GigE Vision - True Plug and Play Connectivity

GigE Vision® is a global camera interface standard developed using the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol. GigE Vision allows for fast image transfer using low cost standard cables over very long lengths. With GigE Vision, hardware and software from different vendors can interoperate seamlessly over GigE connections.

GigE Vision is a widely adopted interface around the world, with dozens of leading companies currently offering hundreds of GigE Vision compliant products. GigE Vision offers many benefits including:

FAST	High bandwidth (125 MB/s) transfers large images quickly in real time
ABUNDANT	Uncompromised data transfer up to 100 meters in length
STANDARD	Low cost CAT5e or CAT6 cables and standard connectors
SCALABLE	Highly scalable to the fast growth of Ethernet
LOW COST	Standard hardware and cables allow easy, low cost integration

GigE Vision Currently in version 2.0

GigE Vision was updated from version 1.2 to version 2.0 in November 2011. Version 2.0 includes non-streaming device control. It accommodates networked video distribution applications that leverage switched Ethernet client/server video networks. Devices such as GigE Vision-enabled lights are automatically recognized by the computers on the network. Version 2.0 introduces support for faster data transfer through 10 gigabit Ethernet and link aggregation. It also enables transmission of compressed images (JPEG, JPEG 2000 and H.264), accurate synchronization of multi-camera systems and enhanced support for multi-tap sensors

The GigE Vision specification relies on GenICam™ to describe the features supported by the camera. This description takes the form of an XML device description file respecting the syntax defined by the GenApi module of the GenICam specification. GenICam is a generic programming interface for all kinds of cameras. For more information visit www.genicam.org.

To help achieve the goal of coherency between various vision standards, the GigE Vision committee generalized the definition of its pixel formats and created the "Pixel Format Naming Convention". This document provides the layout of the various supported pixel formats and enables reusability across multiple camera interface standards, making software development easier. Download Version 1.1 Here.

The GigE Vision standard was developed and is maintained by a dedicated group of companies representing every sector of the vision industry. The AIA oversees the ongoing development and administration of the standard.

To ensure true plug and play compatibility, look for the GigE Vision Logo- only registered compliant products can carry the logo!

GigE Vision Pages:

GigE Vision®, Camera Link®, Camera Link HS™ and USB3 Vision™ are trademarks owned by the AIA and may not be used without the authorization of the AIA. All other trademarks are the marks of their respective owners.