Reference design lowers cost of remote image sensing
Lattice Semiconductor has introduced a new reference design for remotely locating image sensors up to 8m away from the image signal processor and transmitting and receiving video signals at resolutions that range up to 720p60 and 1080p30.
Dubbed SensorExtender, the system uses a low cost Cat5E cable to carry hd video and send I2C sensor control signals from the ISP during the vertical blanking period. Three twisted pairs carry the video and commands while a fourth pair provides power and ground to the remotely located sensors.
According to Lattice, the SensorExtender serves applications that require image sensors to be separated from the image signal processor, which are often placed in tight spaces without room for adjacent ISPs to process the image.
Typical applications include medical probes, large screen tvs with an integrated hd camera, surveillance domes, piping inspection ports and point of sale scanners.