Omnivision has made a significant advancement in automotive technology with the introduction of the OX05D10 CMOS image sensor, which is designed to eliminate flickering from LED traffic lights in exterior automotive cameras.
This 5-megapixel (MP) CMOS image sensor offers superior low-light performance and addresses the long-standing issue of image flicker from LED traffic lights and signals. It builds on the success of its predecessor, the OX08D10, an 8 MP sensor which was unveiled last September at AutoSens Brussels.
The OXO5D10 sensor is specifically tailored for automotive cameras used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) applications, making it a crucial technological advancement in the automotive industry. By incorporating Omnivision’s 2.1 µm single-pixel TheiaCel technology, the new image sensor is equipped to deliver superior traffic signal LED flicker mitigation (LFM) without compromising on dynamic range, low-light performance, or image resolution.
Featuring a 2880 x 1920 array of 2.1 µm x 2.1 µm pixels, with a total image area of 6064.8 µm x 4048.8 µm in chip-scale packaging (CSP), the OXO5D10 offers 140 dB of image dynamic range. Notably, it features over 110 dB of dynamic range when LED flicker mitigation is required, and can capture digital images at up to 60 frames per second (fps).
The chip requires a 3.3 V analog and 1.1 V digital supplies with standard 1.8 V/ 3.3 V I/O rails. The sensor is also qualified for the extended automotive operating temperature range up to 125 °C.
The issue of LED flicker in traffic lighting has posed a persistent challenge for automotive CMOS image sensors used in exterior camera applications, particularly with the growing adoption of pulse-width modulated (PWM) LED light sources in modern traffic lights and signals.
In response to this challenge, Omnivision has introduced LED flicker mitigation (LFM) technology that extends the exposure time for the CMOS image sensor, effectively filtering out the high-frequency PWM flicker. The innovative lateral overflow integration capacitors (LOFIC) technology allows the sensor to collect more signal electrons in each pixel via a large storage capacitor without compromising low-light signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) or dynamic range.
This breakthrough sets a new standard for automotive image sensors and is a commendable step forward in enhancing road safety and driving experience for everyone. With the elimination of LED flicker from traffic lights, the OX05D10 CMOS image sensor is expected to play a significant role in advancing automotive technology and ensuring safer driving conditions for all.