Since then, the industry has experienced an explosion in data rate requirements for cameras and displays due to increases in image dynamic range, pixel resolution, and frame rates. These enhancements are crucial not only for improving user visual experiences but also for enabling real-time advanced image processing. It’s no surprise then that a key feature of the MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY interfaces has been the continuous increase in maximum data rates across different versions to keep pace with market demands.
Recently, these interfaces have expanded beyond mobile markets, allowing companies to leverage economies of scale and investments in silicon design, software development, and testing infrastructure. Today, MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY are found in automotive (infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous driving), industrial (machine vision, robotics, surveillance), immersive headsets (augmented reality/AR, virtual reality/VR, mixed reality/MR), healthcare, and other mobile influenced markets. Such a broad spectrum of applications is driving the evolution of the interfaces with an increased focus on power saving features, longer reach capabilities, reduced pin count, etc.
Deployment in these new markets also presents additional challenges for IP and IC vendors, which were not typically encountered in mobile applications. For instance, safety-critical applications in automotive require designs that accommodate larger sigma variations to reduce failure rates, incorporate safety mechanisms for fault detection, operate across broader junction temperature ranges, and ensure reliability over 10-15 years of operation. These new requirements are addressed by industry standards such as ISO26262, which focuses on functional safety, and AEC-Q100, which outlines stress testing for automotive-grade integrated circuits. Additionally, vendors must consider electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to prevent high-speed data links from interfering with other electronic systems.
By remaining tuned to all these market forces and adapting the interfaces accordingly, MIPI D-PHY and MIPI C-PHY maintain their relevance as we transition into a new era of technological advancements in areas such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Read more here.
Leave a Reply