Automotive image sensors has near-IR sensitivity for low light conditions
Believed to be the first automotive image sensor with Nyxel technology, the OX03A2S is suitable for automotive exterior lighting applications. The ASIL-B sensor, at 2.5Mpixel can be used in imaging applications that operate in low to no ambient light conditions within 2 metres of the vehicle.
Nyxel technology uses silicon semiconductor architectures and processes to achieve what is claimed to be the world’s best automotive quantum efficiency of 40 per cent at the 940nm near infra red (NIR) wavelength. This enables the OX03A2S to detect and recognise objects that other image sensors would miss under extremely low lighting conditions, says OmniVision.
The dual conversion gain technology enables optimal HDR performance, added Mathew Arcoleo, product marketing manager at OmniVision. “This new automotive imaging benchmark opens new possibilities for exterior, close-range cameras within the camera belt, operating in near or total darkness,” he said.
Automotive cameras using the OX03A2S will also require less illumination, which will reduce materials cost and overall power consumption. Additionally, the sensor has a 1/2.44 inch optical format and comes in an a-CSP (a chip scale package that has no interposer). The package is 50 per cent smaller than available alternatives, contributing to vehicle design that keeps cameras out of sight and improves styling.
The RGB-IR sensor is primarily intended for day and night machine vision applications but it can also provide viewable IR-enhanced RGB images during daytime conditions. Nyxel technology also enhances RGB image captures in bright conditions by improving sensitivity. This provides automotive designers with the flexibility to display a high quality, NIR-enhanced, viewable RGB image during the day, and a high quality machine vision image in both day and night environments.
The AEC-Q100 Grade 2-certified OX03A2S image sensor is available now.
OmniVision Technologies develops digital imaging and its CMOS imaging technology is used in consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, security and surveillance, automotive, tablets, notebooks, webcams and entertainment devices as well as medical and AR, VR, drones and robotics imaging systems.
