DEV Community

sophia jackson
sophia jackson

Posted on

Raspberry Pi Camera Pinout Details for Reliable Camera Module Connection

The Raspberry pi Camera pinout Serial Interface (CSI) on Raspberry Pi boards is used to attach compatible camera modules. This includes official Raspberry Pi cameras, MIPI CSI-based third-party units, and higher-resolution modules.

Types of Camera Connectors on Raspberry Pi
Depending on the model, Raspberry Pi boards use either a:

15-pin CSI connector – Seen in models such as Raspberry Pi 4, 3, and 2.

22-pin CSI connector – Found on Raspberry Pi Zero and Compute Module boards.

Both types carry similar signals but are arranged differently. Using the correct cable based on the pin configuration and connector type is important.

Pin Mapping for the 15-Pin Camera Connector
The 15-pin layout typically includes the following:

Pins 1 & 2 – Ground

Pins 3 & 4 – Clock signals (positive and negative)

Pins 5 & 6 – Data lane 0 signals

Pins 7 & 8 – Ground

Pins 9 & 10 – Data lane 1 signals

Pin 11 – Ground

Pins 12 & 13 – I2C lines (SDA and SCL) for camera control

Remaining Pins – Additional ground or inactive

Pin Mapping for the 22-Pin Camera Connector
The 22-pin layout includes the same signal lines as the 15-pin version but includes extra ground lines and a narrower form factor for smaller Raspberry Pi boards.

Matching the Right Cable and Connector
To ensure the camera works correctly, choose a cable that fits both the Raspberry Pi board and the camera module. Incorrect pin matching or improper cable orientation may lead to device malfunction or no detection by the system.

Setup Guidelines
Before making the connection, shut down the Raspberry Pi camera pinout and gently attach the ribbon cable. After booting up, the camera can be activated through Raspberry Pi OS settings or terminal commands. This connection method supports many use cases such as image capture, basic video functions, and sensor-based projects.

Top comments (0)