CMOS Image Sensor

January 1, 2016

Ryan Gehm

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. has unveiled its newest CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras. The CSA02M00PB is claimed to be the industry’s first 2-megapixel CMOS image sensor to be equipped with LED flicker (pulsed LED) mitigation circuit to minimize image flicker caused by LED light sources. When recording LED traffic lights and signs with conventional CMOS image sensors, the output image often flickers, hindering sensing accuracy. Toshiba designed the CSA02M00PB to curtail this flickering and deliver clearer images for faster, more accurate image sensing. The new sensor integrates Toshiba's next-generation High Dynamic Range (HDR) system and backside illumination (BSI) process, which together enable recording of high-precision images. The HDR system uses Toshiba's single-frame method to achieve clear images free of the degraded resolution and blown-out highlights typical of high contrast-light conditions. The BSI process makes it possible to shoot brighter pictures with higher image quality in low light conditions. The sensor meets the requirements of Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), a risk classification scheme defined by ISO 26262 (the Functional Safety for Road Vehicles standard intended to protect life), and support failure detection, report flagging and control of vehicles. It is also compliant with AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and is suited for both ADAS front-end sensing cameras and viewing applications such as e-Mirror and camera monitor systems. Image output ranges from 45 to 60 frames/s, depending on the HDR exposure condition. Housed in a 9 x 9-mm PBGA package, the sensor features full-HD output resolution of 1928(H) x 1084(V) and dynamic range of 120 dB (by Toshiba calculation) with HDR. The MIPI CSI-2 serial interface facilitates integration into end products. Samples of the CSA02M00PB CMOS image sensor will begin shipping in March 2016.