Automotive Video Coupler for GMSL and FPD-Link
Passive high-frequency couplers (HF couplers) for tapping, monitoring, and recording automotive video signals from active GMSL and FPD-Link connections.
Capture signals. Maintain connections.
TZ’s automotive video couplers enable the passive tapping of automotive video signals from existing connections between serializers and deserializers. They are used when camera signals, display data, or other automotive video links need to be analyzed and recorded during development, validation, vehicle testing, or troubleshooting without significantly affecting the original vehicle connection.
Can be used with any technology
The couplers are designed as passive RF couplers. They do not contain any internal serializer or deserializer components and are therefore not tied to any specific SER/DES technology. They support GMSL1, GMSL2, GMSL3, FPD-Link III, and FPD-Link IV, as well as all data rates and operating modes enabled by these technologies.
What are automotive video couplers used for?
Automotive video couplers are used wherever an existing video link in a vehicle or in a laboratory needs to be monitored, measured, or recorded. The coupler is inserted into the active data path and provides a decoupled signal at the FWD output for loggers, frame grabbers, analyzers, or measuring instruments.
Applications for TZ Couplers
Video recording during vehicle testing
During test drives, camera signals or display signals often need to be recorded so that driving events, image errors, software behavior, or sporadic problems can be analyzed later. Using a TZ Coupler, the video signal can be split off from an existing camera/video link and fed to a logger or frame grabber, while the original vehicle function remains active.
Analysis of Camera Systems and ADAS Functions
Modern vehicles use numerous cameras for front-view, surround-view, rear-view, driver monitoring, and other ADAS functions. TZ Couplers provide access to these video streams for validation, debugging, sensor data recording, and system analysis.
Display Monitoring and Infotainment Analysis
In addition to camera connections, video connections between control units and displays can also be monitored. Typical examples include instrument clusters, center information displays, passenger displays, and other display units. This makes it possible to identify and document image errors, timing issues, or software-related display effects.
Signal Analysis Using an Oscilloscope or Meter
The coupler’s FWD output can also be used for RF and signal analysis. This allows active automotive video links to be analyzed during operation using appropriate measuring instruments—for example, to assess signal quality, level, attenuation, reflections, jitter, or interference.
Integration with existing testing and logging systems
Many customers already have their own frame grabbers, data loggers, analysis platforms, or ADAS test systems. In these cases, the TZ Coupler can be used as a standalone hardware component. The customer continues to use their existing toolchain and integrates the signal provided at the FWD port into their own measurement or logging environment.
Passive RF coupler instead of a technology-dependent SER/DES solution
The key technical advantage of the TZ coupler lies in its passive RF design. The coupler contains no active SER/DES components and does not perform any protocol conversion. It extracts a defined portion of the signal from the existing connection and makes it available at the FWD output.
As a result, the coupler is not tied to a specific serializer, deserializer, or manufacturer. The key factor is that the connected measurement or logging chain is able to process the decoupled signal correctly.
Supported Technologies and Connectors
TZ Couplers support GMSL1, GMSL2, GMSL3, FPD-Link III, and FPD-Link IV. All data rates supported by these technologies can be used. For example, if an application uses GMSL3, the coupler can be used within the data rates supported by GMSL3.
Variants with FAKRA, HFM, and H-MTD connectors are currently available. Other connectors and custom mechanical designs are available upon request.
Typical Topology
The coupler is inserted into an existing connection between the serializer and the deserializer. Typically, the serializer is connected to the input, and the original deserializer of the vehicle component remains connected to the output. A logger, frame grabber, oscilloscope, measuring device, or an additional deserializer is connected to the FWD output.
Depending on the application, the following scenarios may arise:
Use case 1
Our passive coupler was specifically designed for signals between control units and displays. It can be used with all video connections that do not transmit power (PoC) through the video connection.
The intended application involves tapping into video signals from a vehicle control unit in order to route the video signal to an additional recording system. The intended application is illustrated in the following figure
Use Case 1: Automotive Video Coupler Between the ECU and the Display
Use case 2
The PoC-capable couplers are specifically designed for signals using Power over Coax (PoC). They ensure that the DC voltage used to power devices such as cameras is transmitted through the coupler. At the same time, the signal (without the DC component) can be tapped at the forward output.
The intended use case is the tapping of video signals from a vehicle camera in order to forward the video signal to an additional recording system. The intended use case is shown in the following illustration.
Use Case 2: Automotive Video Coupler Between the Camera and the ECU
Use case 3
The coupler can also be used to monitor automotive video connections in real time with an oscilloscope. This allows for further analysis of the automotive video connections.
Note on the deserializer at the FWD output
The FWD port does not provide a complete second communication link to the serializer. It is a passive tap on the forward data stream.
The additionally connected deserializer is therefore not involved in the actual link establishment. It does not perform link initialization with the serializer and does not communicate with the serializer via the return channel.
In order for it to be able to process the decoupled signal anyway, it must be set to an operating state in which it synchronizes with an already active data stream. The necessary settings depend on the deserializer, logger, or frame grabber being used, as well as the specific link configuration.
TZ provides support for certain deserializer models in the form of sample programs, register notes, or application information. However, implementation in third-party devices is the responsibility of the customer or the respective device manufacturer. TZ cannot program the customer’s own third-party devices.
