Renesas Electronics offers a new car camera solution that enables high-definition video with traditional low-cost cables and connectors

     Renesas Electronics Group, a global supplier of semiconductor solutions, announced the launch of its new automotive High Definition Link (AHL) technology, the new RAA279971 AHL encoding chip and RAA279972 decoding chip, which will enable automotive manufacturers to transmit HD video over low-cost cables and connectors that currently support standard definition video. Hd video is becoming increasingly critical for object recognition in vehicle safety systems. A leader in the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) market, Renesas's new AHL can be paired with other products such as the R-Car SoC, RH850 MCU, on-board PMIC, and simulator parts to cost-effectively implement numerous safety features in almost any vehicle.

     The new RAA279971 AHL encoding chip and RAA279972 decoding chip use modulated analog signals to transmit video at a transmission rate that is 1/10 of that required for digital HD signal transmission. The lower transmission rates mean that traditional twisted pairs and standard analog connectors can be used, and existing analog video cables and connectors can also be used. On the other hand, digital links such as SerDes require highly shielded cables and high-end connectors, which cost much more than AHL, may need replacement after 5-7 years, and are difficult to wire due to their bending radius limitations.

     AHL has strong anti-noise capability, two-way control channel independent of video data operation, and can initialize, program and monitor the camera module. The ability to simultaneously control the camera during video transmission over a pair of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables is one of the key features of AHL, and this solution also significantly reduces the system cost. Another advantage of AHL over digital links is that in rear-view camera applications, cable harnesses or connector assembly failures can degrade the digital link signal, as weak signals can cause macroblocks to appear that hide most of the visible area. In the same case, the AHL link will show a slight change in the color or contrast of the video, but all pixels will appear on the screen, and the image will accurately identify the object or person behind the vehicle.

     "Advanced safety systems are no longer just for luxury models," said Niall Lyne, vice president of Renesas Electronics Automotive Analog Power & Video. Now, the AHL system enables our customers to experience these features in all new vehicles, including economy models."