Why Does the ESP32-CAM Have Extra Voltage Regulators Near the Camera Connector?

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1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working with the ESP32-CAM for the last three months as part of my AI-powered Cat Food Dispenser project. While examining the board closely, I noticed two additional voltage regulator ICs placed near the camera connector.

I’m curious about their purpose.

Can anyone explain why these extra regulators are included on the ESP32-CAM board? Are they dedicated to the camera module, internal logic, or something else?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

2

Here is the schematic I found, you can see for yourself.

Some explanations say the 5V regulator is used to clean up the USB 5V. That does not compute as that is a linear regulator and needs some voltage headroom to work.

3

There are three regulators:
U2: 5V/3.3V used by ESP32 and Camera
U1: 3.3V/2.8V used by Camera
U3: 3.3V/1.2V used by Camera

4

They provide the core and analog power supplies the camera needs. Check out the camera datasheet;

https://www.uctronics.com/download/cam_module/OV2640DS.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOooaZEpn5_gImZ-zK95JmhBex_g78Zqxx6uM6_oyk0girXCAQsJ4

5

Thanks to all. Now I can understand the reason. This help me make my custom PCB