50-MP image sensor targets multiple smartphone cameras

Omnivision has expanded its mobile product portfolio with the launch of the 50-megapixel (MP) OV50M40 CMOS image sensor. The 0.61-micron (µm) pixel CMOS image sensor includes advanced technologies for front, main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras in smartphones and features functions such as high dynamic range (HDR), single-exposure dual analog gain (DAG) video HDR and always-on low power.

(Source: Omnivision)

The OV50M40, in a 1/2.88-inch optical format, supports both staggered HDR and DAG HDR technology. Staggered HDR extends dynamic range to improve the quality of video and still-image capture, Omnivision said, while the built-in DAG provides single-exposure HDR support, which reduces motion artifacts in challenging lighting conditions.

The OV50M40, built on Omnivision’s PureCelPlus-S stacked-die technology, delivers excellent low-light performance thanks to the four-cell binning of the 0.61-µm pixel size, advanced noise reduction technology and high-gain mode support. It can achieve up to 64× analog gain for four-cell binning resolution.

Other features include phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for both binning and full resolution modes with hardware re-mosaic on platform for high-quality telephoto camera crop-zoom performance and always-on function for motion detection and ultra-low power. It enables 2× or 3× high-quality crop-zoom for telephoto cameras with fast mode switch.

The sensor’s 12.5-MP preview and still capture with four-cell binning offers 4× sensitivity (~1.22-µm equivalent pixel performance). Other specs include 50 MP with PDAF autofocus at 12 frames per second (fps), 12.5 MP with PDAF autofocus at 60 fps, 4K2K video with PDAF autofocus at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps.

The OV50M40 supports the CPHY/DPHY MIPI interface and dual DOVDD 1.8/1.2 V. Programmable controls include frame rate, binning, cropping and windowing as well as mirror and flip. The operating temperature range is -30°C to 85°C.

Samples of the OV50M40 are available now. Mass production will follow in the fourth quarter of  2024.