Videtronic has introduced the V-Link, a compact solution designed to extend the range of Raspberry Pi MIPI DSI cameras using GMSL2 (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link v2) technology with cables up to 15 meters long. While similar products have been available for other devices like the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, this is the first one made for Raspberry Pi.
The V-Link system has two main parts: a transmitter board and a receiver board. The transmitter board, based on the MAX96717 chip, connects to the Raspberry Pi's camera port, while the receiver board, based on the MAX96714 chip, connects to the Raspberry Pi Camera Module. This system is a different option compared to the THine THSER101 kit, which uses LAN cables to extend the camera connection up to 20 meters.
Specifications
Transmitter Board
- Chipset: Analog Devices MAX96717 CSI-2 to GMSL2 Serializer
- Input: MIPI CSI connector
- Output: GMSL2 connector
Receiver Board
- Chipset: Analog Devices MAX96714 Single GMSL2/GMSL1 to CSI-2 Deserializer
- Input: GMSL2 connector
- Output: MIPI CSI connector to Raspberry Pi Camera Module
Compatibility
- Single Board Computers: Raspberry Pi 4, 5, Zero 2, and NVIDIA Jetson Orin
- Cameras: Raspberry Pi Camera Modules 1, 2, 3, AI, and HQ
MIPI CSI flat cables usually only work over short distances, just a few centimetres. But with V-Link’s GMSL2 cables, you can connect up to 15 meters away. This makes it perfect for things like robots, drones, and IoT projects. For example, you could use it with a Raspberry Pi-powered telescope, keeping the Raspberry Pi inside while the telescope works outdoors in different weather.
To use V-Link, you'll need to install special drivers on Raspberry Pi OS. These drivers will be available on GitHub soon, along with instructions on how to update the /boot/firmware/config.txt file and add the required files. After you set it up, V-Link will work smoothly with regular Raspberry Pi camera software, like RPICam-apps and Libcamera2.
Videtronic has launched the V-Link GMSL2 solution on Kickstarter with a funding goal of 1,000 Euros. The basic "V-Link Hobby Kit" costs 140 Euros ($147) and includes- One set of V-Link boards, a 10-meter Fakra cable and a set of FPC cables. There are higher reward tiers with multiple kits and an option to include a Raspberry Pi 5. Shipping is 11 Euros within Poland and 35 Euros for international orders. Shipments are expected to start in April or May 2025.
Although the V-Link is more expensive than the THine THSER101 kit ($60), it works with Raspberry Pi 5 and Camera Module 3, which the THSER101 doesn't support. THine has released the THSER102/THSER102A, which works with newer models, and it’s available for $58.78 on DigiKey and Amazon, including a 10-meter cable.
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