Abstract: The achitecture and implementation of an image acquisition system which makes a real-time IEEE 1394/GbE conversion was discussed. The system can transmit the image data from the IEEE 1394-based camera to the Ethernet. System on a programmable chip(SOPC) technology was employed in the design. A Nios II processor, a GbEMac and a selfmade interfacing logic for IEEE 1394 link layer chip were integrated into a field programmable gate array(FPGA) chip, and the main hardware module was built by connecting all these internet protocol(IP) components with the Avalon buses. Together with the software programming, the system realized real-time transmission of the high speed picture data. The design achieved good performance, high degree of integration, simplicity and flexibility, and this shows the advantage of the SOPC technology.