The MIPI Alliance has updated its Camera Serial Interface-2 (CSI-2) specification with Unified Serial Link (USL), Smart Region of Interest (SROI), and RAW-24 features. Version 3.0 of the specification is also accompanied by new tools and companion specifications for developer enablement, including the MIPI Camera Command Set (MIPI CCS) and a Conformance Test Suite (CTS).

The MIPI CSI-2 v3.0’s USL feature encapsulates connections between image sensors and applications processors to minimize the required number of wires. SROI can be used to analyze images more efficiently, while RAW-24 delivers 24-bit precision rendering of image pixels.

MIPI CCS for CSI-2 v3.0 defines standard functions for implementing and controlling MIPI-based sensors that will reduce driver development and integration costs. It will be released later this year. MIPI CSI-2 and MIPI CCS can be implemented on MIPI’s C-PHY or D-PHY physical layers.

The CTS for CSI-2 v3.0 defines interoperability tests, and is available now.

CSI-2 v3.0 is the second step in a three-phase process of expanding the technology from mobile phones to automotive, medical, IoT, and other embedded systems. The process will culminate with another version of CSI-2 that targets ultra-low-power, always-on interfacing, data protection, and functional safety, as well as the MIPI A-PHY physical layer specification.

For more information, visit the MIPI website or attend MIPI DevCon Taipei on October 18, 2019.