The CircuitValley CHC5 is an open-source, modular machine vision camera system built around interchangeable sensor PCBs, custom MIPI FMC breakout boards, and cross-platform compatibility with single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi and Nvidia Jetson. Part 1 of the technical specification series provides a rigorous comparative breakdown of nine image sensors—spanning Sony STARVIS 2, Pregius S global shutter, and OmniVision automotive lines—evaluating optical formats, resolutions, pixel dimensions, MIPI interface configurations, frame rates, and dynamic range metrics. The complete platform spans a five-part documentation series and an active crowdfunding campaign detailing hardware, FPGA ISP designs, and machine vision software stacks.
Key Points
Platform Modularity: Sensor PCBs interface via MIPI CSI-2 (2, 4, or 8 lanes) or custom MIPI FMC boards, enabling deployment on Raspberry Pi, Jetson, and FPGA host systems.
IMX477 & IMX678 Consumer/Security Sensors: The IMX477 features a 1/2.3" optical format, 12.3 MP resolution (4056×3040), 1.55 µm pixels, and 60 fps. The IMX678 utilizes STARVIS 2 tech in a 1/1.8" format, delivering 8.3 MP at 72 fps in 4K.
Large-Format STARVIS 2 Sensors (IMX485 & IMX585): Both occupy a 1/1.2" format with 2.9 µm pixels and achieve 90 fps at 4K; the IMX585 integrates STARVIS 2 for high sensitivity and an 88 dB single-exposure dynamic range.
High-Resolution & Large-Sensor Options (IMX283 & IMX294): The IMX283 provides 20.3 MP (5496×3672) on a 1" optical format at 25 fps requiring a strict 4-lane MIPI link. The IMX294 features a 4/3" format with large 4.63 µm pixels, outputting 120 fps at 4K via CSI-2 or SLVS-EC.
Global Shutter Imaging (IMX568 & IMX565): Gen 4 Pregius S stacked BSI sensors eliminate motion blur, with the IMX568 delivering 5.1 MP (2448×2048) at 79 fps and the IMX565 delivering 12.3 MP (4096×3000) at 42 fps.
Automotive High-Dynamic-Range Sensor (OX08B40): Employs PureCel Plus-S stacked technology to achieve 140 dB multi-capture HDR, built-in LED flicker mitigation (LFM), and ASIL C hardware safety metrics.
Open-Source Availability: All hardware design files and project documentation are maintained on GitHub via the circuitvalley/CHC5_Open_Camera repository.
Discussion Highlights
Campaign Background: Commenters identify the article as baseline technical documentation supporting the CHC5 Kickstarter campaign for the world's first commercially available modular, programmable machine vision camera with open-source software.
Architecture Documentation Range: The underlying blog series is structured into five distinct parts, covering sensor specifications, physical camera system integration, lens mount support, software stacks (GigE Vision and USB3 Vision), and FPGA image signal processor (ISP) design.
Alternative Hacking Applications: Community members note utility beyond traditional industrial inspection, expressing interest in modifying firmware for pre-sensor data manipulation to emulate analog video circuit bending.