ASA Motion Link (ASA-ML) is an automotive high-speed serial link for carrying camera and other sensor data to vehicle computers. It uses a serializer at the sensor end and a deserializer at the compute end, with support for control traffic as well as high-speed data. NXP lists downstream rates from 2 to 16 Gbps and cable reaches of up to 15 m over coax or 10 m over shielded twisted pair (STP); actual design choices depend on the parts and link configuration.
What ASA Motion Link does
ASA-ML is an asymmetric automotive SerDes technology standardized by the Automotive SerDes Alliance (ASA). It is intended to connect vehicle sensors—including cameras, lidar and radar—to compute systems, and can also carry display and control data. “Asymmetric” describes a link with different data-rate capacity in the downstream and upstream directions: NXP lists much higher downstream rates than upstream rates.
ASA released specification v1.01 in December 2020. The alliance later describes v2.0 as adding asymmetric Ethernet and v2.1 as adding native MIPI CSI-2 transport. ASA’s current About page reports more than 170 active member companies, spanning automakers, suppliers, chipmakers, cable and connector makers, and test-tool vendors; the count can change.
How the camera or sensor link works
At the sensor end, a serializer converts parallel input data—commonly MIPI CSI-2 video, alongside I²C, UART or GPIO control—into a high-speed ASA-ML serial stream. The stream travels over a vehicle cable to a deserializer, which reconstructs the data for the application processor. A system can therefore carry image data and the control traffic needed to configure or communicate with the sensor over a connected link.
#1 Best Overall
- Fresh Design: A fresh Arducam design to extend your camera vision on the Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 – peel off the sensor from the connector on the camera board and put our cable in between. It does NOT support 5MP V1 cameras or any other sensors.
- Fresh Look: Give your Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 a fresh look by freeing the sensor from the camera board without losing the traditional flex ribbon cable extension
- Fresh View: Having got rid of the restrictions caused by the camera board, you can now see in a new perspective and put the camera in a smaller enclosure and narrow space, like through a small hole or a tube
- Fresh Option: The extension cable is compatible with Arducam IMX219 Sensor drop-in replacement modules including IMX219 autofocus and IMX219 M12 lens series. Those combinations will also work with the NVIDIA Jetson Board
- Note: 1. Please detach and re-attach the connectors gently and carefully, otherwise you might cause damage to the connection. The Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 is NOT included.
In a multi-sensor design, a hub can collect streams from several serializers and send reconstructed data onward through its outputs. The available number of ports, their direction and the output interfaces depend on the chip; ASA-ML alone does not determine the topology.
Rates, cables and reach
NXP’s product overview gives the following link figures. They describe the overview’s supported configurations, not a guarantee that every combination of cable, rate and device reaches the maximum distance.
Rank #2
- Ethernet M12 X-coded 8 pin male to RJ45 connector network data CAT 7e cable for Cognex DataMan 260 280 380 370 470 580 reader / In-Sight 2800 3800 2000 9000 8000, 7000 Gen2 vision sensor, 3D-L4000 D900. 2 meter / 6.56 feet. Part number CCB-84901-2001-xx
- M12 Ethernet cable for Basler Baumer image processing vision sensor, for Keyence IV3 sensor / SR-5000 barcode reader, for Datalogic matrix 220 320 reader, for Microscan HAWK MV-4000 camera, for SICK sensor gigabit network, for Triton, and more machine vision system to network communication application like PC host computer PLC router switches
- M12 cable is widely used in sensor, machine vision image sensor camera system, barcode scanner reader, actuator, encoder, industrial Ethernet, network, outdoor LED display, industrial automation control, servo, motor, robot, fieldbus, EtherNet/IP, profinet, EtherCAT, switches, router, PC host computers, PLC, process control, PoE injector power. Stanard EIA/TIA 568B
- The cable can effectively avoid electromagnetic interference signals, and can transmit data high speed and stability, up to 10 Gbps. Cable with multi-layer aluminum foil braid shield, cotton wire filling, twisted pair 24AWG PVC dark-blue jacket. The cable is resistant to abrasion, oil, dirt, oxidation, bending, heat, flame retardant. It is highly flexible, stretch resistant, sun UV resistant, waterproof dust-proof IP67 and can be used in drag chains and harsh industrial environments
- Connector features: solid and smooth connection. Shielded, threaded locking M12 plug with strain relief for durable stable use in harsh industrial application. Oxygen-free copper gold-plated contacts. It is vibration-resistant. Metal housing (with shielding) can be shielded from EMI / RFI interference in all directions, and meet the IP67 level of dust and water resistance standards
| Characteristic | NXP overview |
|---|---|
| Downstream line rates | 2, 4, 8, 12 or 16 Gbps |
| Upstream rates | 50 or 100 Mbps |
| 50-ohm coaxial cable | Up to 15 m |
| 100-ohm shielded twisted pair (STP) | Up to 10 m |
Those figures are useful for narrowing a design, but check the selected devices’ datasheets and cable qualification for the intended rate, reach and installation. The overview does not establish that power delivery is available over either cable type, so confirm that separately for the chosen parts.
Examples of ASA-ML chips
Two implementations illustrate why designers should compare device-level features rather than assume that all ASA-ML links expose the same interfaces or capabilities.
