Pleora’s Multi-Channel IP Engines Set New Performance Benchmarks for Analog Video Over Ethernet

• iPORT™ engines stream up to 12 multiplexed analog video signals at high speed over GigE (Gigabit Ethernet) with low, predictable latency (or delay)

OTTAWA, CANADA, April 26, 2004: Pleora Technologies today announced volume availability of the iPORT PT1000 ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 Analog Video IP (Internet Protocol) Engines, the industry’s first analog-to-IP converters for applications requiring machine vision-grade performance.

The PT1000 ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 engines use highly efficient FPGA (field-programmable gate array) technology to perform high-speed IP conversions on up to 12 multiplexed analog video signals. The signals are transported to PCs with low, predictable latency at up to 1 Gb/s (more than 100 MB/s) over standard GigE links or LANs (local-area networks). From video source to PC memory, the engines typically achieve consistent latencies of less than 200 microseconds, or millionths of a second.

The iPORT ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 engines are ideal for multi-camera analog vision systems. They also integrate seamlessly in switched GigE vision networks with Pleora’s PT1000-CL and PT1000-LV engines for Camera Link™ and LVDS (low-voltage differential signal) video. These multi-format GigE vision networks lower the cost, extend the reach, and improve the efficiency of installations with more than one camera type.

“Our iPORT ANL engines meet growing demand from vision system designers for communications platforms that combine performance with flexibility and low cost,” said George Chamberlain, President, Pleora Technologies. “The engines deliver the speed and latency needed for demanding applications, while offering the unmatched flexibility of multi-channel communications over standard, affordable GigE equipment.”

Extensive analog video processing capabilities

Pleora’s iPORT PT1000 ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 Analog Video IP Engines accept all commonly used analog video formats, including composite or S-video NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) and PAL (Phase Alternation Line), RS-170, CCIR (Comité Consultatif International des Radio-Communications), and SECAM (Système Électronique Couleur Avec Mémoire).

The engines simultaneously “frame-grab” and digitize two 30-frame/s streams in any of these formats. The PT1000 ANL-2/12, offered as an OEM board, supports up to six multiplexed channels per stream, for a total of 12 channels. The PT1000 ANL-2/6, offered as a boxed unit, supports up to three multiplexed channels per stream, for a total of six channels.

Both engines also feature GPIO (general purpose input output) control, with two TTL (transistor-to-transistor logic) inputs and outputs, an RS-232 serial port, and an optically isolated input and output.

Scaleable GigE vision networking

Pleora’s PT1000 ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 engines allow vision systems designers to build flexible multi-channel vision applications using economical, widely available standard GigE switches and PC NICs (network interface cards or chips). Separate PC framegrabbers are not required.

The engines allow designers to, for instance, interconnect multiple cameras, multicast data from one camera to multiple PCs, or distribute image processing across multiple PCs. For security/surveillance applications, this highly scaleable, PC-based processing approach cost less and easier to manage than traditional DVR (digital video recorder) systems.

End-to-end solution

As part of Pleora’s iPORT Vision Connectivity Solution, the PT1000 ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 engines are delivered with two powerful pieces of PC software: the iPORT IP Device Driver and the iPORT Software Development Kit. Running under Linux or Windows, this software streamlines video delivery and eases applications development. And, since it supports Pleora’s entire family of iPORT IP Engines, the software allows designers to build applications for multiple camera types using a single application platform.

The ANL-2/12 and ANL-2/6 are the latest members of Pleora’s growing family of iPORT IP Engines. Pleora also offers lower-density ANL engines, and engines for Camera Link, LVDS, and raw analog or digital data.

About Pleora

Pleora Technologies is the world’s leading supplier of Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) connectivity solutions for vision systems. Pleora’s iPORT products stream imaging data over low-cost GigE connections with very high performance, while at the same time giving vision systems long-distance reach, scaleable processing, flexible networking, and unmatched ease of use. Pleora is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.