Solve camera design problems with ADI solutions for automotive cameras!

As the role expected of in-vehicle cameras grows, the challenges of development become more serious. For those involved in the design of in-vehicle cameras,

  

-High-speed transmission of high-definition data

-I want to reduce the heat effect and achieve miniaturization.

-Want to clear noise requirements for automotive

  

And you're probably looking for a better solution every day.

 

In this article, we will introduce the types of excellent solutions from Analog Devices, Inc., and their features that will help solve problems for those who are having trouble developing in-vehicle cameras.

In-Vehicle Camera Trends -Increase and Higher Image Quality-

With the spread of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving systems, the following two trends can be seen in in-vehicle cameras.

(1) Increase in types and numbers

Rear view cameras, surround view systems, drive recorders, electronic mirrors, etc. have become commonplace, and the types and numbers of cameras are increasing.

The number of in-vehicle cameras per vehicle is expected to increase to 6 at autonomous driving level 2 + (plus) and 12 at autonomous driving level 3.

(2) High image quality

In order to ensure higher safety, higher image quality is required. ADAS already requires a resolution of 2MP pixels, but it is expected to reach 6MP or more in the future. Analog cameras, which have been widely used in the past due to their cost, are now lacking in resolution.

In the development of in-vehicle cameras, engineers are required to solve conflicting issues such as high image quality, miniaturization, measures against heat generation, and noise reduction.

Analog Devices Solutions for Cameras

A recommended solution to solve these challenges is provided by Analog Devices. Let's introduce what kind of lineup we have.

What kind of ICs are used in in-vehicle cameras? The figure below is a block diagram showing the components of an in-vehicle camera.

 

The image read by the camera module's CMOS sensor is transmitted to the camera control unit (ECU) via the GMSL interface.

Power is supplied from the ECU to the camera module by Power Over Coax, which superimposes power on the communication cable.

Blocks enclosed in a red frame can be proposed from the Analog Devices solution lineup.

<Solutions that Analog Devices can provide for in-vehicle cameras>

・GMSL (serializer, deserializer)

・Power supply (primary, secondary)

・Power Over Coax (transmitting side, receiving side)

  

Let's take a look at each function and feature.

Camera interface GMSL compatible with ADAS

One of the challenges in improving the image quality of in-vehicle cameras is the transmission of images captured by high-resolution digital cameras between devices.

 

Analog Devices offers GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) SerDes ICs that enable serial transmission of large amounts of data.

Combining a serializer (transmitting side) and a deserializer (receiving side), high-quality video data can be transmitted over a wide bandwidth.

Image example of using GMSL solution in ADAS

  

Both GMSL serializers and deserializers support a wide variety of interfaces.

Since various systems can be flexibly connected, complex mutual communication can be realized with simple circuits.

  

GMSL system

A wide range of products are available. Depending on the required transmission volume, the solutions we can propose will change.

  

GMSL Solution Lineup

■ Serializer product selection guide

model number input interface Speed (Mbps) HDCP application
MAX96707 14 CMOS/LVDS 1740 1.74Gbps small camera
MAX96709 14 CMOS/LVDS 1740
MAX96705 16 CMOS/LVDS 1740
MAX96711 14 CMOS/LVDS 1740
MAX9271 16 CMOS/LVDS 1500 1.5Gbps camera/display
MAX9273 22 CMOS/LVDS 1500
MAX9249 4 LVDS 2500 2.5Gbps camera/display
MAX9259 30 CML 2500
MAX9293 - HDMI 3120 3.12Gbps display
MAX9277 4 LVDS 2800
MAX9281 4 LVDS 2800
MAX9275 30 LVCMOS 2800
MAX9279 30 LVCMOS 2800
MAX9291 - HDMI 3120

Only part of the lineup is shown. Other applicable products are also available.

■ Deserializer Product Selection Guide

model number input interface Speed (Mbps) HDCP application
MAX96796 14 CMOS/LVCMOS 1740 1.74Gbps small camera
MAX96708 14 CMOS/LVCMOS 1740
MAX9272A 28 CMOS/LVCMOS 1500 1.5Gbps camera/display
MAX9264 30 CMOS/LVCMOS 2500 2.5Gbps camera/display
MAX9268 4 LVDS 2500
MAX9260 30 CMOS/LVCMOS 2500
MAX9278A 4 LVDS 3210 3.12Gbps display
MAX9282A 4 LVDS 3210
MAX9276A 32 CMOS/LVCMOS 3210
MAX9280A 32 CMOS/LVCMOS 3210
MAX9288 4 CSI-2 3210
MAX9278 4 LVDS 3210
MAX9286 4 CSI-2 1500 Quad SER input for camera

Only part of the lineup is shown. Other applicable products are also available.


GMSL
By using our solutions, ADAS It is possible to realize a compact, high-resolution camera that can support Please consider it.

You can read more about GMSL in this article. Please take a look at it.

Abundant solutions that can simplify complicated power supply configurations

As the number of in-vehicle cameras increases, the required standard for miniaturization becomes stricter, and the simplification of the power supply circuit becomes more and more important.

 

Analog Devices offers a wide variety of power solutions for automotive power supplies.

 

The diagram below is a roadmap for high voltage synchronous buck converters used in primary power supplies.

We have solutions that support a wide range of voltages and currents, and can be used for all automotive power supply applications.

By choosing the right power supply solution, you can realize a simple circuit configuration with few ICs.

Product Roadmap for Primary Power Supplies

In-vehicle power supplies often have a secondary power supply that converts the power received from the primary power supply and outputs it.

Below is a roadmap for solutions for secondary power.

This also supports various voltages and currents, so you can select the optimal solution according to the specifications of the supply destination such as cameras and microcomputers.

Product Roadmap for Secondary Power

ADI's automotive power solutions are characterized by their high efficiency and ability to contribute to solving issues such as miniaturization and noise reduction. Please use all means.

Power supply ICs are introduced in detail in this article. Please take a look at it.

Power Over Coax that can supply power with one cable

One technology that contributes to the miniaturization of in-vehicle cameras is Power Over Coax, which superimposes power on the signal cable and enables power supply with a single cable.

 

Analog Devices provides Power Over Coax solutions for camera modules and ECUs.

 

The figure below is an example of a usage image of Power Over Coax.

In this example, placed on the board of the camera module is a step-down DC/DC converter "MAX20019" consisting of two small chips of only 3 mm x 2 mm.

Power Over Coax dramatically simplifies the power supply circuit, which tends to be complicated.

Image example of using Power Over Coax

With ADAS, higher image quality and more channels are progressing, and the current required by the camera is increasing. Therefore, solutions that support buck-boost and multiple channels are available for the ECU that is the transmission side of Power Over Coax.

 

ADI's Power Over Coax solution eliminates the need to squeeze complex power circuits into narrow camera boards, making it easier to achieve smaller cameras, fewer components, and lighter cables.
Products for Power Over Coax are introduced in detail in this article. Please take a look at it.

 

 

In this article, we introduced three types of solutions offered by Analog Devices for automotive cameras.

Analog Devices solutions facilitate speedy resolution of technical challenges. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

Application example

  • ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
  • In-vehicle camera module

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