Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp. has introduced what it claims is the industry’s first CMOS image sensor for automotive applications with a built-in MIPI A-PHY interface.
Dubbed the IMX828, the image sensor allows designers to no longer need externally mounted serializer chips to build compact camera designs that use less power and contribute to a streamlined thermal design, Sony said.
The image sensor has an 8-effective-megapixel resolution and improved high dynamic range (HDR) attributes to improve high-luminance object recognition like red LEDs. Additionally, the low-power consumption parking surveillance function is built-in to detect moving objects and reduce theft or vandalism.
Sony said it is considering future development of new products with built-in high-speed transmission standards other than MIPI A-PHY that will contribute to improvements in next generation automotive cameras.
What is MIPI A-PHY
Developed by the MIPI Alliance, the MIPI A-PHY interface is a high-speed physical layer standard for reliable, long-distance and high-bandwidth connectivity in vehicles.
The technology is designed to link cameras, displays and sensors to automotive central processing units or domain controllers over a single cable to reduce complexity and wiring. The standard supports data rates up to 32 Gbps over distances of up to 15 meters.
The automotive standard can be used in:
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Infotainment
- Autonomous systems
The IMX828 is an example of how a sensor with an integrated MIPI A-PHY interface can support high-bandwidth, low-latency and reliability between a camera and ECU in vehicles, Sony said.
