Known as the ‘eyes of machines’, an image sensor is a core device for a variety of applications. These applications can range from robotics to drones, requiring image sensors to offer different characteristics and features. This article will introduce the development of image sensors and the ultra-low- power consumption and high frame rate CMOS image sensors introduced by onsemi, which can be widely used in various image sensing applications.
Diversified image sensors meet various needs
onsemi has a diverse portfolio of image sensors to support manufacturers’ needs for various end applications such as wearable devices and consumer electronics, as well as high-demand industries and automobiles. onsemi image sensors offer resolutions from VGA to 45 megapixels, frame rates from 1 fps to 815 fps, optical photosensitive component sizes from 1/13 inch to 645 medium format, image performance from rolling shutter to global shutter, and a variety of interface and package types.
The full range of image sensors from onsemi enables camera system engineers flexible configuration options to ensure the best performance, including high speed, high sensitivity, high image quality and consistency, wide dynamic range, high speed, high reliability, low noise, low power consumption and compact package footprint. In particular, the XGS global shutter family provides an easy upgrade path for existing customers, enabling manufacturers to support multiple products with a single camera design to speed up the time to market.
Ultra-low Power 360 fps image sensor
The ARX3A0 image sensor from onsemi is an ultra-low-power CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 560 x 560. It is based on a 2.2 µm BSI architecture and can reach 360 frames per second. ARX3A0's ultra-miniature design (1/10-inch optical format) and ultra-low power consumption can bring new options to the Internet of Things devices, drones and robotics markets. The product has an innovative ultra-low power consumption mode, consuming less than 2.5 mW when active, and can detect motion (or changes in lighting conditions) and wake up the rest of the system. ARX3A0 can reach 360 frames per second in many cases and can be used as a pseudo global shutter sensor, while also having the power, size and performance advantages of 2.2 µm rolling shutter pixels.
The ARX3A0 also features an on-board frame buffer, smart wake-up, MIPI interface, and can be easily placed in almost any device that needs camera function. It is perfect for battery-powered cameras where a cost effective rolling shutter sensor is needed. However, it can also work like a global shutter sensor. The sensor can run at 360 frames per second, but read out at a standard frame rate (30 frames per second), thus reducing rolling shutter artifacts while enabling the entire system, except the sensor, into a sleep state. The sensor will monitor the motion state and wake up the entire system when necessary. In addition, ARX3A0 is compatible with the new leading interface of the Internet of Things (IoT) and has both monochrome and RGB versions.
ARX3A0 can be applied to small, low-power image sensing cameras. Applications include Internet of Things devices such as robotics, drones, barcode scanners, battery-powered cameras, and connected lighting.
Event-Triggered Imaging Platform
Featuring the ARX3A0 CMOS image sensor, the RSL10 Smart Shot Camera is a complete node-to-cloud platform that enables developers to create imaging applications that automatically capture an image when triggered- either at specific time intervals or by environmental changes such as motion, humidity or temperature.
The platform is enabled by Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity, allowing captured images and sensor data to be sent to mobile devices for further processing or storage. Connected to an Image Analytics/AI engine located in the cloud, the app is capable of detecting and identifying objects using an AI cloud service. The mobile application returns the captured image, along with the list of identified objects and confidence levels.
This innovative platform is designed for a number of generation IoT imaging applications including surveillance cameras, factory automation, and smart agriculture.
Evaluation boards and modules accelerate product development
In order to speed up camera development, onsemi has also introduced ARX3A0-CSP35 evaluation board, which aims to demonstrate the functions of onsemi image sensor products. The head board can be directly plugged into the PC based Demo3 system, and the test points and jumpers on the board can be used to access clock, I/Os and other miscellaneous signals. It has a default 27 MHz crystal oscillator and an optional Demo3 controlled MClk as clock input, as well as a two-wire serial interface with a selectable base address. It has a two lane MIPI interface and is RoHS compliant.
Through Arrow Electronics, onsemi provides a number of ARX3A0 IAS modules, offering standardized connectors, layout configurations and OTPM protocols, which are compatible with the evaluation systems and reference designs provided by onsemi. Manufacturers can work with Arrow Electronics to obtain prototype and production quantities of these modules.
Conclusion
With proven quality, mature technology and price advantages, more and more applications are choosing CMOS image sensing technology, making the market potential very significant. onsemi has many years of experience and strength in image sensor development, and a comprehensive product line with supporting evaluation kits and modules to speed up development. The first step is just to select the right image sensor for your application.
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