Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2

Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2In mobile devices and embedded systems, the MIPI protocol is a key technology for achieving high-speed data transmission. Today, we will delve into the four important concepts of MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2, examining their differences and connections.

1. Layered Architecture of the MIPI Protocol

The MIPI protocol adopts a layered architecture, mainly divided into the Physical Layer (PHY Layer) and the Protocol Layer (Protocol Layer).

  • Physical Layer: Defines the electrical characteristics of signals, transmission methods, and hardware interfaces. Both MIPI-DPHY and MIPI-CPHY belong to the physical layer standards.

  • Protocol Layer: Specifies the organization of data, transmission formats, and protocol overhead. MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI-2 are protocol layer standards used for data transmission to displays and cameras, respectively.

2. MIPI-DPHY and MIPI-CPHY: Two Choices for the Physical Layer

1. MIPI-DPHY

  • Transmission Rate: Up to 2.5Gbps per channel.

  • Signal Transmission Method: Uses differential signaling with a separate clock channel.

  • Power Consumption: Relatively low, suitable for power-sensitive scenarios.

  • Application Scenarios: Widely used in standard cameras and displays.

2. MIPI-CPHY

  • Transmission Rate: Single channel rate can reach 6Gbps.

  • Signal Transmission Method: Three-wire system, with clock embedded in the data.

  • Power Consumption: Relatively higher, but supports greater bandwidth.

  • Application Scenarios: Suitable for high-resolution cameras and high frame rate video transmission.

3. MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI-2: Two Applications of the Protocol Layer

1. MIPI DSI (Display Serial Interface)

  • Function: Used for data transmission from the processor to the display.

  • Transmission Modes: Supports video mode (continuous transmission) and command mode (on-demand transmission).

  • Application Scenarios: Mainly used in displays for mobile phones, tablets, and other devices.

2. MIPI CSI-2 (Camera Serial Interface)

  • Function: Used for data transmission from the camera to the processor.

  • Packet Structure: Includes frame start, line start, pixel data, and frame end.

  • Application Scenarios: Widely used in mobile phone cameras and multi-camera systems.

4. Their Connections

  • Relationship between Physical Layer and Protocol Layer: MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI-2 protocols can operate over MIPI-DPHY or MIPI-CPHY physical layers.

  • Adaptation of Application Scenarios: When selecting a physical layer, it is necessary to decide based on specific application scenarios and bandwidth requirements. For example, MIPI-DPHY may be a more suitable choice for standard cameras and displays, while MIPI-CPHY is more appropriate for high-resolution cameras and high frame rate video transmission.

5. Conclusion

  • MIPI-DPHY: Low cost, low power, suitable for standard cameras and displays.

  • MIPI-CPHY: High bandwidth, high performance, suitable for high-resolution cameras and high frame rate video.

  • MIPI DSI: Used for data transmission to displays, supporting various transmission modes.

  • MIPI CSI-2: Used for data transmission from cameras, supporting various pixel formats and multiplexing.

Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2

The E-Link chip modules and development boards provided by Nanjing Xuan Cai Photon Technology Co., Ltd. support MIPI as follows:

Chip Soft Core or Hard Core Protocol Type Speed
Ti60 Soft Core MIPI-DPHY (MIPI DSI/MIPI CSI-2) 1.5Gbps
Ti180 Hard Core MIPI-DPHY (MIPI DSI/MIPI CSI-2) * 2 2.5Gbps
Soft Core MIPI-DPHY (MIPI DSI/MIPI CSI-2) 1.5Gbps
Tj180 Hard Core MIPI-DPHY (MIPI DSI/MIPI CSI-2) * 2 2.5Gbps
Soft Core MIPI-DPHY (MIPI DSI/MIPI CSI-2) 1.5Gbps

Follow the Xuan Cai Photon WeChat public account, and let’s grow together on the FPGA development journey. Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2

Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2

Differences and Connections between MIPI-DPHY, MIPI-CPHY, MIPI DSI, and MIPI CSI-2

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