MIPI CAMERAS

MIPI CSI-2 CAMERA MODULES FOR EMBEDDED VISION

The MIPI Cameras from Vision Components are embedded camera modules that can be integrated into numerous devices and applications. VC MIPI® Cameras are based on the MIPI CSI-2 interface, a widely used standard, and can be combined with all common processor boards.

Vision Components IMX296 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI camera modules dimensions front side

VC MIPI Cameras for Industrial and Professional Use-cases

MIPI Cameras were originally developed for smartphones and other mobile applications and use the MIPI CSI-2 interface (Camera Serial Interface-2) defined by the MIPI Alliance (Mobile Industry Processor Interface Alliance) for fast data transfer between the camera sensor and processor board. That is why they are also referred to as “CSI cameras” for greater technical precision.

VC MIPI® camera modules bring this technology to industrial applications and series products: they are price-optimized, available long-term, and robust.

Desired sensor not found?

We offer the widest range of image sensors, from extremely cost-effective MIPI CSI-2 cameras to high-end sensors with 20 megapixels and more, with global shutter, rolling shutter or global reset shutter. For individual projects, we adapt standard modules or develop new cameras with customer-specific image sensors.

50+ Image Sensors: Which one Fits Best for Your Project?

VC MIPI CSI-2 Cameras feature a price- and production-optimized design, as well as highest product quality and long-time availability. They open up new possibilities for innovative products, in industrial use-cases as well as for portable devices, drones and vehicle applications.

Typical areas of application:

Mobile Applications
Originally developed for smartphones and tablets, MIPI cameras are ideal for handheld devices, drones, and other mobile devices and machines.

Industrial Image Processing
In industry, MIPI cameras measure, inspect, and identify objects and surfaces. They are indispensable for quality assurance and material handling.

Robotics
MIPI CSI-2 cameras are used for positioning and navigation of mobile robots (AMRs) and in industrial automation.

Smart Devices
Smart devices rely on embedded cameras to recognize and identify codes, items, or objects and to automate processes.

What are the benefits of MIPI CSI-2 Cameras?

VC MIPI CSI-2 Cameras feature a price- and production-optimized design, as well as highest product quality and long-time availability. They open up new possibilities for innovative products, in industrial use-cases as well as for portable devices, drones and vehicle applications.

Wide range:

MIPI CSI-2 supports high data transfer rates, which are essential for high-resolution videos and images with high frame rates.

Low latency:

MIPI CSI-2 minimizes delays in image transmission, enabling real-time applications.

Scalability and flexibility:

Scalability and flexibility: MIPI CSI-2 supports various lane configurations and flexible bandwidth management. MIPI CSI-2 is compatible with single and multi-camera implementations.

More about MIPI CSI-2 Cameras

What is a mipi camera?

A MIPI camera is a camera that uses the MIPI CSI-2 interface defined by the MIPI Alliance (Mobile Industry Processor Interface Alliance) for fast data transmission between the camera sensor and the processor board. This is why they are also referred to as "CSI cameras" or „MIPI CSI Cameras“. The powerful, ultra-compact and energy-efficient Cameras were originally developed for smartphones and other mobile applications. For industrial applications, there are special MIPI CSI-2 cameras such as the VC MIPI® Camera Modules, which are long-term available, robust, and price-optimized. These CSI cameras meet all requirements for industrial series production.

How does a MIPI camera work?

A MIPI camera (Mobile Industry Processor Interface - camera) uses the MIPI CSI-2 interface (Camera Serial Interface 2) to transfer images and videos to a host device, for example a processor or microcontroller.

Image capture: The image sensor captures an image and digitizes it. Image processing: Splitting the data into individual images Transmission via CSI-2: Transmission of the individual images to the host Virtual channels and lanes: Data transmission through virtual channels. The number of lanes determines the bandwidth. High-speed transmission: Data transmission via the D-PHY layer Reception and decoding of data

What are the advantages of MIPI cameras?

MIPI camera modules (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) are ideal for installation in mobile devices, robots and ultra-compact sensors. In conjunction with embedded vision and onboard data processing, no additional computing units are required.

Key advantages of MIPI camera modules:

High-speed data transmission: The high bandwidth of up to 6 GBit/s (with 4 lanes of 1.5 GBit/s each) enables high-resolution image and video applications. Low power consumption Compact size Multi-camera support: Versatile applications Easy integration MIPI CSI-2 is the most commonly implemented interface for embedded cameras.

Vision Components IMX296 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI camera modules dimensions front side
Vision Components MIPI camera module - dimensions
Ultra compact
The MIPI CSI-2 camera modules are barely larger than the respective image sensors themselves and can be flexibly integrated. This opens up new possibilities for innovative products – in industry as well as for portable devices, drones and vehicle applications.
Powerful

The fast image processing rates and high resolution of the image sensors make VC MIPI® modules extremely powerful. State-of-the-art signal processing technologies enable precise image analysis and processing in real time.

Large product range

We offer the widest range of image sensors, from extremely cost-effective MIPI cameras to high-end sensors with 20 megapixels and more, with global shutter, rolling shutter or global reset shutter. For individual projects, we adapt standard modules or develop new cameras with customer-specific image sensors.

