Renesas Launches New Four-Channel Video Decoder to Enable Economical Surround View Applications for Automotive Cameras

Automotive High Definition Link (AHL) enables high-definition video transmission using low-cost cables and connectors; complements other Renesas automotive safety system products

Beijing, China, January 25, 2024 - Renesas Electronics, a global supplier of semiconductor solutions, today announced the launch of the RAA279974, the latest device in its Automotive High Definition Link (AHL) portfolio, enabling automakers to transmit high-definition video over low-cost cables and connectors. The new RAA279974 four-channel AHL video decoder can process four input sources simultaneously, making it an economical solution for surround view and multi-camera applications.

Renesas AHL technology transmits video based on modulated analog signals. Its frequency is 10 times lower than the digital transmission solutions currently on the market (the former is about 37MHz, while the latter is 3GHz or higher), which makes it highly resistant to noise and can achieve longer transmission distances (20-30 meters) using unshielded twisted pair cables and standard connectors, while also supporting existing standard-definition analog video cables and connectors. The use of unshielded twisted pair cables not only saves costs, but is also easier to wire in the car and lighter, resulting in improved energy efficiency and performance. Digital links such as SerDes require highly shielded cables and high-end connectors, which cost much more than AHL and may need to be replaced after five to seven years.

The introduction of the RAA279974 completes the AHL product family, which includes the RAA279971 single-channel AHL video encoder and the RAA279972 single-channel AHL video decoder. Given that most OEMs want to support multiple cameras in vehicles for applications such as surround-view parking assist monitors, the RAA279974 is an important addition to the AHL product family. AHL can be used in conjunction with R-Car automotive SoCs, RH850 MCUs, automotive PMICs, and analog components to implement numerous safety features in a variety of vehicles in a cost-effective manner. Renesas combines these products to create a variety of "winning product combinations" that enable manufacturers to quickly implement pre-tested video designs.

“Multi-camera based safety systems are quickly becoming a must-have feature for many consumers,” said Davin Lee, Vice President of the Analog & Connectivity Product Group . “The AHL system enables our automotive customers to offer these features on all new vehicles, including economy models.”

AHL brings strong noise immunity and excellent image quality. Thanks to the basic characteristics of analog signals, AHL video transmission has superior noise and interference immunity. While digital links will cause image loss due to any noise or interface, AHL will retain good real-time images in such environments, providing a more secure solution.

Key features of AHL:

• Supports resolutions from VGA to 720p/60 or 1080p/30, with flexibility for non-standard vertical resolutions (free from the limitations of the 16:9 standard resolution for TV video)

• MIPI-CSI2, BT656 and DVP input and output provide flexible interfaces to support various image sensors

• AHL does not require the compression step similar to Ethernet systems, so there is no video delay

• Only 27MHz crystal clock required; internal PLL generates clock frequency required for higher resolution, reducing cost

• AHL has passed BCI and CISPR25 EMC/EMI tests based on UTP cables

• MIPI-CSI2 output with virtual channels allows 4 video channels to be sent to the SoC via a single data bus interface (thus saving input ports on the SoC)

Availability

Samples and evaluation boards for the four-channel RAA279974AHL decoder are available now. Renesas also offers the RTKA279974ZK0000BU camera kit, which includes four AHL cameras with integrated RAA279971 AHL encoders.