Dual camera mezzanine aids fast prototyping in embedded vision systems
To develop embedded vision applications with camera sensor modules at a low cost of entry, Avnet has introduced the 96Boards ON Semiconductor dual camera mezzanine development and prototyping platform for the AP1302 imaging processor coupled with dual imaging camera modules. The platform will enable design and system engineers to create cost-effective embedded vision applications using industry-standard technologies, says the distributor.
The two Imager Access System (IAS) camera modules on the mezzanine use the AR0144 monochrome digital image sensor from ON Semiconductor. The AR0144 is a 1Mpixel Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) sensor (1280 horizontal by 800 vertical resolution) and will run at 60 frames per second at full resolution. Its ability to capture clear images is critical for applications such as scanning, industrial inspection and drone navigation, explains the company.
By using the 96Boards standard, the card can enable low latency vision system prototyping by leveraging the capabilities of the Xilinx Ultra96-V2 platform.
“This prototyping platform is specially created for design engineers, system engineers and suppliers to focus on IoT vision, AI and computer imaging applications,” said Jim Beneke, vice president of products and emerging technologies, Avnet. “It simplifies the complex process of developing applications with imaging sensors. In addition, Avnet has matched this card with our Ultra96-V2 to provide a very high performance, cost effective AI vision platform.”
The platform uses MIPI and the camera serial interface (CSI2) standards which are specifications of the MIPI Alliance. The MIPI-CSI2 specification defines the interface between the image sensors, ISP and a host processor, and is widely used for high-speed communications output from image sensors in most embedded systems.
The API 1302 image co-processor from ON Semiconductor performs image processing functions within the platform, including turning, configuration and calibration of the sensors. These processing functions also help to reduce design efforts of developing an embedded camera system. The AP1302 interfaces the sensors and the host processor using MIPI-CSI2 lanes.
The Avnet-designed 96Boards ON Semiconductor dual camera mezzanine development and prototyping platform comes with two IAS sensor modules and an AP1302 imaging co-processor.