Highlights of our VC MIPI Cameras

New: Vision Components IMX900 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX900
The world's first MIPI camera with SONY IMX900 image sensor. High image quality and light sensitivity up to the NIR range.
Vision Components IMX296 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX296
The best-selling VC MIPI® camera module, with optimal ratio of resolution, pixel size and price.
Vision Components IMX568 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX568
The follow-up to the IMX296, MIPI camera with 5 MPixel high quality resolution and global shutter in the smallest form factor.
Vision Components IMX565 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX565

High-end/mid-range MIPI CSI camera with SONY Pregius® sensor. 12 MPixel resolution for a wide range of applications.

Vision Components IMX462-C MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX462-C
Full-HD MIPI camera with SONY Starvis® image sensor and rolling shutter, universal and cost-effective.
Vision Components IMX335 MIPI camera module
VC MIPI IMX335
Low-cost MIPI camera module for industrial/commercial use. High image quality at a low price.

VC MIPI Bricks
Embedded Vision based on the MIPI CSI-2 Interface

Individual image processing made easy

The Bricks system consists of MIPI modules, accessories and the compatibility of various processor boards. With our standardized modules and suitable components (cables and drivers), we enable easy integration into existing systems.
However, not every application can be solved with standard modules. That's why, with VC Solutions and NOTAVIS Solutions, we offer professional advice and tailor-made adaptations for special requirements.

Vision integration: simple, fast & cost-effective

Modular and flexibel

50+ different MIPI cameras and versatile accessories for flexible integration.

Optimized for industrial use
Price- and production-optimized design, with highest quality and long-term available.
Maximum compatibility

MIPI CSI-2 as standard interface

for common processor boards; we
supply the corresponding drivers.

Engineered in Karlsruhe
All VC MIPI Components are developed and produced by us in Germany.
Vision Components MIPI camera modules

Buy MIPI modules

Compact design and maximum flexibility: over 50 image sensors from 0.5 to 20+ MPixel, with global shutter etc.

VC MIPI Bricks system of perfectly matching camera modules

Buy accessories

Optimally tailored to our MIPI Camera Modules, for prototyping,
development and series production. etc.

Stereo camera for embedded vision VC Stereo Cam

Find solutions

Customized embedded vision solutions, from the camera to the individual electronics.

THE VC MIPI ECOSYSTEM

Vision integration: simple, fast & cost-effective

MIPI camera module made in Germany
Modular and flexibel

MIPI CSI-2 supports high data transfer rates, which are essential for high-resolution videos and images with high frame rates.

Maximum compatibility

MIPI CSI-2 minimizes delays in image transmission, enabling real-time applications.

Powerful:

Scalability and flexibility: MIPI CSI-2 supports various lane configurations and flexible bandwidth management. MIPI CSI-2 is compatible with single and multi-camera implementations.

Successful projects with VC MIPI Cameras

Projects with VC MIPI® Cameras and various processor boards are already successfully used in numerous industries and applications. This includes automation and quality assurance as well as robots, intelligent household devices and solutions for smart cities, drones and special vehicles, medical technology and laboratory equipment. 

Nanosatellites for Earth observation - a view from space

Space operation: VC MIPI for Satellite Images of Earth

Interconnected nano-satellites use VC MIPI® and Raspberry Pi.

Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Arculee for Intralogistics

Flexible Intralogistics: Precise Navigation for arculus AMRs

Positioning mobile robots to the millimeter with NVIDIA Jetson and VC MIPI® Cameras
Reading engraved characters

Find and read engraved characters? Deep learning helps!

A system with NVIDIA Jetson processor and VC MIPI® cameras identifies barely legible characters.

MIPI for industry starts here

Find the right VC MIPI® camera for your project!

VC MIPI Brochure

Download our latest MIPI brochure in PDF format.

Further questions about MIPI CSI-2 cameras

More information needed?

A MIPI camera (Mobile Industry Processor Interface - camera) uses the MIPI CSI-2 interface (Camera Serial Interface 2) to transfer images and videos to a host device, processor or microcontroller. The MIPI CSI-2 interface is specifically designed for mobile and embedded systems and is commonly used in smartphones, tablets, drones and other compact electronic devices.

 

VC MIPI® Cameras are based on the same technology, and are adapted to the special requirements of professional applications. They offer a price-optimized design, industrial-grade quality and long-term availability.

MIPI cameras offer a high data rate of up to 6 GBit/s (with 4 lanes of 1.5 GBit/s each) and are therefore also suitable for high-resolution image and video applications. They are low-power, compact and flexible to integrate, making them ideal for installation in mobile devices, robots and ultra-compact sensors. In combination with embedded vision and onboard data processing, no additional computing units are required.

MIPI cameras were originally developed for smartphones and tablets, where they can be integrated into the smallest of spaces. Today, industrial applications and smart devices also benefit from these advantages. VC develops and produces special MIPI CSI cameras for professional applications, such as medical diagnostics, to read engraved characters or to navigate robots and AMRs.

A ribbon cable specially designed for MIPI CSI-2 is usually used to connect a MIPI camera. The MIPI FFC cables (Flexible Flat Cable) or FPC Cables consist of parallel, flat cables and are ideal for high-speed data transmission in a compact design. Shielded flat cables are often used to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI).


The connectors and cables must be matched to the specific connections of the processor board used. Different MIPI connectors are implemented, depending on the manufacturer.


MIPI cables are usually a maximum of 20 cm long. For longer cables up to 10 m and more flexible integrations, VC offers solutions with SerDes adapters and coaxial cables.

Jan-Erik Schmitt, Vice President of Sales at Vision Components
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Are you working on your own vision project with MIPI CSI-2 cameras?

Our VC MIPI® camera modules offer maximum flexibility for development, prototyping, and series production.