onsemi announces new, innovative image sensor with 4K video quality

The device’s embedded High Dynamic Range (eHDR) feature and optimised near-infrared (NIR) response are necessary for applications with harsh lighting conditions, such as security and surveillance, body cameras, doorbell cameras and robotics. The sensor’s low-power architecture and Wake-on-Motion features are designed to reduce system power significantly.

The AR0822 is an 8MP stacked 1/1.8−inch (8.81mm diagonal) back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS digital image sensor based upon a 2.0 µm pixel. It features an active−pixel array of 3840 (H) x 2160 (V) and is capable of 4K video at 60 frames-per-second (fps), capturing images in either linear or eHDR modes (120 dB) with a rolling-shutter readout.

“The AR0822 delivers industry-leading performance in low-light conditions while enabling our customers to achieve the 120 dB of eHDR they need with lower system power and cost,” said Ross Jatou, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Intelligent Sensing Group, onsemi. “This combination creates a strong value proposition for our customers to meet market trends for more advanced imaging with energy-conscious solutions and longer battery life.”

One major challenge facing modern image sensors is the requirement to operate in uncontrolled light conditions. Specifically, scenes with a high dynamic range (HDR), meaning images with extraordinarily bright and dark regions. While many HDR techniques use multi-exposure outputs, sending up to three images with different exposures to the image signal processor (ISP) to be combined, this approach requires up to 3 times more system bandwidth and more expensive components, especially with higher resolutions. With embedded HDR functionality on the sensor, the AR0822 reduces system bandwidth and processor power while also delivering exceptional image quality through intelligent linearisation with exposure combination that compensates for motion and flickering light sources.

To meet customer expectations for low-power operation and longer battery life for IoT applications, the AR0822 optimises system power with dedicated features such as Wake-on-Motion. Most cameras save power by operating in lower power modes when there is inactivity and resume regular operation upon detecting motion. These systems generally need both the sensor and processor to operate to detect motion. However, the AR0822 can intelligently detect motion on the sensor using its Wake-on-Motion function, which allows the processor to enter a low-power standby mode until the sensor detects motion and triggers the processor to resume operating mode.

The AR0822 also offers enhanced NIR sensitivity and sophisticated camera functions such as binning/windowing. It is designed for rugged environments, offering an operating temperature range from minus 30^oC to 85^oC junction temperature. The AR0822 is available now through onsemi sales support and authorised distributors.