ArduCAM-M-5MP Camera User Guide
www.ArduCAM.com
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6
Block Diagram
Figure 2 shows the block diagram of ArduCAM mini shield which is composed by lens,
image sensor and an ArduChip. The lens is changeable and can be mounted by S-mount (M12x0.5)
or CS-mount lens holder. The image sensor is 5MP CMOS OV5642 from Omnivision. The
ArduChip uses ArduCAM proprietary third generation camera controller technology which
handles the complex camera, memory and user interface hardware timing and provides a user
friendly SPI interface.
Figure 2 ArduCAM Mini Shield Block Diagram
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Functions
7.1
Single Capture Mode
Single capture mode is the default capture mode of the camera. After issuing a capture
command via SPI port, the ArduCAM will wait for a new frame and buffer the one entire image
data to the frame buffer, and then assert the completion flag bit in the register. User only needs to
poll the flag bit from the register to check out if the capture is done.
7.2
Multiple Capture Mode
Multiple capture mode is advanced capture mode. By setting the number of frames in the
capture register, the ArduCAM will capture consequent frames after issuing capture command.
Note that number of frames should be set properly and make sure do not exceed the maximum
memory space.
7.3
JPEG Compression
The JPEG compression function is implemented in the image sensor. With proper register
settings to the sensor, user can get different resolution with JPEG image stream output. It is
recommended to use JPEG output to get higher resolution than RGB mode, due to the limitation
of frame buffer.
7.4
Normal Read and Burst Read Operation
Normal read operation reads each image data by sending a read command in one SPI read
operation cycle. While burst read operation only need to send a read command then read multiple
image data in one SPI read operation cycle. It is recommended to use burst read operation to get
better throughput performance.
