Dual-port quad deserializer hub aggregates data from vehicular cameras

Texas Instruments introduced the industry’s first dual-port quad deserializer hub that is compliant with the MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2 (CSI-2) specification. The new automotive-qualified hub simultaneously aggregates and replicates high-resolution data from up to four cameras. High data throughput and precision are essential in autonomous driving and sensor fusion-based advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including surround-view systems, rearview cameras, driver-monitor cameras, camera-monitor systems, front camera systems and satellite radar equipment. For more information, see .

The new device’s higher bandwidth enables processing of more video data at faster speeds in equipment designed to recognize pedestrians, bicyclists and other obstacles in a vehicle’s path or periphery. The DS90UB964-Q1 FPD-Link III device’s dual CSI-2 outputs with virtual channel ID mapping and port replication save processor resources to speed processing of data from up to four cameras at 100 MHz per sensor and 12-bit resolution. In addition, TI’s adaptive equalization (EQ) provides diagnostics that enable the system to monitor cable health and take action before cable failure occurs.

Key features and benefits of the new DS90UB964-Q1 quad deserializer hub

• Faster video processing: Dual-port CSI-2 outputs support video transmission at up to 1.6 Gbps per lane for higher bandwidth and faster obstacle recognition by supporting the following:
  • The second CSI-2 port enables simultaneous video replication for data logging, or separate viewing and machine-vision flows.
  • The new hub, unlike competitive devices, supports virtual channel ID mapping which helps processors differentiate cameras and high-dynamic-range exposures, enabling more efficient processing.
  • The ultra-low-latency control channel enables integration of the image signal processing (ISP) function into the electronic control unit (ECU), and out of the camera, improving image quality and reducing system costs.
• Robust system operation and diagnostics: Like other devices in TI’s growing FPD-Link III serializer-deserializer (SerDes) family, the DS90UB964-Q1 features adaptive receiver EQ rather than transmitter pre-emphasis. Adaptive EQ automatically compensates for cable aging and bending effects to ensure optimal signal quality, and helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Cost-optimized, flexible system design: TI’s broad portfolio of interoperable, upward- and downward-compatible FPD-Link III SerDes devices support automotive manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers’ high-, mid- and entry-level performance configurations. This scalability makes it easy for designers to select and design in the best SerDes to optimize system performance and cost.

The DS90UB964-Q1 deserializer hub can work with many processors on the market today, including the TDA3x SoC processor for ADAS. The power-over-coax support in both devices enables engineers to significantly reduce the wiring needed in their systems.

In addition to the DS90UB964-Q1 1-megapixel (MP) deserializer hub, TI is now sampling SerDes devices for 2-MP cameras at 60 frames per second. These 2-MP devices feature synchronous clocking, and advanced data protection and diagnostic features.