A New Perspective on GigE Vision

Kithara Software, specialist in the field of real-time for Windows, has successfully completed the development of a software solution for 10 Gbit Ethernet cameras. The support of GigE Vision^{® ­­}in real-time allows for deterministic image capturing with high data rates, especially for the areas of quality assurance, material transport or robotics.

Based on the real-time Ethernet drivers for 10 gigabit network controllers, developed by Kithara, data captured by cameras with accordingly high transfer rates can now be processed in a matter of a few microseconds. In the context of applications with high-precision and time-critical requirements, such as manufacturing lines, the real-time capability is indispensable.

Uwe Jesgarz, managing director of Kithara Software GmbH, explains the general functionality: “The enhanced memory buffering is extremely reliable in preventing packet loss, whereas the response time to incoming GigE Vision images in the »RealTime Suite« happens within a few microseconds.”

An interface-standard in the field of image processing, GigE Vision^® (Gigabit Ethernet for Machine Vision) greatly benefits from the popular advantages of Ethernet, such as the use of cost-efficient and standardized hardware, high and flexible data rates as well as extensive cable range. As an IEEE standard, GigE Vision enables the utilization of various different cameras from a diversity of manufacturers, tailored to individual needs.

Even further, cameras with “Camera Link” interface, using an external frame grabber, can be integrated into the Kithara real-time environment. For the first time, it is possible to capture and process image data from “Camera Link”, transferred via a 10 gigabit/s Ethernet link in real-time, compatible with all CL configurations such as Base, Medium and Full (up to 6.8 Gigabit/s). In addition to the real-time capability, the maximum cable distance can be extended from 10 meters to up to 10 kilometers by means of long-range glass fiber.