Applications of FPD Link III Camera in Modern Technology

Flat Panel Display (FPD) -Link was first introduced in the early 2000s and quickly rose to prominence due to its ability to support higher resolutions, better color depth, and higher frame rates. The FPD-Link interface enabled the transfer of digitized video from cameras to displays with low latency and high performance, making it a revolutionary technology for the time. Today, the FPD-Link interface is an incredibly common technology, found in most electronic devices.

FPD Link III Camera is a crucial component in many modern imaging systems. Learn more about the FPD Link III Camera and its applications in the automotive industry and embedded visions.

Flat Panel Display Link (FPD)

Streaming digital video from graphics processors to digital displays uses the Flat Panel Display (FPD) communication protocol. It is an internal interface that transmits pairs of serialized video bits using low-voltage differential signaling.

With flat panel devices, volume, weight, as well as power consumption, are all reduced as compared to Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT). CRTs have been replaced by flat panel displays because of the benefits they provide over CRTs. On flat panel displays (FPDs), the user can view data, graphics, text, and images. Because flat panel devices are compact, they can be used to deliver video streaming through any electronic device. As such, flat panel devices offer an unprecedented level of convenience and flexibility for consumers, particularly when it comes to automobile applications.

Furthermore, the FPD-Link II and III chipsets have been tested to meet the ASIL-D functional safety level which is a requirement of automotive systems. They also incorporate on-chip ESD protection circuitry and feature low EMI, low power consumption, wide voltage range operation, fast signal transmission, robust connections even in harsh environments, and a small form factor.

FPD-Link II Camera

By eliminating the need for a second twisted pair dedicated to clock transmission, FPD-Link II utilizes only one differential pair to transmit the data used in infotainment and safety camera applications, leading to a more compact design that is lightweight and cost-effective.

FPD-Link III allows for a more reliable, higher-speed transmission than FPD-Link II, as the communication channel can confirm that data has been received without additional bandwidth or wires.

FPD-Link III Camera

A bidirectional transmission medium embedded in the same differential pair is the main characteristic of FPD-Link III. This bidirectional channel can carry HDCP, EDID, and other information needed to configure a display properly. The result of this is an increase in system flexibility, as the number of cables can be significantly reduced, as well as in overall cost.

There are FPD-Link III serializers and deserializers (SerDes) that have been designed specifically for connecting a processor to a camera or a display, respectively. The deserializer may create the frame synchronization internally or via an external signal. On the FPD-Link III, the bidirectional control channel and the video forward channel can coexist on the same cable whereas they occupy distinct locations in the frequency domain.

There must be a circuit that divides the input signal into two branches for power over coax (POC). The POC circuit receives DC power from one branch, while the signals are carried by the second branch without DC power. To achieve this, a component is inserted into the signal-path branch that avoids the DC but transmits both the back channel and the forward channel. This can be accomplished with a simple capacitor.

The FPD-Link III Interface can manage up to four cameras as distinct streams using virtual channels. Four input ports’ worth of data is combined onto one or two 4-lane CSI-2 interfaces. The CSI-2 TX may accommodate up to four virtual channels running simultaneously. Each input VC-ID for an FPD-Link III input port may be separately mapped to one of the four VC-ID values.

The result of this is an increase in system flexibility, as the number of cables can be significantly reduced.

Applications of FPD Link III Camera

FPD-Link III enables the transmission of high-resolution multimedia data between a camera and an in-car display unit, making it an ideal solution for modern automotive systems and some other applications.

Automobile Industry

The cameras were a cutting-edge addition to the car that gave drivers a measure of protection by enabling them to steer clear of potential dangers while reversing. In today’s market, backup cameras are even standard in small vehicles. This will increase both the driving experience and the safety of drivers.

Systems of the future will need to make room for the possibility of supporting numerous synchronized cameras. The interconnects have become increasingly complex and expensive in many applications as a result of adding more features to existing technology. Better video quality is provided by the new connection technique, along with copy protection. However, this comes at the expense of a far more expensive cable/connector ecosystem and the challenge of maintaining longer cable lines.

FPD-Link III was enhanced to enable copy-protected information to be sent from a Blu-ray player or server to a backseat multimedia screen using the same twisted-pair connection when faced with a similar problem inside the car. The requirement states that this must be done without regard to the price of the media or the availability of earlier, copy-protected material. These devices now share the same conductors that transport the video content, encoding and transmitting the same data that was previously transmitted over separate conductors through the FPD-Link III.

Embedded Vision

FPD-Link III cameras (SerDes cameras) can be designed in a variety of form factors for embedded vision applications that call for long cable lengths of up to 15m. A thin coaxial cable can be used to transfer image data, trigger and input/output (I/O) signals, and power supply.

In automotive, the Internet of Things, and general machine-vision applications, FPD-Link III cameras can be used independently or in groups. The cameras can be designed to be compatible with a large selection of M12 lenses and the most recent CMOS image sensors from Onsemi, Omnivision, and Sony.

Final Words

The modern automobile is incorporating more video technology. By employing less expensive cable to accomplish more, FPD-Link III is the perfect technology for the present as well as the future. Additionally, it is a technology that is prepared to keep up with upcoming developments.

Vadzo Imaging has experience with the design and manufacturing of SerDes-based cameras based on imaging sensors from Omnivision, Sony, and Onsemi. Our engineering team is adept with the evolution of both GMSL technology as well as FPD Link Technology.

In case of any queries, feel free to Contact Us.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between FPD-Link I, II, III, and IV?

• FPD-Link I / II: early LVDS-based serializers/deserializers (SerDes) for display links and video; FPD-Link II added higher data rates and embedded clocking.

