STM32N6 Camera Module

[Ibnu]

Hello, I just started in stm32 system, I want to ask for stm32N6 series can use other camera module? such as camera product from Arducam where the product is made for raspberrypi system
which uses CSI-2 interface, here product link : https://www.arducam.com/product/64mp-quad-camera-kit/

Thankyou

[Julian E. · Accepted solution]

Hello @Ibnu ,

Here is what you can read on the N6 production description page:

"A dedicated computer vision pipeline with a MIPI CSI-2 interface and image signal processing (ISP) ensures compatibility with a wide range of cameras. The STM32N6 also features an H264 hardware encoder and the NeoChrom™ Accelerator for graphics, making it suitable for feature-rich products."

STM32N6 series - STMicroelectronics

I am not a specialist regarding hardware. You can ask confirmation on this forum board if you want:

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus-boards-and-hardware/bd-p/mcu-boards-hardware-tools-forum 

Have a good day,

Julian

[Ibnu]

Hello @Julian E. 
Thanks for the answer, this makes an additional reference for me regarding stm32n series compatibility..

Regards 
Ibnu

[VABRI]

Hi @Ibnu,

Rpi Camera ecosystem is compatible with STM32N6 in term of interface (CSI2+ ribbon 22 pins).

But keep in mind that the camera pipeline of the N6 is limited in term of number of MPix supported:

• Raw bayer sensor: STM32N6 ISP camera pipeline support a 5Mpix after decimation (factor of 1, 2, 4 or 8) meaning that a maximum of a 40Mpix Raw bayer  sensor can be connected to the STM32N6 (40Mpx / 8 = 5Mpix)  
• YUV/RGB sensor: STM32N6 can capture more than 5Mpix by only dumping sensor output using the dump pipeline of the STM32N6 camera pipeline (but never experienced). An average of 150Mpix/s is supported by the dump pipeline. Nevertheless 65MPix is certainly to much for the N6. 

BR

Vincent

[Ibnu]

Hi @VABRI 
Thanks for the detailed answer, ok now I understand that 64Mpix is ​​too much, then I want to ask again regarding Mpix
if I use the arducam module with a configuration of 4x16Mpix cameras (Quad), does it still support stm32n6?

Here the E.G product link : https://www.uctronics.com/camera-modules/16mp%20synchronized%20quad-camera%20kit.html

[VABRI]

Hi @Ibnu ,

IMX519 is a RAW10 camera, meaning that ISP of the STM32N6 camera pipeline need to be used.

So connecting one of the 4 modules directly to the STM32N6 will work but only a maximum of 4Mpix will be used.

16Mpix / 4 (decimation factor) = 4Mpix (that fit to the 5Mpix ISP constraint of the STM32N6).

Connecting the camera hat that concatenate the 4x16Mpix into a 64Mpix image cannot opérate withthe ISP of the STM32N6 (64Mpix / 8 = 8Mpix which is more thant the 5 Mpix constraint).

Keep also in mind that if you want to get a 64Mpix picture it will consume lot of memory to store a single frame.

RAW10 = 120MB (16bits per pixels). It does not fit with the STM32N6 capabilities.

BR

Vincent