Videtronic’s V-Link is a compact solution designed to leverage GMSL2 (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link v2) technology to extend the transmission distance of Raspberry Pi MIPI DSI cameras up to 15 meters using a single cable.
The V-Link utilizes a MIPI CSI to GMSL2 board based on the MAX96717, which connects to the MIPI CSI interface on the Raspberry Pi, and a GMSL2 to MIPI CSI board based on the MAX96714, which connects to the Raspberry Pi camera module. This solution serves as an alternative to the THine THSER101 Raspberry Pi camera expansion kit and supports LAN cables up to 20 meters.
Main Features of V-Link
·Complete solution: Includes serializer, deserializer, and coaxial cable—no additional components required.
·Long-distance transmission: Supports transmission up to 15 meters via a single coaxial cable.
·High-speed, low-latency data transmission: Utilizes GMSL2 technology for real-time image streaming.
·Transmitter board
·Analog Devices MAX96717 CSI-2 to GMSL2 serializer
·MIPI CSI input connector
·GSLM2 output connector
·Receiver board
·Analog Devices MAX96714 single-channel GMSL2/GMSL1 to CSI-2 deserializer
·GSLM2 input connector
·MIPI CSI output connector to Raspberry Pi camera module
·Wide compatibility
·Compatible with NVIDIA Jetson (NVIDIA Jetson Orin), Toradex Clover, Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi 4, 5, Zero 2), and other MIPI CSI-2 compatible single-board computers (SBC).
·Camera – Raspberry Pi camera modules V1, V2, V3, AI Camera, and HQ Camera
·Secure FAKRA connectors: Automotive-grade locking connections ensure reliability in harsh environments.
Application Areas
·Robotics: Integrating cameras into autonomous robots requiring long-distance connections.
·Internet of Things: Efficiently transmitting camera data in IoT environments, regardless of distance.
·Machine Vision: Achieving precise imaging for industrial quality control and automation systems. Unlocking more AI application scenarios by providing flexible advanced settings and configurations.
·Industrial Automation: Integrating cameras into assembly lines and factory equipment to enhance performance.
·Image Analysis: Comprehensive support for various platforms to achieve precise analysis.
How does V-Link work?
·Connect the camera module – Connect any MIPI CSI-2 camera to the serializer module via a 15-pin or 22-pin FPC cable.
·Establish GMSL2 link – Connect the serializer and deserializer using a coaxial cable with FAKRA connectors.
·Connect to your processing unit – Use the appropriate FPC cable to connect the deserializer module to your SBC or embedded system.
·Install drivers: Install the provided drivers on your single-board computer (SBC). Once installed, the camera will function normally without additional modifications for access via existing software.
·Start video streaming – Your system will recognize the camera as a standard MIPI CSI-2 device with minimal configuration required.
Software
Example software drivers:
·GitHub repository for RPI drivers
·GitHub repository for Nvidia drivers
What components are included in the V-Link kit?
·Serialization module – Converts CSI-2 video from the camera to GMSL2 signals.
·Deserializer module – Receives signals and converts them back to MIPI CSI-2 format for processing.
·Coaxial cable with FAKRA connectors – Shielded, interference-resistant transmission, with a transmission distance of up to 15 meters.
·FPC cables – Includes cables required for 15-pin and 22-pin connections.