Host Bus Interface Controller for Frame Grabbers

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Host Bus Interface Controller

Definition

A Host Bus Interface Controller is a specialized integrated circuit or chipset within a Frame Grabber or Vision Interface Card. It serves as the primary interface controller, managing protocol conversion, data buffering, and timing synchronization required to transfer high-speed video/image data from the camera interface to the computer's main system bus (e.g., PCIe, PCI-X, PCI). The controller handles bus arbitration, DMA (Direct Memory Access) operations, and ensures reliable data transmission with minimal CPU overhead. It receives parallel video data streams from the camera interface circuitry (e.g., Camera Link, CoaXPress, GigE Vision) and converts this data into packets compliant with the host bus protocol (e.g., PCIe transactions). Using onboard buffers and FIFOs, it manages data flow to compensate for speed differences. It implements bus mastering DMA to write image data directly to system memory, generates interrupts to signal frame completion, and responds to configuration commands from the host CPU over the bus. Typical parameters include a PCIe x4 Gen3 bus interface with a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 3.94 GB/s, power consumption of 5–10 W, operating temperature range of 0–70 °C, storage temperature range of -40–85 °C, supply voltage of 3.3 V DC ±5%, MTBF of 50,000 hours at 25°C ambient, compliance with PCIe 3.0 (backward compatible with Gen1/Gen2), half-height half-length form factor (MD1: 68.9 x 18.7 mm), and weight of 50–80 g including heatsink. These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The controller is typically made of silicon (IC die), ceramic or plastic (package), and copper (interconnects). For procurement, verify model-specific specifications and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The controller receives parallel video data streams from the camera interface circuitry (e.g., Camera Link, CoaXPress, GigE Vision). It converts this data into packets compliant with the host bus protocol (e.g., PCIe transactions). Using onboard buffers and FIFOs, it manages data flow to compensate for speed differences. It implements bus mastering DMA to write image data directly to system memory, generates interrupts to signal frame completion, and responds to configuration commands from the host CPU over the bus.

Common Materials

Silicon (for IC die), Ceramic or plastic (for package), Copper (for interconnects)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Bus Interface	PCIe x4 Gen3	Determines bandwidth and compatibility
Data Transfer Rate	3.94 GB/s	Maximum theoretical bandwidth
Power Consumption	5–10 W	Depends on link load
Operating Temperature	0–70 °C	Industrial grade may extend to -40–85
Storage Temperature	-40–85 °C	Non-operating
Supply Voltage	3.3 ±5% V DC	From PCIe slot
MTBF	50000 h	At 25°C ambient
Compliance	PCIe 3.0	Backward compatible with Gen1/Gen2PCI-SIG
Form Factor	MD1 (68.9 x 18.7) mm	Half-height, half-length
Weight	50–80 g	Including heatsink

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Protocol Engine
Encodes/decodes data packets according to the host bus specification (e.g., PCIe Transaction Layer)

Material: Silicon
DMA Controller Part
Manages direct memory access transfers, generating read/write requests and handling address generation

Material: Silicon
Data Buffer/FIFO Part
Temporary storage to smooth data flow between asynchronous clock domains (camera interface and host bus)

Material: Silicon (SRAM cells)
Configuration Registers Part
Memory-mapped registers for host CPU to control operational modes, interrupts, and DMA settings

Material: Silicon

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Frame Grabber / Vision Interface Card

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Host Bus Interface Controller

Manufacturer profiles associated with Host Bus Interface Controller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Host Bus Interface Controller in a frame grabber?

It manages data transfer between the camera interface and the computer's host bus, handling protocol conversion, buffering, and timing to ensure reliable high-speed image data transmission.

What bus interfaces are supported?

The controller supports PCIe x4 Gen3, with backward compatibility to Gen1 and Gen2. Other bus types like PCI-X or PCI may be available depending on the model.

What are the typical power and thermal specifications?

Power consumption ranges from 5 to 10 W, operating temperature is 0–70 °C, and storage temperature is -40–85 °C. These are reference values; verify for your specific model.

How does the controller handle data flow?

It uses onboard buffers and FIFOs to compensate for speed differences, and implements bus mastering DMA to write image data directly to system memory, reducing CPU overhead.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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voltage:	3.3V ±5% (typical), with tolerance for 5V signaling in some models
data rate:	Up to 8 Gbps per lane (PCIe Gen3), 16 Gbps (PCIe Gen4) for newer models
temperature:	0°C to 70°C (operating), -40°C to 85°C (storage)
power consumption:	Typically 2-5W depending on configuration and PCIe generation

Host Bus Interface Controller

Product Specifications

Applied To / Applications

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