Introduction to the OV2640 Camera Module
The OV2640 is a compact and versatile camera module that offers a range of features and capabilities for embedded vision applications. Developed by OmniVision Technologies, a leading provider of advanced digital imaging solutions, the OV2640 combines high image quality, low power consumption, and flexible connectivity options in a small package.
Key Features of the OV2640
- 1/4 inch CMOS active pixel sensor
- 2 megapixel resolution (1600 x 1200)
- Small form factor: 20 x 20 x 5.8 mm
- Low power consumption: 140 mW (typical)
- Flexible interface options: DVP (Digital Video Port) and SCCB (Serial Camera Control Bus)
- On-chip image processing functions
- Supports various output formats: YUV422, RGB565, JPEG, etc.
Image Sensor and Resolution
CMOS Image Sensor Technology
The OV2640 utilizes a 1/4 inch CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) active pixel sensor. CMOS sensors offer several advantages over traditional CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors:
- Lower power consumption
- Faster readout speeds
- On-chip image processing capabilities
- Lower manufacturing costs
These characteristics make CMOS sensors ideal for embedded vision applications where power efficiency, processing speed, and cost-effectiveness are critical factors.
2 Megapixel Resolution
With a resolution of 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200), the OV2640 provides detailed and sharp images suitable for a wide range of applications. This resolution allows for clear image capture and enables advanced image processing techniques such as object detection, facial recognition, and barcode scanning.
Resolution | Pixels | Aspect Ratio |
---|---|---|
UXGA | 1600×1200 | 4:3 |
SXGA | 1280×1024 | 5:4 |
XGA | 1024×768 | 4:3 |
SVGA | 800×600 | 4:3 |
VGA | 640×480 | 4:3 |
CIF | 352×288 | 4:3 |
QVGA | 320×240 | 4:3 |
QCIF | 176×144 | 4:3 |
The OV2640 supports various resolution options, as shown in the table above, allowing developers to choose the most suitable resolution for their specific application requirements.
Low Power Consumption
One of the key advantages of the OV2640 is its low power consumption. With a typical power consumption of just 140 mW, this camera module is well-suited for battery-powered devices and energy-constrained systems.
Power-Saving Features
The OV2640 incorporates several power-saving features to minimize energy consumption:
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Power Down Mode: When not in use, the camera module can be put into a low-power state to conserve energy.
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Automatic Exposure Control (AEC): The OV2640 includes an on-chip AEC unit that optimizes exposure settings based on the scene, reducing the need for external processing and saving power.
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Automatic White Balance (AWB): Similar to AEC, the on-chip AWB unit automatically adjusts color balance, minimizing the need for additional processing and conserving energy.
By leveraging these power-saving features, developers can create energy-efficient embedded vision systems that can operate for extended periods on a single battery charge.

Flexible Connectivity Options
The OV2640 offers two main interface options for connecting to a host system: DVP (Digital Video Port) and SCCB (Serial Camera Control Bus).
Digital Video Port (DVP)
DVP is a parallel interface that provides a high-speed, low-latency connection between the camera module and the host processor. It supports data rates up to 54 MHz and can transfer 8 or 10 bits per pixel.
Pin | Function |
---|---|
D[9:0] | Pixel Data |
VSYNC | Vertical Sync |
HREF | Horizontal Reference |
PCLK | Pixel Clock |
XCLK | System Clock |
PWDN | Power Down |
RST | Reset |
The table above shows the pin assignments for the DVP interface on the OV2640.
Serial Camera Control Bus (SCCB)
SCCB is a two-wire serial interface used for controlling and configuring the camera module. It is compatible with the I2C protocol and allows the host processor to access the camera’s internal registers and settings.
Pin | Function |
---|---|
SIOC | Serial Clock |
SIOD | Serial Data |
The table above shows the pin assignments for the SCCB interface on the OV2640.
By supporting both DVP and SCCB, the OV2640 provides developers with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate interface for their specific application and host system requirements.
On-Chip Image Processing
The OV2640 features an on-chip image signal processor (ISP) that performs various image processing functions, reducing the workload on the host system and improving overall performance.
