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Video Streaming over LTPI (LVDS Tunneling Protocol and Interface)at the Lattice Developers Conference 2024
The Lattice Developers Conference 2024 offered an incredible platform for innovation, and Fidus Systems proudly showcased a demo highlighting the potential of the LVDS Tunneling Protocol and Interface (LTPI). Our demonstration, “Video Streaming Over LTPI,” illustrated how LTPI can transcend its traditional use cases to enable high-speed video streaming in real-time. This showcase captured the attention of attendees, providing a detailed exploration of LTPI’s technological capabilities and practical implications.
Here’s a deep dive into the demo and its implications for future technologies.
What is LTPI?
LTPI, or LVDS Tunneling Protocol and Interface, is a standard introduced by the Open Compute Project (OCP) to enable communication between Host Processor Modules (HPM) and Security Control Modules (SCM). Traditionally utilized for low-speed housekeeping signals such as I2C, GPIO, and UART channels. Fidus took this a step further by using LTPI to stream video, demonstrating its adaptability and potential to power new use cases in high-speed data transfer.
This advancement underscores the evolution of LTPI from a niche protocol to a versatile tool capable of revolutionizing communication between critical system components. By leveraging this protocol, Fidus demonstrated how LTPI could meet the rising demand for faster, more efficient data transmission methods.
The Technology Behind the Demo
Our demo leveraged the Lattice MachXO5™-NX FPGA, showcasing its capability to support high-speed LTPI communications. The design utilized cutting-edge hardware components to illustrate a seamless workflow, including:
- MachXO5-NX Development Boards: The backbone of the LTPI implementation, providing the processing power required for high-speed data transfer.
- Raspberry Pi Module 3 B+: Acting as the display driver, delivering a user-friendly interface for viewing transmitted data.
- MIPI Image Sensor: Capturing real-time video with clarity and precision.
- 7-inch MIPI DSI Display: Delivering a vivid and accurate visual output of the transmitted video data.
The demonstration integrated Lattice’s LTPI IP core and MIPI IP core to convert captured video into LTPI frames and transmit them seamlessly between the HPM and SCM.
How It Worked
- Video Capture: The MIPI image sensor captured video and sent the data to the HPM FPGA.
- Data Framing: The HPM FPGA terminated the MIPI protocol, reformatted the video into LTPI frames, and assigned video data to GPIO and OEM channels for transfer.
- LTPI Transmission: The LTPI frames were transmitted over flex cables to the SCM FPGA, enabling smooth data transfer between the boards.
- De-framing and Output: The SCM FPGA extracted the video data and sent it to the Raspberry Pi for display via the 7-inch MIPI DSI screen.
Why It Matters
This demonstration highlighted LTPI’s ability to support new, practical use cases beyond its original design. By enabling video streaming, LTPI opens opportunities for applications like remote system monitoring, where real-time visual feedback enhances operational insights.
The use of the MachXO5-NX FPGA emphasized the flexibility and performance of Lattice’s solutions, providing a strong foundation for future developments. Additionally, this demo showcased how LTPI can handle data-intensive tasks effectively, offering practical solutions for industries that demand reliable and high-speed communication systems.
Learn why Fidus is a trusted partner of Lattice Semiconductor.
Key Takeaways
- Enabling Real-Time Applications: LTPI demonstrated its potential for real-time video transmission alongside traditional low-speed channels.
- Scalability: The demo underscored the scalability of LTPI, highlighting its ability to handle unconventional, high-speed applications.
- Expert Implementation: Fidus’ implementation demonstrated expertise in system design, FPGA development, and advanced communication protocols, positioning the company as a leader in innovative technology solutions.
Watch the Demo
Chris walks through the technical details, from the setup to the implications of this innovative implementation. He explains the significance of LTPI in advancing data transfer technologies and its potential applications across various industries.
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