As vehicles demand immersive, responsive, and safety-critical digital experiences, high-bandwidth video and data links have become essential. Addressing this, a coalition of OEMs, Tier 1s, semiconductor players, and test solution providers has launched the OpenGMSL Association, turning Analog Devices Inc.’s (ADI) Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL) into a global, open SerDes (Serializer/Deserializer) standard for video and data transmission.
Automotive-Grade Performance
Balagopal Mayampurath, Vice President Business Management, GMSL - Automotive Business Unit, Analog Devices, said, GMSL, developed by ADI, is a high-speed serial link tailored for automotive use. With over a billion ICs deployed and adoption by nearly 30 global OEMs, it powers applications like surround view, ADAS, and infotainment. The setup typically involves a serializer sending video over coaxial cable to a deserializer feeding an SoC or display, while also supporting 1 Gbps Ethernet.
Standardising Proven Solution
OpenGMSL formalises the GMSL stack — physical, link, and protocol layers — enabling multi-vendor interoperability. Backed by compliance testing, it promises faster development and simpler integration for new automotive features, reducing time-to-market and cost.
GMSL’s strengths include ultra-low bit error rates, strong EMI/EMC compliance, UHD video support, daisy chaining, video splitting, sensor aggregation, and power-over-coax at up to 12 Gbps. Its flexibility makes it ideal for both current and next-gen vehicle architectures, including Level 2–4 autonomous systems.
Strong Fit for India’s Needs
Emerging markets like India stand to benefit significantly. Indian OEMs face growing demand for digital cockpits and ADAS, while operating under tight cost constraints. OpenGMSL’s robust, ASIL-B compliant, and affordable architecture — with simplified single-cable integration — offers a clear solution.
Broad Industry Backing
Founding members of the Association include Hyundai Mobis, Geely, Aptiv, Qualcomm, GlobalFoundries, Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, and Teledyne LeCroy. Their support ensures real-world alignment and technical depth.
By opening up GMSL, the Association aims to accelerate innovation in vehicle safety, connectivity, and user experience — making advanced automotive technology more accessible across global markets.
Balagopal Mayampurath and Anoop Aggarwal
OpenGMSL To Drive Innovation Across India’s Mobility Landscape
Anoop Aggarwal - Head Automotive Sales, India – Analog Devices, said, as in-vehicle experiences grow more immersive and complex, the demand for robust, high-speed data transmission solutions in the automotive sector is surging. With the launch of the OpenGMSL Association, India stands to be one of the prime beneficiaries of a global shift towards standardised, efficient video connectivity.
Built on Analog Devices Inc.'s proven GMSL technology, OpenGMSL offers an open standard to meet India’s unique automotive needs. Indian OEMs, grappling with the twin challenges of rapid innovation and tight cost constraints, now have access to a scalable, interoperable video link standard that caters to both advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and next-generation infotainment.
Today’s Indian EVs and premium vehicles often feature pillar-to-pillar displays, surround-view cameras, and rear-seat infotainment systems, all of which require simultaneous, high-bandwidth video feeds. OpenGMSL supports transmission rates up to 12 Gbps over a single cable, enabling compact, low-latency, and EMI/EMC-compliant integration of video and data channels. Critically, it enables ASIL-B safety compliance—vital for real-time ADAS functions like emergency braking, he said.
Features such as Power-over-Coax and single-cable operation simplify vehicle architecture, making the technology particularly attractive for Indian manufacturers seeking cost-effective deployment without compromising on performance. Early adoption by Indian OEMs has already demonstrated how GMSL can resolve complex integration issues where competing technologies have fallen short.
Now, as the technology becomes open and standardised, OpenGMSL is poised to accelerate innovation across India’s mobility spectrum—from four-wheelers to two-wheelers—unlocking a new era of connected, intelligent, and safer vehicles, he mentioned.
Market Readiness Timeline
Talking on market readiness, Mayampurath said, ADI will first release specifications for GMSL2 and GMSL3. Member companies will need a few months to review them, followed by a typical 18–24 month development cycle for OpenGMSL-based components. Initial product samples could emerge sooner, depending on design maturity and expertise.
Opportunities In Digitally Driven Cabin
Mayampurath said with in-cabin digital experiences becoming key vehicle differentiators, OpenGMSL opens new avenues for both semiconductor suppliers and Tier 1s. Suppliers can now build chipsets for displays and cameras aligned with the standard, while Tier 1s can showcase their system integration expertise—positioning themselves as trusted partners for OEMs seeking reliable, high-performance video connectivity.
According to Aggarwal, ADI is actively exploring strategic investments to deepen its India footprint, especially in R&D and ecosystem partnerships. With rising purchasing power, GMSL adoption is extending beyond premium cars to mid-range models and even two-wheelers. As usage scales, local semiconductor manufacturing is also being evaluated, aligning with India’s “Make in India” vision for a self-reliant electronics value chain.
Opportunities For Indian Startups, Design Houses
Aggarwal said, India already has a strong ecosystem of OEMs and design houses collaborating on customised automotive solutions. With OpenGMSL, this network is set to expand further, opening doors for startups and local design firms to co-develop, innovate, and accelerate product development using a proven, widely adopted technology, he added.
Tackling Harsh In-Car Environments
According to Mayampurath, automotive video and data connectivity must perform flawlessly despite extreme conditions—temperatures from sub-zero to 60°C, high electromagnetic interference, and decade-long durability requirements. Inside vehicles, components must instantly deliver lossless video even as cables degrade over time, making robust, noise-resistant design essential for long-term reliability.
The launch of OpenGMSL represents a timely and strategic shift in the automotive industry's approach to in-vehicle connectivity. As real-time data becomes central to vehicle safety, performance, and user experience, the move to open up ADI’s GMSL technology lays the groundwork for scalable, interoperable, and future-ready communication systems.
NB: Photo on top is representional.
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OpenGMSL Association Launched To Standardise High-Speed Automotive Connectivity Globally