The global MIPI A-PHY standard is an asymmetric SerDes interface that provides high-performance links between automotive image sensors and displays and their associated electronic control units (ECUs). It was designed to simplify the integration of sensors and displays for automotive applications, including ADAS, digital cockpits, infotainment centers, and autonomous-driving systems.
Leveraging MIPI A-PHY, Valens Semiconductor’s recently released VA7000 chipset provides multi-gig asymmetric connectivity and is designed to extend CSI-2-based sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, radar, and more. The chipset family offers a pair of serializers—the VA7031 and VA7021—and a pair of deserializers—the VA7044 and VA7042, which provide link speeds of up to 8 Gb/s.
The ICs operate over standard vehicle wires at a maximum length of 15 meters (50 feet) via coax using shielded differential pair with four inline connectors or unshielded twisted pair wiring for 10 meters (33 feet) with four inline connectors.
Cabe is a Technology Editor for Electronic Design.
Engineer, Machinist, Maker, Writer. A graduate Electrical Engineer actively plying his expertise in the industry and at his company, Gunhead. When not designing/building, he creates a steady torrent of projects and content in the media world. Many of his projects and articles are online at element14 & SolidSmack, industry-focused work at EETimes & EDN, and offbeat articles at Make Magazine. Currently, you can find him hosting webinars and contributing to Electronic Design and Machine Design.