Rank #3
- 24V power IO cable for Cognex In-Sight 2000 7000 9000 2800 3800 7000Gen2 D900 / Checker 201 202 4G / DataMan 260 280 300 360 380 370 470 580 series vision system camera sensor and reader, part number CCB-PWRIO-10
- Power and I/O cable for Keyence IV3 sensor, fro Baumer encoder sensor, for Omron Microscan MicroHAWK V430-F F430-F barcode reader, for Microscan HAWK MV-4000 camera / QX-870 scanner and more vision system with M12 12-pin connector
- M12 12-pin A-coding flying lead 24V DC power, general purpose IO, acquisition trigger, and RS-232 cable, 10 meter
- The cable has M12 A-coding 12-pin female plug connector on one end, and 12-core bare wire (also called pigtail open flying leads) on the other. Gold-plated contacts, nickel plated brass shell, waterproof, solid and durable connection. Connector with thread locking, anti-vibration, easy quick connect and disconnect
- Cable with braided shielded layer, good EMC, provides shielding from electromagnetic disturbance. 23AWG wire outer diameter 7mm. High-flex heavy-duty shielded cable. Cable features: oil-resistant flame-resistant torsion- resistant and heat-resistant. Low friction black PVC material used for sheath. Cable comes with label that shows wire color correspond to each pin
| Device | Documented architecture and interfaces | Other documented capabilities and status |
|---|---|---|
| NXP AVL1402XX | Four firmware-configurable ASA ports, dual MIPI CSI-2 interfaces and line rates from 2 to 16 Gbit/s. | NXP lists link authentication, encryption, integrity checks, a three-level key-exchange entity, secure boot, safety monitors and built-in self-test. NXP marks the device preproduction, so availability and specifications may change. |
| Microchip VS776 | Hub/deserializer architecture that can receive sensor data from up to four VS775S serializers; two MIPI CSI-2 outputs and multiple bidirectional control channels. | Microchip documents forward error correction (FEC), ASAsec hardware authentication and encryption, and link monitoring. |
Security and safety features
Security and safety are implementation features, not automatic guarantees of every ASA-ML product or completed vehicle system. NXP’s AVL1402XX feature list includes authentication, encryption and integrity checks, with a three-level key-exchange entity and secure boot. Its safety monitors and built-in self-test are intended to help monitor device operation. Microchip describes ASAsec authentication and encryption, FEC and link-monitoring features for the VS776.
For a specific design, verify which functions are implemented in the selected chip, how keys are provisioned and managed, and what diagnostics are exposed to the rest of the system. A device feature list alone does not establish system-level security or functional-safety certification.
Rank #4
- Industrial Wide Compatibility for Automation Systems - Designed for industrial cameras, PLC systems, sensors, robotics, and factory automation equipment. Fully compatible with Cognex and other industrial vision systems.
- M12 X-Code 8 Pin High-Speed Ethernet Transmission - Supports high-speed data transmission with stable performance. X-coded 8-pin design ensures reliable communication for industrial Ethernet and fieldbus applications.
- IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof Protection - Built with industrial-grade sealing structure to protect against water, oil, dust, and harsh factory environments. Suitable for indoor and outdoor industrial applications.
- Shielded High-Flex Durable Construction - Multi-layer shielding reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI). High-flex cable design ensures long service life even under repeated bending and industrial movement.
- Secure Locking & Stable Plug Connection - Precision M12 threaded locking design ensures secure connection, preventing accidental disconnection during operation. Easy plug-and-play installation for fast deployment.
How ASA-ML relates to MIPI CSI-2
ASA-ML and MIPI CSI-2 serve different parts of the connection: CSI-2 is a camera data interface, while ASA-ML provides the physical link across the vehicle connection. On August 9, 2023, MIPI Alliance and ASA announced a liaison intended to let implementers use CSI-2 natively with the ASA-ML physical layer. The organizations identified ADAS, autonomous driving and in-vehicle infotainment as application areas. The alliance’s description of v2.1 also identifies native CSI-2 transport as a later specification addition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when selecting a design
Before choosing a serializer, deserializer, hub or cable, compare the requirements that determine whether the complete link will fit the vehicle architecture:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- High-Definition video camera for Raspberry Pi Model A or B, B+, model 2, Raspberry Pi 3,3 B+, Pi 4, Pi 5(NOT for Pi Zero)
- 5MPixel sensor with Omnivision OV5647 sensor in a fixed-focus lens. Software auto focus lens: B07SN8GYGD
- Integral IR filter
- Still picture resolution: 2592 x 1944; Max video resolution: 1080p
- Check ASIN: B07RWCGX5K for OV5647 with acrylic case. Other optional accessories: ABS case (B09TNG4V55); Mini tripod case kit (B09TKYXZFG).
- Throughput and direction: Match downstream and upstream capacity to the sensor stream and control traffic.
- Cable and reach: Confirm coax or STP compatibility, the required distance, and any power-delivery needs.
- Port topology: Check how many ASA ports a device has, whether they are configurable, and whether the design requires a hub or separate receiver per sensor.
- Data and control interfaces: Verify MIPI CSI-2 support and the control channels required by the sensor and processor. Check D-PHY or C-PHY requirements in the product documentation; the cited product summaries do not establish support for every variant.
- Security and diagnostics: Confirm authentication, encryption, key management, error correction, safety monitors and diagnostic access on the actual devices.
- Timing and qualification: Review synchronization support, package, temperature grade, production status and the qualification evidence needed for the vehicle program.
- Compliance testing: Confirm what tests are required for the chosen implementation and whether the available tools cover them.
Validation and ecosystem
ASA-ML development involves more than silicon: vehicle manufacturers, tier-one suppliers, semiconductor vendors, cable and connector makers, test-tool vendors and test houses all contribute to the ecosystem. Teledyne LeCroy’s QPHY2-ASA automates ASA Motion Link PMA compliance, validation and testing. A test tool can support the validation workflow, but its availability does not by itself establish that a particular product or vehicle design has passed compliance testing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
