ESP32 Forum

I am using an ESP32-C3 in order to configure and read data from a microcamera. This microcamera needs to be provided with a continuous clock signal in the range of 10 to 75 MHz. Using the clock signal from the SPI peripheral would be a good solution. The problem is that the clock signal (as expected per protocol) is only active when a transaction is transmitted. I'd like to know if there is a way to keep active the clock signal, and still be able to provide configuration data and read pixel data when I think it is necessary.
I am of course open to other alternatives than SPI, but I just thought it is the most appropriate protocol. Thanks.

If it doesn't need to be synced with anything, I'd use the LEDC to generate that clock.

No, the clock needs to be synchronized when sending the configuration data to the microcamera. Which options do I have then?

Do you have a datasheet or something that details the protocol you're trying to speak a bit more? Having SCLK pulsing continuously indeed is not something the SPI peripheral supports by itself, but there may be a workaround.

Yes, I attach it. We are using the cameras in SEIM mode. This means that there are two phases: The DATA+ line
carries the data from the ESP32 to the µcamera while DATA- line transmits the clock; reading phase, the ESP32 provides the clock signal in DATA- and the camera pixel information in the DATA+.
Thanks for the help.

Given the fact that there's no CS line involved, I2S may be the best option to do what you want: it sends out a continuous bitclock and you can receive and transmit 1-bit data. The only thing that may be problematic is configuration as I2S signals traditionally have a fair bit of buffering on them and you'd need to do rx <-> tx switching manually, however if you only configure the sensor e.g. on startup this should not be an issue.