STMicroelectronics and Sensata Technologies have each introduced CMOS image sensors for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications. STMicro describes its VL5510 as a high dynamic range CMOS camera specifically for vision-based such as active braking and lane departure warning. Sensata said its CMOS-based Avocet image sensor offers a dynamic range up to 154dB in bright and low light conditions.

Marco Monti, general manager of the Powertrain and Safety Division within ST‘s Automotive Product Group, said the VL5510 sensor complements the dedicated vision-processor family developed by the company via its collaboration with Mobileye. Monti said the extended range of the VL5510 provides superb images even in extreme illumination conditions.

The VL5510 sensor has a 1024×512-pixel format, which suits it for wide angle products. Specifications include: 5.6 x 5.6-micron pixel size; 7.14V/lux sensitivity, 33aA/pixel dark current at 25°C, and QE (Quantum Efficiency) at near infra-red. It features fully programmable output image size and a 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, and an image histogram is embedded in the delivered image. Dynamic response is fully programmable: 10 knee points are available to tune pixel response.

The device will be in mass production in automotive applications in early 2009. Pricing is expected to be in the range of $20 for bare-die quantities of 10,000 pieces.

Sensata Technologies said its Avocet image sensor targets ADAS applications such as night vision, lane departure warning, collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring and back-up displays. It will be available in monochrome, RGB, and RGBi versions as a single box complete solution, Vision Systems Platform (VSP), standard video camera for two box solutions, or as an imaging module for engineers building their own camera.

According to Sensata, adding the Avocet with Autobrite wide dynamic range to back-up cameras will enable drivers to see pedestrians normally obscured when silhouetted by bright sun or hidden in the shadows. Images of objects and people captured in real world wide dynamic range scenes can be clearly distinguished without the blooming or saturation caused by the headlights of oncoming traffic.

The firm promises that advanced driver assistance systems will be able to distinguish objectives of dramatically varying light intensity within the same image. For evening driving, for example, an Autobrite-enabled system can distinguish between harsh, brightly lit sources such as headlights or traffic lights and less bright, illuminated surfaces such as traffic signs or dimly lit painted lane stripes.