Image signal processor with LED flicker mitigation
Developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, OmniVision, has announced from AutoSens in Detroit the OAX4010 automotive image signal processor (ISP) featuring the new HDR and LFM Engine (HALE) combination algorithm.
In tandem with OmniVision’s mature and widely deployed OX01A10 and OX02A10 LFM image sensors, the OAX4010 enables more intelligent decision-making by providing the industry’s leading LFM and HDR simultaneously, while operating over the automotive temperature range.
Additionally, the OAX4010 can process the images from one camera at 60fps or two cameras at 30fps, which reduces the number of ISPs required for surround-view system (SVS) cameras by 50%.
Pierre Cambou, principal imaging analyst at Yole Développement (Yole), said: “With the ongoing transition from SoCs to stand-alone ISPs for automotive viewing, these systems are increasingly incorporating ADAS requirements such as LFM and HDR. The ability to provide state-of-the-art companion ISPs is becoming a key technology requirement for image sensor suppliers to automotive tier ones and OEMs, as they tackle the numerous new features like parking assist and e-mirrors. OmniVision is the main contender in that space and is effectively driving the technology forward.”
Previously, designers using competitive devices had to choose between optimizing flicker mitigation or dynamic range, especially at temperatures above 80°C. With the OAX4010, in combination with its advanced ASIL features, designers can provide drivers with additional bright and dark scene details while eliminating LED flicker, thus increasing safety.
The OAX4010 can be utilized for a wide range of automotive imaging applications, including rear-view cameras, e-mirrors and SVS. Its ability to provide LFM and HDR at high temperatures is important because applications like e-mirrors are often running continuously in extreme temperature conditions.
The OAX4010 also enables the emerging AR camera systems to overlay real-time images on GPS navigation displays, which requires LED traffic signs and signals to be flicker-free.
“With our ISP’s proprietary HALE combination algorithm, automotive designers can create camera systems without compromise that are flicker-free while achieving the full dynamic range,” said Andy Hanvey, Director of Automotive Marketing at OmniVision. “LFM and HDR can be optimized together to give drivers a better picture of their surroundings.”
When the OAX4010 is paired with OmniVision’s OX01A10 and OX02A10, the only LFM image sensors offered in chip-scale packages in mass production today, this combination offers the most compact solution in the industry for the smallest possible camera footprint. Additionally, this new ISP is pin-to-pin compatible with OmniVision’s previous generation ISPs, providing an easy migration path to improved LFM and HDR performance with faster time to market.
The OAX4010’s combination of the industry’s leading LFM and HDR also allows Tier-1 automotive manufacturers to design one camera that can be used in both SVS and e-mirrors. This creates greater economies of scale as a single camera platform can be deployed in multiple CMS applications.
OAX4010 samples are available now, and it is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certified and ASPICE CL-2 for automotive applications. This new ISP will be demonstrated at OmniVision’s AutoSens Conference booth #7 in Detroit, May 14th to 16th.
