PCIe-NPL54: Fanless GMSL2 Camera Frame Grabber Card with 4x FAKRA Z Ports
PCIe-NPL54Starting at $1,200.00
The PCIe-NPL54 is a cost-effective, fanless, wide-temperature, 4-channel GMSL2 frame grabber designed to meet the growing demand for seamless integration of automotive GMSL2 cameras with x86 systems. As edge AI applications—such as autonomous driving, ADAS, and outdoor AMRs—increasingly rely on robust sensor inputs, the PCIe-NPL54 can deliver exceptional performance, and enable reliable camera integration in demanding environments.
- 4x GMSL2 FAKRA Z inputs supporting automotive GMSL2 cameras
- Driver ready for selected 8MP/ 5MP/ 3MP/ 2MP GMSL2 cameras
- 1x GPS PPS input and 1x GPS PPS output for frame synchronization calibration
- Single-slot, half-length PCIe card form factor
- Powered directly via PCIe connectors
- No external PCIe power cable required
- x4 Gen2 PCI Express interface
- -40°C to 70°C fanless operation
- Compatible with Linux host computers
Frequently Asked Questions
The PCIe-NPL54 has 4x GMSL2 FAKRA Z connectors for automotive GMSL2 cameras. It is driver-ready for selected 8MP, 5MP, 3MP, and 2MP GMSL2 cameras and supports multiple configurations, such as:
- 2x 8MP + 1x 3MP @ 30 FPS
- 4x 5MP @ 30 FPS
- 4x 3MP @ 30 FPS
- 4x 2MP @ 60 FPS
- 4x 2MP @ 30 FPS
The card is powered directly through the PCIe connector (x4 Gen2 PCI Express slot); no external PCIe power cable or 6-pin power connector is required. Power consumption is under 20W while streaming from four 5MP GMSL2 cameras at 30 FPS.
The PCIe-NPL54 operates fanless from -40°C to 70°C, with a storage temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and humidity tolerance of 10% to 90% non-condensing. It is CE/FCC Class A certified according to EN 55032 and EN 55035.
The PCIe-NPL54 is compatible with Linux host computers. It has been verified on Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Ubuntu 24.04. A companion FPGA demo and driver package is provided to simplify integration.
The GPS PPS input allows frame synchronization across multiple PCIe-NPL54 units and LiDAR systems for accurate sensor fusion. The GPS PPS output mirrors the input signal, allowing multiple units to be daisy-chained from a single GPS PPS source. PPS alignment can also calibrate the rising edge of the frame sync signal with the rising edge of the GPS PPS signal.
The card includes 1x RS-232 port connected to the onboard MCU. It is provided via the 8-pin terminal block for debugging purposes.
The PCIe-NPL54 is a single-slot, half-length PCIe card measuring 167.7 mm (W) x 111 mm (H) and weighing 183 g.
The package includes the PCIe-NPL54 card, a push-in 8-pole (2x4) terminal block, a standoff pack for multiple card installation, a Poron pad for installation inside a Cassette module, and a screw pack.
SW2 and SW6 DIP switches configure the frame sync mode, including freerun, 20/30/60 FPS synchronization, and phase shift between camera frame sync signals. The RSW1 rotary switch selects the GMSL2 initialization protocol for specific supported camera models and their frame sync FPS options.
How-to Guides
- Save and close all work in progress on the host computer.
- Power off the system and unplug the power cable.
- Refer to the host computer's user manual and disassemble the chassis side panel.
- Locate the x4 PCIe slot, or a compatible spare x16/x8 PCIe slot.
- Align and insert the PCIe-NPL54's gold finger into the PCIe slot, making sure the card's panel is properly inserted into the enclosure hinge.
- Secure the card to the chassis with a screw.
- Refer to the host computer's user manual and reinstall the system's chassis panel to complete installation.
- Before installing the card into the host computer, decide on the desired frame sync mode: freerun, 20 FPS, 30 FPS, or 60 FPS synchronization.
- Use SW2 switches #1 and #2 to select 60 FPS, 20 FPS, or 30 FPS framesync (Off/Off gives 30 FPS depending on #2 setting).
- Use SW2 switch #3 to set phase shift: On for 25% phase shift alignment across cameras, Off for 0% phase shift.
- Use SW2 switch #4 to align the PPS input with frame sync (On = aligned, Off = not aligned).
- Use SW6 switch #2 to force freerun mode (On), overriding SW2 #1 and #2, or leave Off for default frame sync behavior depending on SW2 settings.
