Terminology » Mobile Communication » MIPI CSI-2 vs CSI-3: Key Differences Explained

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

camera interface mipi csi csi 2 csi 3 mobile communication

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

MIPI CSI-2

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

MIPI-CSI-2-Combo-PHY

  • 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

MIPI CSI-3

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