STMicroelectronics, a world leader in the design and manufacture of automotive ICs, today announced its first high-dynamic-range CMOS camera specifically tailored for the vision-based driver-assistance segment of the automotive market. The new sensor combines the company’s world-class expertise in automotive markets together with leading-edge CMOS imaging technology. The device is currently sampling to lead customers and will be in available at distributor Rutronik in early 2009.

The role of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is to increase the
driver’s awareness of conditions around their vehicle, detecting dangers
and providing support in hazardous situations. It is estimated that more
than 90% of all automobile accidents involve human error and many could be
eliminated with automatic warning systems. The extended range of the new
CMOS sensor from ST provides superb images even in extreme illumination
conditions, providing real-time information for active safety systems.

The new VL5510 sensor feeds the decision-making vision processor that
activates functions such as active braking and lane-departure warning. The
VL5510’s detection capabilities dramatically increase the reliability of
vision-based advanced driver assistance systems in even the most difficult
environmental conditions.

This new VL5510 sensor has a 1024x512-pixel format, making it suitable for
wide-angle products, which are common in the automotive environment. The
VL5510 also combines a very high level of performance with the flexibility
and reliability expected for this market. Specifications include: 5.6 x 5.6-
micron pixel size; very high sensitivity (7.14V/lux), very low dark current
of 33aA/pixel at 25 degrees C, and high QE (Quantum Efficiency) at ‘near
infra-red’. Additionally, system flexibility offers ADAS manufacturers the
opportunity to tune the system optimally for each application, with
features such as fully programmable output image size and frame rate (up to
34 fps); video delivered via 12-bit parallel interface or serial interface
(RAW 8/10/12 format). Anti dark sun and defect pixel correction algorithms
are also integrated, together with an image histogram is embedded in the
delivered image. The high dynamic response of the sensor is fully
programmable: 10 knee points are available to tune pixel response.