5GigE and 10GigE cameras for machine vision

Benefits of 10GiGe cameras over GigE cameras

Our 10GigE cameras are compatible with the GigE Vision protocol. This ensures the camera will work with existing GigE Vision software. 10GigE cameras are GenICam compatible, allowing quick and easy plug-and-play.

Here's a breakdown of the key features of 10 GigE cameras:

• High Bandwidth: The defining characteristic is the use of a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GigE) interface. This interface provides 10x higher data transfer speeds compared to regular GigE cameras (which use Gigabit Ethernet). This allows 10 GigE cameras to handle:
  • Higher resolutions: Capture images with a larger number of pixels, enabling detailed image capture.
  • Faster frame rates: Capture images at a faster pace, useful for applications that require slow-motion analysis or capturing fast-moving objects.
• Long Cable Distances: Compared to other high-speed interfaces, 10GigE cameras can transmit data over longer distances (up to 100 meters) using a single cable. This simplifies system setup and reduces the need for specialized components.
• Lower Latency: 10GigE cameras offer reduced latency compared to GigE cameras. Latency refers to the delay between the camera capturing an image and the computer receiving it. Lower latency is crucial for real-time applications where quick response is critical.
• Applications: 10 GigE cameras are ideal for various industrial automation and inspection tasks due to their ability to handle high-resolution images and fast frame rates. Some examples include:
  • Quality control in manufacturing lines
  • Traffic monitoring systems
  • Medical imaging
  • High-speed robotic applications

If you're looking for a camera for capturing high-resolution images or fast-moving objects in a machine vision application, a 10GigE Vision camera might be a suitable choice.

Is a Frame grabber required for 10GigE cameras?

Unlike USB 2.0, USB 3.0, GigE, and 5GigE camera interfaces, 10GigE cameras require a frame grabber to function properly. However, it's important to clarify the term "frame grabber."

In a broader sense, a frame grabber is any hardware that captures and stores image data from a camera. In some cases, it might be a dedicated card. However, for some systems, a simple interface card can suffice. These interface cards expand the number of USB 3.0 or GigE ports on a computer and are sometimes also referred to as frame grabbers. We ensure all our interface cards are compatible with our cameras to achieve full bandwidth.

Choosing the Right Interface: 5GigE vs. 10GigE

5GigE Vision offers an alternative to USB 3.0, providing similar performance. Its advantages include:

• Long cable lengths (up to 100 meters): Ideal for situations where the camera needs to be positioned farther away.
• Cost-effective cabling: Utilizes standard Cat6e network cables.

However, 5GigE may consume more CPU power compared to USB 3.0.

10GigE Vision: Powerhouse for Demanding Applications

The 10GigE Vision interface boasts exceptional bandwidth, making it perfect for high-resolution cameras operating at high frame rates. It also shares the benefits of 5GigE with:

• Affordable cabling
• Long cable lengths (up to 50m, though we advise utilizing lengths under 30m for optimal performance)

The downside of 10GigE is the requirement for a dedicated 10GigE frame grabber, which increases the overall cost compared to GigE, 5GigE, and USB 3.0 interfaces.

Choosing the right machine vision interface for your needs

The bandwidth requirement for your application depends on several factors, including:

• Image resolution: Higher resolution images require more data to transmit.
• Frame rate: The number of images captured per second. Higher frame rates require higher bandwidth.

Let's look at an example:

• A 2 megapixel industrial camera capturing images at 10 frames per second would require a bandwidth of 20 megabytes per second (2MB/image * 10fps). Most machine vision camera interfaces can handle this.
• However, if you need to capture 100 frames per second with the same camera, the bandwidth requirement jumps to 200 megabytes per second. In this case, you'd likely need a higher-bandwidth interface like USB 3.0, 5GigE, or 10GigE.

By understanding these factors, you can choose the right machine vision camera interface to meet the demands of your application. You can read more about “How to select a machine vision camera interface (USB3.0 / GigE / 5GigE / 10GigE Vision)” in our Knowledge Center.

What is the maximum cable length for a 10GigE Vision camera?

When using a 10GigE Vision camera, the cable length you choose can impact your ability to utilize its full bandwidth potential. Our 10GigE cables are designed to support maximum bandwidth for distances of up to 50 meters (though we recommend lengths of less than 30m for optimal performance). This allows you to enjoy the high-speed data transfer capabilities of 10GigE even when your camera isn't positioned right next to your computer.

Do 10GigE cameras have Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Unlinke standard GigE cameras, our 10GigE camera series does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). This means you'll need a separate power cable (I/O cable) to provide power to your camera. Make sure to order the appropriate I/O cable specifically designed for 10GigE cameras to ensure proper operation.

Daheng Imaging SDK: Free Development Tools

Daheng Imaging provides a free Software Development Kit (SDK) compatible with all their industrial cameras. This SDK offers tools for developers to integrate Daheng cameras into their applications.

The SDK includes:

• Functions to control camera parameters like exposure time, gain, and white balance.
• Programming examples that demonstrate how to use the SDK functions.
• A demo program with a user interface for basic camera configuration.

The latest version of the SDK for 10GigE camera can be downloaded from our download area.