one of the originators of the Camera Link standard.
For reliable connections even in tight or complex spaces, the camera side SDR connector of the 3M cable assembly, SDR, 1Sx26-x1xx series is available in straight, upward and downward versions. These angled cable connectors enable smaller-footprint connections and help reduce stress on cables, especially on motion applications. The frame grabber side features a Starlight SDR connector. Plus, thumbscrews provide rugged retention even in applications requiring repetitive motion.
Recommended Applications: High-flexibility Connecting, High-speed Connecting, High-speed Data Transmission
Highlights:
- SDR-to-SDR assembly for camera-to-frame-grabber communications
- Camera side SDR plug connector is available in a variety of configurations for space savings and design flexibility
- Base-medium and full configurations are available
- Available in PoCL and non-PoCL, motion and non-motion versions
- Thumbscrews add connection reliability even repetitive motion applications
- Camera Link® compatible
- RoHS2 compliant
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CoaXPress
The CoaXPress (CXP) interface is poised to become the leading standard for high-speed, high-bandwidth camera systems. By enabling video transmission, camera control, and real-time triggering through a single coaxial cable, CXP offers a versatile solution for machine vision applications, supporting long-distance transmission, high-resolution imaging, and durability in repetitive-motion environments.
With the introduction of CoaXPress 2.0, CXP now achieves faster data transfer rates, reaching up to 12.5 Gbps per channel, further enhancing its capabilities for next-generation imaging systems.
2 CXP Assemblies, Countless Possibilities. With the 3M™ CoaXPress Industrial Camera Cable Assembly, 1CX Series, 3M offers two types of CoaXPress-compatible cable assemblies that comply with CoaXPress 2.0. These versatile assemblies allow for performance in a wide range of fixed and motion applications in machine vision, from general motion systems to high-performance applications requiring long transmission distance and very high bending durability.
3M™ CoaXPress Cable Assembly 1CXx-xx-0G Series is a CoaXPress® 2.0 compatible, high-performance cable assembly for industrial camera applications. It combines outstanding flexibility and durability with long-distance transmission in a slim Φ4.3 mm diameter. This cable assembly features repeated bending durability greater than 45 million cycles, and delivers a functional cable length up to 10 meters (CXP12) and 13 meters (CXP6).
Highlights:
- Excellent for high-performance repetitive motion applications
- Outstanding repeated bending durability >45 million cycles
- Functional cable length up to 10 m for CXP12, 13m for CXP6
- High-speed data transfer of up to 12.5 Gbps per channel (Micro-BNC, BNC connector specifications)
- Micro-BNC, BNC connectors available for CXP12, DIN1.0/2.3 for CXP6
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3M™ CoaXPress Cable Assembly 1CXx-xx-0S Series is a CoaXPress® 2.0 compatible, flexible cable assembly for industrial camera applications. It is optimal for a wide range of applications from fixed to general motion, and for system designs requiring an easy-to-handle cable solution. It delivers a functional cable length up to 8 meters (CXP12) and 11 meters (CXP6), and features repeated bending durability greater than 10 million cycles. The assembly is available with Micro BNC and BNC connectors for 12.5 Gbps versions and DIN1.0/2.3 connectors for versions delivering 6.25 Gbps.
Highlights:
- Excellent for repetitive motion applications
- Functional cable length up to 8 m for CXP12, 11 m for CXP6
- Repeated bending durability is greater than 10 million cycles
- High-speed data transfer of up to 12.5 Gbps per channel (Micro-BNC, BNC connector specifications)
- Micro-BNC, BNC connectors available for CXP12, DIN1.0/2.3 for CXP6)
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