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How to integrate embedded systems?
A standard industrial camera is obviously too large, too expensive, and consumes too much power. A board-level camera is a good choice, as this module retains the necessary parts for the application. For example, this module removes the packaging box because it can be directly integrated into the system you designed, saving space, cost, and power consumption.
If your system requires a small size
We can use an embedded processing platform, such as SoC. SoC is the core electronic component of a computer, integrating a GPU to perform vision tasks, while also integrating a CPU, internal bus, interfaces, etc., all on one chip. Although the performance of SoC is not as good as that of a PC processor, it can already meet many application scenarios.
If your system requires low cost
To ensure low-cost design, SoC is directly soldered onto the PCB.
How does the camera module connect to the main processing board?
A major feature of embedded vision is its versatility. Optical devices, image sensors, and interfaces have various options to suit many applications. Today, we will address one of the most critical choices you must make when building an embedded vision system: choosing the right interface.
Camera modules have different interfaces, commonly using USB 2.0, USB 3.0, serial or parallel interfaces, and MIPI CSI-2, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below we will detail the pros and cons of each. Each standard comes with its price and performance trade-offs. Here are a few commonly used interfaces.
Choosing interfaces for embedded vision
MIPI CSI-2
MIPI CSI-2 (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) is the most widely used embedded vision interface. It was originally designed for mobile devices, and the MIPI camera working group updates it every two years. Other applications using it include head-mounted VR devices, IoT devices, and 3D facial recognition security systems. This is a proven technology that will continue to exist.
MIPI has four image data channels, each capable of reaching 1.5 Gb/s, totaling up to 6 Gb/s of high bandwidth, making it faster than USB 3.0. It is an efficient and reliable protocol that can handle 1080p video and can be used for 8K and above. Its low overhead provides higher net image bandwidth.
The third-generation technology, CSI-3, has now been developed.
CSI-2 can achieve low-power, high-performance applications, making it the best choice for our automated lawn mower.
USB 2.0 is generally supported in SoC, meaning only a small amount of hardware requires a USB adapter. The downside is its low bandwidth of only 40MB/s, which is inadequate for high-speed, high-resolution scenarios.
USB 3.0
USB is currently the runner-up. USB 3.0 upgrades the very common USB interface to 5 Gb/s. Because USB is plug-and-play, embedded vision devices with this interface can usually be replaced instantly, making it easy to replace damaged devices.
Choosing USB 3.0 can save you expensive and lengthy development time (and cost) for embedded vision interfaces. However, deploying USB 3.0 in tight spaces can be challenging. USB connectors are quite large, and the standard rigid wiring may not be ideal for some more compact embedded vision components.
Both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 have one thing in common: they require a large connector and inflexible cables, which may limit application scenarios. Moreover, only a few SoCs support USB 3.0.
Parallel interfaces allow the camera module to communicate with the mainboard through baseband lines. This type of module requires an SoC with parallel video input (which is rare), and its maximum line length support is 50cm.
Serial interfaces are used to connect with FPGA. If the core of the embedded system is already an FPGA, then a serial interface should be chosen. This type of camera module also communicates with the FPGA through baseband lines, with some modules supporting up to 1m. Both parallel and serial interfaces require the camera driver to be installed in the SoC.
The interface comparison is as follows:
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