Serializers and deserializers, commonly known as SerDes, are integrated circuits (ICs) that enable the transmission of parallel data over a high-speed serial link. The transceiver converts parallel data to serial data on the transmitter side and vice versa on the receiver side. This technology is widely used in various applications, including high-speed digital bus technologies and next-generation advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
SerDes technology is essential in high-speed digital bus technologies, which are used to transfer data between different components within a system(Example : Camera to Display). Traditional parallel buses are limited in terms of distance and bandwidth, which is why high-speed serial buses are increasingly preferred. SerDes chips help overcome these limitations by transmitting parallel data over a serial link, enabling greater distances and higher bandwidths.
In ADAS, SerDes technology plays a crucial role in transmitting data from sensors such as cameras, radar, and lidar with high resolution and bandwidth requirements. These sensors produce large amounts of data, which needs to be transmitted to the central processing unit (CPU) for analysis and decision-making. The asymmetrical design of SerDes chips is well-suited to this task, with a high-speed downlink for data transit and a slower uplink for monitoring and control.
The transmitter section of a SerDes chip is responsible for converting parallel data into a serial data stream, which is transmitted over the serial link. On the other hand, the receiver section converts the serial data back into parallel data. The speed of the serial link can be adjusted to meet the bandwidth requirements of the system. Additionally, SerDes chips can be designed to support different protocols, such as PCI Express, USB, and Ethernet.
In summary, SerDes chips are integral components of high-speed digital bus technologies and next-generation ADAS systems. They enable the transmission of large amounts of data over long distances with high throughput and bandwidth. The asymmetrical design of SerDes chips is well-suited to the demands of remote sensors in vehicles, providing high-speed output without excessive complexity, power requirements, or cost. As technology continues to advance, SerDes chips will remain a vital part of high-speed data transmission systems.