Waveshare IMX219-160 Camera, 160° FOV, Applicable for Jetson Nano

The Waveshare IMX219-160 is a high-performance CSI camera module featuring a 160-degree ultra-wide field of view, specifically designed for NVIDIA Jetson Nano and compatible edge AI computing platforms. This camera module is widely used by roboticists, embedded vision engineers, and AI developers who require expansive environmental awareness for autonomous navigation, surveillance, and computer vision applications. The 160-degree FOV solves the critical challenge of capturing comprehensive scene data in constrained spaces, enabling advanced object detection, SLAM algorithms, and real-time video processing on resource-limited edge devices.

Product Overview

The IMX219-160 leverages the proven Sony IMX219 sensor architecture with a specialized wide-angle optical design that delivers a 160-degree horizontal field of view. This camera connects via the CSI-2 ribbon interface, providing native compatibility with Jetson Nano's MIPI CSI camera port. The sensor operates at 8-megapixel resolution with support for multiple video formats including 1080p30, 720p60, and VGA streaming, enabling flexible integration into bandwidth-constrained edge computing environments. The ultra-wide optics minimize barrel distortion while maintaining sharp focus across the entire frame, critical for applications requiring accurate spatial perception and feature extraction.

Unlike standard 77-degree IMX219 modules, the 160-degree variant employs a custom fisheye-corrected lens assembly that expands horizontal coverage to nearly 180 degrees while maintaining acceptable geometric accuracy for computer vision algorithms. The camera module integrates automatic white balance, exposure control, and gain adjustment through hardware ISP processing, reducing computational overhead on the Jetson Nano's GPU. With a compact 25mm x 24mm form factor and flexible ribbon cable connection, installation requires minimal modifications to existing Jetson Nano enclosures, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and production deployments in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and industrial inspection systems.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	CSI-2 Camera Module for Edge AI
Brand	Waveshare
Origin	Original/Authentic
Warranty	7 days on manufacturing defects
Shipping	1-5 days from Bengaluru
Delivery	7-8 days across India
Support	24/7 via Email and WhatsApp
Sensor	Sony IMX219, 8 Megapixel, 1/4-inch
Field of View	160 degrees horizontal, ultra-wide angle
Interface	MIPI CSI-2, 2-lane ribbon cable
Video Resolution	3280x2464 (8MP), 1920x1080 (1080p30), 1280x720 (720p60)
Frame Rate	30 FPS at 1080p, 60 FPS at 720p, 90 FPS at VGA
Focus Type	Fixed focus optimized for 0.2m to infinity
Dimensions	25mm x 24mm x 11.5mm module size

Key Features

• 160-degree ultra-wide field of view delivers comprehensive environmental perception for autonomous navigation and panoramic scene capture without mechanical pan-tilt mechanisms
• Native MIPI CSI-2 interface provides direct connection to Jetson Nano's camera port with zero additional hardware, enabling plug-and-play integration
• 8-megapixel Sony IMX219 sensor with hardware ISP delivers real-time automatic exposure, white balance, and gain control, reducing GPU compute burden
• Multi-format video streaming supports 1080p30, 720p60, and VGA output, optimizing bandwidth utilization for varied edge AI applications
• Compact 25x24mm footprint with flexible ribbon cable allows installation in space-constrained robotics platforms and embedded vision systems
• Fixed focus design optimized for 0.2m to infinity range, ideal for close-range object detection and long-distance environmental monitoring

Applications and Use Cases

• Autonomous mobile robotics and robot navigation systems requiring 160-degree obstacle detection and SLAM mapping for real-time path planning
• Jetson Nano-based surveillance and security systems capturing wide-angle video feeds for perimeter monitoring and multi-object tracking
• Drone and aerial platform vision systems utilizing ultra-wide FOV for terrain mapping, inspection, and autonomous flight control
• Industrial inspection and quality control applications using edge AI for defect detection across large surface areas with single-camera coverage
• Human-robot interaction and gesture recognition systems benefiting from expanded field of view to capture full-body user movements and spatial context
• Agricultural monitoring and precision farming platforms using Jetson Nano for crop health analysis and field mapping with panoramic imagery

How to Use

Begin by ensuring your Jetson Nano is powered off. Locate the CSI camera connector on the Jetson Nano motherboard, typically positioned near the USB ports. Gently lift the ribbon cable retention clip and insert the IMX219-160 camera ribbon cable with the blue side facing the motherboard, ensuring full seating depth before securing the retention clip. Connect your Jetson Nano to power and boot into the operating system. The camera should be automatically detected by the system without requiring additional driver installation on standard Jetson Nano images.

To access the camera via software, use GStreamer pipelines or OpenCV with the appropriate CSI camera source. For example, launch a live preview using gst-launch-1.0 with the nvarguscamera plugin, which provides hardware-accelerated video capture and ISP processing. Configure resolution and frame rate parameters based on your application requirements using the camera properties API. For advanced applications like SLAM or real-time object detection, integrate the camera stream with frameworks such as OpenCV, TensorFlow Lite, or ROS through standard V4L2 interfaces. Always test focus performance at your intended working distance before final deployment, as the fixed focus design requires proper optical alignment for sharp imagery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Waveshare IMX219-160 compatible with Jetson Nano and other edge devices?

Yes, the IMX219-160 is fully compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Nano, Jetson Xavier NX, and any edge device featuring a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface. The standard 2-lane CSI ribbon connector ensures seamless integration without additional adapters. Some compatibility may exist with Raspberry Pi Compute Module and other SBC platforms with CSI connectors, though optimal performance is guaranteed on Jetson platforms with native camera driver support.

What is the actual horizontal and vertical field of view specification?

The IMX219-160 provides approximately 160 degrees horizontal field of view, 120 degrees vertical field of view, and 140 degrees diagonal coverage. This ultra-wide configuration captures nearly 180-degree panoramic scenes, though the optical design includes mild fisheye distortion correction to maintain acceptable geometric accuracy for computer vision algorithms requiring precise spatial measurements.

Can I use multiple IMX219-160 cameras simultaneously on a single Jetson Nano?

The Jetson Nano features a single CSI camera connector, so only one camera can connect directly without expansion hardware. However, you can use USB-based camera adapters or external CSI multiplexers to connect multiple cameras, though this may introduce latency and reduce overall bandwidth. For multi-camera setups, consider using Jetson Xavier NX or higher-tier platforms with multiple CSI ports.

What is the minimum and maximum focus distance for this camera module?

The IMX219-160 features fixed focus optimized for 0.2 meters (20cm) to infinity. Objects closer than 20cm will appear soft, while subjects at distances beyond 20cm maintain acceptable sharpness across the entire frame. This fixed focus design eliminates mechanical complexity and power consumption while providing optimal performance for typical robotics and surveillance applications.

Does the camera require external power supply or special power management?

The IMX219-160 draws power exclusively through the CSI ribbon interface from the Jetson Nano, requiring no additional power connections. Current draw is minimal, typically under 300mA at full operation, well within the Jetson Nano's USB power budget. Ensure your Jetson Nano power supply provides adequate current for your complete system configuration including the camera module.

When will I receive my order?

Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.

What is your return and warranty policy?

We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.

Are bulk discounts available?

Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.

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