MIPI Kinematic Streaming Format Targets Raw Sensor Data

New Kinematics Working Group Targets Standardized Sensor Streaming

The MIPI Alliance has established a new Kinematics Working Group to develop a standardized approach for streaming radar, LiDAR, and other kinematic sensor data through the widely used MIPI CSI-2 interface. The planned MIPI Kinematic Streaming Format is intended to standardize how raw, unprocessed sensor information is represented, reducing reliance on proprietary integration methods. By creating a common format for sensor streams, the initiative could simplify system integration and potentially reduce costs associated with developing and maintaining separate proprietary approaches across automotive sensing platforms.

Initial Focus Centers on Raw Radar Data

The first version of the proposed format will concentrate on radar systems that transmit raw sensor data to centralized processing systems. This approach is designed to support processing architectures that can apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to sensor information after collection. The working group will also investigate potential applications beyond radar, including LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors. In addition, radar-based integrated sensing and communications are expected to be among the areas considered as the format develops, broadening its potential use across emerging automotive sensing architectures.

Major Semiconductor and Automotive Technology Companies Participate

The working group includes Infineon, NXP, Qualcomm, Bosch, Samsung, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments. Their participation brings together companies involved in semiconductor technology, sensing, automotive electronics, and related processing systems. A standardized representation for kinematic sensor data could give these participants a common framework for integrating different sensing components with downstream processing hardware and software. The emphasis on raw data also supports architectures in which centralized computing systems handle sensor processing rather than depending entirely on proprietary processing pathways within individual sensor systems.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The initiative could influence automotive sensing architectures by making it easier to integrate raw data from different sensor technologies through a common interface framework. This is particularly relevant to centralized processing approaches, where radar and other sensor streams can be handled by shared computing resources and processed using AI and machine learning methods. If the planned format develops into a broadly adopted standard, suppliers and system developers could face fewer proprietary integration requirements when combining compatible sensing components. The working group's expansion into LiDAR, ultrasonic sensing, and radar-based integrated sensing and communications will help determine how broadly the approach can support future sensor architectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MIPI Kinematic Streaming Format?
The MIPI Kinematic Streaming Format is a planned standardized format for representing raw, unprocessed radar, LiDAR, and other kinematic sensor data transmitted through the MIPI CSI-2 interface. The initiative is being developed by a new MIPI Alliance working group, with the first version focused on radar systems that send raw data for centralized processing. The group also plans to explore LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and radar-based integrated sensing and communications as potential applications for the format.