• FPD-Link III: moves to higher bit-rates and a SerDes architecture that embeds clock and a bidirectional control channel on the same cable (often over coax or twisted pair); enables video + control + low-latency telemetry over one link.

• FPD-Link IV: modern evolution (higher per-lane bandwidth, improved PHYs, better EMI/EMC and channel tolerance) from vendors like TI to support 4K+/automotive needs; optimized SerDes, clocking and channel specs.

2. How does FPD-Link achieve gigabit-level data rates without data loss?

By using high-speed SerDes architectures (LVDS/CML PHY), embedded clock recovery (PLL/elastic buffers), and rigorous channel design (impedance control, equalization, termination). Error-resilient framing and low-latency buffers plus careful PCB/cable design preserve signal integrity at gigabit rates.

3. What are the clocking techniques used in FPD-Link interfaces?

FPD-Link typically uses an embedded clock (sent with the data) recovered by a PLL in the receiver. Some implementations also use a dedicated reference clock (REFCLK/PCLK) or strobe modes; TI’s app notes describe REFCLK selection and jitter requirements for FPD-Link III/IV.

4. What are the differential signaling voltage levels in FPD-Link?

Earlier FPD-Link implementations use LVDS voltage swings (~350 mV differential). Newer SerDes (FPD-Link III/IV) use CML/SerDes PHYs with different common-mode and swing characteristics tuned for coax/twisted-pair; check the device datasheet for exact levels.

5. How does FPD-Link handle high-speed video, control signals, and power over a single cable?

FPD-Link SerDes time-multiplex or embed different data types on the high-speed channel (video stream + Manchester-encoded back-channel for control). Power can be delivered over the same cable (power-over-coax/twisted pair) or separate conductor; TI provides application notes for implementing power-over-coax with FPD-Link III.

6. How is FPD-Link used in automotive camera systems?

FPD-Link III/IV SerDes are widely used to connect vehicle cameras (ADAS, surround view) to domain controllers: they provide uncompressed, low-latency video, a bidirectional control channel (I²C/CAN style), diagnostics/telemetry, and can feed power — all over a single coax or shielded twisted pair.

7. How does FPD-Link handle simultaneous video, audio, and control data?

The forward high-speed data channel carries packetized video frames while a lower-rate back-channel (often Manchester encoded) carries control, audio or telematics. Virtual channels/packet headers let the receiver demultiplex video, audio and commands.

8. What does FPD-Link stand for?

FPD-Link = Flat Panel Display Link. It began as a way to drive flat-panel displays and evolved into a high-speed SerDes family used also for camera links.

9. What is the difference between FPD-Link and LVDS?

LVDS is a physical differential signaling standard (low-voltage differential signaling). FPD-Link is a protocol/ecosystem historically using LVDS PHYs; later FPD-Link III/IV moved to SerDes/CML PHYs and added features (embedded clock, back-channel, power options). In short: LVDS = physical layer; FPD-Link = SerDes/protocol family built (originally) on LVDS.

10. What is an FPD-Link III camera?

An FPD-Link III camera is a camera module that uses FPD-Link III SerDes to transmit uncompressed video plus a bidirectional control channel over a single cable (coax or STP). It’s common in automotive ADAS and embedded vision for low latency and simple cabling.

11. How does FPD-Link III support bidirectional communication in cameras?

FPD-Link III embeds a low-rate back-channel (Manchester-encoded) on the same pair used for forward data, enabling I²C-style control from the host to the camera and status/telemetry from camera to host — all with low latency. TI’s I²C-over-FPD-Link docs explain this.

12. What are the key applications of FPD-Link III in the automotive industry?

Surround/backup cameras, ADAS sensors, driver monitoring, blind-spot detection, rear-view cameras, and in-vehicle infotainment camera feeds — anywhere you need reliable, low-latency, uncompressed video plus control/diagnostics over simple cabling.

13. How far can FPD-Link III transmit high-resolution video?

Range depends on SerDes rate, cable type and channel design. Practically, FPD-Link III commonly supports up to ~15 m for automotive coax/STP links at typical data rates; newer FPD-Link IV/modern SerDes extend bandwidth and can maintain higher resolutions over similar or longer runs with proper channel design. Always consult the specific SerDes datasheet and TI channel guidance.

14. Can FPD-Link III carry power along with video and control signals?

Yes — many FPD-Link III designs implement power-over-coax (PoC) or carry DC power on the cable so the camera can be powered remotely; TI provides application notes for safe PoC implementations.

15. What makes FPD-Link III ideal for embedded vision systems?

FPD-Link III offers low latency, uncompressed high-quality video, bidirectional control, simplified cabling (video + control + power), and robustness for automotive/industrial channels — all valuable for edge vision and ADAS.

16. How does FPD-Link III compare to MIPI and USB interfaces for camera links?

• MIPI CSI-2: optimized for short-reach board-level connections between sensor and SoC (very low overhead). Not typically used for long cable runs without SERDES.

• USB: host-centric, plug-and-play, good for general-purpose and PC setups but higher protocol overhead and latency.

• FPD-Link III: optimized for medium-to-long cable links (coax/STP), low latency, embedded control channel and PoC — preferred for automotive camera links and harsh environments. Choose based on distance, latency, and system topology.

17. How many cameras can FPD-Link III support via virtual channels?

FPD-Link III supports virtual channeling/packetization so multiple logical streams can be multiplexed; the exact number depends on SerDes bandwidth and packetization scheme. In practice, systems use virtual channels to carry multiple video streams or metadata, but the total count is constrained by aggregate bandwidth and latency requirements — check the SerDes datasheet for maximum virtual channel/stream support.