MIPI CSI-2 vs CSI-3: Key Differences Explained

This article compares MIPI CSI-2 and MIPI CSI-3, highlighting the key differences between these two camera serial interface standards.

MIPI CSI-2 V1.3

Figure-1 and figure-2 depicts MIPI CSI-2 variants D-PHY, C-PHY and Combo PHY.

MIPI CSI-2 is a widely used interface for connecting cameras to processors in mobile devices and other embedded systems. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• PHY Variants Supported: D-PHY 1.2, C-PHY 1.0, or “Combo PHY” (See Figure 2 below)
• Number of Virtual Channels: Four (4)
• Control Interface: I2C
• Line Based Transmission:
  • Easy implementation
  • Low gate count
  • Matched data rates for sensor and link

• Interrupt Type: In-Band
• Supported Data Types: RGB, RAW, YUV, JPEG
• Embedded Data Support: Yes
• Error Protection: CRC/ECC for payload and header protection

MIPI CSI-3 V1.1

Figure-3 depicts MIPI CSI-3 interface.

MIPI CSI-3 is a more advanced interface designed for higher performance and more complex camera systems. Its prominent features include:

• PHY: M-PHY 3.0
• Virtual Channels: 32
• Control: In-Band Control
• Transmission: Packet Based Transmission
• Interrupts: In-Band Interrupts
• Supported Data Types: RGB, RAW, YUV, JPEG
• Embedded Data Support: Yes
• Notification Channels: For metadata, audio, etc.
• CCI Bridging: Yes
• Guaranteed Delivery: Yes