BitSim’s Camera Interface IP, MIPI CSI-2, now supports FPGAs from Microsemi in the PolarFire series. Both MIPI-CSI2 for PolarFire FPGAs without processor, at chip footprints as small as 11×11 mm, and also MIPI-CSI2 for the new PolarFire SoC with built-in RISC-V processors.
BitSim has initiated an open connector standard for camera modules: OMIPICON. OMIPICON stands for Open MIPI CONnect and is suitable for prototypes or production of small/medium-sized quantities.
The idea behind this is to save time and money when developing hardware with camera sensors. Neither the MIPI CSI-2 standard nor the MIPI DSI standard define a specific connector which means that suppliers of sensor modules use their own connectors, incompatible with others. You then need custom designs.
In addition, most available sensor connectors today are not suited for repeated inserts and removals. When debugging prototypes with these sensors, quite often these connector are only capable to withstand a few connections and disconnections. You end up spending too much time on connector issues.
With OMIPICON, there is only need for one FMC-adapter board and one U96 adapter board. And one adapter board per sensor. You then don’t need to insert and remove the adapter board’s connector.
If your application needs near real-time processing or low-latency performances, the concept of a distributed platform or Edge Computing may be a better choise. It may also offer lower operational costs and reduce traffic on the network.