Today, Sony announced its release of IMX324 – which is a new 1/1.7-type CMOS image sensor packing the highest resolution in the industry so far. Furthermore, it is equipped with a 7.42 effective megapixel RCCC filter that is a color filter combining red (R) and clear (C) – aiming to find usage in forward-sensing cameras in ADAS. Sony will start shipping the samples in the coming month.
The image sensor lets you capture a high-definition image of road signs from a distance of about 160 meters. It packs a pixel binning mode to enhance sensitivity under low-light circumstances. The high sensitivity of 2666mV makes it easier for the camera to capture living and non-living entities even during nighttime.
As far as uneven or mixed level brightness is concerned, the sensor has the functionality to alternately capture dark sections with high sensitivity and bright sections with high resolution. This enables highly precise image recognition during the merge with the signal processing of the bright sections.
Sony’s release of the CMOS image sensor makes it the first in the industry in terms of stacked configuration employment on the automotive-grade sensors. This organizes the signal processing circuit and the pixel array in layers – providing compact size with low power consumption – simultaneously delivering high resolution.
Sony expects the image sensor to be compatible with EyeQ4 and EyeQ5 image processors. These processors are presently being developed by Mobileye and aims to find purpose in autonomous vehicle technology and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems).
Additionally, the image sensor is available with a security feature for output image protection from alteration. This is another first in the industry for the company, where a function like this is applied ‘in an image sensor for automotive cameras.’
Sony sets a target for June 2018, by when the sensor should meet the ‘AEC-Q100 Grade 2 reliability testing standards for automotive electronic components.’
