OV2640 Camera Modules for Compact and Versatile Imaging

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  • LI-OV2640-USB-M6

    LI-OV2640-USB-M6

    $79.00
  • LI-OV2640-USB-M7

    LI-OV2640-USB-M7

    $79.00

The OmniVision OV2640 is a compact CMOS image sensor that has been widely used in various embedded and low-power imaging applications. Despite being an older sensor, it remains popular due to its balance of resolution, size, and power efficiency. The OV2640 is particularly well-known in the maker and hobbyist communities, often found in DIY projects, IoT devices, and low-cost embedded vision systems.

Detailed Specs Table

Specification Details
Sensor Type CMOS
Resolution 1600 x 1200 pixels (2 MP)
Optical Format 1/4″
Pixel Size 2.2 µm x 2.2 µm
Maximum Frame Rate 15 fps (UXGA), 30 fps (SVGA)
Sensitivity Visible light
Output Interface DVP, JPEG compressed output
Power Supply Core: 1.8V, Analog: 2.5-3.0V, I/O: 1.7-3.0V
Operating Temperature -30°C to +70°C
Package Dimensions 6.5 mm x 5.7 mm

Use Cases (Applications)

The OV2640 sensor, despite its age, is still used in various applications, particularly where cost, size, and power efficiency are prioritized:

  1. IoT Devices
    • Smart doorbells
    • Security cameras
    • Environmental monitoring devices
  2. Embedded Vision Systems
    • Robotics projects
    • DIY drones
    • Maker projects
  3. Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
    • Toy cameras
    • Entry-level action cameras
    • Webcams
  4. Industrial Monitoring
    • Simple machine vision tasks
    • Process monitoring
  5. Educational Kits
    • STEM learning projects
    • Computer vision teaching tools
  6. Wearable Devices
    • Simple body-worn cameras
    • Smart glasses prototypes

Key Features of OV2640 sensor

  1. Compact Size: Small form factor for integration into space-constrained devices
  2. Low Power Consumption: Designed for efficiency in battery-powered applications
  3. On-Chip JPEG Compression: Reduces bandwidth for data transfer
  4. Programmable Controls: Offers adjustable parameters like brightness, contrast, saturation
  5. Multiple Resolution Modes: Supports various output resolutions for flexibility
  6. Auto Image Control: Automatic exposure control, white balance, and band filter
  7. Embedded One-time Programmable (OTP) Memory: For storing calibration data
  8. Simple Interface: Easy to integrate with microcontrollers and low-power processors

Benefits of OV2640 sensor

Despite being an older sensor, the OmniVision OV2640 offers several advantages that contribute to its continued use in certain applications:

Compact and Cost-Effective Design

  • Small Form Factor: The compact size makes it suitable for integration into small devices and space-constrained applications.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: As a mature technology, it offers a balance of performance and affordability.

Power Efficiency

  • Low Power Consumption: Designed for efficiency, making it suitable for battery-powered and IoT devices where power management is critical.

Ease of Integration

  • Simple Interface: The DVP interface and compatibility with many microcontrollers make it easy to integrate into DIY and low-complexity projects.
  • On-Chip Processing: Features like JPEG compression and auto image control simplify system design and reduce the load on the host processor.

Versatility

  • Multiple Resolution Modes: The ability to output at different resolutions provides flexibility for various application needs.
  • Programmable Controls: Adjustable image parameters allow for customization in different use cases.

Established Ecosystem

  • Community Support: Due to its long-standing use in maker projects, there’s a wealth of community knowledge and resources available.
  • Compatibility: Works with many popular development boards and platforms, making it accessible for educational and prototyping purposes.

Adequate Performance for Simple Applications

  • 2MP Resolution: While not high by current standards, it’s sufficient for many basic imaging tasks.
  • Reasonable Frame Rates: Capable of 30 fps at lower resolutions, suitable for basic video applications.

While the OV2640 may not compete with newer sensors in terms of image quality or advanced features, its combination of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and established support make it a continued choice for certain applications, particularly in the realm of DIY projects, educational kits, and simple embedded vision systems. Its longevity in the market is a testament to its utility in scenarios where basic imaging capabilities are sufficient and other factors like power efficiency and ease of integration are prioritized.