AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK

GMSL3/2 Deserializer Board for MIPI CSI-2 Cameras

Overview

https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/analogdevicesinc/documentation/main/docs/solutions/reference-designs/ad-gmsl792mipi-evk/images/eval-top-angle.png

Figure 1 AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK Board

The AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK is a compact and cost-effective evaluation kit that converts dual GMSL3/2 camera links into MIPI CSI-2 for modern SoC platforms. Built around the MAX96792 dual deserializer, it delivers a robust bridge for vision workloads across automotive and industrial applications.

To simplify wiring and speed up integration, the board supports a wide range of image sensors and integrates Power over Coax (PoC) so data and power travel on a single coaxial cable. The kit also includes ready-to-use reference software with device-tree overlays and Linux images for supported camera setups, helping you go from power-up to first frames fast.

Engineered for quick results, it maintains reliable video over cable up to 15m length with PAM-4 GMSL3 at 12 Gbps and remains backward compatible with GMSL2 at 6 Gbps or 3 Gbps. A bidirectional I²C control channel streamlines camera configuration while the small footprint and flexible mounting make it ideal for rapid GMSL3 camera prototyping.

Features

  • Dual GMSL3/2 deserializer based on MAX96792

  • 2 × MIPI CSI-2 output connectors (each up to 4 lanes D-PHY at 2.5 Gbps/lane)

  • 2 × GMSL input connectors over 50Ω coax

  • Power over Coax implementation, 12V, 1.2A total output

  • USB-C 5V input or 6-pin header alternative power input

  • Compatible with NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, and AMD SoC platforms

  • Independent MIPI CSI-2 connector operation available

  • Small form factor, mounting compatible with Raspberry Pi

Applications

  • Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

  • Mobile and mounted robotics

  • Autonomous vehicles and automotive cameras

  • Outdoor machines and industrial equipment

  • Smart and flexible manufacturing systems

  • Security and surveillance systems

  • Industrial automation and machine vision

Specifications

Parameter

Specification

GMSL3/2 Inputs

2 channels, 12Gbps / 6Gbps / 3Gbps configurable

MIPI CSI-2 Outputs

2 × 4-lane ports, up to 2.5Gbps per lane

Power Input

USB-C or via the 6-pin connector, 5V ±5%

PoC Output

12V, 1.2A total

Cable Length

Up to 15 meters

Key Components

MAX96792A, LTC3303

System Architecture

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Figure 2 AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK System Architecture

Forward Path (Camera to SoC):

  1. Camera sensor captures image data

  2. GMSL3/2 serializer converts parallel data to serial stream

  3. Data transmitted over coaxial cable at the specified data rate

  4. MAX96792A deserializer receives GMSL3/2 data

  5. Data converted to MIPI CSI-2 format

  6. MIPI CSI-2 output connects to SoC platform

Reverse Path (SoC to Camera):

  1. Control commands originate from SoC platform

  2. I2C/control signals processed by MAX96792A

  3. Commands transmitted over GMSL3/2 reverse channel at 187.5Mbps

  4. Serializer receives and processes control commands

  5. Commands applied to camera sensor and peripherals

Power Distribution:

  1. 5V input power received via USB-C connector or via the 6-pin connector

  2. LTC3303 regulator converts 5V to required board voltages: 1.8V and 1.2V

  3. PoC circuit using LT8337JV generates 12V output for camera power

  4. Power delivered to camera through coaxial cable

What’s Inside the Box

  • AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK evaluation board

  • ESW-103-44-G-D 6POS dual row connector

  • 05-22-D-0050-A-4-06-4-T FFC 22POS 50 mm cable

  • FF3025-CO102-022 FFC 22POS 102 mm cable

  • 8 x screws

  • 4 x 21 mm standoffs

Components and Connections

Primary Side

  • DS1 LED - indicates 5V USB-C input

  • DS2 LED - indicates 1.8V rail

  • P5 Connector - alternative 5V input and Raspberry Pi shield (same nets as Raspberry Pi’s GPIOs)

  • S1 Power Switch

    • Up = USB-C power

    • Down = P5 power

  • J1/J2 FAKRA-HF Coax Connectors - GMSL3/2 data + PoC (12V, 1.2A)

  • P1/P2 22-pin FFC Connectors - MIPI CSI-2 outputs

  • PoC Circuitry - delivers camera power over coax

Hardware Setup

Equipment Needed

  • AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK evaluation board

  • Compatible SoC development platform (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, AMD)

  • GMSL3/2 camera with serializer (for example, AD-GMSL793MIPI-EVK)

  • Coaxial cable (50Ω)

  • MIPI CSI-2 FFC/FPC cable (22-pin)

  • USB-C power supply (5V, minimum 2A)

  • Multimeter (for verification)

https://media.githubusercontent.com/media/analogdevicesinc/documentation/main/docs/solutions/reference-designs/ad-gmsl792mipi-evk/images/hardware-setup.png

Figure 3 AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK Hardware Connection

Power System Verification

  • Ensure all power sources are disconnected.

  • Verify USB-C power supply specifications (5V ±5%).

  • Place the switch in the first (upper) position.

  • Connect USB-C power cable to board.

GMSL3/2 Camera Connection

  • Connect GMSL3/2 camera to coaxial cable.

  • Verify cable specifications (50Ω coax).

  • Connect cable to any of the GMSL connectors.

  • Ensure secure mechanical connection.

SoC Platform Connection

  • Select appropriate MIPI CSI-2 FPC cable.

  • Connect board MIPI output to SoC platform CSI-2 input.

  • Verify pin compatibility and orientation.

  • Secure cable connections.

Configuration Setup

  • Set SW1 for appropriate link speed (3Gbps/6Gbps).

  • Configure SW2 for I2C device address if needed.

  • Set SW3 for operating mode (pixel/tunneling).

Power-Up Sequence

  • Apply power via USB-C connector.

  • Verify led illumination.

  • Check for GMSL3/2 link lock.

  • Monitor MIPI activity indicators.

Sample Measurements and Expected Readings

Parameter

Expected Reading

Supply voltage at USB-C input

5.0V ±0.25V

PoC output voltage

12.0V ±0.5V

PoC output current

Up to 1.2A

Link lock time

< 100ms typical

MIPI CSI-2 output levels

MIPI D-PHY v1.2 compliant

Software

The GMSL software package provides comprehensive driver support and configuration tools for integrating GMSL3/2 cameras with popular SoC platforms. The software includes device tree configuration and kernel drivers.

Access the resources via the Analog Devices GMSL GitHub repository.

Resources

Design & Integration Files

Download

AD-GMSL792MIPI-EVK Design Support Package

  • Schematic

  • PCB Layout

  • Bill of Materials

  • Allegro Project

Help and Support

Analog Devices will provide limited online support for anyone using the reference design with Analog Devices components via the EngineerZone reference designs forum.

It should be noted that the older the tools’ versions and release branches are, the lower the chances to receive support from ADI engineers.