Ensuring enhanced functional safety and productivity from autonomous robots is crucial for manufacturers. To achieve a safe level of automation that allows manufacturers to upgrade, enhance, or introduce innovative automation into their facilities, it’s essential that their equipment incorporates low-latency technologies for real-time data capture.
To address this challenge, TIER IV—the trailblazer behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving—has joined forces with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to develop a groundbreaking GMSL-to-Ethernet conversion module.
This collaboration merges TIER IV’s expertise in autonomous solutions with ADI’s cutting-edge Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL™) technology, aiming to provide a robust robotic solution for industrial manufacturing.
What is GMSL?
ADI’s GMSL technology is a highly configurable serial-deserializer connectivity solution that transports high speed data from one end of the link to the other, and support power and communication over a bidirectional channel over a single cable. The GMSL2™ family can support up to 6 Gbps on the forward channel. This technology is extensively used within the automotive industry for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment displays, and is increasingly used in industrial automation, intelligent infrastructure, aerospace and defense, digital healthcare, and others. GMSL’s data integrity, enhanced safety and functionality, low latency, and small solution size enable system designs to employ high resolution cameras and displays needed for advanced perception.
Meet TIER IV: A partner in co-creation and collaboration
TIER IV is a pioneer of open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology and creator of Autoware, the world’s first and widely acclaimed open-source AD software. Leveraging cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across multiple platforms, TIER IV enables the development of safe and efficient autonomous driving technology, aiming to reimagine intelligent vehicles/robotics through the art of open source.
As ADI initiated broadening the horizons of GMSL solutions within the realm of autonomous robotic space, TIER IV embarked on a common journey with ADI, harnessing the prowess of their camera solutions. Together, the companies aspired to innovate and contribute seamlessly to the vibrant landscape of autonomous robot space. The result of these joint efforts was a platform that delivers precision, environmental awareness (behavioural shifts, intelligence, and adaptation) from the sensor to the compute unit—featuring 8-channel, low latency camera sync, time stamping, and the possibility to offset signals.
“We are excited about collaborating with ADI, a true co-creator, beyond just a chip provider. As ADI pioneers solutions for the industrial landscape, it is truly an honour for TIER IV to support their innovative journey utilizing our camera solutions.” – Kazunari Kawabata, VP of Future Solution and PM of Edge.Auto, TIER IV
GMSL2-10G ethernet conversion module: Striving for best-in-class, real-time autonomy
TIER IV and ADI have collaborated to develop the AD-GMSL2ETH-SL, an innovative GMSL2 to 10GbE conversion system platform that offers:
- Versatility for various applications, including robotics
- The ability to gather data from up to 8 cameras and sensors through GMSL2 ports
- Raw data conversion via an FPGA, delivering uncompressed video data with minimal latency through a 10G Ethernet port
- Synchronization with peripheral devices like LiDAR using PTP (Precision Time Protocol)
- Customizable shutter timing for each individual camera
- Timestamping of image data
- A user-friendly design, enhanced by an intuitive web interface for easy settings management, which improves adaptability
- Reduced development costs due to the high performance of the converter platform, along with the capability to timestamp and synchronize all input channels, which typically requires complex multiprocessing at a higher cost.
Leveraging two legacies to create a first in autonomous manufacturing
TIER IV has garnered praise in the automotive industry as developing the world’s first and widely acclaimed open-source autonomous driving software. ADI also has a well-earned reputation as a leader in industrial automation with an uncompromising commitment to co-creation, collaboration, and openness—beyond a mere chip supplier.
Their work together has resulted in the development of a converter module that holds the promise of delivering a transformational, autonomous experience, and innovative value across various fields, including industrial automation.
Together with TIER IV’s cutting-edge camera solutions and ADI’s advanced GMSL technology, these two innovative companies are positioned to produce real-time results that help enhance manufacturing productivity, efficiency, and safety.
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