Camera Module Guide - phyCAM-L VM-017 1/2.5“ 5,1 MPixel (L-1020e.A1)

Table of Contents


Camera Module Guide - phyCAM-L VM-017 1/2.5“ 5,1 MPixel (L-1020e.A1)
Document TitleCamera Module Guide - phyCAM-L VM-017 1/2.5“ 5,1 MPixel (L-1020e.A1)
Document TypeHardware Guide
Article NumberL-1020e.A1
Release Date23.08.2021
Is Branch ofCamera Module Guide - phyCAM-L VM-017 1/2.5“ 5,1 MPixel (L-1020e.Ax) Head

Note

The default settings in this manual are indicated by bold blue font.

phyCAM-L 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.

Note

Further information on the phyCAM concept and important notes on the design-in can be found in document L-867Be.A0 phyCAM Digital Camera Modules Concept and Design-In Guide.

Information on the software integration of the camera modules can be found in document L-867Ae.A0 Quickstart Guide Start-Up phyCAM with Embedded Imaging Kit.


We recommend considering the information in these two documents before integrating the camera module.

Function Overview VM-017-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 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 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 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.

Pin

Direction

Function

1

I

TRIGGER_IN
(10 kOHM Pull-Up against 3,3 V)

2

-

GND (Signal ground)

3

O (Open-Drain)

STROBE_OUT

VM-017 (phyCAM-L) Extension Connector Pin Assignment (X11)

Connector type: JST BM03B-SRSS-TB
Suitable connector housings: JST SHR-03V-S

Trigger

The trigger input provides the following function:

  • The trigger mode of the sensor controls the timing of image acquisition. If 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 functions:

  • 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.

Expansion Connector (optional)

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

Pin

Direction

Function

1

-

VPOC (Power-Over-Coax supply voltage max. 0.75 A (camera + load )[1]

2

I/O (Open-Drain)

I2C_SDA (max. Low Level at 0,54 V)

3

I/O (Open-Drain)

I2C_SCL (max. Low Level at 0,54 V)

4-GND
5O (Open-Drain)STROBE_OUT (Strobe)

VM-017 (phyCAM-L) Extension Connector Pin Assignment (X10)

Connector type: 1180 V 05 from Nexus Components or compatible
Suitable counterpart: 1150 V 05 from Nexus Components or compatible

1.

The maximum current flow and power consumption at Vcam must not exceed the maximum permissible current flow and power via the PoC connection. Care must be taken to keep the total ripple/noise as low as possible.

The minimum supply voltage must be increased by the amount of the DCR losses if additional power is used via the expansion connector. See L-867Be.A0 phyCAM Digital Camera Modules Concept and Design-In Guide.

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

Note

For detailed technical data, please refer to the datasheet of the camera sensor. At the time of writing this document, the information is subject to confidentiality and can only be viewed by means of an NDA with ON Semiconductor.

Variable Resolution

The camera sensor of the VM-017-L - 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-L VM-017-xxx-L

Technical Data

Features

  • 5,1 MPixel – Sensor (5.038.848 Pixel)
  • monochrome (VM-017-BW-L) or color (VM-017-COL-L)
  • phyCAM-L interface
  • Frame rate: ~57 fps (full resolution)
  • Feature pins
  • Low-light performance
  • Line Interleaved HDR
  • Integrated Color and Lens Shading
  • Additional connector with a trigger, strobe (optional)


VM-017-xxx-L (phyCAM-M, PL1544.1) (Front/Back)

Specification

Function

VM-017-BW-L[2]

VM-017-COL-L[2]

Camera Characteristics



Resolution

5,1 MPixel

5,1 MPixel

Resolution (H x V)

2592 x 1944 Pixel

2592 x 1944 Pixel

Sensor size

1/2.5"  5,7 mm x 4,28 mm

1/2.5"  5,7 mm x 4,28 mm

Pixel size

2,2 µm x 2,2 µm

2,2 µm x 2,2 µm

Color/ monochrome

monochrome

color

Sensor Technology

CMOS

CMOS

Sensorchip

ON Semiconductor AR0521

ON Semiconductor AR0521

Scan-System

progressive

progressive

Shutter Type

rolling

rolling


Frame Rate (fps)

~57 fps (full Resolution)

~57 fps (full Resolution)

~118 fps at 1080p

~118 fps at 1080p

Sensitivity[3]

36 ke-/lux×s

18.8 ke/lux×s

SNRMAX[3]

40 dB

40 dB

Dynamic Range[3]

74.3 dB

>96 dB Interleaved HDR

74.3 dB

>96 dB Interleaved HDR

Exposure Time

programmable

programmable

Amplification Analog / Digital

1x … 16x / 1x … 8x

1x … 16x / 1x … 8x per channel

AEC /AGC

no / no 

no / no 

Skipping

2 / 3 / 4

2 / 3 / 4

Binning

ja

ja

Chief Ray Angle

External Trigger / Sync.

