Emerson, global industry experts in automation and test and measurement technologies, has introduced a modular testing architecture for automotive display and camera interfaces. Developed for the increasingly complex electronics used in software-defined vehicles, the system combines a high-performance field-programmable gate array with interchangeable serializer/deserializer interface devices. This allows automotive engineers to configure a common test platform for different display, camera and high-speed video requirements. The architecture is built around the NI PXIe-1480 FlexRIO multiprotocol vision carrier module. Its interchangeable interface devices can be selected according to the automotive protocol and testing requirements of a specific application.
The first available interface devices support FPD-Link IV, a high-speed automotive video interface widely used in advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle displays.
As vehicle manufacturers move toward more centralized electronic control architectures, engineers must validate multiple high-speed connections across displays, cameras and electronic control units. These systems require reliable data transmission, repeatable test conditions and the ability to accommodate new interface standards as vehicle designs evolve. Traditional display testing often depends on external cameras or visual inspection. These approaches can introduce variability and limit the ability to automate or repeat testing consistently across development and production environments.
The new Emerson modular automotive vision test system supports configurable testing of display, camera and high-speed SerDes interfaces.
The new Emerson architecture connects directly to the serializer/deserializer inputs and outputs of displays and electronic control units. This enables automated, deterministic testing while helping engineering teams improve test coverage and reduce their reliance on indirect visual inspection.
“The increasing complexity of automotive electronics requires a more flexible and scalable approach to validation,” said Sam Burhans, chief product manager with Emerson’s test and measurement business. “This modular architecture allows engineers to adapt their test systems to evolving interface standards without redesigning their entire setup.”
The PXIe-1480 serves as the common processing foundation for the system. Engineers can change the applicable interface device as testing requirements evolve, while retaining the carrier module and broader PXI test environment.
At launch, the available interface devices are focused on automotive display testing. Emerson plans to add support for a broader range of camera and display protocols later in 2026. The modular approach is designed to help automotive manufacturers and suppliers update their validation systems without developing a separate testing platform for each new interface. This can reduce reconfiguration time while improving consistency across engineering and production testing.
The system is intended for original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers working in development, validation and production-test environments. Applications include in-vehicle infotainment, advanced driver assistance and autonomous-driving systems. The launch also expands the automotive testing capabilities available through Emerson’s NI PXI platform, which combines modular instrumentation, synchronization and software within a common automated test environment.
About Emerson
Founded in St. Louis in 1890, Emerson is a global industrial technology and automation company providing software, control, measurement and test solutions for complex industrial and high-technology applications. The company serves customers across process, hybrid and discrete manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, electronics, energy, life sciences, aerospace and defense markets. Emerson’s test and measurement business includes the NI portfolio of modular instruments, automated test software, data-acquisition systems and hardware-in-the-loop technologies. These solutions support product development, validation and production testing across transportation, semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, defense and advanced research applications. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Emerson develops technologies designed to help customers automate operations, improve performance and validate increasingly software-defined products and systems. For more information, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: Product photo courtesy of Emerson (NI)
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Molly Bakewell Chamberlin is the Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, a 100% woman- and disability-owned B2B publishing and expert marketplace platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering community. She is the architect, author and developer of the Network’s 11 specialized e-news sites and 11 peer-vetted expert e-marketplaces, including Sensors + Testing Monthly. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic technical marketing, public relations and business development, she is also the Founder and President of Embassy Global, LLC, which has supported more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. Molly also serves pro bono as Second Vice Chair of the Government Team for the WBENC Forum and is a long-standing advocate for small business, supplier diversity, sustainability and women in STEM. Connect with Molly on LinkedIn.
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