General
The AVT PvAPI SDK is a powerful, multi-platform software development kit (SDK) to programmatically control and capture images from AVT GigE Vision cameras. The features supported by a camera are described in a GenICam compliant XML file which is provided by the camera itself. The PvAPI parses the XML file and makes in this way the camera features available to the user.

Components
The AVT PvAPI SDK is available free of charge and provides the following components:

• A progressive vision Application Programming Interface (PvAPI for short) with GenICam-like feature control option that enables to integrate any GigE Vision camera from AVT easily into image processing application.
• Very efficient NDIS GigE filter driver reducing the CPU load significantly
• Various examples based on the PvAPI. Thereby, also the complete source code for the GigE Sample Viewer is included in the SDK so that programmers can use the sources as a starting point for developing their own vision application
• Comprehensive Programmer’s Reference Manual (PDF file) describing the PvAPI and its usage

Separately, a PvAPI and MFC based SampleViewer is available to operate any AVT GigE Vision camera and to explore camera features right out of the box (see below for details).

Hardware requirements
For an optimal performance we recommend to use gigabit Ethernet network adapter that optionally 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.

Please note:
In general any Ethernet adapter will work, but we advise PCI express from Intel or another reputable brand if maximum performance is requested. More information about a suitable system set-up and optimization, as well as our GigE Vision compliant cameras can be found in our Knowledge Base.

Supported 32- and 64-bit Windows operating systems:
Windows 7, Vista and XP as well as Windows 2000 (32-bit only)

Please note:
This SDK provides multiple platform support. Therefore, besides Windows, the AVT PvAPI SDK also supports Linux, MAC OS, and the QNX real-time operating system.

The GigE Sample Viewer program is an application that allows users to operate AVT's GigE Vision® cameras and to explore camera features right out of the box. The complete source code for the Sample Viewer is included in AVT's PvAPI SDK so that programmers can use the GigE Sample Viewer as a starting point for developing their own vision applications.

The GigE Sample Viewer installer package also includes the AVT/Prosilica GigE filter driver as an optional component. The filter driver can be used to reduce CPU loading of the host computer.