GIG-E

The GigE Vision standard is a widely adopted camera interface standard developed using the Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) communication standard. Released in May 2006, the standard was revised in 2010 (version 1.2) and 2011 (version 2.0). GigE Vision supports multiple stream channels and allows for fast error-free image transfer over very long distances using standard Ethernet cables.

Hardware and software from different vendors can interoperate seamlessly over Ethernet connections at

various data rates. Other Ethernet standards, such as IEEE 1588 (namely PTP, Precision Time Protocol), are leveraged to provide deterministic triggering.

Speed

Currently 1 and 2 Gbits/s (using 2 cables) systems are readily available with a number of 10 Gbits/s and wireless systems now entering the market.

Receiver Device

PC (direct), with GigE interfaces built into almost all PCs and embedded systems, no additional interface card (frame grabber) is necessary in many situations.

Cable

Depending on the cable and number of cameras, GigE Vision allows cable lengths up to 100m (copper) and 5,000m (fiber optic) using a single camera.

Connectors

Connectors available for GigE Vision: Copper Ethernet; Copper Ethernet with vision locking screws; 10 Gigabit Ethernet direct attach cable; Ethernet fiber optic cable.

Camera Power Supply

Through Ethernet cable (POE) or externally.

Other Differentiators

As each GigE camera has its own IP-address, there is no limit to how many cameras can be operated on the same network.