FPGA-Based Accelerator For Embedded Vision Applications

Vision Components has developed an FPGA-based accelerator for edge preprocessing of image data in embedded vision projects with MIPI camera modules. The hardware accelerator with multiple MIPI-CSI-2 inputs and outputs enables complex image processing and image data analysis.

The compact board can merge data from several MIPI cameras. It manages complex algorithms and computing operations thanks to a powerful, freely programmable FPGA. The accelerator will be available early in 2022, initially with a completely open FPGA for customer programming and demo applications.

In a second phase, Vision Components will launch its own FPGA designs for specific applications such as color conversion, 1D barcode identification, epipolar correction, etc. In addition, there are plans to enable the electronics for AI acceleration. Vision developers can integrate the accelerator into their future electronics designs – just as easily and comfortably as a conventional MIPI camera module. The accelerator transfers image preprocessing results to a higher-level CPU via the MIPI channel. This allows users to perform even very complex tasks by means of in-depth preprocessing in the dedicated FPGA module, while they also benefit from the flexible selection of a highly efficient embedded system.

Vision Components is also adding a variety of new MIPI camera modules to its existing range. The manufacturer has integrated the first time-of-flight sensor – the Melexis MLX75027 – into a 50 mm x 50 mm board with a MIPI-CSI-2 interface and lighting. The sensor’s DepthSense technology with pixel sizes of only 10 μm x 10 μm enables high-resolution, high-contrast 3D imaging. The new ToF MIPI module will be available to order in 2021 yet, as will four additional MIPI camera boards with SONY Pregius S sensors – the newly integrated high-end sensors feature global shutters and resolutions up to 12 megapixels. Yet another addition to Vision Components’ MIPI portfolio is upcoming: a line of MIPI camera modules for imaging in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum. Different sensor technologies will enable especially inexpensive SWIR applications.

Vision Components will present these new embedded vision solutions at the upcoming VISION expo.

For more information: www.vision-components.com