phyCAM-L VM-016 1/4“ 1 MPixel Camera Module

Overview

The VM-016 camera modules are equipped with the AR0144 CMOS sensor from ON Semiconductor.

All variants have an EEPROM (2 kB), an on-board clock generation as well as an expansion connector for synchronization of the image acquisition (trigger/strobe).

PHYTEC offers the VM-016 camera modules with the following interfaces/product series:

• phyCAM-P
• phyCAM-S+
• phyCAM-M
• phyCAM-L

Please use the correct manual for the interface you have.

phyCAM Concept

The phyCAM series of camera modules allow for the easy and efficient configuration of microcontroller designs with image processing technology.

Camera modules with phyCAM interface can be directly connected to the digital camera interface of selected PHYTEC microcontroller modules. This allows for easy integration of camera technology into compact, project-specific designed products. Many BSPs (Board Support Packages) of PHYTEC microcontroller modules already contain the corresponding software drivers for the phyCAM modules.

Due to the open interface definition, phyCAM modules can also be used together with other microcontrollers or hardware designs that have a corresponding camera interface.

The interfaces of the phyCAM products are identical within the respective product series. This makes it possible to connect different camera modules with the same application circuit and allows scalability during the design phase and in future design variants.

Evaluation kits are available for the development phase.

Function Overview VM-016-L Camera Modules

FPD-Link III

The FPD-Link III works with the DS90UB953 from TI. More information can be found in the datasheet of the serializer.

Power-Over-Coax

The camera module power supply is supplied via Power-Over-Coax. The module does not require any further voltage source.

On-board Clock Generation

The master clock (MCLK) for the camera sensor is generated via the FPD-Link III and can be configured here. The internal PLL of the camera sensor is then used to generate the required operating frequency of the sensor.

Further information can be found in the sensor's datasheet or the FPD-Link III serial description combination.

On-Board EEPROM

The camera modules are equipped with a 2 kB EEPROM (M24C02 or compatible). It can be used, for example, to store individual configurations or an identification number.

The addressing of the EEPROM can be done individually by a solder jumper. The addressing is described in more detail in the corresponding sections under the I²C Address of the individual interface variants.

Further information can be found in the datasheet of the EEPROM.

Trigger/Strobe Extension Connector

The TRIGGER_IN and STROBE_OUT signals can be used for precise timing of recording, lighting control, or synchronizing multiple cameras.

Trigger

The trigger input provides the following function:

• In the slave mode of the sensor, the time of image acquisition is controlled. A high level at the trigger input triggers image acquisition.

Details on triggering can be found in the datasheet of the camera sensor.

Strobe

The strobe output provides the following function:

• Output at a high level during the exposure time of the image sensor.

For details on the strobe signal, refer to the datasheet of the camera sensor.

Expansion Connector (optional)

Using the optional Expansion Connector, it is possible, for example, to implement additional features (lighting, autofocus, etc.) directly on the camera.

Image Sensor AR0144

The camera module is equipped with an AR0144CS image sensor from ON Semiconductor. The sensor has a resolution of 1280 (H) x 800 (V) = 1.0 MPixels with a sensor format of 1/4".

The image sensor is equipped with a global shutter and is available in a monochrome version or with a Bayer Pattern color mask. Due to the phyCAM concept, the special functions of the sensor are available on almost all interface variants. Further information on the individual functions of the sensor can be found in the manufacturer's datasheet.

Spectral Sensitivity

Variable Resolution

The camera sensor of the VM-016 - like other phyCAM modules - allows for the reduction of the effective image resolution by different methods. This allows image details and the amount of data generated to be optimally adapted to the requirements of the application. The frame rate can also be increased by reducing the resolution.

Depending on the desired resolution and requirements of the application, various methods can be used to reduce the resolution:

• Windowing/cropping/ROI:
  The image is only read from a part of the sensor Region of Interest (ROI). Pixels outside this field are skipped. This method reduces the effective size of the image window on the sensor, which must be taken into account when calculating the optics. The beginning of the image window can be shifted on the physical sensor, allowing electronic panning.
  
