Toshiba Announces CMOS Image Sensor Technology for Automotive Applications

Unlike their counterparts in mobile phones, image sensors in automotive and surveillance applications must be able to capture images in low light conditions (e.g. in moonlight) and high contrast ‘light-to-dark’ and ‘dark-to-light’ situations.

The new employs a large, 5.6µm x 5.6µm pixel pitch that allows it to capture images in low light, which is difficult to achieve with conventional sensors. In addition, the device features an embedded High Dynamic Range1 (HDR) algorithm that enables the capturing of high quality, natural looking images when moving from light to dark and vice versa (e.g when reversing into a dark garage from bright daylight).

Furthermore, the TCM5114PL features important functions such as Auto Luminance Control (ALC), Auto Exposure (AE), Auto White Balance (AWB), Lens Shading correction (LSC), Auto Flicker Detection and Correction (AFD) and Bad Pixel Correction (BPC).

Toshiba’s new sensor is supplied in a ¼-inch optical format and has a package size of 10.5mm x 10.0mm. Both digital and NTSC/PAL format analogue outputs are available, supporting connectivity with a wide variety of display panels.

The TCM5114PL is based on a process that supports the long-term, reliable operation demands of automotive and surveillance applications. A single 3.3V power supply minimizes the need for additional regulators, reducing component count and board space and further enhancing system reliability.

1. Embedded High Dynamic Range (HDR) Function

HDR is a function which enables the TCM5114PL to show dark to light gradation images naturally, even under high contrast light. Toshiba’s algorithm captures each line simultaneously, with short and long exposure time, and consequently produces images of a high dynamic range, equivalent to more than 100dB, through a synthesis process. The HDR algorithm is applied on RAW data.

For instance, when a car reverses into a garage, the inside of the garage is hard to see because of the contrast between the dark interior and bright daylight. A sensor with an HDR function is capable of capturing images both outside and inside the garage clearly.

Key Specifications
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