Video chip extends transmission to greater than 15 metres

THine announces the high-volume availability of its new MIPI CSI-2 serializer IC, THCV243.

This new chip allows engineers to extend MIPI CSI-2 transmission to greater than 15 metres with a tiny 2.1mm x 2.9mm package. It also allows the reduction of a significant number of cables between the camera and processor board by aggregating the GPIO-type bidirectional control signals.

An application example

Demands for higher resolution and/or higher frame rate cameras require MIPI CSI-2 output, which are limited to a short transmission range of approximately 1 foot.

To extend this distance to 10 feet or more, the THCV243 serialises up to 4 lanes of MIPI CSI-2 signals and converts it into a single lane of V-by-One HS. V-by-One HS technology is a high-speed digital interface protocol developed and owned by THine. It supports up to 4Gbps per lane which can extend the transmission of 1080p60 2Mpixel uncompressed video over long distances.

THCV243’s companion chip, THCV242, deserialises the V-by-One HS signal generated by the THCV243 back to the original MIPI CSI-2 signal.

THCV243’s small package size of 2.1 x 2.9 mm allows a small camera form factor, which is a critical requirement for medical endoscope camera applications.

The chipset supports Sub-Link that aggregates bidirectional low speed signals, such as GPIO.

The separation of the V-by-One HS high speed signal path and Sub-Link enables easy debugging and gives more choices for physical harnesses including the utilisation of Keyssa’s contactless connection for systems benefiting from or requiring a ruggedised, low latency, detachable camera.

“The demand for medical camera devices to be smaller and have higher resolution is very strong and growing because it enables patients’ fast recovery due to minimising invasive procedures and allowing improved surgeon performance,” said Tak Iizuka, Chief Solution Architect of THine. “The small size and low power consumption features of the THCV243 are a perfect fit for medical endoscope applications.”

The chip will be available at major distributors including Digi-Key and Mouser shortly.