Optimization
Prosilica's GigE Vision gigabit Ethernet camera are capable of very high data rates that can overwhelm the host computer. Here are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the CPU load when operating a Prosilica GigE Vision gigabit Ethernet camera:
- Use a gigabit Ethernet network adaptor that supports "Jumbo Frames" of at least 9kB size. The use of Jumbo frames reduces the CPU load required to handle incoming data. Be sure to configure the network adaptor to handle Jumbo frames of 9kB or higher.
- When using Prosilica's Sample Viewer program, minimize the live view window. Since the Sample Viewer source code is included as sample code in the Prosilica GigE SDK (hence 'sample viewer'), rendering is implemented in a purposely simple manner to keep the code understandable for end-users. When operating the Sample Viewer, minimizing the live view window can reduce the CPU load by almost half.
- Use the Prosilica GigE filter driver. The filter driver offloads some of the gigabit Ethernet data handling and reduces the CPU loading. Make sure that the filter driver is operational (the FilterDriver control in the Sample Viewer will read "Yes" when the camera is imaging).
- Configure your gigabit Ethernet network adaptor "Receive descriptors" to the maximum that your adaptor allows.
- Configure your gigabit Ethernet network adaptor so that it generates fewer CPU interrupts. For example, with the Intel Pro1000 adaptor card, set the "Interrupt Moderation Rate" to Extreme instead of Adaptive. On the DLink DGE-530T set "Max IRQ per Second" parameter to a low number, say 1000 (max is 5000), and then set "Interrupt Moderation" to On. The SMC EZ 1000 card has controls similar to the DLink DGE-530T and can be optimized in the same way.
The Intel Pro/1000, DLink-530T, and SMC EZ 1000 network adaptor cards are show here as examples only. Other gigabit Ethernet cards will also work very well.
These instructions are not very detailed, so please contact Prosilica for more information if you have any questions.