2-MP image sensor offers greater quantum efficiency to deliver high-quality images

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. recently released a 2.9-micron, 2-megapixel (MP) image sensor designed to detect incident light in visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and deliver high-quality images for security applications in all lighting conditions. The OS02C10, with “breakthrough” ultra-low-light (ULL) technology thanks to the company’s proprietary dual-conversion-gain technology, also uses OmniVision’s Nyxel NIR technology. The Nyxel technology enables the image sensor to provide 2× to 4× greater quantum efficiency (QE) than its closest competitors while delivering an estimated 3× reduction in system-level power consumption, according to the company.

The OS02C10 provides a QE of 60% at 850 nm, a light level typically associated with outdoor security cameras, and a QE of 40% at 940 nm, a light level invisible to the human eye in dark indoor environments that requires NIR tech to derive precise images. Producing high-quality images in ultra-low light allows indoor security cameras to remain almost undetectable to intruders while avoiding being a nuisance to sleeping residents.

The image sensor also features a three-frame staggered shutter that provides a high dynamic range of 120 dB while limiting motion artifacts. The OS02C10 provides high-definition 1,080p images and can be adjusted to accommodate 2K/4K resolution as customers upgrade their security systems. The sensor also touts a superior low-noise design with a SNR1 of 0.16 lux.

“Surveillance cameras with AI functionality need the highest possible resolution in all lighting conditions for accurate facial recognition,” according to Brian Fang, business development director at OmniVision. “These next-generation, intelligent-sensing surveillance systems are being enabled by our new sensor’s top imaging performance, with industry-best detection capabilities under both extremely low visible light and infrared light in complete darkness.”

According to the NIR SNR1 metric used to measure the amount of NIR light that a device needs to capture high-quality images, the OS02C10 needs less light (23 nw/cm² at 850 nm and 31 nw/cm² at 940 nm) than its competition, allowing designers of security cameras that operate in total darkness to reduce the amount of power that their designs consume by 2× to 4× in identical environments over equal image-detection ranges.

The OS02C10 is available now. For product samples or a demo, please contact an OmniVision sales representative at sales@ovt.com .