Lattice Semiconductor announced the SensorExtender reference design that offers a low-cost approach to remotely locate image sensors up to eight meters away from the image signal processor (ISP) and transmit and receive video signals at resolutions that range up to 720p60 and 1080p30.

The reference design uses inexpensive low-cost Cat5E cable to carry high-definition video and to send I2C sensor control signals from the ISP during the vertical blanking period. Three twisted pairs carry the video and commands while a fourth pair provides power and ground to the remotely located sensors.

This solution serves applications that require image sensors to be separated from the image signal processor, which are often placed in tight spaces without room for adjacent ISPs to process the image. Typical applications include medical probes, large screen TVs with an integrated HD camera, surveillance domes, piping inspection ports, and point-of-sale scanners.

Lattice Semiconductor
www.latticesemi.com