Industry's first dual-port CSI-2 quad deserializer hub
Data collection and replication possible from multiple high-resolution sensors such as automotive cameras and radar

TI announced that it is launching the industry's first dual-port quad deserializer hub that meets the MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2 (CSI-2) standard.

This new automotive standard hub IC can collect and replicate high-resolution data from up to four cameras simultaneously. In addition, autonomous driving and sensor fusion-based ADAS systems, such as surround view systems, rear cameras, driver monitoring cameras, camera monitoring systems, front camera systems, and satellite radar equipment, require high data throughput and precision.

This new product provides higher bandwidth, helping equipment capable of recognizing pedestrians, bicycles, and other obstacles along a vehicle's driving path or in its vicinity to process video data more quickly. The DS90UB964-Q1 FPD-Link III device provides dual CSI-2 outputs, virtual channel ID mapping, and port replication capabilities, enabling fast processing of data from up to four cameras operating at 100 MHz and 12-bit resolution per sensor while saving processor resources.

In addition, TI’s Adaptive Equalization (EQ) feature allows the system to monitor cable conditions and take preventive measures before cable defects occur.

The main features and advantages of this hub IC are that it can transmit video at up to 1.6 Gbps per lane with dual-port CSI-2 outputs, enabling higher bandwidth and faster obstacle detection, and the second CSI-2 port can use simultaneous video replication to perform data logging or separate viewing or machine vision flows.

In addition, unlike competing products, virtual channel ID mapping is possible, allowing the processor to distinguish between cameras and HDR (high-dynamic-range) exposures for more efficient processing. Furthermore, the extremely low latency of the control channel enables image signal processing (ISP) functions to be taken from the camera and integrated into the electronic control unit (ECU), thereby improving image quality and lowering system costs.

Like other products in the TI FPD-Link III Serializer-Deserializer (SerDes) family, it uses the Adaptive Receiver EQ function instead of transmitter pre-emphasis. Adaptive EQ can automatically compensate for the effects of cable aging and bending, thereby achieving optimal signal quality and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI).

TI FPD-Link III SerDes devices offer interoperability and upstream and downstream compatibility, allowing automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers to utilize high-end, mid-range, and entry-level performance as needed. Additionally, they can conveniently select SerDes products that optimize system performance and minimize costs.

The DS90UB964-Q1 deserializer hub can be used with various processors on the market, including the TDA3x SoC processor for ADAS. Since both devices support PoC (power-over-coax), the wiring required for the system can be significantly reduced.

TI is currently supplying samples of SerDes devices for 2MP cameras with a speed of 60 frames per second, along with the DS90UB964-Q1 1MP (megapixel) deserializer hub. These 2MP devices feature synchronous clocking and advanced data protection and diagnostic capabilities.