Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) has announced the upcoming release of the ISX038, the world’s first CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras capable of simultaneously processing and outputting both RAW and YUV images.
This breakthrough sensor by Sony Semiconductor Solutions features a proprietary integrated signal processor (ISP) that enables the dual image outputs, designed to meet the needs of both advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment applications like drive recorders and augmented reality.
RAW image data is critical for environmental detection and recognition in ADAS and autonomous driving (AD) systems, while YUV images are used for infotainment applications. By enabling both image formats from a single camera, the ISX038 by Sony Semiconductor Solutions helps simplify automotive camera systems, reducing space, cost, and power consumption.
As the role of automotive cameras expands with the advancement of ADAS and autonomous driving technology, the demand for more capabilities within a single camera system has increased, particularly given the limited space for installing cameras in vehicles. The ISX038 meets this demand by combining high-precision detection with visual information for the driver, helping streamline camera setups compared to traditional multi-camera systems or systems using external ISPs.
The ISX038 features a stacked structure with a pixel chip and a logic chip that houses the signal processing circuit and SSS’s proprietary ISP. It is compatible with Mobileye’s EyeQ™6 System-on-a-Chip (SoC), commonly used in ADAS and AD systems.
Key Features:
- Dual Image Output (RAW and YUV): The ISX038 is the first sensor to simultaneously process and output RAW and YUV images, optimizing image quality for different applications via two independent interfaces. This allows for more efficient camera systems by reducing space, cost, and power needs.
- Wide Dynamic Range and LED Flicker Mitigation: With a dynamic range of 106 dB (up to 130 dB in priority mode) and advanced LED flicker suppression, the sensor ensures clear object detection even in challenging lighting environments, such as tunnels or near LED traffic signals.
- Compatibility with Existing Systems: The ISX038 maintains compatibility with SSS’s existing products used in ADAS and AD applications, enabling seamless integration and reuse of previously collected driving data, thus facilitating easier development for automakers.
- Automotive-Grade Compliance: The sensor meets rigorous automotive reliability standards, including AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and ISO 26262, ensuring high reliability for safety-critical automotive systems.
The ISX038 will play a key role in enhancing both driver safety and in-car entertainment by combining cutting-edge image processing technology with the flexibility needed in modern automotive camera systems.
