2MP automotive CMOS image sensor mitigates LED flicker

8th October 2015

Toshiba

Nat Bowers

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Featuring the industry’s first LED flicker mitigation function, Toshiba Electronics Europe has announced a 2MP CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras. The CSA02M00PB sensor is equipped with Toshiba’s original LED flicker (pulsed LED) mitigation circuit to minimise image flicker caused by LED light sources.

When recording LED traffic lights and signs with conventional CMOS image sensors, the output images often flickers, preventing an accurate sensing function. Toshiba’s sensor mitigates the flicker and delivers clear images for faster, more accurate image sensing.

The 1/2.7" sensor also incorporates Toshiba’s next-gen High Dynamic Range (HDR) system and 3.0um pixel BSIprocess, which together record high-precision images. The HDR system uses the company’s single frame method for clear images free of the degraded resolution and blown-out highlights typical of high contrast-light conditions. The BSI process, first brought to automotive image sensors by Toshiba, makes it possible to shoot brighter pictures with higher image quality in low light conditions.

The CSA02M00PB integrates functions to meet the requirements of ASIL, the Automotive Safety Integrity Level intended to protect life, and supports failure detection, report flagging and control of vehicles. It is also compliant with AEC-Q100 (Grade 2) and is suited both for front end sensing cameras for ADAS and the latest viewing applications, such as e-Mirrors and camera monitoring systems.

With increasing concerns for road safety, the importance of advanced driving assistant systems is growing, and will be further spurred by future advances in autonomous cars. Toshiba foresees three-fold growth in the automotive CMOS image sensor market in the period to 2020. Toshiba will continue to develop its automotive CMOS image sensor business to fully meet expanding market requirements.

The sensor supports two types of HDR exposure mode, Condition 1 with two different exposure times per frame and Condition 2 with three exposure times per frame. Maximum frame rates of 60fps are supported at Condition 1 and 45fps at Condition 2. Output resolutions up to 1928x1064 are supported at dynamic ranges of up to 120db.

Housed in a PBGA package measuring just 9.0x9.0mm, the CSA02M00PB CMOS image sensor supports analogue power supply voltages of 2.8V (±0.2V) digital supply voltages of 1.2V (±0.1V). Sample shipments will start in March, 2016.