Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B) User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B). This module is a 5-megapixel image sensor featuring an OV5640 sensor and a fisheye lens, designed for various embedded vision applications. It offers high sensitivity and low noise performance, making it suitable for projects requiring wide-angle image capture.

2. Product Features

• High Resolution: 5 Megapixel (2592x1944) image capture.
• Advanced Sensor: OV5640 sensor with 1.4µm x 1.4µm pixels utilizing OmniBSI technology for high sensitivity, low crosstalk, and low noise.
• Fisheye Lens: 170-degree diagonal field of view.
• Automatic Image Control: Features Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), Automatic White Balance (AWB), Automatic Band Filter (ABF), and Automatic Black Level Calibration (ABLC).
• Image Quality Controls: Adjustable color saturation, hue, gamma, sharpness, and lens correction.
• Flexible Image Output: Supports image scaling, panning, and windowing.
• Multiple Output Formats: YUV(422/420)/YCbCr422, RGB565/555/444, CCIR656, RAW RGB, and Compressed Data.
• Standard Interfaces: SCCB (I2C compatible) for control and DVP 8-bit for data.

3. Specifications

Figure 3.1: Front view of the Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B), showing the fisheye lens, OV5640 sensor, and the pin header for connections.

Figure 3.2: Detailed dimension diagram of the OV5640 Camera Board (B), indicating its physical size and mounting hole positions.

4. Setup Instructions

Proper setup is crucial for the optimal performance of your Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B). This section outlines the general steps for connecting and initializing the module.

4.1 Pinout Overview

Figure 4.1: Detailed pinout of the OV5640 Camera Board (B), indicating power, control, and data lines.

The module features a 2x10 pin header for connection to a host microcontroller or development board. Key pins include:

• 3.3V: Power supply input.
• GND: Ground connection.
• SIOC / SIOD: SCCB (I2C compatible) clock and data lines for camera configuration.
• VSYNC / HREF / PCLK / XCLK: Synchronization and clock signals for data transfer.
• D0-D9: 8-bit DVP data lines.
• RST / PWDN: Reset and Power Down control pins.

4.2 Connection Procedure

1. Power Connection: Connect the 3.3V pin to a stable 3.3V power source and GND to the system ground.
2. Control Interface: Connect SIOC and SIOD to the I2C bus of your host controller.
3. Data Interface: Connect the D0-D9 pins, VSYNC, HREF, PCLK, and XCLK to the DVP interface of your host controller. Ensure proper signal integrity for high-speed data transfer.
4. Control Pins: Connect RST and PWDN to GPIO pins on your host controller for software control over camera reset and power states.
5. Secure Mounting: Ensure the camera module is securely mounted to prevent vibrations or accidental disconnections.

4.3 Software Configuration

After physical connection, the camera module requires software initialization and configuration via the SCCB (I2C) interface. This typically involves:

• Initializing the I2C communication.
• Sending a software reset command to the OV5640 sensor.
• Configuring basic parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and output format.
• Setting up automatic image control functions (AEC, AWB, etc.) or manual adjustments.
• Enabling the DVP interface for data streaming.

Refer to the OV5640 datasheet and Waveshare's provided example code or documentation for specific register settings and programming guides for your chosen development platform (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, STM32).

5. Operating Instructions

Once the Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B) is set up and configured, you can begin capturing images and video streams. The operation largely depends on the host system and software application.

5.1 Image Capture

1. Initialize Sensor: Ensure the camera sensor is initialized and configured for the desired resolution and output format.
2. Start Streaming: Activate the DVP interface to begin receiving image data.
3. Process Data: The host controller will receive raw image data via the DVP bus. This data typically needs to be processed (e.g., converted from YUV to RGB) and stored or displayed.
4. Adjust Settings: Use the SCCB (I2C) interface to dynamically adjust parameters like exposure, white balance, and gain for optimal image quality in varying lighting conditions.

5.2 Video Streaming

For video streaming, the process is similar to image capture but involves continuous data acquisition and processing.

• Configure the sensor for a continuous stream at a desired frame rate.
• Implement a buffer system on the host controller to handle the continuous influx of image data.
• Process and encode the video frames as needed for display, storage, or transmission.

The 170-degree fisheye lens provides a wide field of view, suitable for surveillance, panoramic imaging, or applications requiring broad scene coverage.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and consistent performance of your Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B), follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Lens Care: Keep the fisheye lens clean. Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces. Avoid touching the lens directly with fingers.
• Dust and Debris: Regularly inspect the module for dust or debris, especially around the sensor and connectors. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove any particles.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate and store the module in a dry environment, away from extreme temperatures, high humidity, and corrosive substances.
• Physical Handling: Handle the board by its edges to avoid damaging components or introducing static discharge.
• Firmware Updates: If Waveshare provides firmware updates for the OV5640 sensor or associated drivers, consider applying them to improve performance or fix bugs.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Waveshare OV5640 Camera Board (B), consider the following troubleshooting steps:

7.1 No Image Output

• Power Supply: Verify that the module is receiving a stable 3.3V power supply and that the ground connection is secure.
• Connections: Double-check all pin connections (DVP, SCCB, power) for proper seating and continuity.
• Software Initialization: Ensure your host controller's software correctly initializes the OV5640 sensor via the SCCB interface. Check for correct I2C address and register writes.
• Reset/Power Down: Confirm that the RST and PWDN pins are correctly controlled by your software and are not holding the sensor in a reset or power-down state.
• Clock Signal: Verify that the XCLK (external clock) is provided to the sensor at the correct frequency.

7.2 Poor Image Quality

• Lens Cleanliness: Clean the lens carefully as described in the Maintenance section.
• Lighting Conditions: Ensure adequate and even lighting in the scene.
• Software Settings: Adjust image quality parameters (exposure, gain, white balance, sharpness, saturation) through the SCCB interface. Experiment with automatic control functions (AEC, AWB) versus manual settings.
• Focus: While this module has a fixed fisheye lens, ensure it hasn't been tampered with or become loose.
• Data Integrity: Check for noise or corruption in the DVP data lines, which could indicate signal integrity issues or timing mismatches.

7.3 Intermittent Operation

• Power Fluctuations: Ensure your 3.3V power supply is stable and can provide sufficient current.
• Heat Dissipation: In continuous operation, ensure the module is not overheating. While small, prolonged high-resolution streaming can generate some heat.
• Loose Connections: Re-check all physical connections for any looseness.

8. Warranty and Support

Waveshare products typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, duration, and terms, please refer to the official Waveshare website or the documentation included with your purchase.

For technical support, product inquiries, or assistance with troubleshooting beyond this manual, please visit the official Waveshare support page or contact their customer service directly. You can often find detailed product wikis, example code, and community forums on their website.

Waveshare Official Website: www.waveshare.com

For this specific product, additional resources may be found at: www.waveshare.com/wiki/OV5640_Camera_Board_(B)