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Robust Long-Distance Rear-View Camera System for Truck ECU

Rugged design. Real-time vision

Overview

This project developed a heavy-duty vehicle ECU with a dependable rear-view camera system. A camera set at the trailer’s extreme back (15–20 meters distant) was linked to a truck cabin-based Electronic Control Unit (ECU). ECU running a bespoke Linux Board Support Package (BSP) on an automotive-grade SoC (e.g., NXP i.MX8QXP version) was needed to show low-latency rear camera live footage on the primary infotainment display.

Business Challenges

Legacy truck rear-view camera systems failed to handle long-distance footage, low-latency, and severe situations. The customer sought a dependable solution. Power supply and Linux BSP integration complicated things.

  • Signal Integrity over Long Distance: Standard MIPI CSI-2 links are only designed for <30 cm runs; transmitting over 15–20 m in a noisy truck environment posed serious integrity risks.
  • Low-Latency Video Requirement: Safety-critical reversing operations demanded sub-100 ms glass-to-glass latency.
  • Environmental Robustness: Equipment needed to endure vibration, temperature extremes, moisture, and dirt.
  • Power Delivery: Supplying power to the camera over long distances without voltage drop or noise.
  • Linux Integration: Camera system needed full V4L2/Media Controller integration within the custom Yocto-based BSP.

Silicon Signals’ Solution

Silicon Signals designed and delivered a GMSL-based SerDes link architecture to meet all performance and reliability requirements

Camera Module

OV2311 image sensor + GMSL serializer converts MIPI CSI-2 into high-speed serial video stream.

Cable

Automotive-grade coax/STP carries video, I²C control, GPIOs, and power over PoC in a single link.

ECU

NXP i.MX8QXP ECU with GMSL deserializer linked to CSI-2 receiver, featuring integrated PoC circuit.

V4L2 Driver

Custom Linux V4L2 sub-device driver handles GMSL link init, PoC management, and error reporting.

Sensor Driver

Standard V4L2 sensor driver routed via GMSL’s virtual I²C bridge ensures reliable image streaming.

Display Pipeline

Optimized GStreamer userspace display with kmssink enables ultra-low latency video performance.

Company Facts

Driven by innovation, Silicon Signals partners with clients to create impactful and lasting technology.

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Tech Stack

Hardware

NXP i.MX8QXP SoC, OV2311 sensor, Maxim GMSL SerDes (e.g., MAX9296), automotive coax/STP.

Software

Linux Yocto BSP, V4L2, Media Controller, Device Tree bindings, GStreamer, DRM/KMS.

Drivers & Config

Custom Device Tree bindings, deserializer & sensor drivers, latency-optimized pipelines.

Tools

Oscilloscope, photodiode, signal generator, v4l2-ctl, debugfs, custom V4L2 test apps, truck simulator/real vehicle.

Key Benefits 

Provided low-latency, dependable video, easier wiring, cost savings, and automobile compliance.

  • Stable Video: Stable 1080p video transmission acquired over 20 meters with zero signal loss or interference.
  • Low Latency: Glass-to-glass latency is preserved below 80 ms, guaranteeing safe reversing and fast driver response.
  • Simplified Cabling: Power-over-Coax streamlined cabling design, decreasing wiring complexity and providing clean power.
  • Robust Design: Rugged automotive-grade design guaranteed reliability under heat, vibration, dust, and moisture.

Download the case study here!

    Best Practices

    Reliable automotive camera systems demand focus on SerDes, latency, PoC wiring, and media control.

    • SerDes Importance: SerDes is essential for long-distance, low-latency camera links in automotive applications.
    • Latency Check: Early latency measurement using hardware tools prevents late-stage surprises.
    • PoC Wiring: PoC can significantly reduce wiring complexity but requires careful filtering.
    • Media Integration: Media Controller integration simplifies complex multi-device camera pipelines.
    • Latency Optimization: Bypassing compositors (e.g., direct kmssink) is key for achieving ultra-low latency.

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