OmniVision Automotive CMOS Image Sensors with Near Infrared Capability
OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI) added near infrared (NIR) capability to its portfolio of single-chip automotive CMOS image sensors. With integrated NIR capability, OmniVision's automotive sensors can operate in dual mode, allowing them to function equally well in both day and night vision applications, and thus eliminate the need for two separate solutions. The NIR capability significantly improves functionality for automotive safety and security applications while allowing OEMs and automotive manufacturers to simplify system designs and reduce the overall system bills of material.
The new night vision capability is made possible by the development and successful implementation of a number of process-level enhancements that expand the sensor's spectral light sensitivity up to 1050 nanometers, the equivalent of NIR sensitivity. This enhanced sensitivity enables OmniVision sensors to perform object detection in complete darkness with the support of only a few very low-power light emitting diodes (LEDs) and allows automotive cameras to see both beyond and outside the range of a vehicle's headlights.
The dual mode night vision capability offered by OmniVision's sensors is especially useful in driver assistance and safety applications, such as pedestrian, object and sign detection, as well as rear view or backup camera applications. A growing number of automotive security applications are also using image sensors, one example being 'black box' anti-theft camera systems that record video when activated by motion detection around or inside the vehicle. These sensors provide excellent night vision using just a single, low-power LED, which has a negligible effect on vehicle battery life, so the system will remain active even when the vehicle is not operated for lengthy periods of time.
OmniVision's automotive sensors incorporating NIR night vision capability are currently being sampled by multiple automotive customers. OmniVision plans to offer NIR capability as a standard feature across its entire line of automotive products.
More info: OmniVision »
If you found this page useful, bookmark and share it on:
Possibly of Interest
- OmniVision OV7690 VGA CameraChip Sensor
- Micron Camera Image Sensors
- STMicroelectronics STv0986 Image Signal Processor
- TI TMS570 Symmetrical Dual-Core Microcontroller
- Micron MT9D113 Imaging SoC
If you are familiar with RSS feeds, you can also sign up for our free blog feed. Our RSS feed is updated in real-time while our newsletter is updated daily.
