This is a good time to plug the Virtual Vision VV5300/VV6300 CMOS camera
chip with digital outputs. Grey and color versions. 160x120. $20/each in
small quantities. The color version just has a color filter pattern printed
on the package window. I've had really good luck with them.
http://www.vvl.co.uk/camera/index.htm
They're also easy to use, with 8-bit, 4-bit, synch and asynch serial output
formats software selectable. Yes, this is just a chip, but it does
everything except level-conversion from CMOS TTL to RS-232. You just need a
handful of pull-up resistors and some capacitors to get it running.
Speaking of prototyping, below are some indispensible tools for the
dedicated hobbyist.
Analog and mixed simulation: Microsim Spice v8 eval (www.microsim.com)
is great for just doodling out a circuit and getting a feel for it.
Board layout: free eval version of Protel-98 at www.protel.com. All the
tools you need to do schematic entry and PCB layout, with an interactive
autorouter, for 2- to 16-layer boards. Also includes PLD design tools and
simulation. Also check out www.pads.com and the layout tools in the
aforementioned Microsim Spice.
FPGAs for glue logic and more: Altera (www.altera.com) has a six-month
eval version of their software up for FTP. They also have some of the least
expensive, highest-density parts on the market. Lattice has similar tools,
and even cheaper parts. Aldec (www.aldec.com) also has a free eval VHDL
design and simulation environment. Cypress used to have a version of their
Warp tools available, don't recall whether it supported synthesis.
Board fabrication: Alberta Printed Circuits (www.apcircuits.com) has a
"Proto 1" service -- two-sided, plated-through holes on standard FR-4, no
soldermask or silk-screening, 8-mil linewidth, two-day turnaround (FTP into
their server monday morning before 0900 EST, get it back wednesday morning
via FedEx) if you're in a hurry. $48 setup fee per board, $0.68 per square
inch. They also have slower-turnaround, higher-quality services when you've
got your final board and you want all the niceties. Their work is good, and
it's about the cheapest and most reliable I've found.
HTH,
-rehmi
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