Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

The ELF 1 and ELF 1S development boards are compatible with the OV5640 camera, which integrates a CMOS image sensor. As a 5-megapixel camera, it supports image output with a maximum resolution of 2592×1944 (QSXGA) and a frame rate of up to 15fps. It also supports high-speed VGA (640×480) image capture at 90fps, demonstrating excellent capture speed and image processing performance.

By adjusting the internal register settings of the OV5640, users can easily enhance the image resolution, achieving image enlargement effects. However, it is important to note that as the ISP (Image Signal Processor) expands the range of processed images, the frame rate will correspondingly decrease to achieve the best balance between image quality and processing speed. This feature provides developers with flexible configuration options to adapt to diverse application scenarios.

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

Introduction to the OV5640 Camera

The OV5640 camera integrates multiple functions, including Auto Exposure Control (AEC), Image Signal Processing (ISP), and Auto Focus Control (AFC), providing users with a comprehensive image optimization experience. Below is a functional block diagram of the OV5640 camera, visually presenting its core components and workflow:

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

From the diagram, it is evident that the internal structure of the OV5640 camera is quite complex, but here we mainly focus on its output interface. The camera first captures image data, which then undergoes a precise internal processing flow, including amplification and digital signal conversion. After processing, the image data is output through specific ports. These output ports primarily include the Digital Video Parallel Interface (DVP) and the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI).

The ELF 1 development board has chosen the DVP interface as its image data transmission method. It is worth noting that while there are DVP modules on the market that support 10-bit data transmission, the ELF 1 development board only needs to receive the high 8 bits of data in practical applications, discarding the low 2 bits.

OV5640 Output Image Formats

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

In addition to the image formats listed in the above image, the OV5640 camera also supports outputting images at any resolution below 2592×1944.

Hardware Circuit

Below is the schematic diagram of the OV5640 module interface on the ELF 1 development board. The digital camera interface on the bottom board is connected to the OV5640 via an FPC connector, while the CSI signals are brought out through a 2.54mm pin header (P8).

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

Similar to the LCD video output signal, CSI serves as the data input. In addition to the CSI_DATA0—CSI_DATA7 camera data signal lines, there are several control signals.
CSI_PIXCLK: Provides the pixel clock for the camera;
CSI_MCLK: Supplies the main clock to the camera to ensure functionality;
CSI_HSYNC, CSI_VSYNC: Serve as the line and field scanning mode signals for the camera, providing line and field information;
IIC_SDA and IIC_SCL: Used to configure the camera device address to 0x30 and connect to the SCCB interface shown in Figure 2;
The U9 and U10 in the above image are two LDOs. U9 steps down the 3.3V power supply to 2.8V for the camera’s analog and IO power supply. U10 steps down the 3.3V power supply to 1.5V for the camera’s digital core power supply.

OV5640 Power Control Timing Diagram

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

The above diagram shows the power-up timing diagram of the OV5640 camera, where the power-up sequence and precautions for each signal are as follows:

  • DOVDD and AVDD do not require self-designed power-up timing;

  • Since the high level of the OV5640_PWDN signal enables power-down, it can be set directly to 0 without delay;

  • The OV5640_RESETB low level resets and must be delayed for at least 1ms before it can be raised;

  • After raising the OV5640_RESETB, a delay of 20ms must be observed before proceeding with SCCB configuration;

Thus, we have completed the introduction to the OV5640 camera. We sincerely hope this detailed guide can provide practical assistance to all technology enthusiasts and help us explore the vast world of embedded technology together, opening up more possibilities.

Detailed Guide on Adapting OV5640 Camera with ELF 1 Board

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