High-speed Interface
SLVS-EC™
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Overview
Scalable Low-Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock (SLVS-EC), is a high-speed interface developed by Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) for fast, high-resolution image sensors. The interface's simple protocol makes it easy to build camera systems. Featuring an embedded clock signal, it is ideal for applications that require higher speed, fewer lanes, or transmission over longer distances. While introducing a wide range of SLVS-EC compliant products, SSS will continue to promote SLVS-EC as a standard of interface for industrial image sensors that face increasing demands for more pixels and higher speed.
Technical Features
High-speed transmission
Enables implementation for high-speed, high-resolution image sensors without adding pins or enlarging the package. SLVS-EC supports a maximum of 10 Gbps/lane (as of June 2024), making it capable of effective, high-resolution, high-frame rate image transfer. Also, thanks to its high data rate, fewer lanes are needed to send the same amount of data. This enables simplification of the interface connection, making design easy and straightforward.
Long-distance transmission
Because SLVS-EC uses the embedded clock method, it is more suitable for long-distance data transmission than other interfaces that require clock synchronization. When using 5 Gbps/lane, for example, transmission over 5 meters is possible by selecting appropriate cables and other components for design. Therefore, the distance between the image sensor and a FPGA/DSP or similar can be extended, resulting in better flexibility in the system design of high-speed interfaces.
Multi-lane functionality
Extremely versatile, with exceptional freedom in the connection configuration between image sensors and the FPGA/DSP.
Multi-interface
The base SLVS-EC configuration features 1–8 lanes, and using multiple interfaces enables high-speed data transfer.
Multi-sensor
By receiving signals from multiple image sensors with a single FPGA/DSP, SLVS-EC can be used for multi-camera systems or similar applications. It can also be applied in systems that use multiple sensors to capture a wide field of view with high resolution.
Without a clock lane and or need for wiring of equal length, SLVS-EC affords greater freedom in sensor arrangements.
Multi-stream
Enables simultaneous output of multiple types of images from a single image sensor.*1
Example:Full-resolution video + Full HD still images, or other combinations
*1) Multi-stream functionality is implemented in consumer camera sensors. (As of November 2020.)
Easy system implementation
Uses the same 8b/10b encoding as in common interfaces. Can be connected to FPGAs or other common industrial camera components. With an embedded clock signal, SLVS-EC eliminates the need for skew adjustment between lanes, making substrate artwork simple. Furthermore, a simple protocol facilitates implementation.
SLVS-EC standard
SLVS-EC is standardized by the Japan Industrial Imaging Association (JIIA)
For details on how to receive the latest version of the SLVS-EC Specification, please inquire us via ‘contact us’ below.
For the details of the licensing program of Standard Essential Patents, please click here.
*SLVS-EC and its logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates.
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