The IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit is an innovation project for evaluating modern embedded vision systems. The preconfigured platform combines intelligent camera modules with integrated ISP and SoC, GMSL2 technology, and an embedded PC based on an NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX.
The kit serves as a starting point for customer-specific embedded vision development projects and is available to interested companies as a loan kit including technical support.
Designed for modern embedded vision systems
Modern image processing has long since moved beyond the camera. Robotic systems, mobile machines, automated guided vehicles (AGV), medical technology, or autonomous systems today require:
- multiple cameras in one system
- high-performance embedded computers
- low latency and precise camera synchronisation
- robust cabling (possible up to 15 m with GMSL)
- flexible integration into compact devices
The IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit was developed to enable the quick and easy evaluation of precisely these system architectures.
Plug-and-play instead of integration effort
- Display live image directly
- Process image data with Python and OpenCV
- Provide RTSP streams directly
- Evaluate instead of integrate: preconfigured
- Transmit synchronised image data from up to three camera modules via a single cable
What is GMSL?
GMSL stands for Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link and was originally developed for demanding automotive applications. The interface enables the transmission of image data, control information, synchronisation signals and power supply via a compact cable connection. In the dual-head concept of the IDS Discovery Kit, the data from both camera modules is transmitted to the embedded PC via a common GMSL2 cable.
MIPI and GMSL in the IDS Discovery Kit
The best of both worlds
In the IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit, both interfaces complement each other: The image sensor transmits the data within the camera module via MIPI CSI-2 to the ISP and SoC. A serialiser then converts the data for transmission via GMSL2. On the embedded PC side, a deserialiser makes the data available for processing on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX.
This way, MIPI remains the high-performance internal sensor interface, while GMSL2 enables longer distances, robust cabling and flexible positioning of multiple camera modules.
Criterion |
MIPI CSI-2 |
GMSL2 |
|---|---|---|
Typical use |
Connection of image sensor and SoC within a device |
Connection of camera and embedded PC over longer distances |
Key strength |
High performance with very compact integration |
High range and robust data transmission up to 6 Gbit/s |
Distance |
Typically a few centimetres to approximately 30 cm |
Up to 15 m |
Cabling |
Direct sensor connection |
Image data, control, synchronisation and power supply via one cable |
Interference immunity |
Optimised for short connections |
High EMC robustness, developed for automotive applications |
Typical applications |
Camera modules, embedded devices, sensor integration |
Robotics, mobile machines, AGV, medical technology, multi-camera systems |
The IDS GMSL2 Discovery Kit
Everything included, ready for immediate use:
The kit combines hardware and software as well as all required accessories into one system.
Key components:
Intelligent camera modules
- onsemi AR0233 SensorFull HD (1920 × 1080)
- 30 fps
- HDR
- LED flicker mitigation for more stable images with pulsed LED light sources.
- Pre-assembled S-mount lenses for a quick start to evaluation
- Image optimisation in the integrated ISP
- Single-head or dual-head version with only one GMSL2 connection to the embedded PC
Embedded PC
- PCB Arts Helium - Edge AI computer based on NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX
- GMSL inputs
- Ethernet, USB for automotive, industrial and backend integration
- Linux, V4L support (Video4Linux)
- Sample software included
Ready to use right away
Developers can start their first tests and applications immediately.
Display live image
Display image data from a connected GMSL camera directly on a monitor. Ideal for rapid evaluation of image quality, HDR and ISP functions. No additional configuration required.
Use Python & OpenCV
Use camera images directly in Python and OpenCV applications. This allows you to develop and test your own image processing and AI prototypes without additional integration effort.
Provide RTSP streams
Make image data available on the network via RTSP streams and integrate it into existing applications or backend systems.Ideal for streaming and remote monitoring scenarios.
ISP and SoC for the camera modules
Work sharing for more efficient vision systems
ISP and SoC handle key tasks right within the camera module itself. The SoC (System-on-a-Chip) bundles image data for the synchronous transmission of multiple MIPI sensors via a single GMSL2 connection to the embedded PC.
The integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) optimises the image data for each connected image sensor. Functions such as HDR processing, colour processing or LED flicker mitigation are executed before transmission.
Advantage 1:
Multiple cameras via one cable
- Up to 3 camera modules via one GMSL2 connection
- Synchronised image data
- Reduced cabling effort
Advantage 2:
Computing power for local processing
- ISP for real-time image optimisation
- SoC for local processing
- Customer-specific pipelines possible
Advantage 3:
More performance for the application
- Reduce the load on the embedded PC
- Less hardware requirements and costs
- Focus on computer vision and AI
Typical applications
Robotics & autonomous systems
For mobile robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), AGVs, autonomous vehicles. Especially in applications where multiple cameras must be synchronised and low latencies are crucial.
Mobile machines & smart farming
For autonomous agricultural machinery, construction machinery and other mobile systems with spatially separated sensors and computing units. GMSL2 simplifies the cabling here and enables greater distances between camera and embedded PC
Medical technology & life sciences
For analytical instruments, mobile imaging and other compact systems where high-performance embedded computers and multiple cameras must work together in a limited installation environment.
Drones & aviation
For applications with high requirements regarding weight, cabling, robustness and real-time performance.
Embedded OEM systems
For manufacturers of custom devices and machines who want to integrate modern vision functions into their own products and require a platform for rapid evaluation.
From the Discovery Kit to the series product
After successful evaluation, the Discovery Kit can serve as a technical basis for a customer-specific embedded vision system. IDS supports the further conception and implementation within the framework of Customised Solutions & Services.