Image Processing Functions
The ISP in the OV2640 supports the following image processing functions:
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Automatic Exposure Control (AEC): Adjusts the exposure settings based on the scene to optimize image brightness and contrast.
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Automatic White Balance (AWB): Compensates for different lighting conditions to maintain accurate color reproduction.
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Gamma Correction: Enhances image contrast and visual appearance by applying a non-linear transformation to the pixel values.
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Color Saturation Adjustment: Allows users to control the intensity of colors in the image.
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Sharpness Enhancement: Improves image detail and clarity by applying edge enhancement techniques.
By performing these image processing functions on-chip, the OV2640 reduces the computational burden on the host system, enabling faster and more efficient image capture and processing.
Supported Output Formats
The OV2640 supports various output formats, providing developers with the flexibility to choose the most suitable format for their application.
Format | Description | Bits per Pixel |
---|---|---|
YUV422 | Planar YUV format | 16 |
RGB565 | 16-bit RGB format | 16 |
RGB555 | 15-bit RGB format | 16 |
RGB444 | 12-bit RGB format | 16 |
RAW8 | 8-bit raw Bayer data | 8 |
RAW10 | 10-bit raw Bayer data | 10 |
JPEG | Compressed JPEG format | Variable |
The table above lists the supported output formats and their corresponding bits per pixel. The choice of output format depends on factors such as the required image quality, storage constraints, and post-processing needs.
Applications of the OV2640
The OV2640 camera module is suitable for a wide range of embedded vision applications, including:
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IoT Devices: Smart home appliances, security cameras, and wearable devices.
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Robotics: Autonomous navigation, object recognition, and visual servoing.
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Automotive: Driver assistance systems, backup cameras, and parking sensors.
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Medical Devices: Endoscopes, microscopes, and diagnostic imaging equipment.
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Industrial Automation: Machine vision, quality control, and barcode scanning.
The versatility and low power consumption of the OV2640 make it an attractive choice for developers working on battery-powered and resource-constrained embedded systems.
Interfacing with Popular Development Boards
The OV2640 camera module is compatible with various popular development boards, making it easy for developers to integrate the camera into their projects.
Arduino
The OV2640 can be interfaced with Arduino boards using the ArduCAM library, which provides a simple and intuitive API for capturing images and configuring the camera settings.
Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi supports the OV2640 through the raspistill and raspivid command-line tools, as well as the picamera Python library. These tools allow developers to easily capture still images and record videos using the OV2640.
ESP32
The ESP32 microcontroller can interface with the OV2640 using the ESP-WHO library, which provides a set of APIs for image capture, face detection, and face recognition.
By supporting these popular development boards, the OV2640 enables developers to quickly prototype and deploy embedded vision applications using familiar tools and platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum resolution supported by the OV2640?
The OV2640 supports a maximum resolution of 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200).
2. Can the OV2640 be used for video recording?
Yes, the OV2640 can be used for video recording. It supports various frame rates and resolutions, depending on the output format and host system capabilities.
3. Does the OV2640 have an infrared (IR) filter?
The standard OV2640 module does not come with an IR filter. However, some vendors offer versions of the module with an optional IR filter for applications that require it.
4. What is the typical power consumption of the OV2640?
The typical power consumption of the OV2640 is approximately 140 mW, making it suitable for battery-powered and energy-constrained applications.
5. Is the OV2640 compatible with single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi?
Yes, the OV2640 is compatible with single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. It can be interfaced using the DVP or SCCB interface, and there are libraries and tools available to support image capture and processing on these platforms.
Conclusion
The OV2640 camera module offers a compelling combination of high image quality, low power consumption, and flexible connectivity options, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of embedded vision applications. Its on-chip image processing capabilities, support for various output formats, and compatibility with popular development boards further enhance its versatility and ease of use.
As the demand for intelligent, vision-enabled devices continues to grow across industries such as IoT, robotics, automotive, and industrial automation, the OV2640 is well-positioned to play a crucial role in enabling the development of innovative and efficient embedded vision solutions.