Machine Vision
Gigabit Ethernet
A revolutionary new interface technology, Gigabit Ethernet, is being introduced to the vision industry. To leverage this new technology for the special demands of vision applications, some unique design considerations must be taken into account. What’s the current status on that?
Gigabit Ethernet has become a synonym for the new interface technology used in machine vision systems and in related industries like intelligent traffic systems and medical imaging. High bandwidth, long cable lengths, and wide usage in the consumer and industrial markets are crucial elements for the predicted success of Gigabit Ethernet in these vision markets.
Because Gigabit Ethernet breaks the bandwidth barrier that was set by Firewire, switching from Camera Link to Gigabit Ethernet will now be attractive for a variety of customers. Another clear advantage is a quantifiable reduction in the cost of a total vision solution because a frame grabber is no longer required. No less important is the 100 meter cable lengths offered by Gigabit Ethernet. These expanded capabilities open exciting new possibilities for vision system design and break through existing limitations to reach a new level that is especially beneficial for factory floor applications.
Until now, Gigabit Ethernet in machine vision and related industries has been defined by only the physical implementation of an interface, such as cables and connectors. For the machine vision industry, the logical implementation of an interface is far more important and is the premise that will make Gigabit Ethernet applicable to vision systems. This means that standard definitions of real-time capability, error handling procedures, and secure image transfer (no image loss) methods are an absolute necessity.
Only a well defined combination of the physical and logical implementation of Gigabit Ethernet can meet the challenging demands of the machine vision and related industries. To achieve this goal, an AIA committee is working on the standardization of Gigabit Ethernet for vision applications. Basler is pushing this effort forward by contributing personnel and technical know-how to realize a standardized interface for the vision industry that defines both the physical and the logical implementation. This standard will be known as GigE Vision.
Once the standard has been defined, the advantage of commonly available cables, connectors, network switches, hubs, and routers will make it easy and cost effective to design in cameras that are compliant with the GigE Vision standard. On the PC side, Gigabit Ethernet ports will be widely available, even in industrial and factory automation computers. To help our customers achieve the maximum performance and minimum CPU load with a GigE Vision solution, Basler will qualify, recommend, and support commonly available interface cards to assure maximum performance and reliability and to maintain an exceptional price/performance ratio.
Gigabit Ethernet has become a synonym for the new interface technology used in machine vision systems and in related industries like intelligent traffic systems and medical imaging. High bandwidth, long cable lengths, and wide usage in the consumer and industrial markets are crucial elements for the predicted success of Gigabit Ethernet in these vision markets.
Because Gigabit Ethernet breaks the bandwidth barrier that was set by Firewire, switching from Camera Link to Gigabit Ethernet will now be attractive for a variety of customers. Another clear advantage is a quantifiable reduction in the cost of a total vision solution because a frame grabber is no longer required. No less important is the 100 meter cable lengths offered by Gigabit Ethernet. These expanded capabilities open exciting new possibilities for vision system design and break through existing limitations to reach a new level that is especially beneficial for factory floor applications.
Until now, Gigabit Ethernet in machine vision and related industries has been defined by only the physical implementation of an interface, such as cables and connectors. For the machine vision industry, the logical implementation of an interface is far more important and is the premise that will make Gigabit Ethernet applicable to vision systems. This means that standard definitions of real-time capability, error handling procedures, and secure image transfer (no image loss) methods are an absolute necessity.
Only a well defined combination of the physical and logical implementation of Gigabit Ethernet can meet the challenging demands of the machine vision and related industries. To achieve this goal, an AIA committee is working on the standardization of Gigabit Ethernet for vision applications. Basler is pushing this effort forward by contributing personnel and technical know-how to realize a standardized interface for the vision industry that defines both the physical and the logical implementation. This standard will be known as GigE Vision.
Once the standard has been defined, the advantage of commonly available cables, connectors, network switches, hubs, and routers will make it easy and cost effective to design in cameras that are compliant with the GigE Vision standard. On the PC side, Gigabit Ethernet ports will be widely available, even in industrial and factory automation computers. To help our customers achieve the maximum performance and minimum CPU load with a GigE Vision solution, Basler will qualify, recommend, and support commonly available interface cards to assure maximum performance and reliability and to maintain an exceptional price/performance ratio.
Gigabit Ethernet Information
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