First MIPI C-PHY TX test solution targets next-generation cameras
The solution allows engineers developing next-generation camera technologies using the C-PHY 1.0 interface to conduct in-depth analyses, debugging and characterization of their designs.
Published in September 2014, the MIPI C-PHY standard presents a number of test and measurement challenges. The most significant is the use of three-level signaling that is transmitted as a single-ended signal over three wires. The receiver, however, sees these signals as differential. This requires a unique clock recovery mechanism to plot the eye diagram for analysis, which must work even under stressed eye conditions. Tektronix C-PHY Essentials, a new analysis and debugging software solution for C-PHY testing, fully supports the demanding C-PHY test requirements.
“With an up to 17.1 Gb/s data rate over a nine-wire interface, C-PHY provides the performance needed for high megapixel count image sensors along with low power consumption,” said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “Our solution for C-PHY transmitter testing allows engineers to detect issues early on in the product development phase and confidently assures transmitter devices’ performance and interoperability.”
Among the early implementers of C-PHY is OmniVision Technologies Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. OmniVision’s OV23850 and OV21840, both being 20+ megapixel image sensors designed for the next generation of flagship smartphones, have implemented the C-PHY interface under the current specification. Using the C-PHY Essentials analysis software, OmniVision and Tektronix were able to successfully validate and characterize the C-PHY interface used on the two new sensors.
“With its three-wire signaling, C-PHY represents a significant design and test challenge,” said Paul Gallagher, senior director of marketing and business development at OmniVision. “With the help of Tektronix C-PHY Essentials, we were able to easily set up cameras utilizing the OV23850 and OV21840 sensors and confirm the C-PHY interface’s compliance with the MIPI specification.”
While the C-PHY Essential software is designed for TX characterization, it can also be used by designers for receiver calibration. For receiver calibration, a user needs the ability to make various rise and fall time measurements and calibrate to a stressed eye with different impairments such as DCD as recommended by the C-PHY compliance test specification. As such, C-PHY TX analysis software can assist designers with receiver calibration through use of the eye diagram analysis function.
Working with solution partner The Moving Pixel Company, the Tektronix C-PHY solution includes a four-lane C-PHY traffic generator, single-lane oscilloscope based C-PHY protocol decoder and C-PHY termination board. The traffic generator can be also used for functional validation of the receiver. The protocol decoder is the industry’s first C-PHY decoder that runs on an oscilloscope. The Moving Pixel Company also offers a four-lane termination board that supports C-PHY and D-PHY, the industry’s first with support for both of these PHYs on the same board.
Availability and Pricing
The Tektronix C-PHY solution is available now worldwide.
Related articles and links:
tek.com/technology/mipi
News articles:
MIPI D-PHY interface compliance verification software for RTO oscilloscopes
Scope probes for high-speed bus testing boost bandwidth
R&S oscilloscope can test smartphone RFFE interface
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
