Date: 22/10/2008

Automotive CMOS sensor for vision-based driver-assistance systems

ST Microelectronics launched its first CMOS sensor VL5510 specifically designed for the vision-based advanced driver-assistance segment of the automotive market.
The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increase the driver's awareness of conditions around their vehicle, detecting dangers and providing support in hazardous situations.
The new CMOS imaging technology used in the sensor provides superb images even in extreme illumination conditions, providing real-time information for active safety systems. This VL5510 sensor feeds the decision-making vision processor that activates functions such as active braking and lane-departure warning.

Some of the features are:

1. The sensor has a 1024x512-pixel format, making it suitable for wide-angle products.

2. Specifications include: 5.6 x 5.6-micron pixel size; sensitivity of (7.14V/lux), and high QE (Quantum Efficiency) at 'near infra-red'.
3. The system flexibility helps to have features such as fully programmable output image size and frame rate (up to 34 fps); video delivered via 12-bit parallel interface or serial interface (RAW 8/10/12 format).
4. Anti dark sun and defect pixel correction algorithms are also integrated, together with an image histogram is embedded in the delivered image.

Availability: The device is currently sampling to lead customers and will be in mass
production in automotive applications in early 2009.

Pricing: $20 for bare-die quantities of 10K pieces.

Further information on ST can be found at: www.st.com