Electronics Weekly
Lattice Semiconductor has addressed the issue of multiple image sensor and display interface protocols with an FPGA-based bridge chip.
Essentially, the device, called CrossLink, is a video interface bridge with a fast MIPI D-PHY capability that delivers up to 4K ultra-HD resolution at 12Gbit/s bandwidth.
Protocols supported include MIPI D-PHY, MIPI CSI-2, MIPI DSI, MIPI DPI, CMOS, SubLVDS and LVDS. Package size can be as small as 6mm square.
The chip can multiplex, merge and arbitrate between multiple image sensors to a single input. The device can also interface between high-end industrial and lower specification A/V image sensors with mobile application processors.
This is applicable for 360, action, surveillance and DSLR cameras along with drones, augmented reality products.
According to Lattice, the bridge IC makes it possible to receive video data from one MIPI DSI interface and send it out over two MIPI DSI interfaces at half the bandwidth. The same video stream can be split to two interfaces.
One application could be integrating consumer and industrial panels with RGB or LVDS interfaces with mobile applications processors.
The CrossLink bridge can convert from MIPI DSI to multiple lanes of CMOS or LVDS interfaces such as MIPI DPI, OpenLDI and proprietary interface formats for HMIs, smart displays and smart homes. Evaluation boards are also available.
