Keyence XG-8700L Programmable Multi-Camera Imaging System for Industrial Inspection

Product Overview

The Keyence XG-8700L is a high-performance multi-camera imaging system (also known as a vision controller) designed for industrial inspection, measurement, and positioning applications. This programmable controller can manage up to 4 cameras simultaneously, capturing and processing images at high speed for real-time quality control. The XG-8700L is part of Keyence’s XG series, which integrates a powerful processor, dedicated hardware for image processing, and a user-friendly programming environment. It is used in applications such as part presence verification, dimension measurement, defect detection, and robotic guidance. The system supports a wide range of Keyence cameras, including monochrome and color CCD/CMOS sensors, with resolution up to 16 megapixels.

Key Features of Keyence XG-8700L

The XG-8700L features an Intel Core i7 processor and specialized FPGA for image processing, enabling fast inspection cycles (typically < 10 ms per inspection). It supports simultaneous multi-camera processing with minimal latency. The controller includes built-in lighting control outputs (strobe and continuous) for external LED lights. It offers multiple I/O options: 8 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs (transistor), Ethernet (GigE), USB 3.0, RS-232C, and VGA/HDMI for external monitors.

Programming is done using Keyence’s XG Vision Editor software, which provides a flowchart-based environment that does not require traditional text coding. The software includes hundreds of pre-built inspection tools (edge detection, pattern matching, blob analysis, OCR, color inspection, etc.). The XG-8700L supports high-speed image transfer over Camera Link or GigE Vision interfaces, depending on the camera choice. It includes a solid-state drive for program and data storage, and supports logging of inspection results and captured images to internal memory or external network drives.

The controller is designed for industrial environments with a fanless, heat-sink cooling system, wide operating temperature (-0 to 45°C), and resistance to vibration. It is powered by 24 V DC (20.4 to 28.8 V) and consumes approximately 50 W.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Keyence Corporation

• Part Number: XG-8700L (also XG8700L)

• Product Type: Multi-camera Imaging System / Vision Controller

• Processor: Intel Core i7

• Camera Interfaces: Camera Link (base configuration), GigE Vision (option)

• Number of Cameras: Up to 4 (simultaneous)

• Maximum Resolution: 16 megapixels per camera

• Processing Speed: < 10 ms typical (depends on tool set)

• Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD (typical)

• Digital I/O: 8 inputs (24 V DC), 8 outputs (NPN/PNP, 0.5 A)

• Lighting Control: 2 channels (strobe/continuous, 24 V DC, 1 A max)

• Communication: Ethernet (10/100/1000), RS-232C, USB 3.0

• Video Output: VGA, HDMI

• Software: XG Vision Editor (flowchart)

• Power Supply: 24 V DC (20.4-28.8 V), 50 W

• Operating Temperature: 0 to +45 °C

• Storage Temperature: -20 to +65 °C

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 180 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm (approx.)

• Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS

Functional Description

The XG-8700L captures images from up to four cameras triggered by external sensors or internal timer. The FPGA and CPU process each image using a sequence of inspection tools defined in the flowchart. Results (pass/fail, measured values) are updated on the integrated or external display and transmitted to a PLC via Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or digital I/O. The system can output reject signals to a diverter, or send position data to a robot. The built-in lighting controller synchronizes strobe illumination with camera exposure for optimal image quality. All inspection settings and reference images are stored in non-volatile SSD. The controller logs inspection results, including time stamps and images of failures, for quality traceability.

Applications

The Keyence XG-8700L is used in automotive parts inspection, electronic component placement verification, pharmaceutical packaging inspection, food product sorting, and high-speed printing inspection. It is also used in robotic bin picking and alignment systems requiring multi-camera coverage.