STMicroelectronics reveals ST BrightSense image sensor ecosystem

This new ecosystem aims to enable developers in both industrial and consumer markets to achieve superior camera performance by incorporating ST BrightSense image sensors into their products.

Unlike conventional rolling shutter sensors, which can introduce distortions when capturing fast-moving objects, global-shutter sensors from ST BrightSense sample all pixels simultaneously. This capability ensures distortion-free images of high-speed subjects and, when combined with a lighting system, can significantly reduce power consumption.

ST BrightSense CMOS global-shutter sensors feature advanced backside-illuminated pixel technology, fabricated at ST’s own foundry in France. This technology ensures high image sharpness, essential for applications like barcode reading. The sensors also boast high sensitivity, enhancing performance in low-light conditions and enabling rapid image capture. This is particularly beneficial for applications such as obstacle avoidance in mobile robots and face recognition in consumer electronics.

Additionally, the sensors' advanced 3D-stacked construction allows for an exceptionally small die area, facilitating integration in space-constrained environments, especially within final optical modules. These sensors also incorporate advanced on-chip image processing for auto-exposure, correction, and calibration, making them suitable for embedded vision and edge AI devices, thanks to their MIPI-CSI-2 interface.

Previously available only to qualified customers, ST’s advanced sensor technologies are now accessible to a wider array of markets through the ST BrightSense portfolio. This portfolio emphasises industrial-grade products and offers a 10-year longevity commitment. With over one billion units shipped, the proven quality of these sensors enables developers to introduce high-performance machine vision to applications facing stringent size, power, and environmental constraints. Target applications include factory automation, scanning, domestic and industrial robots, VR/AR equipment, traffic monitoring, and medical devices.

ST’s new mass-market offering includes evaluation camera modules that integrate the image sensor, lens holder, lens, and plug-and-play flex connector, allowing for immediate sensor integration. These modules come in various compact form factors, some as small as 5mm², and offer a range of lens options to meet different application needs. The plug-and-play connector design facilitates easy swapping of modules.

A series of hardware kits further aids developers in integrating these sensors with various desktop and embedded computing platforms. Additionally, ST provides complementary software tools available for free download on their website. These tools include a PC-based GUI and Linux drivers that assist with integration on popular processing platforms, such as STM32MP2 microprocessors.

The ST BrightSense global-shutter family currently includes the VD55G0, VD55G1, and VD56G3 monochrome sensors, with resolutions ranging from 0.38Mpixel to 1.5Mpixel, and the VD66GY colour sensor with a 1.5Mpixel resolution. These sensors, along with their evaluation camera modules and development boards, are already in production and available for purchase.

For more information and to access a webinar on demand (available upon free registration), visit the STMicroelectronics website.