STMicroelectronics STEVAL-55G0MBI1

Overview

STEVAL-55G0MBI1 from STMicroelectronics is a hardware evaluation kit for the VD55G0 monochrome global-shutter image sensor, featuring native MIPI CSI-2 (1-lane) output, I²C control interface, 22-pin FFC connector (Hirose FH12-24S-0.5SH(55)), 0.38 MP resolution (644 × 604), and integrated M12 lens holder with AB013216-F default lens (F/1.6, 1.32 mm focal length, 74° H FOV). It enables rapid sensor integration on embedded Linux platforms.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-55G0MBI1 datasheet, STEVAL-55G0MBI1 pinout, STEVAL-55G0MBI1 application, or STEVAL-55G0MBI1 equivalent, this kit delivers plug-and-play MIPI CSI-2 connectivity, pre-validated Linux drivers, PC-based evaluation via EVK Main kit, and optical flexibility with M12-mount lens interchangeability - critical for machine vision prototyping and embedded vision system validation.

Technical Context

The kit implements the VD55G0 sensor in a ready-to-deploy form factor, with fixed 2.61 µm pixel size and global shutter operation enabling motion artifact-free capture. Its MIPI CSI-2 1-lane interface operates at up to 1.5 Gbps per lane, supporting RAW8/RAW10 output formats over the 22-pin Hirose FFC connector.

Optical design centers on a 1/2.8″ format, 74° horizontal field of view lens with <1 cm to infinite depth of focus and 30° chief ray angle at image diagonal edge. The board includes dedicated I²C lines for sensor configuration and supports optional lighting board connection via auxiliary header.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-55G0MBI1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded vision prototyping, industrial machine vision validation, and PC-based sensor characterization requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-test.

Supply support for STEVAL-55G0MBI1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and analog/mixed-signal products for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This kit belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) platform family, engineered to accelerate hardware-software co-development for ST image sensors - specifically targeting low-latency, global-shutter vision use cases in robotics, smart cameras, and IoT edge devices.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-55G0MBI1 include Linux drivers?

Yes - ST provides free, production-ready Linux kernel drivers for the VD55G0 sensor on st.com, supporting standard V4L2 framework integration. These drivers are validated for common ARM64 platforms (e.g., NXP i.MX8M Plus, Rockchip RK3399) and enable immediate video streaming without custom firmware development.

Can STEVAL-55G0MBI1 be used directly with a PC?

Not standalone - it requires connection to ST's EVK Main evaluation kit (sold separately) to convert MIPI CSI-2 output into USB video class (UVC) stream. Once linked, the included GUI evaluation software on st.com enables real-time frame capture, exposure control, and histogram analysis on Windows and Linux PCs.

What lens options are compatible with the M12 holder?

The board accepts any M12 × 0.5 threaded lens with optical format ≥ 1/9″ (2.3 mm diagonal), CRA ≤ 30°, BFL ≤ 6.6 mm, and pixel size ≤ 2.61 µm. Verified alternatives include Computar M121212M2P (12 mm focal length) and Kowa LM12JC12 (12 mm, C-mount adapter required).

Is the default lens glued or adjustable?

The AB013216-F lens is nonglued and manually focusable - users can rotate it to adjust focus distance from ~5 cm to infinity, or remove it entirely to install alternate optics. Mechanical locking screws are provided to secure custom lenses after alignment.