As big data has gotten bigger and bigger, so have vision applications. GigE Vision is a global interface standard designed to support the transmission of high-speed video and related control data over Ethernet networks that include GigE, 10 GigE and 802.11 wireless networks.
This standard was developed using the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol and provides fast image transfer using readily available GigE Vision Ethernet cables over extended distances. GigE Vision is capable of fast, high-bandwidth transfers of large images in real time at 125 MB/s and up to 100 meters in length. With the use of standard Cat5e and Cat6 cables and connectors, using GigE Vision is cost effective, highly scalable and allows for simple integration by using existing Ethernet infrastructures.
Managed by the AIA, a trade association for the machine vision industry, the GigE Vision standard was introduced in 2006 and has since been adopted globally, with most major industrial video hardware and software vendors having developed products that are GigE Vision-compliant. By following the same standard, products from different vendors are all interoperable. This means frame grabbers, embedded hardware interfaces, cameras, video servers, video receivers control applications and management entities can all work together seamlessly using a common Ethernet platform.
Much like USB3 Vision, GigE Vision relies on GenICam, a generic programming interface for different types of cameras, to access and control features in cameras and other imaging devices that are compliant. The simplicity of installation and high-performance specs of GigE Vision makes it ideal for industrial applications. The standard is also used in telecom, military, data communications and machine vision applications.
GigE Vision is currently at version 2.2, which includes GenDC streaming and multi event data, non-streaming device control, faster streaming over 10 Gig Ethernet and link aggregation. Version 2.2 is ideal for multi-camera systems and introduced the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) that enables cameras to be activated at the same time and Trigger-over-Ethernet without the need for an I/O cable. It also allows for multi-camera systems to be precisely synchronized, compressed images to be transmitted and enhanced support for multi-tap sensors. With all its capabilities and benefits, GigE Vision has proven to be a boon in the world of vision applications.
