Switches
Left: Managed switches like the Antaira 10 GbE LMP-1002G-10G-SFP are especially benefi cial in GigE Vision systems, providing advanced features such as network management, security, and troubleshooting capabilities
Below right: SVS-Vistek 10GigE Vision Cameras transfer full resolution 2840x2840 images at 87 frames per second or higher, image courtesy of SVS-Vistek
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data rates exceeding 1000 Mbps per port with a maximum cable length of 100 metres, which is longer than most other protocols used in machine vision systems. Because GigE Vision has device discovery capabilities and standards-based, plug-and-play installation, a system is much easier and cost-effi cient to confi gure. Another benefi t is that multiple cameras can be controlled and synchronized remotely.
GigE Vision cameras leverage off-the-shelf Ethernet networking equipment and sensors that can be purchased economically. Another cost-saving advantage is that GigE Vision cameras operate without an expensive frame grabber. Instead, they plug directly into an RJ45 port of a PC, adapter, server, or industrial automation switch, where a Network Interface Card (NIC) insulates the camera from general network traffi c. 10 GbE Industrial network switches support the high-speed data transfer and robust security features required for GigE Vision systems. NICs are typically built into a PC on the motherboard or as PCI or PCIe cards, ensuring a cost-effi cient setup for your machine vision system.
The benefi ts of GigE Vision make it a preferred choice for industrial machine vision applications. One of the primary advantages is its high-speed data transfer rates, which are crucial for applications that demand real- time processing and analysis. Additionally, GigE Vision supports long cable lengths up to 100 metres, providing more excellent system design and installation fl exibility. Using standard Ethernet infrastructure further enhances its appeal, eliminating the need for specialised cables and interfaces and reducing overall costs. Moreover, GigE Vision’s
42 May 2025
widespread adoption ensures compatibility with various devices and systems, facilitating seamless integration and interoperability in machine vision applications.
Ethernet switches are pivotal in GigE Vision systems, enabling the effi cient transmission of high-speed video data between devices. Industrial Ethernet switches, in particular, are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of industrial automation environments, offering high-speed data transfer rates, reliability, and robust security features. These industrial switches support Quality of Service (QoS) and traffi c prioritisation, ensuring that critical machine vision data is transmitted in real- time without delays. Managed switches are especially benefi cial in GigE Vision systems, providing advanced features such as network management, security, and troubleshooting capabilities, essential for maintaining optimal performance and reliability in vision systems.
The most basic network confi guration for a GigE Vision machine vision system is peer- to-peer (P2P), which connects the cameras directly to the host PC, either with a GigE adapter or a multiport GigE adapter. P2P’s upside for machine vision products is its simplicity in design, combined with each camera having full connection bandwidth for transmitting images. The downside for human vision is that P2P dramatically limits the number of main types of cameras connected to a single PC.
Alternatively, you can connect cameras and sensors to a host PC via network switches, giving each camera its IP address. The critical advantage of confi guring your system with an industrial Ethernet switch is that it can reduce costs and empower you to connect
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more cameras to the PC. In addition, if an Ethernet switch features PoE, a separate power cable is eliminated for each camera. Finally, it also permits longer overall cable lengths, enhancing your design’s flexibility. Here’s how: When the first cable between the camera and the industrial switch is added to the second cable from the switch to the PC, you effectively double the 100-metre limits of Ethernet. Besides basic connectivity, security, and device management tasks, a managed industrial Ethernet switch can serve several purposes in industrial networks, including: Trunking to create multiple parallel paths between switches when bandwidth requirements exceed limits In a multi-camera confi guration where each camera outputs large amounts of image data, an industrial switch can consolidate data
from multiple ports and output it to a server or PC using a single port.
Machine vision systems that use multicasting require an industrial switch to send camera data to multiple host PCs.
Effective network management and security are crucial components of GigE Vision systems. Industrial managed Ethernet switches come equipped with network monitoring, confi guration, and troubleshooting features, enabling users to manage and maintain their network effi ciently. Machine vision software plays a vital role in network management and security, offering functionalities such as data encryption and secure data transfer, ensuring the integrity and confi dentiality of the transmitted data within vision systems.
GigE Vision cameras inspect a complete turbocharger assembly shortly before dispatch to the OEM, image courtesy of SVS-Vistek
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