uCAM-III

MicroCAM 3  (uCAM-III)

The uCAM-III (microCAM-III) is a highly integrated serial camera module that can be attached to any host system requiring a video camera or a JPEG compressed still camera for embedded imaging applications. It is the new upgrade to the popular uCAM-II, which is backwards compatible but includes some additional features.
The module uses a CMOS VGA colour sensor along with a JPEG compression chip that provides a low-cost and low-power camera system. The module has an on-board serial interface (TTL) that is suitable for a direct connection to any host microcontroller, UART, or PC system COM port.

The uCAM-III is capable of outputting both RAW format and JPEG format images.

User commands are sent using a simple serial protocol that can instruct the camera to send low-resolution (80×60 to 160×120) single-frame raw images for viewing or high-resolution (160×128 to 640×480) JPEG images for storage or viewing.

The uCAM-III comes in a compact form factor with a built-in lens and a 5-wire connector that provides easy access to both power and serial data.

There are three lenses available for this camera from 4D Systems: a 56-degree (Standard), a 76-degree, and a 116-degree. These are available to purchase from 4D Systems separately if required. The uCAM-III ships with the 56-degree lens installed. There is a locking nut on the barrel thread of the lens, which locks the focus in place once set to prevent it from being inadvertently changed.

Information about the module

• Small size, low cost and low-powered camera module for embedded imaging applications.
• uCAM-III: 5V DC Supply nominal
• On-board EEPROM provides a command-based interface to an external host via a TTL serial link.
• UART: up to 3.68Mbps for transferring JPEG still pictures or raw images.
• On board VGA colour sensor and RAW / JPEG CODEC for different resolutions.
• Built-in down-sampling, clamping and windowing circuits for VGA, QVGA or 160×120 image resolutions.
• Built-in colour conversion circuits for 16-bit CrYCbY, 8-bit grey, 16-bit RGB or standard JPEG images.
• No external DRAM required.
• Additional lenses available
• Locking nut for locking focus in place
• Weight ~6g.
• Dimensions: 32mm x 32mm x 21mm (without lens, including header)
• RoHS

The uCAM-III includes the following items:

• uCAM-III Module
• 56° Lens