USB 3.0 vs MIPI CSI-2: Interface Comparison

This page compares USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and MIPI CSI-2 interfaces, highlighting the differences between USB and MIPI CSI-2 interface types.

Introduction:

Embedded electronics require three key parameters for success in today’s market: low power consumption, small size, and low production costs.

To achieve these goals, System on Chip (SoC) designs have become prevalent. An SoC houses the core elements of a computer, such as the CPU, GPU, and buses. It also includes various interfaces like HDMI, GigE, USB, and MIPI.

Board-level camera modules are interfaced with processors using different interface types, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, proprietary parallel or serial interfaces, and MIPI CSI-2.

USB 2.0 Interface

Here are the features of the USB 2.0 interface:

• Released in 2000.
• Frequently found on many SoCs.
• Requires minimal additional hardware. A USB connector is needed to connect the camera to the SoC.
• Supports a low bandwidth of up to 40 MB/s.
• Not suitable for running high-resolution sensors at high speed.
• Bidirectional data transfer is not supported. Smart charging is also unavailable.

USB 3.0 Interface

The following are the features of the USB 3.0 interface:

• Released in 2008.
• Supports high bandwidth, up to 360 MB/s.
• Offers easy integration using the USB3 vision standard.
• Offers a plug-and-play feature for easier integration in embedded applications.
• Relatively lower in development costs.
• Like USB 2.0, it requires bigger connectors and less flexible cables, making it unsuitable for space-constrained devices.
• Available only for a few high-end SoCs.
• Bidirectional data transfer is supported. Smart charging is also available.

MIPI CSI-2 Interface

Here are the features of the MIPI CSI-2 interface:

• Developed by the MIPI Alliance.
• CSI-2 stands for “Camera Serial Interface 2nd Generation.”
• The most common interface for mobile applications, used to connect smartphone camera modules to an SoC.
• SoCs provide up to 6 serial lanes.
• Each lane provides bandwidth up to 300 MB/sec.
• Allows high-resolution camera modules to operate at high speed.

Tabular Difference between USB and MIPI CSI-2

The following table compares USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and CSI-2, highlighting the differences between the interfaces.