Why is it Still so Hard to Get Documented CMOS Sensors in Low Quantities?
I have written over a dozen titles for this article trying to find one that did not sound like a complaint. I gave up, because I really am complaining. I am writing this not because I need to vent, but because I am hoping to get some feedback that the problems really is not as bad as it seems.
The problem, access to CMOS sensors/cameras in small quantities. The MCU companies, like Analog Devices, have done a great job of creating low-cost MCU's capable of interfacing to BT601/656 CMOS cameras. The Blackfin BF609 on the Avnet Finboard (Finboard.org) is a great example of how far low-cost MCU's have come in the application of computer vision.
I am currently trying to design a product that will be sell approximately 5000 pieces a year. Finding the MCU in quantities, easy. Finding the LCD display in quantities, piece of cake. Finding a documented CMOS camera in these quantities, impossible. Sure, Digikey shows some Omnivision CameraCubes in stock, but multiple emails to Omnivision about documentation for the cameras have gone unanswered. I cannot design for a device without a datasheet and reference manual.
I know I am not the only person with this problem. I have talked to other engineers who have had similar difficulties getting sensors/cameras in quantities bigger than mine. I understand that companies like Omnivison and Aptina are only interested in the large quantity consumer market. I also understand that CMOS sensors have very short life cycles because the consumer market is always looking for the next upgrade in cameras. What I do not believe is that Omnivision and Aptina are the only options. There has to be a CMOS sensor provider that supports the industrial space.
So, if you know of any companies interested in selling VGA or higher CMOS sensors with documentation (BT601/656 interface) in small quantities, please let me know. I doubt I am the only one interested, so please comment on this article with the information so we can take advantage of it. thanks in advance!
Owner, RobotBASIC
10 年Eric - try asking for sample units in addition to the documentation. You might be surprised at how well this can work with many companies.
Robotics Scientist at FutureBots Humanoid Lab
10 年You maybe able to find his source for the cameras, also just search the same item there are many sellers of these VGA modules..