ON Semiconductor low-light imaging SoC for automotive camera applications

     ON Semiconductor, driving energy efficient innovation, has introduced two new highly integrated 1 megapixel (Mp)CMOS image sensing products, advancing the company's significant advances in the fast-growing automotive imaging field. The complete solution offered by the new device integrates image sensors and processing functions in a low-power system-on-a-chip (SoC) to simplify and accelerate adoption in applications such as rear-view and round-view cameras. Compared to traditional solutions consisting of separate sensors and processors, the PCB space is reduced by more than 30%. This helps designers implement camera solutions without compromising the styling and aesthetics of the car.

     The number of cameras and other image sensing technologies used in passenger vehicles continues to grow rapidly. Industry analysts predict that annual camera shipments in the automotive industry will easily exceed 80 million units by 2020. Sensors are an application area that will drive the development of fully autonomous driving; At the same time, imaging devices such as the AS0140 and AS0142 continue to expand the lineup of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), providing drivers with greater comfort, convenience and safety. Integrated sensors provide automotive designers with easy-to-implement solutions that provide drivers with a comprehensive and clear view of the loop.

     The AS0140 and AS0142 devices are both 1/4 inch and can support 45fps throughput at full resolution, or 60fps at 720p resolution. Key features include distortion correction and multi-color overlay, and both analog (NTSC) and digital (Ethernet) interfaces. Both SoC devices use adaptive local tone mapping (ALTM) to eliminate artifacts during acquisition and improve image quality. The dynamic range of 93 decibels (dB) enables both new devices to work effectively in both high-light and low-light applications. Both the AS0140 and AS0142 offer multi-camera sync support, which will increase their value to automotive design engineers as the number of in-vehicle cameras increases.

     RossJatou, vice president and general manager of ON Semiconductor's Automotive Imaging Solutions division, said: "These two devices provide engineers with a complete SoC camera solution that combines the benefits of low power operation and higher dynamic range, while minimizing PCB size and total material cost. This means that both devices can meet the stringent imaging requirements of automotive manufacturers in terms of both logic and performance. Most solutions are still inefficient and discrete, using separate image sensors and image processors, or more limited SOCs.

     Both new devices have the highest power efficiency in their class; When running at 30fps in high dynamic Range (HDR) mode, power consumption is only 530 milliwatts (mW). Operating temperatures range from -40°C to +105°C, ideal for automotive environments.