Automotive image sensor delivers excellent low-light sensitivity

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. claims that the new OV2778 automotive image sensor comes in the smallest package available for the automotive in-cabin market and provides the best value for cabin  and occupant monitoring. The 2-MP RGB-IR sensor suits automotive interior monitoring applications such as detecting packages and unattended children, as well as video-conferencing.

The OV2778, housed in a 6.5 × 5.7-mm automotive CSP, enables the smallest camera sizes possible for inside the vehicle. It also offers excellent low and NIR light sensitivity with high dynamic range, which also helps reduce artifacts, and advanced ASIL functional safety, which is important when the image sensor is integrated as part of an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).

Like other OmniVision sensors, the OV2778 is built on the company’s 2.8-micron OmniBSI-2 Deep Well pixel technology. The technology delivers a 16-bit linear output from a single exposure with low-light sensitivity. With the second exposure, the dynamic range increases to 120 dB, which minimizes motion artifacts, said OmniVision.

The OV2778 also offers good performance across a variety of lighting conditions thanks to an integrated RGB-IR, 4 × 4-pattern color filter, and external frame synchronization capability. It’s AEC-Q100 Grade 2-certified for automotive applications and can be easily integrated into existing automotive platforms.

OV2778 samples and a plug-and-play automotive reference design system are available. OmniVision plans to demonstrate the new image sensor at the Auto Shanghai trade show, April 18−20, by appointment only. For more information, contact www.ovt.com/contact-sales.