STMicroelectronics Introduces Automotive CMOS Sensor

(Product News, 30 Oct 2008)

STMicroelectronics (ST) has announced its high-range CMOS camera tailored for the vision-based driver-assistance segment of the automotive market. The sensor combines the expertise in automotive markets together with leading-edge CMOS imaging technology. The role of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is to increase the driver's awareness of conditions around their vehicle, detecting dangers and providing support in hazardous situations. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of all automobile accidents involve human error and many could be eliminated with automatic warning systems. The extended range of the CMOS sensor from ST provides superb images even in extreme illumination conditions, providing real-time information for active safety systems. ST's CMOS sensor complements the dedicated vision-processor family developed by the company via its collaboration with Mobileye, and increases ST's automotive IC portfolio for the ADAS market.

This VL5510 sensor has a 1024x512-pixel format, making it suitable for wide-angle products, which are common in the automotive environment. The VL5510 also combines a very high level of performance with the flexibility and reliability expected for this market. Specifications include: 5.6x5.6-micron pixel size; very high sensitivity (7.14V/lux), very low dark current of 33aA/pixel at 25°C, and high QE (Quantum Efficiency) at "near infrared". Additionally, system flexibility offers ADAS manufacturers the opportunity to tune the system optimally for each application, with features such as fully programmable output image size and frame rate (up to 34fps); video delivered via 12-bit parallel interface or serial interface (RAW 8/10/12 format). Anti dark sun and defect pixel correction algorithms are also integrated, together with an image histogram is embedded in the delivered image. The high dynamic response of the sensor is programmable: 10 knee points are available to tune pixel response.

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