Next Gen Camera Connectors

Jetson Nano

Hello @Alex-Kushleyev @Eric-Katzfey @tom ,

I have been looking into the new cameras i.e. tracking camera - AR0144 - M0166 use a coxl cable type connectors.

The earlier version of the same camera module uses a Panansonic AXT 36-pin connector as well as the other sensors.

What is the major differences between micro-coax type and panasonic AXT 36-pin type connectors?
What are the differences in data transfer speeds between the two connectors modules?
As well, what are the advantages of using the new generation connectors over the earlier ones?

Alex Kushleyev

@Jetson-Nano ,

The main differences are the following:

the micro-coax cables are much more durable and flexible, which allows to route the cable bundle in tight spaces or bend in any direction (something like few mm bend radius). Flex cables have limited bending range and may break due to excessive bending / stress
no transfer speed differences / issues have been observed so far with micro coax

Please note that the micro-coax style connectors are only supported with appropriate camera front end (https://docs.modalai.com/M0173/) or individual transposer M0155, which allows you to connect a single micro-coax camera into one of the J6, J7, J8. (https://www.modalai.com/products/m0155)

Micro coax cables are more difficult to disconnect from the socket and require a special tool to do so. They are not intended for constant connecting / disconnecting, so in that sense they are maybe less user friendly than the older Panasonic ATX connectors.

Please let us know if you need any more information.

Alex

Jetson Nano

@Alex-Kushleyev Thanks for sharing insights.

I have another doubt. Is the special tool for connecting and disconnecting the new camera connectors also available for sale on the ModalAI products page?

Vinny

Hi @Jetson-Nano
No, but we provide the link to buy it from the vendor here: https://docs.modalai.com/micro-coax-user-guide/
Please minimize removals where you can. I have personally broken several DF56 connectors already. They are not friendly for multiple insertions and removal cycles, which is why we sell the kits with them pre-installed and tested. The moment you unplug them, you risk damage, and they are no longer "tested".
It's all part of the tradeoffs of each system.

Jetson Nano

@Vinny Thanks for reverting. Just in case, I have another doubt.

If cable connectors are highly sensitive, how can they withstand the intense vibrations produced by larger airframes with high-torque motors or smaller frames with high-RPM motors during flight despite being damped?
Will the camera cable connectors be able to handle these vibrations?

Have you conducted any experiments to address these concerns?

Vinny

Hi @Jetson-Nano
It's a catch-22.
Our ME team is well versed to design these as trapped as best as possible to prevent back-outs in certain areas. In others, we need them accessible by you, the user, to have design and development freedom. So, we just need to caution developers to be very careful.
We have not put these through the ringers or any specific MIL-STD testing as this is a new roll-out, and many customers were enthusiastic about it and were asking for this for years.
We are doing what we can to support the demands and then also highlight the risks.
It's all about trade-offs for smaller and cost-sensitive vs rugged reliability. We leave many decisions up to customers by offering options and at least showing what is the smallest possible approach for those that care about that. Smallest is usually the hardest constraint to meet.

Alex Kushleyev

@Jetson-Nano , just to add to what Vinny said and answer your specific question about vibration affecting the micro coax connectors. The difficulty associated with removal is separate from the connector’s robustness under vibration. Once the connectors are inserted (mated), they are difficult to disconnect without applying significant force that might actually break the connector (that is why a tool is required, which correctly separates the connector). This type of stress is very unlikely in typical applications, unless the drone crashes and camera or board is somehow ejected from the vehicle.