CMOS image sensor for automotive camera applications
Toshiba announce the introduction of a new VGA, 1/4 inch CMOS image sensor for automotive driver assistance system applications such as rear view cameras for parking assist systems, surround view systems and side view systems. The TCM5126GBA features a pixel size of 5.6μm and a full resolution frame rate of 60fps.
Integrating a high dynamic range function, the TCM5126GBA can reproduce high quality images of objects backlit by the sun and vehicle headlights. The sensor utilises through-silicon-via technology, which forms electrical interconnects through a silicon die, to fit in a small chip-size package which is up to 30% smaller than equivalent products.
Incorporating a picture flip function to flip output images horizontally and vertically, the TCM5126GBA sensor features a zoom function for use in rear view cameras in parking assist systems, an on-screen display function that outputs parking guidelines together with the image. It also features a built-in timer function which sustains output of images when the gear stick is shifted from reverse to forward. This allows drivers to see a continuous movie when reversing into a parking space.
Contributing to the simplification of automotive view systems, a stand-alone operation support function enables the sensor to operate automatically when power is supplied without external microcontrollers.