IDS Imaging Development Systems is releasing the IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit, an evaluation platform for modern embedded vision applications
The system combines intelligent camera modules with integrated image processing, Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL2) transmission technology, and an industrial-grade embedded PC based on the Nvidia Jetson Orin NX platform.
The embedded PC features matching GMSL connectors for the direct connection of the camera modules. Companies can borrow the Discovery Kit for evaluation and use it for their own development projects.
Applications where several cameras must transmit image data synchronously and with low latency to an embedded PC place special demands on data transmission, synchronisation, and integration. At the same time, cabling and integration effort should be kept as low as possible. To meet these requirements, IDS provides a pre-configured platform that lets developers evaluate corresponding system architectures.
The Discovery Kit’s core is intelligent camera modules with an integrated Image Signal Processor (ISP) and System-on-Chip (SoC). They capture image data via an onsemi AR0233 image sensor in Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second and support functions such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and LED Flicker Mitigation.
Depending on the version, several camera modules can be integrated into one system. The IDS driver software provides camera data via the standardised Video for Linux 2 (V4L2) interface. This lets developers work immediately with their own Python and OpenCV applications and evaluate the cameras without extra integration effort.
Live images can be output directly or integrated into existing systems as streams via the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Camera modules connect to the embedded PC via GMSL. Originally developed for automotive applications, the technology transmits image data, control information, synchronisation signals, and power via a single cable. This enables several cameras to operate synchronously and be positioned flexibly. It can also bridge longer distances between camera modules and the embedded PC.
The system suits projects with distributed cameras in mobile applications that require robust, long, space-saving cabling, including robotics systems, autonomous vehicles, smart farming, mobile machines, drones, aviation systems, and medical technology.
Kai Hartmann, product innovation manager at IDS, said, “With the Discovery Kit, developers and original equipment manufacturers can evaluate modern embedded vision architectures in their own applications. The foundations for customer-specific systems and subsequent series solutions emerge from such innovation projects. Our goal is to shorten the path from the initial idea to application-specific implementation.”
The IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit can be requested immediately for evaluation, including technical support. For subsequent custom development projects, IDS offers support through its Customised Solutions & Services program.
