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With C-PHY v2.0 implementations starting to make their way into the market, there’s no better time than now to share some insights about this unique specification. In fact, to demonstrate how relevant this specification is, the smartphone or tablet you are using to read this article most likely uses some version of C-PHY.
C-PHY is a type of physical layer specification used in mobile devices to transmit data between the application processor and the display or between the camera and the application processor. Anytime a camera and a display screen are involved, the C-PHY layer is working in the background of your electronic device, communicating the data to and from the application processor. Manufacturers use C-PHY to design products that adhere to the MIPI Alliance specifications. These specifications contribute to improving the time-to-market for new electronics by standardizing the interface between products from different manufacturers.
C-PHY v2.0 doubles the maximum symbol rate from to 6.5 Gsps or even 8 Gsps.
C-PHY is probably one of the fastest interface specifications to transition between a sleep/pause state and a high-speed transmission state. And with the introduction of Alternate Low Power (ALP) mode, the latency of C-PHY v2.0 is reduced even further!
The most recent specification defines a Fast Lane Turnaround procedure to reverse the bus direction without returning to LP mode, allowing for quicker bus turnarounds.
C-PHY v2.0 defines the requirements for receiver equalization to maximize performance at the highest symbol rates. It includes low-power modes and improved power management features, which help to reduce power consumption in mobile devices.
C-PHY v2.0 enables next generation electronics by using advanced coding techniques, such as non-return-to-zero (NRZ) coding and pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM), to increase the data transfer rate up to 44 Gbps. Additionally, it supports advanced equalization and calibration, which are essential for bandwidth-constrained channels such as flex PCBs or glass interfaces..
As a high-performance, low-power, and flexible physical layer specification, it is well-suited for use in mobile devices, especially those with high-resolution image sensors and displays. However, it can also be applied to other applications. The below items all use C-PHY:
For more advanced insights and memorable concepts on C-PHY, learn from Dr. Mohamed Hafed, Chief Executive Officer of Introspect Technology during his presentation at MIPI DevCon in Bangalore, India. We don’t mean to brag, but this is MIPI Alliance’s most viewed video on their YouTube channel, and it is truly worth a listen.
For inquiries on our C-PHY testing solutions, send us an email at info@introspect.ca.
