OMNIVISION Unveils TheiaCel Tech to Eliminate LED Flicker
OMNIVISION has launched its OX08D10 8-megapixel (MP) CMOS image sensor with TheiaCel™ technology at AutoSens Brussels. The new solution enhances automotive safety by providing enhanced resolution and image quality in exterior cameras for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD).
The OX08D10 features industry-leading lowlight performance and low power consumption in a compact size that is 50% smaller than other exterior cabin sensors in its class. It is the first image sensor that features OMNIVISION’s new 2.1-micron (µm) TheiaCel™ technology, which harnesses the capabilities of next-generation lateral overflow integration capacitors (LOFIC) and OMNIVISION’s DCG™ high dynamic range (HDR) technology to eliminate LED flicker regardless of lighting conditions. TheiaCel™ enables the OX08D10 to achieve HDR image capture at up to 200 meters. This range is the sweet spot for delivering the best balance between SNR1 and dynamic range and is optimal for automotive exterior camera applications.
Paul Wu, automotive product marketing manager, OMNIVISION said, “The new OX08D10 image sensor provides automotive OEMs with one device that combines all of the most important features, including low-light performance, LED flicker mitigation (LFM), small size, and low power, eliminating the need for our customers to make performance/design compromises to address LED flicker, as they have in the past. Additionally, we are excited to debut our new TheiaCel™ technology at AutoSens this year. TheiaCel™ brings a new era to single-exposure HDR in an easy-to-implement solution that yields dramatic improvements in image quality.”
In the automotive market, flicker from LED traffic lights poses a serious challenge for imaging solutions, preventing ADAS and AD systems from correctly detecting lighted traffic signs. The industry has been clamoring for a solution that could be easily integrated into a CMOS image sensor to meet this challenge. Some previous approaches, while achieving satisfactory LFM, have resulted in reduced image quality, especially at high automotive temperatures.