- Confirm the selected frame sync mode is compatible with the CMOS characteristics/firmware of the connected cameras.
- Before installing the card, identify the GMSL2 camera model(s) you will connect.
- Set RSW1 to the rotary position matching your camera model, for example position 0 for 4x AC-IMX390 (fixed 30 FPS), position 4 for 4x AC-AR0233, or position 14 for 4x STURDeCAM31 (fixed 30 FPS).
- For rotary position 10, note the fixed port-to-camera mapping: ports 0 and 1 support 8MP cameras, ports 2 and 3 support 3MP cameras, limited to 2x 8MP + 1x 3MP or 1x 8MP + 2x 3MP due to bandwidth limitations.
- Verify the supported frame sync FPS options for the selected rotary position before use.
- Identify the 8-pin terminal block on the panel side of the PCIe-NPL54.
- Connect pin 1 (MCU_TX) and pin 2 (MCU_RX) for the RS-232 debug connection to the onboard MCU, with pins 3 and 4 as GND.
- Connect pin 5 (PPS_IN_H) and pin 6 (PPS_IN_L) to the isolated GPS PPS input source.
- Connect pin 7 (PPS_OUT_H) and pin 8 (PPS_OUT_L) to daisy-chain the GPS PPS output signal to another PCIe-NPL54 unit if needed.
The PCIe-NPL54 is a cost-effective, fanless, wide-temperature, 4-channel GMSL2 frame grabber designed to meet the growing demand for seamless integration of automotive GMSL2 cameras with x86 systems. As edge AI applications—such as autonomous driving, ADAS, and outdoor AMRs—increasingly rely on robust sensor inputs, the PCIe-NPL54 can deliver exceptional performance, and enable reliable camera integration in demanding environments.
The PCIe-NPL54 is driver-ready for selected automotive GMSL2 cameras, which are a preferred choice for edge AI applications due to their superior performance in outdoor settings. Even under dynamic lighting conditions, these cameras deliver high-quality images with 120–140 dB HDR and LED Flicker Mitigation (LFM), while the ISP on the camera side fine-tunes image settings within a single frame through auto exposure, auto gain control, and auto white balance. Automotive GMSL2 cameras also offer deployment advantages, including a compact footprint and simplified cabling—using a single coaxial cable for both power and signal—secured with FAKRA connectors for robust connectivity. Additionally, their IP67 and IP69K ratings ensure reliable operation in dusty and wet environments.
Built with advanced FPGA technology, the PCIe-NPL54 offers a cost-effective solution with minimal power consumption: under 20W while streaming from four 5MP GMSL2 cameras at 30 FPS. Its low power design enables fanless operation at temperatures up to 70°C. The card’s single-slot width and PCIe Gen2 x4 interface ensure compatibility with rugged, space-constrained edge AI platforms. Its integrated power design draws all necessary power from the PCIe connector, eliminating the need for an external 6-pin power connector and streamlining installation.
Engineered for precision and scalability, the PCIe-NPL54 features a GPS PPS input for frame synchronization across multiple PCIe-NPL54 units and LiDAR systems, ensuring accurate data alignment for sensor fusion. A GPS PPS output mirrors the input, enabling daisy-chaining of multiple units from a single GPS PPS source. Additionally, the PCIe-NPL54 features an auto recovery mechanism that automatically restores GMSL2 camera streaming after unexpected disconnections caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD).
The PCIe-NPL54 is a cutting-edge GMSL2 frame grabber designed to empower edge AI applications that rely on x86-based systems, where native MIPI interfaces are typically scarce on Intel and AMD platforms. It redefines the GMSL2 frame grabber category by combining affordability, efficiency, and advanced functionality—making it ideal for both automotive and industrial environments.
| Short Description | The PCIe-NPL54 is a cost-effective, fanless, wide-temperature, 4-channel GMSL2 frame grabber designed to meet the growing demand for seamless integration of automotive GMSL2 cameras with x86 systems. As edge AI applications—such as autonomous driving, ADAS, and outdoor AMRs—increasingly rely on robust sensor inputs, the PCIe-NPL54 can deliver exceptional performance, and enable reliable camera integration in demanding environments. |
|---|---|
| Video Port | 4x GMSL2 FAKRA Z connectors, supporting multiple camera configurations, including but not limited to: |
| Dimension | 167.7 mm (W) x 111 mm (H) |
| Weight | 183 g |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C fanless operation |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Humidity | 10% to 90%, non-condensing |
| EMC | CE/ FCC Class A, according to EN 55032 & EN 55035 |
| Bus Interface | x4, Gen2 PCI Express |