Sony has introduced the ISX038 sensor, designed to enhance assistive and autonomous driving systems by providing simultaneous RAW and YUV image outputs. This innovation aims to minimize the number of camera sensors required in modern vehicles, streamlining automotive technology. The sensor is compatible with the widely used Mobileye EyeQ 6 system-on-a-chip, which is integrated into various advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by manufacturers such as Porsche.
The 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor features 2.1 μm pixels, offering a dynamic range of up to 130 dB in HDR mode. When the anti-LED flicker mode is activated, the sensor maintains a dynamic range of 106 dB, surpassing the 100 dB threshold necessary for effective object detection in varying lighting conditions, from bright environments to twilight scenes. With a resolution of 3,857 × 2,177 pixels (8.39 megapixels) and video output at 30 frames per second, the sensor delivers detailed imagery essential for identifying pedestrians and obstacles, thus enabling vehicles to halt safely before collisions.
By consolidating functionalities into a single sensor, the ISX038 not only simplifies system architecture but also reduces wiring complexity and electrical load within vehicle systems. In contrast, traditional autonomous driving systems typically require at least four pairs of sensors to achieve a complete 360-degree view.
Samples of the ISX038 sensor are available for purchase at ¥15,000 (approximately $100). The sensor is housed in a 192-pin BGA package with dimensions of 11.85 × 8.60 mm (0.47 x 0.34 in.), and data is transmitted via a standard MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2 (CSI-2) output.
Source: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
