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phyCAM-M 1/4“ 1,0 MPixel Global Shutter Camera Module

Overview

Specifications

• 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)

Order Options

The camera module can be ordered with an M12 or C/CS mount holder. Lens mounting is also possible.

For dimensions of the holder, please refer to L-867Be.A4 phyCAM Digital Camera Modules Concept and Design-In Guide.

Other Models

For the VM‑016, PHYTEC offers camera modules with three different phyCAM interfaces:

• phyCAM‑P - parallel interface
• phyCAM‑S+ - serial LVDS interface
• phyCAM‑M - MIPI CSI-2 interface

The phyCAM Concept

The phyCAM series of camera modules allows microcontroller designs to be easily and efficiently equipped with image processing technology.

Camera modules with a phyCAM interface can be directly connected to the digital camera interface of selected PHYTEC microcontroller modules. This allows easy integration of camera technology into compact, project-specific products. Many BSPs (Board Support Packages) of PHYTEC microcontroller modules already include 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. This enables scalability during the design phase and in future design variants.

Evaluation kits are available for use during the development phase.

VM-016 Camera Modules Function Overview

On-Board Clock Generation

The master clock (MCLK) for the camera sensor is generated with a 27 MHz oscillator on the camera module. The internal PLL of the camera sensor generates the required operating frequency of the sensor.

This means that it is not necessary to generate the master clock externally and to route it to the camera module. Corresponding pins of the phyCAM interface can remain unconnected or be connected to the operating ground of the baseboard for a better GND connection.

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

On-Board EEPROM

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

The EEPROM addressing can be done individually by solder jumpers. The addressing is described in detail in the corresponding sections "I²C addresses" of the individual interface variants.

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

Trigger / Strobe Connector

The TRIGGER_IN and STROBE_OUT signals can be used for precise timing control, 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.

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 Characteristics

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. The effective sensor area is therefore 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-M VM-016-xxx-M

Technical Details

Specifications

• 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)

Parameters

Electrical Specifications

Data Formats

monochrome (VM-016-BW-M):

• Y8 (8-Bit greyscale)
• Y10 (10-Bit greyscale)
• Y12 (12-Bit greyscale)

color (VM-016-COL-M):

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

I²C Addresses

Further I2C addresses can be configured by software within the camera sensor. Please refer to the sensor datasheet for further details.

The I²C addresses are hexadecimal in 8-bit representation. In Linux, the 7-bit representation may be used. In this case, the address value must be shifted one digit to the right. The specification refers to the write address (bit 0 = 0), and the read address is increased by 1 according to bit 1 = 1.

Feature Pins 

Jumper Map

Dimensions

Special Features

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 extension connector X2. In addition, the trigger input is available at CTRL2 (pin 12) of the phyCAM-M 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 expansion connector X2. In addition, the strobe signal is available at CTRL1 (pin 11) of the phyCAM-M connector.

Reset

See L-867Be.A4 phyCAM Digital Camera Modules Concept and Design-In Guide.

Revision History