Camera mirror systems replace the traditional physical mirrors in vehicles with cameras and displays. A camera mirror system (CMS) uses cameras mounted on the exterior of the vehicle to capture real-time video feeds of the surroundings and display the captured information on displays where traditional mirrors are placed. CMS offers several advantages over traditional mirrors such as providing a wider field of view, reducing blind spots, and enhancing visibility especially in challenging driving conditions. CMS also offers advanced feature capabilities like image enhancement, low light visibility along with the capability of providing pedestrian and vehicle proximity warnings. Recently, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) established UN regulation no. 151⁽¹⁾, which sets specific requirements and standards concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regards to Blind Spot Information Systems (BSIS) for the detection of bicycles. Next generation CMS systems need to be capable of not only satisfying current and new regulatory standards but also evolve with the quickly changing landscape.

This paper documents how the features in the AM62A processor enable next-generation automotive camera system design. The document also highlights some of the critical considerations when designing a CMS system like latency and functional safety and how the AM62A was designed considering these parameters. AM62A is targeted for 1-1-1 camera systems like a rearview mirror or intelligent side-view mirrors in commercial trucks. The convention 1-1-1 stands for 1 camera, 1 processor, and 1 display. Figure 1-1 shows a typical example configuration. The camera is typically located away from the display unit and for automotive applications FD-Link is typically used for enabling camera data transmission.

Figure 1-1 Example Rearview Camera Design With the AM62A