ON Semiconductor introduces the world's first family of highly scalable next-generation automotive image sensors

     ON Semiconductor has introduced a new CMOS image sensor platform that takes performance and image quality to the next level for automotive applications such as ADAS, mirror replacement, rear and circumnavigation systems, and autonomous driving. The HayabusaTM platform features a breakthrough 3.0 micron backlit pixel design that delivers the industry's highest electron-charge capacity of 100,000, and features other critical automotive features such as synchronous on-chip high Dynamic range (HDR), LED flicker elimination (LFM), and real-time functional safety and automotive grade certification.

     Ross Jatou, vice president and general manager of ON Semiconductor's Automotive Solutions division, said: "The Hayabusa family enables automakers to comply with evolving ADAS standards, such as Euro NCAP 2020, and provide next-generation features such as electronic rearview mirrors and high-resolution circumnavigation systems with anti-flicker technology. The optical size of the sensor can be expanded from 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch, reducing the time and effort for customers to develop multiple automotive platforms, which helps accelerate product to market. On Semiconductor has been shipping image sensors with this pixel architecture for use in high-end digital cameras for film production and television. Now we are using this proven architecture in a new type of sensor developed to automotive standards."

     This high-charge-capacity pixel design enables every image sensor in the Hayabusa series to deliver super-exposure capabilities, delivering high-fidelity images of 120 decibels (dB)HDR and LFM, even in the most challenging scenes, without sacrificing low-light sensitivity. The Hayabusa platform's ability to synchronize HDR and LFM is particularly important to improve safety, as it ensures that all objects and potential hazards can be identified even in extremely dark and light situations. With leds widely used in headlights, taillights and traffic lights, the LFM function of the Hayabusa platform ensures that the pulse light source does not flicker and distract the driver; Or when applied to the front-end ADAS system, it can also avoid the distortion of the scene by the machine vision algorithm.

     The Hayabusa product family also features ISO26262 compliant real-time functional safety features that alert the system processor of any sensor problems or potential errors. These features enable the system design to be rated to the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-C). Real-time features identify errors in real time without waiting for the complete image to be transmitted to the processor for image analysis. The faster response time allows the system's processor to take immediate action to resolve problems, which is critical for vehicles traveling at less than 100 feet a second on the highway.