In order to efficiently access the performance features of the NVIDIA and Raspberry Pi 4 platforms for embedded vision applications, ALRAD offers The Imaging Source portfolio of MIPI CSI-2 board cameras. Many embedded machine vision applications (especially multi-camera applications) require cable lengths longer than the maximum 20 cm reached with MIPI CSI-2 cameras. Using the FPD-Link III bridge, cable lengths of up to 15m can be achieved. Image data is transmitted via a thin (Ø 2.8 mm) coaxial cable at up to 4.16 Gbps, with image data, control commands and power supply being transmitted simultaneously. The bandwidth is sufficient, for example, for the transfer of image data from a 5-MP camera at 30 frames/s. Developers can choose between MIPI-CSI-2 and FPD-Link-III board cameras as well as FPD-Link-III cameras with IP67-rated housing. The compact cameras are available as monochrome and colour versions with the latest CMOS image sensors from Sony and On Semiconductor (global shutter and rolling shutter with resolutions from 0.3 MP [VGA] – 8.3 MP).
For challenging environments Alrad also offer the IP65 rated housed versions of the embedded FPD III link camera
Carrier board with six FPD Link III camera modules using the Jetson AGX Xavier.
The Imaging Source provides MIPI CSI-2 and FPD-Link-III camera carrier boards with up to 6 camera inputs (platform dependent) for connecting the board cameras to the NVIDIA™ Jetson Nano®, Xavier NX, AGX Xavier and Raspberry Pi 4. Some users might be left wondering what the reasons are for using MIPI CSI-2 or FPD-Link-III cameras instead of USB-3 or GigE cameras. The answer lies in the hardware features of the embedded platforms themselves, namely the hardware-accelerated image signal processor (ISP). The embedded platforms’ MIPI-CSI-2 interfaces are directly connected to the ISP to avoid latencies and data conversions. The Imaging Source’s MIPI-CSI-2 cameras have been specifically designed to pass the raw image data directly to the interface. Since these embedded board cameras include only essential functionality, they are particularly cost effective. The ISP handles hardware-accelerated operations such as removing bayer effect, colour correction, colour space conversion, white balance, lens correction and image data compression (e.g. H.264/H.256).
For more information on our range of Embedded Vision cameras, please follow the link below or call the friendly ALRAD Sales Team on 01635 30345, or email [email protected] or visit the website www.alrad.com
