Hello,
Previously, we attempted to connect our company’s image sensor to the Rubik Pi 3. However, since the upstream Linux kernel (V4L2-based image capture) currently does not support it, we are waiting for that to be resolved.
Leaving that issue aside, we would like to ask about video capture other than image sensors or image sensor + ISP combinations.
Our company has a bridge chip called PR2100, one of our best-selling products. This chip converts analog video signals (AHD, CVI, TVI, etc.) into MIPI output. When fully configured, the connection looks as shown in the attached diagram.
Since Rubik Pi, according to the specifications, provides two MIPI ports, it should theoretically be possible to receive up to eight FHD 30fps YUYV422 video streams. The internal ISP would only need to convert from YUV422 to RGB888, which keeps the ISP load relatively light.
Currently, for MIPI connections on Rubik Pi, if we want long-distance transmission, we must use SerDes chips. These are costly, and even when using the same image sensor specification, the internal drivers still need modifications.
In contrast, PR2100 requires no driver changes as long as the video specification is the same. Additionally, transmission cables are simple—ordinary composite cables can handle up to 10 meters without issue. There are also a huge number of analog cameras already widely available in the market.
While Raspberry Pi also has bridge chips for analog video input, they generally only support NTSC/PAL resolutions and cannot handle multiple cameras (e.g., two cameras over a single MIPI port).
At present, we are already using PR2100 on PC to receive video from four cameras and display them on screen. We have also developed a demo kit for PR2100.
Importantly, each camera stream can be separated using its virtual channel ID.
What we would like to request is porting PR2100 to Rubik Pi 3. We are fine with either the upstream or downstream Linux kernel, as long as it works. If porting support is provided, we will develop a demo kit specifically for Rubik Pi 3.