The National Instruments NI-1450 Compact Vision System is an advanced imaging solution designed for high-performance applications, enabling the acquisition, processing, and display of images from IEEE 1394 cameras. Compliant with version 1.30 of the IIDC 1394-based Digital Camera Specification, the NI-1450 integrates seamlessly into existing setups, featuring a variety of connectivity options including a VGA connector, an RS-232 serial port, a 10/100 Ethernet connector, and three IEEE 1394a ports. This configuration allows for direct connections to up to three DCAM-compliant IEEE 1394 cameras, with the system intelligently managing the fixed bandwidth among the ports to accommodate higher frame rates and larger image sizes.

The NI-1450 enhances operational flexibility by allowing autonomous operation after configuration, freeing users from the need for a constant connection to a development computer. Users can configure settings and monitor status or measurement results via an Ethernet connection. The system's isolated inputs and outputs minimize the risk of ground loops, safeguarding signal integrity. Operating on a main supply voltage of 24 VDC ±10%, the NI-1450 maintains low power consumption, typically at 12 W, with a maximum of 22 W, while offering up to 18 W of bus power shared across the IEEE 1394 ports.

With robust data processing capabilities, the NI-1450 is equipped with 128 MB of SDRAM and 32 MB of nonvolatile storage, ensuring efficient handling of imaging data. It supports both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX Ethernet network interfaces, with auto-negotiation for communication speeds of 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps, making it versatile for various network configurations. The NI-1450 comes with a three-year warranty and provides accessible user manuals available for download in PDF format, ensuring comprehensive support for all users.