The MIPI C-PHY IPis a high-frequency, low-power, low cost, physical layer.
The C-PHY configuration consists of up to three lane modules and is based on 3-Phase symbol encoding technology, delivering 2.28 bits per symbol over three-wire trios and targeting a maximum rate of 2.5 Gsps, 5.7Gbps.
The C-PHY is partitioned into a digital module – CIL (Control and Interface Logic) and a mixed-signal module. The PHY IP is provided as a combination of soft IP views (RTL, and STA Constraints) for the digital module, and hard IP views (GDSII/CDL/LEF/LIB) for the mixed-signal module. This unique offering of both soft and hard IP permits architectural design flexibility and seamless implementation in customer-specific design flow.
The CIL module interfaces with the protocol layer and determines the global operation of the module. The interface between the PHY and the protocol is using the PHY-Protocol Interface (PPI). The mixed-signal module includes high-speed signaling mode for fast-data traffic and low-power signaling mode for control purposes.
During normal operation, a lane switches between low-power and high-speed mode. Bidirectional lanes can also switch communication direction. The change of operating mode or direction requires enabling and disabling of certain electrical functions. These enable and disable events do not cause glitches on the lines that would result in a detection of incorrect signal levels. All mode and direction changes are smooth to always ensure a proper detection of the line signals.
The C-PHY is a complete PHY, silicon-proven at multiple foundries and multiple nodes. It is built to support the MIPI Camera Serial Interface (CSI) and Display Serial Interface (DSI).
