In this note, we are going to talk about the Block Diagram of Colour TV Camera (CCD). Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Colour TV Camera?
A Color TV Camera (CCD) is a type of television camera that uses a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensor to capture color images. Because of their superior image quality and sensitivity, these cameras are commonly utilized in broadcasting, security surveillance, and professional video production.

Although CCD sensors have been widely used in cameras for many years, modern cameras are increasingly turning to CMOS sensors due to their lower power consumption and cost advantages. However, CCD cameras remain the preferred choice in high-end applications where image quality is critical.
How CCD Colour TV Camera Works?
A Colour TV Camera with a CCD sensor works by capturing light, processing it into electrical signals, and then converting those signals into a high-quality video output.
Below is a detailed breakdown of its working principle –
- Light Capture: The camera lens directs light on the CCD sensor.
- Image Sensor or CCD: The CCD sensor is made up of a grid of small light-sensitive cells (pixels), which transform light into electrical impulses.
- Color Separator: A Bayer filter (or similar technology) is used to separate the red, green, and blue (RGB) color components.
- Signal Processing: The electrical signals are converted into a visual signal, which can be displayed on a monitor or recorded.
- Output: The processed video signal is sent or saved for playback.
Block Diagram of Colour TV Camera (CCD)
Here is the block diagram of color TV Camera (CCD) –

The figure shows a simple block schematic of a colour TV camera. It essentially consists of three camera tubes in which each tube receives selectively filtered primary colour. Each camera tube develops a signal voltage proportional to the respective colour intensity received by it. Light from the scene is processed by the objective lens system. The image formed by the lens is split into three images using glass prisms. These prisms are designated as diachronic mirrors. A diachronic mirror passes one wavelength and rejects another wavelength (colour of light).
Thus red, green and blue colour images are formed. The rays from each of the light splitters also pass through colour filters called trimming filters. These filters provide highly precise primary colour images which are converted into video signals by imago-orthicon or vidicon camera tubes. Thus the three colour signals are generated. These are called Red(R), Green (G) and Blue (B) signals.
Simultaneous scanning of the three camera tubes is accomplished by a master deflection oscillator and sync generators which drive all three tubes. The three video signals produced by the camera present three primaries of the colour diagram By selective use of these signals, all colours in the visible spectrum can be reproduced on the screen of a special (colour) picture tube.
Advantages of CCD Colour TV Camera
Here we have listed some colour TV Camera advantages –
- It is produces sharp and high resolution images with accurate color combinations.
- It produces less amount of noise in comparison with old cameras.
- These are sensitive to light, making them suitable for night surveillance and dim environments.
- It can easily capture a wide range of light and dark areas in the scene.
Applications of CCD Colour TV Camera
Here we have listed some color TV Camera applications –
- Used in studios and live videos for professional quality videos.
- Used in CCTV Cameras for security purposes.
- Used in endoscopy and microscopy for detailed imaging in medical equipments.
- Used in quality control and machine vision systems in industrial applications.