Video camera on a chip debuts

The Optical Systems division of Marshall Electronics has developed a full-color, live-video camera on a single integrated circuit. The low-cost, compact device is targeted for applications such as security surveillance, infant monitoring, video telephones, pattern recognition systems, and low-resolution computer input.

The entire camera, including the CMOS sensor chip and lens, fits on a 1.15-by-1.15-inch electronics board. Smaller versions could be produced for specific, custom applications.

Output from the camera can be viewed directly on any television or video monitor, without the need for additional electronics. The chip supports television-standard NTSC signals and S-Video, as well as RGB and YUV video standards, which are more commonly seen in the computer industry.

Users have control over the camera's image sensor, including automatic white balance, hue, color saturation, brightness, contrast, and gamma correction.

The camera uses less than 65 milliamps of power at 12 volts DC. Marshall is offering an evaluation kit for designers who want to develop a prototype using their own interface circuitry.