Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. introduces its latest 3.12Gbps gigabbit multimedia serial link (GMSL) SerDes chipset, which significantly improves design flexibility for shielded twisted pair (STP) and coaxial cable transmissions; designers can support high-resolution automotive infotainment systems using traditional STP or lighter, lower-cost coaxial cables.
Currently, STP cables are commonly used in automotive designs to transmit data to the displays of automotive infotainment systems. However, an increasing number of OEMs are beginning to explore coaxial cable solutions to reduce costs and weight by more than 50%. With Maxim's SerDes chipset, OEMs can continue using STP cables in their designs and seamlessly transition to coaxial cable solutions in future module designs without requiring component replacements.
This chipset offers 15-meter coaxial or STP cable drive capability, providing ample margin for reliable and flexible designs. Each serializer and deserializer features built-in spread spectrum functionality, effectively improving EMI performance in the link without requiring an external spread spectrum clock. Each serializer is compatible with any deserializer in the series, supporting different interfaces at the link termination. In addition to providing high-resolution drive for central and rear displays, this chipset series is also suitable for megapixel camera systems.
Main advantages
Reduced cable costs and weight: Each SerDes chipset can use coaxial cables, reducing cable costs and weight by more than 50%.
Supports high-resolution displays: capable of driving 1920x720 pixel displays with 24-bit color, improving the visual effects of security and entertainment systems.
Longer cable transmission distance: The chipset can reliably drive 15-meter cables, which is 50% longer than competing solutions.
Extremely low EMI: The serial unit has built-in spread spectrum functionality, which effectively reduces EMI without the need for external components.
In addition, each component operates within an automotive-grade temperature range of -40°C to +105°C; evaluation (EV) boards and pricing information are available for eligible customers. HDCP-compatible versions are now available in addition to the previous generation GMSL SerDes products.
