OV7670 VGA CMOS Camera Image Sensor Module

OV7670 VGA CMOS Camera Image Sensor Module is a highly accessible and cost-effective solution for incorporating basic digital image and video capture into embedded systems. Built around the powerful OV7670 image sensor, this module captures images at up to VGA resolution (640×480) and transfers them using a digital video port. A major advantage of this module is its built-in image signal processing (ISP) features, which handle tasks like exposure control, white balance, and gamma correction internally, dramatically reducing the workload on the host microcontroller. Engineers and students frequently choose the OV7670 for its simplicity, wide compatibility with platforms like Arduino and STM32, and the ability to output images in various formats, making it a staple for hobbyist vision systems and entry-level machine vision projects.

Key Features:

• VGA Resolution Output: Captures clear images at a maximum resolution of 640×480 pixels, with support for lower resolutions like QVGA and QQVGA.
• Integrated Image Processing: The sensor handles crucial functions like automatic exposure control (AEC), automatic gain control (AGC), and automatic white balance (AWB) on-chip.
• FIFO Buffer Option: Many breakout boards include an optional FIFO buffer (like the AL422B) to manage data flow, preventing data loss and simplifying timing for slower microcontrollers.
• Programmable Interface: You can configure the sensor’s parameters, frame rate, and image quality via the SCCB (Serial Camera Control Bus), which is compatible with the I²C protocol.
• Low Operating Voltage: Designed to operate efficiently at low voltages, making it ideal for battery-powered or portable vision systems.
• Output Formats: Supports various output formats including RAW RGB, RGB (RGB565/555/444), YUV/YCbCr 4:2:2, and G-sensor format.

Technical Specifications:

• Sensor Chip: OmniVision OV7670
• Pixel Array: 640 x 480 (VGA)
• Supply Voltage (Core): 1.8 V DC
• Supply Voltage (I/O): 2.5 V to 3.0 V DC (Typical on breakout board)
• Operating Power: 60 mW/15 fps VGA YUV
• Sleep Mode Power: <20 µA
• Lens Size: 1/6″
• Interface Type: SCCB (Control) and Digital Video Port (Data)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Lens: Standard 24-pin DIP or small PCB-mounted lens.
• Connector: Standard 2×10 header pins for easy prototyping.
• Mounting: Includes mounting holes for securing the module to a chassis or enclosure.

Dimensions:

• Board Length: ~35 mm
• Board Width: ~35 mm
• Module Height (including lens): ~26 mm

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC/GND: Power supply and ground connections.
• SCCB Interface (SCL/SDA): Serial clock and serial data for configuring internal registers (I²C protocol).
• Clock Signals (XCLK/PCLK): External master clock input and pixel clock output (data timing).
• Synchronization Signals (VSYNC/HREF): Vertical and Horizontal synchronization signals for framing the image data.
• Data Output Pins (D0-D7): The 8-bit parallel bus that transfers the image pixel data.
• Wiring Note: You must connect the I/O power supply to the microcontroller’s logic level (typically 3.3V or 5V) and ensure all clock and data lines are correctly synchronized and handled by the host processor.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download OV7670 Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Hobbyist Robotics: Providing basic vision for object tracking or line following.
• Educational Platforms: Teaching fundamental concepts of digital image capture and processing with microcontrollers.
• IoT Monitoring: Low-resolution, low-cost remote visual verification devices.

Applications:

• Simple Surveillance Cameras: Building small, embedded monitoring devices.
• Time-Lapse Photography: Capturing images at set intervals for project documentation or environmental monitoring.
• Color and Barcode Scanning: Basic image processing for reading simple codes or identifying colors.
• Digital Video Recording (DVR): Implementing low-frame-rate video capture in custom hardware.

Equivalent Models:

• OV7725: A slightly newer sensor offering faster frame rates and enhanced image quality.
• ArduCAM Mini 2MP/5MP: Higher-resolution camera modules that often use the SPI interface, offering better performance for more complex vision tasks.

Package Includes:

• 1 x OV7670 VGA CMOS Camera Image Sensor Module