SUNNYVALE, CA — November 16, 1998 — OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc., today introduced the OV511 Advanced Camera-to-USB Bridge (ACUB) single-chip controller IC designed for video applications using the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
The OV511 ACUB lowers product costs and greatly simplifies the interface between single-chip CMOS image sensors (including the OMNIVISION OV7610 Series and OV7110 Series) and the USB. By adding only a 256-Kbyte DRAM and a USB transceiver, designers can easily create a complete USB-based video subsystem. Now manufacturers can develop video and imaging peripherals that take full advantage of the USB port built into the new generation of personal computers.
The OV511 ACUB design for maximum throughput of video image data enables host systems to acquire larger amounts of video information in a more real-time manner. An on-chip proprietary high-performance compression engine capable of a 7:1 compression ratio ensures fast image transfers from the image sensor to the PC (The controller also supports high-speed decompression in the host system). In a CIF image format, the OV511 ACUB’s compression engine sustains up to 30 frames per second throughput reducing the “jumpiness” typically found in slower bandwidth configurations. A fast, isochronous FIFO sustains the high-speed transfer of the compressed video image data from the compression engine out to the USB.
The OV511 ACUB offers flexibility in the selection of CMOS single-chip “camera” input devices. Two ports are available which accept 16-bit YUV 4:2:2 / RGB raw data. A third port interfaces to devices that output 8-bit YUV 4:0:0 / RGB raw data. Control lines including VSYNC, HREF, and clock are provided for CMOS camera chip management.
As a highly integrated interface device, the OV511 ACUB both reduces overall system cost and increases product reliability. Additional features include a high-performance DRAM interface for control of up to 256 Kbytes of video memory, and complete USB device controller and system controller functions. On-chip registers can be programmed either through an SCCB Input/Output interface or over the OV511 ACUB parallel I/O bus. Both software and hardware “snapshot” capabilities allow “shots” to be initiated at the camera, rather than at the host, for altering formats prior to “taking the shot”.
“We carefully designed the OV511 ACUB for high performance, and to be the easiest-to-use USB camera controller available on the market,” stated Steph Rutel, OMNIVISION Marketing Manager. “We conceived this chip as a complement to our image sensor ICs to ensure it is versatile enough for a wide range of applications, including video conferencing, video mail, PC multimedia and security.
“To ensure the best compatibility and highest data throughput in USB-based systems, we validated the OV511 ACUB against the USB IF Gold Test Suite which ensures device conformity to the USB specifications. The OV511 ACUB easily passed Chapter 9 (Basic Device Functionality) and passed all the sections of the Operability Testing for Windows 98”, Rutel added. “We believe manufacturers will quickly adopt a USB bridge product like the OV511 ACUB not only because it fully conforms to the USB specification, but also because of its low price and high performance.”
The OV511 Advanced Camera-to-USB Bridge Series is available in a 100‑pin PQFP package for $5.00 in quantities of 10,000. A complete evaluation board containing the OV511 ACUB, an OV7610 single-chip CMOS image sensor, a 256 Kbyte DRAM, and USB transceiver is also available for $100.00 in single quantities.
About OMNIVISION
OMNIVISION Technologies, Inc., based in Sunnyvale, CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a leading supplier of advanced, single-chip CMOS image sensors (“Camera-on-a-Chip”). OMNIVISION has developed extensive core technologies and designs and markets high quality CMOS image sensors for use by major OEMs that produce camera products and video imaging systems. OMNIVISION Technologies is headquartered at 930 Thompson Place, Sunnyvale, CA 94086; Tel: 408-733-3030; Fax: 408-733-3061; http://www.ovt.com.