PRODUCT DETAILS
Shield
› HARDWARE OVERVIEW
- The X1301 converts HDMI input into a CSI-2 signal, allowing the Raspberry Pi 5 to process video from HDMI sources (e.g., cameras, media players) as if they were native CSI cameras. This is a big win if your project requires input from high-quality cameras or sources that don’t natively support CSI, expanding your hardware options beyond the Raspberry Pi’s ecosystem of CSI cameras. It supports up to 1080p at 60fps, leveraging the Pi 5’s four-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface for high-quality, low-latency video.
- Unique to the X1301, it includes a built-in active HDMI splitter chip, which lets you send the HDMI input (up to 1080p at 60fps) to a monitor or TV for viewing while also passing the same signal to the Raspberry Pi’s CSI-2 interface. This pass-through feature is a game-changer for robotics or AI projects—like debugging a camera feed—since it allows real-time local monitoring without needing extra splitters or devices.
- It captures HDMI audio and transmits it over I2S, a feature rare in cheaper alternatives. For vision systems requiring sound—like voice-activated robots or multimedia AI—this adds versatility. (Note: Extra wiring or the X1300-A2 board is needed for I2S audio.)
- Built with the Toshiba TC358743XBG bridge chip, it prevents HDMI back-powering (protecting the Pi), supports four CSI-2 lanes (1 Gbps each), and mounts compactly (30 x 37.5 mm) on the Pi 5. It’s stackable with HATs and supports the HAT+ STANDBY power state, auto-shutting off when the Pi does—ideal for power-sensitive robotics.
- The high frame rate, low latency, and compatibility with the Pi 5’s upgraded processing power make it suited for real-time computer vision tasks (e.g., running OpenCV or TensorFlow Lite).
› APPLICATIONS
The X1301 HDMI to CSI-2 Shield unlocks a plethora of applications in robotics and AI projects on the Raspberry Pi. It is ideal for developers looking to integrate HDMI video sources into their projects, such as implementing real-time video analysis for robotics navigation, or developing AI-powered surveillance systems. For AI development, simulated inputs are often used. The X1301 can pipe HDMI output from a computer running a simulation (e.g., a virtual environment in Unity or Unreal Engine) into the Pi, letting the AI process it as if it were real-world data. This is cheaper than building physical setups for initial testing.
› DOCUMENTATION
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