Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) has announced the upcoming release of the ISX038, its CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras. This cutting-edge sensor is the first of its kind to simultaneously process and output both RAW (image for recognition on a computer) and YUV (image for driver visual such as recording or displaying on a monitor) images, addressing the growing demands for versatility in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving (AD), and infotainment applications.
The ISX038 sensor features SSS’s proprietary integrated ISP (image signal processor – a circuit for image processing), which allows for high-precision external environment detection (RAW format) and high-quality visual output for applications like drive recorders and augmented reality (YUV format). This dual capability enables automakers to streamline camera systems, reducing the need for multiple cameras and external processing units, ultimately saving space, costs, and power.
Key Features
Dual Image Output (RAW and YUV): The ISX038 is the first sensor capable of processing and outputting RAW images for ADAS/AD recognition and YUV images for infotainment simultaneously. This enables a single camera to serve multiple purposes, simplifying automotive systems and enhancing efficiency.
Enhanced Dynamic Range and LED Flicker Mitigation: The ISX038 offers a wide dynamic range of up to 130 dB, ensuring high-quality image capture in challenging lighting conditions, such as tunnel exits or varying road environments. It also suppresses LED flicker, which is essential for interpreting modern LED-based traffic signals while in high dynamic range (HDR) mode.
Compatibility with Existing Platforms: Designed to work seamlessly with established systems like Mobileye’s EyeQ 6 SoC, the ISX038 can leverage existing data from previous camera models, making it easier for automakers to integrate it into current ADAS/AD development.
Automotive-Grade Reliability: The ISX038 complies with automotive standards, including AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and ISO 26262 functional safety standards, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of automotive applications.
The ISX038 represents a major step forward in automotive imaging technology, offering a compact, efficient solution for manufacturers looking to enhance vehicle safety, performance, and infotainment. With this new sensor, the future of automotive cameras is more versatile and reliable than ever before.
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