Waveshare Dual-Channel GMSL Camera Adapter Board for Raspberry Pi 5 and Jetson Orin Nano/NX

MAX9296-GMSL-DESER-MODULE. Image used courtesy of Waveshare

Waveshare MAX9296-GMSL-DESER-MODULE is a two-channel GMSL camera adapter board which can be used to interface high-speed automotive or industry cameras to embedded AI development boards like Raspberry Pi 5 and NVIDIA Jetson Orin developer boards. The MAX9296A deserializer chip is used by the board to deserialize GMSL camera signals into a CSI-2 output, which can be consumed by the host platform.

The module can be used in systems that need these high-bandwidth and low-latency video delivery, like autonomous driving, machine vision, and intelligent security systems.

2-Ch GMSL Camera Adapter Board Overview

According to the Wiki, the MAX9296-GMSL-DESER-MODULE is an interface between GMSL cameras and embedded computing systems. GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link) technology enables the high-definition video, audio, and control signals to be sent using one coaxial or twisted-pair cable over long transmission distances and with high noise immunity.

Developers can also use this board to connect to two GMSL cameras at a time and transmit the data over CSI interfaces to a host platform, such as a Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Jetson platform. This enables it to work with multi-camera AI vision systems.

Key Features

• Alteration of the MAX9296A deserializer of Analog Devices (formerly Maxim Integrated).
• Supports two independent GMSL camera channels.
• Software-configured to work with GMSL1 and GMSL2.
• Meant to transmit videos with high speed and low latency.
• Supports Raspberry Pi 5 and NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano / Orin NX developer boards.
• Uses MATE-AX FAKRA connectors for GMSL camera input
• Provides dual 22-pin CSI outputs for connection to the host platform
• Suitable for high-bandwidth camera sensors such as ISX031 and similar models

On Board Interfaces. Image used courtesy of Waveshare

Hardware Architecture

The main chip in the board is the MAX9296A GMSL deserializer, which takes the serial data of the GMSL camera modules and turns it into CSI-2 video streams that can be processed by embedded processors. The MAX9296A is a high-speed device with good ability to transmit high-resolution camera images at long distances with high data rates.

The board includes two FAKRA Z connectors for camera input and two 22-pin CSI connectors for output to the host device. This architecture allows developers to implement dual-camera systems without complex wiring.

Key Specifications

• Deserializer: MAXIM / ADI MAX9296A
• Camera Inputs:2 × GMSL2 (GMSL1 compatible)
• Input Connectors: 2 × MATE-AX FAKRA Z
• Output Interface: 2 × 22-pin CSI
• Supported Serializer: MAX9295, MAX96717, MAX96705.
• Backed Host Platforms: Raspberry Pi 5, Jetson Orin Nano/NX.
• Power Supply: 5V input

Jetson Orin NX Kit with Dual GMSL Camera Adapter. Image used courtesy of Waveshare

Supported Platforms

The module is designed primarily for modern embedded AI development platforms, including:

• Raspberry Pi 5
• NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit.
• NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nx Developer Kit.

The tasks that these platforms are capable of handling the incoming CSI camera data include image recognition, video analytics and autonomous navigation.

Applications

The MAX9296-GMSL-DESER-MODULE is suitable for many advanced vision-based systems, including:

• Autonomous driving systems
• High-tech driver support systems (ADAS)
• Machine vision and robotics
• Smart city surveillance
• Smart factories and industrial automation.
• Car surround-view camera systems.

Outline dimensions. Image used courtesy of Waveshare

Depending on the seller and shipping, the board can be offered at prices of around $87 to $90 on the Waveshare official store, with third-party marketplaces like Amazon or AliExpress having a price of around $110 to $115, depending on the seller and shipping. The package usually includes the deserializer board only, with cameras, cables, and host development boards sold separately.