GigE Vision provides an open, high-performance, scalable framework for image streaming and device control over Ethernet networks. This interface standard provides an environment for networked machine vision systems based on switched client/server architectures, allowing you to connect multiple cameras to multiple computers.
It includes the following characteristics:
- Specification managed by the Automated Imaging Association (AIA)
- Protocol implemented over Ethernet/IP/UDP with data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps using Gbps Ethernet, scalable to 10 Gbps with 10-Gbps Ethernet
- Data transfer length up to 100 m with copper
- Use of switches, repeaters, or fiber optic converters to increase the data transfer length
- Use of low-cost cables (CAT5e or CAT6), standard connectors, and hardware
Figure 1. GigE Vision Application Example Using Multiple GigE Cameras
Courtesy of Pleora Technologies Inc.
You can obtain several key benefits by implementing GigE Vision applications using FPGAs such as Altera’s Cyclone® III and Cyclone IV device families:
- Integration of image capture, camera interfaces, preprocessing, and communications within a single FPGA device
- Flexibility to support different camera interfaces and bus interfaces as they evolve
- Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) with reduced board size, reduced component count, and minimal hardware re-spins
- Reduced risk of obsolescence due to long FPGA life cycles and easy migration to newer FPGA families
For more information, please contact your local Altera® distributor sales office or visit our partners.
Related Links
- Machine Vision/Industrial Imaging partners
- Whitepaper: Five Ways to Build Flexibility into Your Industrial Applications with FPGAs (PDF)
- Whitepaper: Lowering the Total Cost of Ownership in Industrial Applications (PDF)
- Whitepaper: A Flexible Solution for Industrial Ethernet (PDF)
- Webcast: Three Reasons to Use FPGAs in Industrial Applications
- Webcast: Achieve Lower Total Cost of Ownership for Industrial Designs
- Video: Three Ways to Quickly Adapt to Changing Ethernet Protocols
