Switches
What to look for in industrial Ethernet switches
Choosing the right industrial Ethernet switch is essential for building robust machine vision software systems with GigE Vision cameras. Industrial switches designed for harsh environments offer enhanced digital operations and security, making them ideal for demanding applications. We have identified vital selection criteria below. Several cameras: An industrial automation switch must have as many ports as cameras, plus an additional port for an upstream connection. This upstream connection should ideally have a higher bandwidth port to enable data aggregation from all cameras and the upstream transmission. A popular method is using a 10 GbE managed switch with smart cameras and a 10Gbps (10GBASE-T) connection for the uplink.
Bandwidth: A GigE Vision camera will output up to a full 1 Gbps. Therefore, an Ethernet switch must have enough bandwidth to process and manage Gigabit traffic. To be non-blocking, the switch fabric must support the aggregate data rate of all ports operating at bandwidths exceeding 1 Gbps.
Packet buffer memory: Packet buffer memory is a reserved memory area in network equipment that stores packets awaiting transmission or receiving over a network. The network switch buffer prevents data loss by temporarily storing these incoming packets. For instance, imagine four GigE Vision cameras streaming four separate 1 Gbps streams in a burst to a host PC on a 1 Gbps connection. Since the PC cannot receive 4 Gbps, the packets are stored in the switch until they can be transmitted. Power supply: A Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch will transmit DC power and data to control a GigE industrial camera, so an external power supply is unnecessary. Pay close attention to the PoE standard specifi ed for a camera and the type supported by the switch.
Jumbo Frame support: Modern GigE Vision cameras support packets larger than 1500 bytes; the most common size is 9000 bytes, also known as Jumbo Frames. Not all Ethernet switches support frames larger than 1500 bytes or may require complex confi guration. Latency: Machine vision latency is usually constrained by the host PC performing the processing rather than an industrial switch or network infrastructure. That said,
machine learning latency will be impacted by two architectures in an Ethernet switch: cut-through switching mode and store-and- forwarding. Cut-through is an operation where a switch receives only a portion of a frame and immediately forwards it to the next node for subsequent processing. This method has a lower network latency than store-and-forward switching, and invalid frames are forwarded instead of dropped. Durability: When selecting an Ethernet switch for an industrial setting, it’s always critical to consider its durability. Unreliable networking products cost industrial users millions of dollars annually in maintenance expenses, network and product downtime, replacement costs, and loss of service. The more critical the application, the more infl uential the device’s reliability is. Hardened safety features in an industrial- grade Ethernet switch include high EFT and ESD protection, resistance to shock and vibration, a wide operating temperature range, redundant power supplies, and fanless cooling.
Troubleshooting and maintenance Troubleshooting and maintenance are essential for the smooth operation of GigE
Vision systems. Industrial Ethernet switches provide diagnostic tools, error detection, and troubleshooting features, allowing users to identify and resolve issues quickly. Machine vision software also offers error detection and diagnostic tools, facilitating the troubleshooting and maintenance process. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure the system operates optimally, minimising the risk of downtime and errors. By proactively addressing potential issues and performing routine maintenance, users can enhance the reliability and longevity of their vision systems, ensuring consistent performance in industrial applications.
Conclusion
GigE Vision stands out for its production speed, safety, and ease of system integration. However, as it relies on the often-limited bandwidth of local networks, it can have issues that may critically affect tasks and operations that require high-speed, real-time precision. Industrial switches play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of GigE Vision systems in industrial environments.
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