If a ready-to-use solution is required, TZ can offer suitable systems designed for use with the couplers.
Technology and Connector Compatibility
Standards and
Technologies
FPDLink III/IV
FPDLink III/IV
FPDLink III/IV
FPDLink III/IV
FPDLink III/IV
FPDLink III/IV
Channels
Open integration or a complete TZ solution
TZ offers two integration strategies. Customers can use the Automotive Video Coupler as an add-on device for existing frame grabbers, loggers, or analysis platforms. Alternatively, the coupler can be used as part of a complete TZ solution.
Option 1: Coupler for Existing Customer Systems
If you already have your own frame grabbers, logging systems, or analysis platforms, the TZ Coupler can be used as an open interface for signal extraction. This option is particularly well-suited for customers who wish to retain their existing test processes, toolchains, and data formats.
Option 2: Complete Solution with TZ Systems
For customers who need a customized, one-stop solution, the coupler can be combined with compatible TZ systems. These include TZ Frame Grabbers, TZ Signal Processing Units (SPU), and TZ Video Converter Deserializers. This creates an end-to-end solution from signal extraction through recording, further processing, or analysis.
Benefits of TZ’s Automotive Video Couplers
- Passive RF coupler without internal SER/DES components
- Supports GMSL1, GMSL2, GMSL3, FPD-Link III, and FPD-Link IV
- Not tied to a specific serializer or deserializer component
- Suitable for logging, monitoring, debugging, and signal analysis
- Suitable for use in vehicles, test benches, HIL environments, and laboratories
- Can be integrated into existing customer systems
- Can be combined with TZ frame grabbers, SPU, and video converters/deserializers
- Versions with FAKRA, HFM, and H-MTD are available
- Additional connectors available upon request
Typical Customers and Applications
TZ’s automotive video couplers are suitable for vehicle manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, development service providers, test system providers, testing service providers, and research institutions. Typical applications include ADAS validation, camera system development, display and infotainment testing, vehicle testing, endurance testing, and the analysis of active automotive video links.
Would you like to monitor, measure, or record GMSL or FPD-Link signals during operation? TZ can help you select the right automotive video coupler, the appropriate connectors, and the best integration strategy. Upon request, we can supply the coupler as a standalone component for existing systems or as part of a complete TZ recording and analysis solution.
Product Overview
FAQ
What is an automotive video coupler?
An automotive video coupler is a passive hardware component that allows video signals to be split off from an existing automotive video connection. It is inserted between the serializer and the deserializer and provides an additional signal for loggers, frame grabbers, or measuring devices.
What is a TZ Automotive Video Coupler used for?
TZ Couplers are used to monitor and record camera signals, display data, or other automotive video links during development, validation, vehicle testing, debugging, or signal analysis.
What technologies does the coupler support?
TZ couplers support GMSL1, GMSL2, GMSL3, FPD-Link III, and FPD-Link IV.
Does the Automotive Video Coupler support GMSL3?
Yes. TZ couplers can be used for GMSL3 applications. All GMSL3-supported data rates can be used, provided that the connected measurement or logging chain is suitable for them. TZ’s active couplers, however, cannot be used for GMSL3 applications. These couplers are now also NRFND.
Is the coupler technology-dependent?
The coupler itself is not technology-dependent, as it is designed as a passive RF coupler and does not contain any internal SER/DES components. However, the connected data acquisition hardware must be compatible with the respective technology.
Does the coupler require its own configuration?
No. The coupler operates passively. The additional deserializer or the analysis or logging device connected to the FWD output must be configured.
Can I continue to use my existing frame grabber?
Generally speaking, yes, provided that the frame grabber and the deserializer being used support operation on an already active link and can be configured appropriately.
Why does the deserializer at the FWD port need to be configured specifically?
The additional deserializer on the FWD port is not involved in the actual link establishment and cannot communicate with the serializer via the return channel. Therefore, it must be configured to synchronize with an already active forward data stream without performing its own link initialization.
Does TZ program customer-specific loggers or third-party devices?
No. Implementation in third-party devices is the responsibility of the customer or the respective device manufacturer. TZ provides support for certain deserializer models in the form of examples, register notes, or application information.
Does TZ offer complete solutions?
Yes. TZ Couplers can be combined with TZ framegrabbers, TZ Signal Processing Units (SPU), and TZ video converters/deserializers.
What types of connectors are available?
Variants with FAKRA, HFM, and H-MTD are currently available. Other connectors can be provided upon request.
Can the coupler be used during a test drive?
Yes. A typical application is recording and analyzing automotive video signals during real-world vehicle testing.
Can I use the coupler for display signals?
Yes. In addition to camera connections, video connections between control units and displays can also be monitored, provided that the physical connection and the connected processing hardware are compatible.
Can the coupler be used with an oscilloscope?
Yes. The FWD output can be used with compatible measuring instruments to analyze active automotive video links during operation.
What topologies does the coupler support?
The typical topology is: a serializer at the input, the vehicle component’s original deserializer at the output, and a logger, measuring device, or additional deserializer at the FWD output.
Is the coupler a video converter?
No. The coupler itself does not convert the video signal. It splits off a portion of the RF signal. The conversion, processing, or recording is performed by a connected device.
Are custom variants available?
Yes. Additional connectors, mechanical designs, and project-specific variants can be evaluated upon request.