CMOS Image Sensor Provides Early Warning Road Safety

Melexis launches its newest CMOS image sensor, the MLX75307. This sensor is specifically designed for automotive front vision applications, like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), high beam assist and night vision. It dramatically improves road safety by proactively alerting the driver of potential dangers. Due to the combination of high sensitivity, high dynamic range and low noise, industrial and medical applications may also benefit from this new technology.

A world’s first, the MLX75307 features a high dynamic range pixel matrix capable of extending both the input and output dynamic ranges, performing beyond piecewise linear response. Additionally, the sensor features a low light response boost which increases image brightness and contrast in low light conditions – a specific concern for safety at night.

Combining both functions, in a single frame the sensor offers high dynamic range while achieving high image contrast in dark image areas. The result is that this sensor is especially well suited for night vision, tunnel entrance, tunnel exit and application fusion.

In an effort to facilitate sensor performance comparisons, Melexis has joined the EMVA1288 initiative. This initiative’s primary goal is to standardize the protocols used to measure imaging sensor performance. Using the newly released EMVA1288 standard, the 12-bit performance of this sensor has been demonstrated to be limited only by shot noise at ambient temperatures and to detect NIR light irradiance below 500 photons per pixel at a frame rate of 150 fps. This corresponds to detecting a candle at more than 250m distance with a typical night vision lens.

This novel and potentially life-saving technology opens up new opportunities in target applications including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, collision avoidance, night vision, road and traffic light monitoring, surveillance and security.

Production of the MLX75307 sensor is scheduled for 2009.