MCNEX and Valens bring QHD cameras to low-cost cabling

MCNEX and Valens Semiconductor have jointly developed a family of automotive-grade front and rear cameras delivering QHD (2560×1440) resolution over unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or low-cost coaxial cables, based on Valens’ VA7000 A-PHY chipsets. The companies say the cameras are the first automotive-grade QHD units to operate over unshielded channels, enabling OEMs to reduce wiring harness cost and complexity without sacrificing image quality for ADAS applications.

The VA7000 chipsets are based on the MIPI A-PHY standard and deliver multi-gigabit link speeds with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) robustness over simple cable types. The cameras are targeted at interior ADAS applications — including front and rear units mounted within the cabin — where unshielded cabling is a practical option. MCNEX is also releasing a 4K, 60fps rear-view camera operating over shielded cabling, also based on the VA7000. The chipsets are already in mass production, with first OEM vehicle start of production (SoP) expected in early 2027.

Young Hyun Jeong, Vice President of the Automotive Business Unit at MCNEX, said: “By combining our camera expertise with Valens Semiconductor’s VA7000 chipsets, we are giving OEMs strong options for front- and rear-facing cameras.”

Adar Segal, Head of Automotive Business at Valens Semiconductor, added: “The collaboration with MCNEX showcases how our VA7000 chipsets enable multi-gigabit, long-reach links over the simplest cabling, including UTP and low-cost coax. This offering will help OEMs scale to next-generation ADAS systems with higher image quality and more flexible cabling topologies.”

Source: Valens Semiconductor