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What happens when you connect 40+ GigE cameras to a single system?

Scaling multi-camera imaging systems is a technical challenge for system integrators and machine builders. Network congestion, CPU overload, synchronization errors, and configuration complexity can make it seem impossible to successfully build systems with many GigE cameras.

However, we recently ran a camera system with more than 40 GigE cameras connected via switches to a single PC. The system ran successfully and continuously for days with no frame drops or errors even under extreme stress. This was achieved using Spinnaker 4 SDK which is powered by the Teledyne GigE Framework that has been refined for nearly 20 years and trusted by industry leaders worldwide.

Spinnaker 4 SDK simplifies high-camera-count systems with industry-leading performance, stability, and ease of deployment.

The Challenges of Scaling Multi-Camera Systems

Scaling a GigE Vision system to 40+ cameras present several key challenges:

  • Network Congestion - Although each GigE camera has a dedicated 1 Gbps port, shared network switches can become overloaded and cause packet loss and delays.
  • CPU Overload - Managing streams from dozens of cameras can overwhelm system resources and lead to performance degradation.
  • Synchronization Errors - Time-sensitive applications like robotics and automated inspection demand precise timing. Without proper synchronization tools, cameras fall out of alignment and disrupt workflows.
  • Configuration Complexity - Managing network settings, assigning IPs, and troubleshooting a 40+ camera setup manually are tasks that are prone to errors and time consuming.

Without proper optimization, these issues can hinder scalability and system reliability.

How Spinnaker 4 SDK Solves These Problems

Spinnaker 4 SDK integrates the Teledyne GigE Framework, a tested technology originally from the Sapera SDK that ensures reliable, scalable, and efficient operation across high-camera-count systems.

Efficient Processing

Spinnaker 4 SDK is powered by the Teledyne GigE Driver which has been proven for nearly 20 years in industrial applications:

  • Proven Stability - Ensures uninterrupted operation under heavy workloads, even in mission-critical environments.
  • Lower CPU Usage - Optimized to reduce system overhead and free resources for other essential processes.

This balance enables reliable long-term operation without performance degradation.

Optimized Bandwidth Utilization

Efficiently managing bandwidth is critical when scaling to 40+ GigE cameras. Spinnaker 4 SDK achieves this through:

  • CPU Core Allocation - Distributes processing workloads by assigning CPU core or range of cores to NIC(s), preventing bottlenecks and ensuring balanced resource utilization.
  • Packet Resend Optimization - Reduces bandwidth consumption by intelligently managing packet retransmissions, ensuring data integrity without overwhelming the network.
  • Adjustable Packet Size - Enables users to configure packet sizes to align with network capabilities, reducing the likelihood of collisions and packet loss in high-load environments.
  • Multi-NIC Optimization - Distributes camera data across multiple network interfaces to maximize throughput and minimize congestion.

These capabilities enable smooth, uninterrupted data flow without packet loss.

Advanced Synchronization

Precise synchronization is crucial for time-sensitive applications such as robotics and automated inspection. Spinnaker 4 SDK, in combination with Teledyne’s portfolio of 2D area scan machine vision cameras, delivers seamless multi-camera synchronization with:

  • IEEE1588 (PTP) Support - Enables precise hardware-level timestamp synchronization across all connected cameras and ensures high accuracy clock alignment for high-speed applications.
  • In-Camera Triggering with Action Command - Provides nanosecond-level accuracy, allowing for perfectly coordinated image capture across multiple cameras without additional cables.

With these capabilities, Spinnaker 4 SDK enables 40+ cameras to reliably work together with consistent performance in demanding industrial environments.

Simplified Configuration and Diagnostics

Spinnaker 4 SDK also streamlines multi-camera setup and monitoring through:

  • Smart Configuration Utilities - Automates key setup tasks like IP assignment, bandwidth allocation, and prioritization.
  • Real-Time T2IR Diagnostics - Continuously monitors system performance to proactively address potential issues. Built-in diagnostic tools further assist in identifying and resolving network and performance issues quickly.

Real-World Proof: 46 Cameras with Zero Errors Under Stress

To validate Spinnaker 4 SDK’s capabilities, we connected 46 GigE Vision cameras via switches to a single PC. We further stressed the system by pushing CPU usage to 100% using external tools, simulating the demands of 24/7 image processing operations in real-world conditions.

The Results:

  • Zero Frame Drops
  • 100% Synchronization
  • Seamless High-Resolution Streams

Even under maximum CPU load, Spinnaker 4 SDK maintained performance and proved its robustness and reliability.

Conclusion

Scaling to 40+ cameras is a reality with Spinnaker 4 SDK, powered by the Teledyne GigE Framework, and Teledyne GigE vision cameras. Our solution delivers the stability and efficiency needed to push the boundaries of multi-camera systems. Whether you are looking to improve reliability, simplify deployment, or future-proof your vision system, Teledyne is the trusted choice for industry leaders.

Join the many companies who have successfully deployed Teledyne GigE Vision Solutions with confidence. Contact us today to scale your imaging system.

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