phyCAM-M VM-017 1/2.5“ 5,1 MPixel Camera Module

Overview

The VM-017 camera modules are equipped with the AR0521 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-017 camera modules with the following interfaces/product series:

• 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-017 Camera Modules

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.

This eliminates the need to generate the master clock externally and route it to the camera module.

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

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 addressing of the EEPROM can be done individually by a solder jumper. The addressing is described in more detail in the corresponding section I²C Addresses 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:

• The trigger mode of the sensor controls the timing of image acquisition. If the soft standby mode is used for triggering, a low level at the trigger input is required for image acquisition.

For details on how to activate triggering, refer to the datasheet of the camera sensor.

Strobe

The strobe output provides the following function:

• High-level output during the exposure time of the image sensor
• The sensor offers setting options for an LED flash or a xenon flash

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

Image Sensor  AR0521

The camera module is equipped with an AR0521 image sensor from ON Semiconductor. The sensor has a resolution of 2592 (H) x 1944 (V) = 5.038848 MPixels with a sensor format of 1/2.5".

The image sensor is equipped with a rolling shutter (global reset mode is also supported) and is available in a monochrome version or with a Bayer pattern color mask. 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-017 - like other phyCAM modules - allows for the reduction of the effective image resolution by different methods. This allows image detail and the amount of data generated to be optimally adapted to the requirements of the application. By reducing the resolution, the frame rate can also be increased.

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

• windowing/cropping/ROI:
  The image is only read from a partial area of the sensor (Region of Interest - ROI). Pixels outside this field are skipped. This process reduces the effective size of the image window on the sensor, which must be taken into account when calculating the optics. The start of the image window can be shifted on the physical sensor, enabling electronic panning.
• binning:
  Binning combines neighboring pixels. 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 nearest pixels of the same color (see sensor datasheet).

• skipping:
  Pixels are skipped during readout. The effective sensor area is only reduced to a lesser extent, if at all when the resolution is reduced. This may be useful when calculating the optics or when switching between different modes (electronic zoom).

Lens and Color Shading Correction

An algorithm for lens shading correction is integrated into the sensor. For more information, please refer to the sensor's datasheet.

Development Kits

Single-board computers (SBC kits) for various controller platforms are available to support camera commissioning and development. The range of suitable kits is constantly being expanded. Please check our website for currently available kits. The PHYTEC sales department will be happy to advise you on the composition of kits and components.

phyCAM-M VM-017-xxx-M

Technical Data

Features

• 5,1 MPixel – Sensor (5.038.848 Pixel)
• monochrome (VM-017-BW-M) or color (VM-017-COL-M)
• phyCAM-M interface
• Frame rate: XX fps (full resolution)
• Frame rate: XX fps at HD 720p
• Feature Pins
• Low-light Performance
• Line Interleaved HDR
• Integrated Color and Lens Shading
• Additional connector with a trigger, strobe (optional)

VM-017-xxx-M (phyCAM-M, PL1538.0) (Front/Back)

Specification

Interface Characteristics

Data Formats

monochrome (VM-017-BW-M):

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

color (VM-017-COL-M):

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

I²C Addresses

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.

Additional I²C addresses can be configured within the camera sensor by using the software.

The address functionality must be enabled in the camera sensor and assigned to a GPIO before it can be used. For details, please refer to the sensor datasheet.

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. 

Feature Pins

Jumper Map

Dimensioned Drawing

Special Functions

Trigger

The trigger input provides the following function:

• As an example, if the GPIO2 of the camera sensor connected to the trigger is configured as standby, a trigger function can be generated.  A low level at the trigger input stops image acquisition in this case.

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

The trigger input is available at pin 1 of the expansion 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 functions:

• LED Flash: A high level is an output during the exposure time of the image sensor. Here GPIO0 must be configured to flash.
• Xenon Flash: The strobe pulse is configurable. GPIO0 must be configured to flash.

Details about the strobe signal can be found in the datasheet of the camera sensor.

The strobe signal is available at 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