📷 Camera System – Line Scan Camera (TSL1401)
📌 Overview
The TSL1401 Line Scan Camera is a 128×1 photodiode array that captures images line-by-line instead of full-frame. This makes it ideal for high-speed line detection, especially for applications such as autonomous navigation and object tracking. The camera outputs an analog voltage, which is converted into a digital signal using an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for processing:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
🔹 Key Features
🛠️ Working Principle
Image Capture Process
- Light hits the 128 photodiodes, generating a photocurrent.
- This charge is stored in capacitors, proportional to light intensity.
- The charge is read sequentially, controlled by a Shift Register and Clock Signals.
- The Analog Output (AO) provides a voltage corresponding to light intensity for each pixel.
- The ADC reads this voltage, converting it into digital values for processing.
🔩 Pin Configuration & Electrical Connections
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SI (Serial Input) | Triggers the start of data output. |
| 2 | CLK (Clock Input) | Controls pixel readout & integration reset. |
| 3 | AO (Analog Output) | Outputs the voltage level for each pixel. |
| 4 | VDD (Power Supply) | Provides power (3V–5V). |
| 6,7 | GND | Ground reference. |
🔧 Operation & Timing
The TSL1401 sensor operates using precise timing control. The Clock (CLK) and Serial Input (SI) signals synchronize pixel readout, ensuring accurate image acquisition.
Timing Parameters
- Clock Frequency (fclock): 5 to 8000 kHz
- Sensor Integration Time (tint): 0.03375 ms to 100 ms
- Pixel Charge Transfer Time (tqt): 20 μs
- Serial Input Setup Time (tsu(SI)): 20 ns
- Analog Output Settling Time: 120 ns
🔄 Integration with the System
The Line Scan Camera is connected to the microcontroller via:
- ADC (Analog-to-Digital Conversion) – Reads the pixel intensity values.
- FTM (FlexTimer Module) – Generates timing pulses (SI & CLK).
- Interrupt Handlers (ISR) – Processes the image data in real-time.
🚀 Key Takeaways