With the introduction of GigE as a standard interface for machine vision, numerous new applications have been implemented that only became possible thanks to the benefits of long cable lengths and the high data rate. System set-up with several cameras was simplified greatly by the network structure. Besides enhancing safety and reliability this primarily increased the flexibility of the systems. The introduction of Power over Ethernet (PoE) also made it possible to implement a single-cable solution that reduces installation and maintenance costs.

With the new Trigger Device of the GigE Power Series Baumer goes one step further and offers a GigE complete solution to control simple industrial applications. In some cases this solution eliminates the need for an additional PLC. All necessary network components for a complete solution compliant with GigE Vision are bundled to a package deal.

Process Integration for Experts
The new Trigger Device forms the bridge between the vision system and the process environment. It extends the proven camera technology with system interfaces enabling individual integration into the process. The basic function of the Trigger Device encompasses real-time triggering of cameras over the Gigabit Ethernet Network. The correct trigger points are calculated from process parameters, such as the switching functions of light barriers or the speed information from encoders, and image acquisition from one single or an assigned group of cameras is triggered by means of the GigE Vision-compliant Action commands. Comprehensive studies have shown that the transmission times in the GigE network are negligible. By planning the network with foresight, the jitter can be kept to less than 5 µs. To achieve extremely short latency times as well, all functions were implemented in hardware in the Trigger Device. However, the real-time capability can only be fully exploited if the reception of the Action command is also implemented in hardware as it is the case for all Baumer cameras. In conjunction with the Power over Ethernet functionality of the Baumer cameras, true single-cable solutions can be created using this function.
Numerous additional intelligent and valuable functions help the user to simplify the structure of the vision system. The Trigger Device is designed to operate a maximum of four independent systems, each with two inputs and two outputs. Typically, the inputs are used to connect light barriers for triggering image acquisition and encoders for delaying the trigger point as a function of speed. The trigger point can be set to the rising or falling edges or even to the center of the pulse. Constant propagation times can also be offset using additional time-dependent delays. The two outputs can be individually adapted to the desired switching function by setting travel-dependent and time-dependent delays, pulse width, polarity, etc. Typically, the outputs are used for controlling the illumination system during image acquisition and for controlling a product gate that discharges a specific product from the process depending on the result of the image processing operation. With this ingenious function, an additional PLC is not needed in simple applications. Of course, the functions of the total of eight inputs and eight outputs can also be used or combined differently. Overall, they can be flexibly adapted to the widest range of applications. It is also possible to sample or set the values via a central PC.

The Trigger Device as a Network Component
Typically, the Trigger Device is installed on site in the process to minimize the cabling expenditure between sensors, actuators and the components of the vision system. However, it can also be configured centrally in the control cabinet as a real-time gateway between an existing PLC and the distributed vision system to exchange control commands without the PC being used at all. There are virtually no limits to the possible configurations. To be able to react flexibly to the most varied applications, the Trigger Device was designed as a GigE component for GigE Vision-compliant networks. It can operate easily with all components that comply with Standard Rel. 1.1 and really shines with cameras of the Baumer TX Series. A switch is necessary in the network for real-time distribution of the information between the camera(s), PC and the Trigger Device. For this reason, the Trigger Device was designed as a complement to the existing network components of the GigE Power Series from Baumer. Together with Baumer PoE cameras, true single-cable solutions can be created. To supplement existing networks or central mounting in the control cabinet, a stand-alone version was created with an integrated 3-port switch where two ports are PoE-ready. Both versions are designed for a voltage range of 24 V to 48 V without a switchover, just like the other components of the GigE Power Series. Mounting uses one DIN rail. The functions of the Trigger Device are easily configured over the network. A convenient, innovative tool with an intuitive graphical user interface makes complex programming easy and prevents the user from losing perspective. Of course, all functions can also be controlled via the SDK, the generic Baumer GAPI interface, in customer-specific applications.

The Network under Control
The network components of the Baumer GigE Power Series were created with the goal of providing the best possible integration support for Baumer GigE cameras in industrial applications. In this respect, besides the safety and reliability of the vision systems, flexibility and simple and robust operation were very important. One particular focus was the support of cameras with Power over Ethernet, a technology with only a few suitable accessory components on the market.
With PoE technology, the power necessary for operating the camera is transmitted at the same time as the image data at 1,000 Mbit/s over a standard Ethernet cable. The Baumer PoE cameras cover the range from VGA to 5 megapixels using high-quality CCD sensors. For the type of housing, a choice can be made between the known small and compact standard version and the completely encapsulated IP 67 type of housing designed for harsh environments.
The Baumer GigE Power Series currently includes two unmanaged PoE-ready GigE Power Switches of different expansion stages and one GigE Power Injector.
The basic version of the switches contains four 1000base-T ports and, in addition to providing the PoE supply, offers the potential of transmitting jumbo frames with up to 10.2 kb/s at a maximum data rate of 1,000 Mbit/s. The user can revert to the 6-port version for more complex requirements. This version is equipped with one additional 1000base-T port and one SFP port. The SFP port can be equipped with an additional Cu or a fiber optic module for environments where EMC is critical. If the switch function is not necessary, the GigE Power Injector developed by Baumer can be used to supply power to two PoE cameras. This guarantees a transparent data throughput without restrictions with respect to frame length, etc. The PoE switches and cameras can be operated using both 48 V and 24 V as provided in most industrial environments.

Perfectly Tuned
With the GigE Power Concept, Baumer is the first manufacturer to offer a complete solution for demanding machine vision systems consisting of cameras, network components and a Trigger Device that can be used to control simple processes within the system. The consistent development of GigE Vision-compatible products provides a perfectly tuned product range for a variety of applications.