Increasing the efficiency of embedded vision applications

Built to deliver high performance on leading FPGA platforms like Lattice, Xilinx, Intel and others, it accelerates real-time image processing with features like 4K at 60fps, advanced noise reduction, and superior debayering. With flexible sensor support and end to end customisation, TintE is ideal for diverse embedded vision applications.

Embedded vision systems have rapidly evolved, demanding advanced solutions to keep pace with growing complexities, as well as market innovation. That’s why e-con Systems® has built TintE, a powerhouse ISP IP core that meets such pressing needs. Whether it’s enhancing automation in industrial settings or providing future-ready surveillance capabilities, this ISP IP core delivers the performance required for superior imaging.

What makes e-con Systems’ TintE so powerful?

e-con Systems’ TintE is a cutting-edge, high-performance Image Signal Processor (ISP) IP core that can be seamlessly integrated into vision-based applications. It is more than capable of handling pre and post-image capturing functions with a high level of reliability.

TintE’s compatibility with all major FPGA chips makes it a best-fit choice for applications that require rapid image processing. Its ability to deliver superior performance in image processing accelerates the design deployment and improves the efficiency of several use cases, including industrial automation and surveillance.

The detailed diagram below provides a comprehensive overview of the advanced image signal processing capabilities within TintE, enabling high-quality image outputs for diverse applications.

Key features of e-con Systems’ TintE

• High frame rate: TintE ensures impressive frame rates, delivering up to 4K at 60fps. It enables smooth and detailed video capture – crucial for real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording.
• 3A functions: TintE supports 3A functions, such as autofocus, auto white balance, and auto exposure. These features go a long way to help maintain image clarity and colour consistency across different lighting conditions. Hence, high-quality output can be achieved, no matter the imaging environment.
• Flexible sensor options: TintE comes with the ability to accommodate various image sensors from diverse sensor vendors. It empowers customers with the flexibility to choose the best sensor for their specific application needs. This also enhances the ISP’s compatibility across a wide range of scenarios.
• Advanced image processing: TintE provides image processing capabilities such as denoising for low light images, AWB, and AE features, which allow for efficient manipulation and optimisation of image data. It can be extremely important for embedded vision systems that demand granular image detail and accuracy.
• Enhanced Debayer algorithm: The superior Debayer algorithm in TintE drives exceptional image quality by accurately converting raw image data into full-colour images.
• User control Features: TintE empowers users with fine-tuned control over image settings, including: Gain, brightness, saturation, and contrast adjustments, black level and gamma correction, auto and manual white balance options, and chroma resampling.
• Colour space conversion

The below image provides a visual overview of the image processing pipeline with TintE ISP (Image Signal Processor). It illustrates the key steps involved, from the initial captured scene to the lens, sensor, sensor output, and finally the ISP-processed image.

Unique highlights of TintE – e-con Systems’ ISP IP Core

• High-performance support for FPGA chips - e-con Systems’ TintE maximises the utilisation of the processing power of major leading FPGA chips like Lattice, Xilinx, Intel, Efinix and so on. It can handle demanding image processing tasks with ease. So, TintE can undoubtedly deliver rapid image processing for applications that demand quick response times and high throughput.
• ISP IP core integration - e-con Systems’ TintE offers high-quality image processing IP cores for direct integration into embedded vision systems. The ISP pipeline supports AXIS interface with which user can easily integrate to their system. This integration improves the camera solution’s ability to perform complex image processing tasks with lesser time to integrate. Users will get the ISP controls to effectively get their quality images with ease.
• Deep customisation - e-con Systems’ expertise helps fine-tune TintE, enabling it to harness the power of all popular sensors for optimal performance. It can meet the exact requirements of embedded vision systems, providing an all-encompassing solution that enhances the overall imaging functionality.
• Powerful partnership with FPGA vendors - e-con Systems leverages its extensive expertise in image processing algorithms and camera solutions, coupled with strategic partnerships with leading FPGA vendors like Lattice, Xilinx and so on. The TintE ISP can be ported to any FPGA platform, including AMD, Intel, Lattice, and Efinix, ensuring compatibility with your chosen hardware configuration with minimal time.

e-con Systems’ versatile experience in high-speed imaging enables faster solutions using interfaces like MIPI, SLVS-EC, LVDS, PCI, and HDMI. Customers can port e-con’s IP as a netlist on their FPGA platform or opt for a complete turnkey camera solution.

Tech specifications of e-con Systems’ TintE

Interface

• Input – LVDS, Sub LVDS and MIPI, SLVS-EC
• Output – MIPI, USB, PCIe, HDMI

Image format

• Input – Bayer
• Output – RGB888, RGB12, YUV420, YUV422, and YUV 444

Controls

• Brightness
• Contrast
• Saturation
• Black level correction
• Colour correction matrix
• Gamma strength
• Denosing strength
• Sharpness strength
• White balance
• Exposure threshold

Camera options available with TintE evaluation platform

Currently, the TintE evaluation platform includes two camera options from e-con Systems:

• See3CAM_50CUG – A 5MP global shutter camera featuring the Sony IMX264 sensor, designed to capture distortion-free images of fast-moving subjects. It delivers excellent NIR performance, a superior signal-to-noise ratio, support for long and short exposure settings, high sensitivity, and global shutter mode.
• See3CAM_CU200 – A 20MP high-resolution rolling shutter camera equipped with onsemi’s AR2020 sensor. It achieves high frame rates at 20MP, even with multiple cameras connected to the platform.

Both cameras offer low power consumption, compact designs, and exceptional performance, making them ideal for processing advanced imaging algorithms.