  
• binning:
  In binning, neighboring pixels are combined. This increases the effective size of a pixel and the light sensitivity increases. With color sensors, it should be noted that directly adjacent pixels are not combined, but the next pixels of the same color (see sensor datasheet).
  
  
• skipping:
  When reading, pixels are skipped. Therefore, the effective sensor area is not reduced or only slightly reduced when the resolution is reduced. This may be useful when calculating the optics or when switching between different modes (electronic zoom).

Embedded Statistics

In addition to the image information, two further lines can be output with statistical data of the image.

Further information can be found in the datasheet of the sensor.

Lens Shading Correction

An algorithm for correcting lens shading is integrated into the sensor.

Further information can be found in the datasheet of the sensor.

A-Law Compression

To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, quantization of the analog pixel information with the A characteristic can be performed in the sensor.

Further information can be found in the datasheet of the sensor.

SBC Kits

Single Board Computer (SBC) kits are available for various microprocessor platforms and operating systems for testing camera modules as well as application development. PHYTEC is continuously expanding the platforms supported in these kits. Please refer to www.phytec.de for the latest information on available kits. Our sales and support team is ready to assist in the selection of the appropriate kits and image processing hardware.

phyCAM-L VM-016-xxx-L

Technical Data

Features

• 1 MPixel - Sensor (1.024.000 Pixel)
• monochrome (VM-016-BW-M) or color (VM-016-COL-M)
• phyCAM-M - Interface
• Frame rate: 60 fps (full resolution)
• Frame rate: 66 fps at HD 720p
• Global Shutter
• Feature Pins
• Additional connector with trigger, strobe (optional)

Specification

Interface Characteristics

Data Formats

monochrome (VM-016-BW-L):

• Y8 (8 Bit Grayscale resolution)
• Y10 (10 Bit Grayscale resolution)
• Y12 (12 Bit Grayscale resolution)

color (VM-016-COL-L):

• RGGB8 (8 Bit Bayer-Pattern)
• RGGB10 (10 Bit Bayer-Pattern)
• RGGB12 (12 Bit Bayer-Pattern)

I²C Address

I²C Address Sensor

The I²C addresses are specified hexadecimal in 8-bit representation. In Linux, it is possible to work with a 7-bit representation. In this case, the address value is to be shifted one digit to the right. The specification refers to the write address (bit 0 = 0). The read address is increased by 1 according to bit 1 = 1.

I²C Address Serializer (DS90UB953)

The I²C addresses are specified hexadecimal in 8-bit representation. In Linux, it is possible to work with a 7-bit representation. In this case, the address value is to be shifted one digit to the right. The specification refers to the write address (bit 0 = 0). The read address is increased by 1 according to bit 1 = 1.

Further I²C addresses can be configured on the receiver side within the deserializer (DS90UB954).

I²C Address EEPROM

The I²C addresses are specified hexadecimal in 8-bit representation. In Linux, it is possible to work with a 7-bit representation. In this case, the address value is to be shifted one digit to the right. The specification refers to the write address (bit 0 = 0). The read address is increased by 1 according to bit 1 = 1.

Jumper Map

Dimensioned Drawing

The outer holes have a drill diameter of 2.7 mm and the two inner holes 2.6 mm.

Special Functions

Trigger

The trigger input provides the following function:

• In the slave mode of the sensor, the time of image acquisition is controlled. A high level at the trigger input triggers image acquisition.

Details on triggering can be found in the datasheet of the camera sensor.

The trigger input is available at pin 1 of the Trigger/Strobe extension connector.

Strobe

The strobe output provides the following function:

• A high level is an output during the exposure time of the image sensor.

For details on the strobe signal, refer to the datasheet of the camera sensor.

The strobe signal is present on pin 3 of the Trigger/Strobe expansion connector.

Revision History