3.2 Mpx Image Processors for Camera and Mobile Handset Applications - Nethra NI-2065/66

Nethra Imaging has introduced the NI-2065/66, a small,  low power 3.2-megapixel image processor family,  targeted for applications in camera and mobile handset modules. The image processor family includes a JPEG encoder for enhanced compression capabilities. The new image processor family is specifically designed to provide high throughput from low cost image sensors. The proprietary image processing algorithms directly address specific image quality issues of low cost CMOS image sensors. The NI-2065/NI-2066 image processors fit into a 5mm x 6mm package, making them optimal for the small consumer devices.

Nethra NI-2065 Image Processor Chip

The NI-2065/66 image processor product family includes the following devices: NI-2055, NI-2065, and NI-2066. The main feature improvements from the first generation are:

• Second generation enhanced pipeline
• Addition of JPEG/MJPEG
• Faster maximum pipeline speed of 75 mp/sec
• 2x upscaling without external memory
• 0.13U process technology
• Packages
  • 5 mm x 6mm, 68 pin-packge
  • 7 mm x 7mm, 84 pin-packge, NI-2065/NI-2066 is pin compatible to NI-2060/61 respectively

The NI-2065/66 image processor family is based on Nethra’s second generation real-time image processing pipeline that allows OEMs to develop a platform that is applicable to various imaging applications. Support for up to 3.2 megapixels (2048 x 1536) CMOS sensors allows the OEM to develop quality image processing products using the same base platform architecture.

The imaging pipeline has been designed to work at 75 megapixels/sec giving up to 20 frames per second (fps) throughput at 3.2 megapixel still capture (sensor dependent), and greater than 30 fps at 1280×720P HD resolution video capture. The JPEG encoder enables the NI-2065/NI-2066 to work with baseband, multimedia and applications processors that have camera ports running at slower speed.

Nethra has incorporated a number of digital still camera-like features, including image stabilization mode to reduce image blur, continuously variable frame rate, NightMode to extract details in low light, 30 fps preview, Sportsmode to reduce object motion blur and fast auto focus time. The NI-2065/66 image processor family also includes an AdaptiveEye feature that provides shadow enhancement to bring out the details in low intensity, high intensity and backlit environments. A front end scaler provides a special preview mode that allows the sensor to stay in the full resolution mode, thus resulting in better image quality and saving power in the preview mode.

Nethra NI-2065/66 Image Processor: Typical Implementation in Mobile Handset Camera

The NI-2065/NI-2066 image processor family integrates a 32-bit RISC core, eliminating the need for an external processor thus making it an ideal solution for handheld consumer devices, such as mobile handsets and PDAs. In addition, sophisticated Auto Exposure, Auto White Balance and Auto Focus algorithms can be implemented on the camera module instead of loading the applications processor. In particular, the NI-2065 stacks a 64 KB flash memory which allows fast boot-up. This also allows module vendors to update sensor tuning parameters for easy sensor upgrade and fast time-to-market. In addition, The NI-2065/66 also integrates interface for motor control.

Features of NI-2065/NI-2066 image processor family:

• Sensor Interface
  • Supports CMOS sensors up to 3.2 megapixels
  • Ability to flip sensor data bus [0:11] or [11:0] to achieve easier PCB layout
  • Supports 8/10/12-bit interface
• Video Output
  • Bayer data, RGB (15 and 16 bit), and YUV (4:2:2) (16 bit)
  • Encoded JPEG (4:2:2)
    • Integrated JPEG Encoder
    • Baseline ISO/IEC 10918-1 JPEG compliant
    • YUV 4:2:2 output over CCIR video interface
    • Up to 20 fps at 3.2 MP (sensor dependent)
    • Downloadable Huffman and Quantization table
    • Slow video clock mode (divide by 2, 4, and 8)
    • Video clip support with MJPEG
• CPU Subsystem
  • Integrated 32-bit RISC CPU core to off-load applications or host CPU
  • Boot ROM plus 42 KB of internal SRAM for code and data
  • High quality smooth image scaling engine
  • Fast and general purpose interrupts Scaling Engine
  • Supports down scaling and 2x up scaling without external memory
  • Multiple scaling modes allow image perfection
• Memory Support
  • Internal 64 KB stacked flash memory for fast boot-up (only in the NI-2065)
• Nethra Imaging Engine
  • Hardware-based image processing pipeline capable of operating up to 75-million-pixels/second performance
  • Advanced edge enhancement
  • Intelligent true-color interpolation and conversion:
    • Adaptive Bayer to RGB conversion
    • YUV to RGB conversion and RGB to YUV conversion
  • Nethra’s PerfectColor features:
    • Automatic crosstalk removal
    • Auto focus, auto white balance & auto exposure
    • Programmable lens shading compensation
    • Fixed pattern noise correction
    • Automatic sensor bad pixel detection and correction
    • AdaptiveEye low light performance
    • Histogram and statistical engine
    • Adaptive noise filtering
    • (M)JPEG Encoder (4:2:2)
• Peripherals and Debugging
  • Embedded debug interface using JTAG or UART
  • Direct glue-less interface to CMOS sensors
  • 8 GPIOs, SPI for sensor or applications processor, on-board PLL to generate all on-chip clocks
  • 4 PWMs to create a motor control for focus & mechanical shutter
  • 2 I2C interfaces

Nethra also offers development kit for its NI-2065/66 image processor. The development kit will be delivered with:

• EnVision platform, Nethra’s ISP development platform
• NICAM, Nethra Imaging Camera Control, — a proprietary PC application
• Documentation and support

NI-2065/NI-2066 image processors are shipping in volume now.

More information:  Nethra NI-2065/NI-2066 Image Processors