Trigger / Strobe

Trigger / Strobe

Expansion ConnectorSupply Voltage, I2C, Strobe

Supply Voltage, I2C, Strobe

ROI

yes

yes

Mirror / Flip

yes

yes

Image Processor

n/a

n/a

LED Lighting

n/a

n/a

Special Functions

see Special Functions

see Special Functions

Electrical Interface



Video Output Type

digital

digital

Connection

phyCAM-L

phyCAM-L

Data Format

FPD-LINK III (Power-Over-Coax)

FPD-LINK III (Power-Over-Coax)

Interface Mode

Y8/Y10/Y12

RGGB8/RGGB10/RGGB12

Camera Setting

I²C

I²C

Supply Voltage

4,5 V to 13,2 V

4,5 V to 13,2 V

Power Consumption (max)

1760 mW + Expansion Connector

1760 mW + Expansion Connector

Power-up Standby (type)

500 mW + Expansion Connector

500 mW + Expansion Connector

Mechanical Data



Lens Mount

no / M12 / C-CS

no / M12 / C-CS

Dimensions (mm)

34 x 34

34 x 34

Mounting

4 x M2.5

4 x M2.5

Weight (PCB)

5 g

5 g

Connections



phyCAM-L

TE 2334884-1 (UMCC-Connector)

TE 2334884-1 (UMCC-Connector)

Trigger / Sync.

JST 3 pol.

JST 3 pol.

Expansion ConnectorNexus 1180 V 05Nexus 1180 V 05

VM-017-xxx-L (phyCAM-L) Specification

2.

n/a: not applicable. All data may be subject to technical changes

3.

Specific specification of the sensor manufacturer. See datasheet of the sensor chip.

Interface Characteristics

 

Symbol

min

type

max

Unit

Operating Voltage

VCAM

4,5

5

13,2

V

Current Consumption ( at 5 Volt)

ICAM

-

250

352

mA

FPD-LINK III output voltageVFPD-0,3-1,21V
FPD-LINK III Link FrequencyfFPD--4,16GHz
I2C

see I2C specification for 1,8 V - 5 V Fast-mode System

Accept: Maximum Low-Pegel at SCL and SDA <=540 mV

I2C Clock frequencyfI2C-100400kHz

Input high voltage (TRIGGER_IN)

VIH

2

-

5,5

V

Input low (TRIGGER_IN)

VIL

-0,5

0

0,8

V

Output high (STROBE_OUT)

VOH

Open-Drain (max. 5,5 Volt)

V

Output low (STROBE_OUT)

VOL

-

0

0,4

V

Output low (STROBE_OUT)

IOL

-

3

-

mA

Operating temperature[4][5]

TOP-30-

Junction: <=85

Ambiente: < 60

°C

Storage temperature[4]

TSTG-30-85°C

4.

-25°C - +85°C with optional trigger/strobe socket. The junction temperature must not exceed 85°C. 

5.

The junction temperature can be read out. Depending on the operating state, the ambient temperature may fluctuate.  

Data Formats

monochrome (VM-017-BW-L):

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

color (VM-017-COL-L):

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

I2C Address

I2C Address Sensor

DeviceI²C-Address Configuration
GPIO_1 (DE90UB953)
Configuration
GPIO Camera Sensor
Variant
Camera Sensor

0x6CLOWGPIO1_SHUTTERAll
0x6EHIGHGPIO1_SHUTTER

VM-017 (phyCAM-L) I2C Addresses 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.

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.

I2C Address Serializer (DS90UB953)

DeviceI²C-Address Configuration
R11

Camera Sensor
0x60not mounted
0x3039 kOhm

VM-017 (phyCAM-L) I2C Addresses 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

DeviceI²C-AddressConfiguration
J2
Variant


EEPROM

0xAC1+2


all

0xAE2+3

VM-017 (phyCAM-L) EEPROM 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.

Jumper Map

VM-017-xxx-L (phyCAM-L) Jumper Plan (PL1544.1)

Dimensioned Drawing

VM-017-xxx-L (phyCAM-L) Dimensional Drawing Connector Positions (Rear View) General Tolerance +- 0.25 mm

Note

Current DXF and STEP data for your design are available on our website.

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 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.

Note

The strobe signal is an open-drain output and requires a pull-up resistor on the application board.

Revision History

Date

Version #

Changes in this manual

01.03.2021

L-1020e.A0

New Release

23.08.2021

L-1020e.A1

Updated information