Application NoteNxp

Using FlexIO to Emulate Parallel Camera Interface on i.MX RT

Learn how to use the NXP FlexIO module to emulate a parallel camera interface on i.MX RT1010 processors for receiving real-time image data from sensors like the OV7670.

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Overview

This application note describes using the FlexIO module to emulate a parallel camera interface on NXP i.MX RT crossover processors, specifically targeting low-end devices like the i.MX RT1010 that lack dedicated camera hardware. The document details how to configure FlexIO shifters and timers to receive 8-bit parallel pixel data by synchronizing with VSYNC, HREF, and PCLK signals. It covers hardware connection logic, shifter concatenation for DMA-supported transfers, and timing requirements for camera sensors such as the OmniVision OV7670 in various resolutions including VGA, QVGA, and QQVGA.

Use Cases

Interfacing low-cost parallel cameras with i.MX RT1010 processors
Real-time image data acquisition on MCUs without dedicated CSI interfaces
FlexIO peripheral configuration for parallel data bus emulation
Implementing low-performance, low-cost camera solutions in embedded systems

Topics

i.MX RT1010

FlexIO

Parallel Camera Interface

OV7670

Cortex-M7

Image Sensing

DMA

NXP Semiconductors

Embedded Vision

Referenced Parts

i.MX RT1010

NXP Semiconductors

The RT1010 processor integrates a Cortex-M7 core running at up to 500 MHz.

OV7670

OmniVision

timing diagram of the camera sensor OV7670 used in this application example.

ILI9341

Ilitek

Pin configurations for LCD panel ... ILI9341_SDO

i.MX RT101x

NXP Semiconductors

The low-end parts (such as i.MX RT101x and RT102x) have no dedicated camera interfaces.

i.MX RT102x

NXP Semiconductors

The low-end parts (such as i.MX RT101x and RT102x) have no dedicated camera interfaces.

i.MX RT105x

NXP Semiconductors

The middle-end parts (such as i.MX RT105x and RT106x) only have parallel camera interfaces.

i.MX RT106x

NXP Semiconductors

The middle-end parts (such as i.MX RT105x and RT106x) only have parallel camera interfaces.

i.MX RT117x

NXP Semiconductors

The high-end parts (such as i.MX RT117x) have parallel and MIPI CSI interfaces.

i.MX RT1010	NXP Semiconductors	The RT1010 processor integrates a Cortex-M7 core running at up to 500 MHz.
OV7670	OmniVision	timing diagram of the camera sensor OV7670 used in this application example.
ILI9341	Ilitek	Pin configurations for LCD panel ... ILI9341_SDO
i.MX RT101x	NXP Semiconductors	The low-end parts (such as i.MX RT101x and RT102x) have no dedicated camera interfaces.
i.MX RT102x	NXP Semiconductors	The low-end parts (such as i.MX RT101x and RT102x) have no dedicated camera interfaces.
i.MX RT105x	NXP Semiconductors	The middle-end parts (such as i.MX RT105x and RT106x) only have parallel camera interfaces.
i.MX RT106x	NXP Semiconductors	The middle-end parts (such as i.MX RT105x and RT106x) only have parallel camera interfaces.
i.MX RT117x	NXP Semiconductors	The high-end parts (such as i.MX RT117x) have parallel and MIPI CSI interfaces.