Developing Software for Proprietary Cameras for Integration with CSI-2 Host IP Prototyping Kits
By Ramiro Oliveira, Embedded Software Engineer, Synopsys
CSI-2-compliant cameras are proliferating through the mobile industry due to the CSI-2 standard’s ability to handle high image resolution over fast links with low power consumption. Each camera has specific configuration requirements and characteristics, which complicates the tasks of providing support and integration, due to limited code reusability and steep learning curves. Systems with embedded Linux can leverage existing libraries, API and driver frameworks to reduce design effort. This article describes how to use the existing host-side V4L2 API and V4L2 sub-device interface to ease integration of a CSI-2 compliant camera with an existing system, using Synopsys DesignWare CSI-2 IP Prototyping Kit as an example. This approach will allow you to change your camera easily without having to make any changes to the CSI-2 host driver.
The CSI-2 specification defines a communication interface between cameras and processors that allows devices from different manufacturers to work together. CSI-2 is a standard, robust, scalable, low-power, high-speed, cost-effective interface that supports a wide range of imaging solutions for mobile devices.