12 Platform one Sony Semiconductor Solutions has developed an image sensor with over 17 MP for emerging automated driving cameras (writes Nick Flaherty). The IMX735 has 17.42 effective megapixels and a 13.70 mm diagonal with a horizontal pixel read-out to more easily synchronise with Lidar systems. For automated systems to deliver automated driving, they need to offer sophisticated, high-precision sensing and recognition performance. This is driving demand for image sensors with high-definition capture of far-off objects allowing better detection of road conditions, vehicles, pedestrians and other objects. With typical CMOS image sensors the read-out signals are output from pixels one vertical line at a time, while the Sony sensor outputs signals horizontally, again one row at a time. That is why automotive cameras using this sensor can more easily synchronise with mechanical illuminance, yielding a dynamic range of 106 dB even when simultaneously using HDR and LED flicker mitigation; in dynamic range priority mode the range is 130 dB. The design also helps reduce motion artefacts generated when capturing moving subjects. The sensor also has camera authentication via a public-key algorithm to confirm CMOS image sensor authenticity, image authentication to detect any tampering with acquired images, and communication authentication to detect any tampering with the control comms. It has an MIPI CSI-2 serial output and is packaged in a 236-pin plastic BGA measuring 14.54 x 17.34 mm. The sensor is qualified for AEC-Q100 Grade 2 automotive electronic component reliability tests for mass production, and includes a development process compliant with the ISO 26262 road vehicle functional safety standard, at automotive safety integrity level ASIL-B. Driverless cars High-pixel cars sensor scanning Lidar, since their laser beams also scan horizontally. This better synchronisation will improve the sensing and recognition capabilities of an automated driving system as a whole. The new pixel structure provides improved saturation illuminance by using a new exposure method that provides a wide dynamic range, of 106 dB, even when simultaneously using high dynamic range (HDR) imaging and LED flicker mitigation. The dynamic range is higher, at 130 dB, when using dynamic range priority mode. This helps suppress image wash-out in backlit conditions, enabling more precise object capture in road environments with major differences in brightness, such as tunnel entrances and exits. Automotive cameras are also required to suppress LED flicker, even in HDR mode, to deal with the increasing prevalence of LED signals and other traffic devices. The proprietary pixel structure and unique exposure method of the sensor improves saturation December/January 2024 | Uncrewed Systems Technology A change in scanning direction supports both camera and Lidar sensing
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