USB-OV2640-module


Compact USB camera module based on ESP32-S3 with directly soldered OV2640 sensor (BGA footprint).
Conceptually close to ESP32-CAM, but implemented in a USB stick form factor with integrated antenna and memory.
Designed as a flexible platform that can later be adapted to other sensors and microcontrollers.

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What’s on the board


  • ESP32-S3 microcontroller
  • Native DVP camera interface for OV2640
  • USB 2.0 device controller (Type-C connector)
  • OV2640 camera sensor in BGA package (soldered directly)
  • Data lines matched in length with pixel clock
  • Pin mapping (see table below)
  • External memories:
  • W25Q64JVSSIQ (SPI NOR Flash, 64 Mbit)
  • LY68L6400SLIT (PSRAM, 64 Mbit)
  • PCB antenna
  • LC matching network (tunable if needed)
  • Power & protection:
  • ESD protection on USB data and power
  • Small differential USB filter
  • Debug & programming:
  • BOOT and RESET buttons
  • UART broken out for flashing/debug
  • Extra GPIOs exposed (see table below)
  • JTAG pads (MTCK, MTDO, MTDI, MTMS)

Pinout (ESP32-S3 ↔ OV2640)


ESP32-S3 GPIOOV2640 SignalNotes
GPIO1Y9Data bus
GPIO2Y8Data bus
GPIO3Y7Data bus
GPIO4Y6Data bus
GPIO5Y5Data bus
GPIO6Y4Data bus
GPIO7Y3Data bus
GPIO8Y2Data bus
GPIO9PCLKPixel clock
GPIO10XVCLKExternal clock
GPIO11HREFHorizontal reference
GPIO12VSYNCVertical sync
GPIO13RESETBSensor reset
GPIO18SIO_CSCCB/I²C clock
GPIO17SIO_DSCCB/I²C data
GPIO14STROBECamera strobe
GPIO38FREXFrame exposure
GPIO37EXPST_BExposure start

Extra Exposed GPIOs


GPIOPossible Functions (ESP32-S3 datasheet)
GPIO33ADC1_CH2 • Touch5 • RMT • SPI • UART • PWM
GPIO34ADC1_CH3 • Touch6 • RMT • SPI • UART • PWM
GPIO35ADC1_CH4 • Touch7 • RMT • SPI • UART • PWM
GPIO36ADC1_CH5 • Touch8 • RMT • SPI • UART • PWM
GPIO45General-purpose IO (no ADC/touch) • HSPI/VSPI • PWM • UART
GPIO46Input-only • Strapping pin • Can be used as input for boot mode, JTAG, etc.
GPIO21ADC2_CH0 • Touch0 • I²C SDA • UART • PWM
GPIO15ADC2_CH4 • Touch3 • I²C SCL • UART • PWM
GPIO16ADC2_CH5 • Touch4 • SPI • UART • PWM

Notes:

  • ADC1 and ADC2 allow analog measurements (12-bit).
  • TouchX functions support capacitive touch sensing.
  • RMT = Remote Control peripheral (good for IR / precise waveforms).
  • GPIO45/46 often used in special boot/JTAG scenarios — check strapping requirements.
  • All can be remapped to UART / I²C / SPI / PWM as needed (ESP32-S3 flexible IO matrix).

Power & Form Factor


  • Powered directly from USB Type-C
  • Compact 2-layer PCB for low-cost manufacturing
  • No external power required

Use Case


  • Drop-in USB camera module with OV2640 sensor
  • Alternative to ESP32-CAM with direct USB interface
  • For prototyping, computer vision, robotics, and IoT devices

Quick Use


  1. Connect USB-OV2640-module to PC via USB-C.
  2. Hold BOOT and press RESET to enter download mode.
  3. Flash ESP32-S3 firmware (e.g. ESP-IDF / Arduino / PlatformIO).
  4. Use provided OV2640 driver examples (similar to ESP32-CAM).
  5. Stream video over USB (UVC emulation) or Wi-Fi.

Notes


  • Antenna may require LC matching calibration depending on PCB batch.
  • OV2640 mounted directly in BGA footprint (reflow soldering required).
  • Camera lines length-matched for stable operation at full pixel clock.
  • PCB made as 2-layer design for cost efficiency.