Stevie (Shanghai) Electronic Technology joint stock company (stock abbreviation: Stevie, stock code: 688213) has launched a new 2.3MP Sensor + ISP two-in-one vehicle-grade image sensor - SC233AT. The back-illuminated global shutter image sensor integrates high sensitivity, high dynamic range and excellent on-chip image processing capabilities, which can empower in-cabin imaging applications such as driver monitoring system (DMS) and passenger monitoring system (OMS) with excellent image quality.
With the acceleration of vehicle intelligence, vehicle-mounted cameras have begun to be widely used in DMS/OMS and other cabin parts, and the autonomous driving industry has entered a period of high-quality development, which has also led to a substantial increase in the market size of automotive CMOS image sensors. According to Yole's forecast, the global vehicle-mounted CIS market will reach $3.244 billion in 2027, of which the CIS market size applied to cabin imaging systems will grow from $209 million in 2021 to $571 million in 2027, and the development space is very broad.
The new product is Stevie's first automotive image sensor equipped with the new LightBox IR technology, which can achieve clearer near-infrared imaging and provide accurate image information for DMS/OMS systems in low light environments. The SC233AT adopts SmartGS-2 global shutter technology, relying on advanced SFCPixel and single-frame inflection point HDR technology, it can provide high-quality imaging with clear details even in low light or strong changes in light conditions. As a new masterpiece of the Stowe Automotive Sensor (AT) Series series, the SC233AT meets AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and functional safety ISO 26262 ASIL B requirements, boosting the development of smart cockpit applications with high performance and high safety reliability.
New LightBox IR technology to improve near-infrared sensitivity
As the public pays more and more attention to driving safety issues, in order to further improve the safety of drivers and rear seat passengers, DMS and OMS systems have emerged and the assembly rate has continued to increase.
Near-infrared sensitivity is a key parameter to ensure the image sensitivity and clarity of DMS/OMS systems. Stevie's advanced LightBox IR ® technology can effectively improve the near-infrared sensitivity of image sensors. By introducing improved deep trench isolation (DTI), better pixel isolation and night vision performance are achieved, and the direct crosstalk caused by different pixels can be further reduced. Clear driver and cabin images can be obtained in the low-light interior environment to ensure the accuracy of artificial intelligence training and algorithm recognition.
In addition, the SC233AT is based on Stevie's SmartGS-2 global shutter technology and relies on Stevie's unique SFCPixel patented technology to achieve high recognition accuracy and time-delay-free imaging, with a sensitivity of up to 9650mV/lux * s, which can capture face and eye conditions in real time, thereby greatly improving the monitoring effect of the DMS/OMS system.
On the other hand, relying on Stevie's innovative ultra-low noise peripheral read circuit technology, the SC233AT brings lower read noise and pixel response unevenness (PRNU), which are reduced to 2.85e- and 0.66%, respectively, making the imaging picture cleaner and clearer.
Sensor + ISP two-in-one to create excellent image quality
The SC233AT image sensor with integrated ISP function can effectively improve image quality and enhance details. By using advanced functions such as automatic gain control (AGC), automatic exposure control (AEC), noise reduction, and edge enhancement to remove noise and highlight important details, the image quality can be significantly improved to better meet the high-precision requirements of DMS/OMS intelligent cockpit systems.
In addition, the DMS/OMS system will encounter many special scenarios during operation, such as strong light overexposure that is prone to occur when the light is smooth, and dark pictures that are easily caused when the backlight is backlit. Stevie's advanced ISP algorithm can effectively brighten the dark light and suppress the strong light. Therefore, in scenes with drastic changes in light, clear images can still be captured, which further improves the ability of the intelligent cockpit system to cope with complex traffic scenes.
Single-frame inflection HDR technology under global shutter architecture for high dynamic range
Even if the camera is in the car, the image quality will be disturbed by external light. Extreme lighting conditions also pose a great challenge to DMS/OMS imaging systems. Therefore, CMOS image sensors equipped with HDR function have received extensive attention.
Different from the traditional HDR synthesis method, the SC233AT adopts a unique single-frame inflection point HDR technology. Through a special pixel timing control method, the dynamic range is expanded and the nonlinear light response is realized, so as to realize high dynamic range without motion artifacts under the global shutter architecture. Imaging (dynamic range up to 91.5dB). The SC233AT can present rich bright and dark details in scenes with large light and dark contrasts, helping the DMS/OMS system to capture changes in the facial, eye state or motion characteristics of drivers and passengers in the car 24/7, and promote higher-order autonomous driving functions.
Mr. Shao Ke, Vice President of Stevie Automotive Chip Department, said: "With the rapid increase in the load rate of DMS/OMS systems, the automotive intelligent industry has gradually entered a critical period of moving towards higher-level autonomous driving. Stevie's 2.3MP vehicle-grade ISP 2-in-1 image sensor new SC233AT starts from customer needs, combines high dynamic range, excellent near-infrared imaging technology and back-illuminated global shutter technology, and provides vehicle customers with in-vehicle vision solutions with superior performance and high-quality imaging capabilities. In addition, in terms of vehicle safety, SC233AT meets the functional safety level requirements of AEC-Q100 Grade 2 and ISO 26262 ASIL B, and can be used in intelligent cockpit monitoring systems such as DMS/OMS to ensure driving safety with safe and reliable vehicle safety. Help promote higher levels of autonomous driving. "
Stevie has released 10 vehicle-grade image sensor products, covering the application requirements of automotive perception and image segmentation with 1MP~ 8MP resolution. In the future, Stevie will continue to focus on the three major application scenarios of vehicle imaging, perception and cabin, and further enrich the AT Series product matrix. Under the strict automotive product development process system, relying on its own core technology and product performance advantages, it will promote the development of automotive intelligence and the penetration and popularization of intelligent driving technology.
Available in black and white and RGB-IR, the SC233AT is currently accepting samples and is expected to be in mass production in Q2 2023. For more information on the SC233AT, please contact Stevie sales.
About SmartSens Technology
SmartSens Technology (stock abbreviation: SmartSens, stock code: 688213) is a high-tech enterprise engaged in CMOS image sensor chip Product Research & Development, design and sales. It is headquartered in Shanghai, China. There are R & D centers in many cities and countries.
Since its establishment, Stevie has always focused on the innovation and research and development of high-end imaging technology, and has been recognized and favored by many customers with its own performance advantages. As a CMOS image sensor product company committed to providing multi-scenario applications and full performance coverage, the company's products have covered the full performance requirements of multi-scenario application fields such as security monitoring, machine vision, smart vehicle electronics, and smart phones.
Stevie will uphold the vision of "using cutting-edge intelligent imaging technology to let people better see and perceive the world", take customer demand as the core driving force, continue to promote the upgrading of cutting-edge imaging technology, expand product application fields, and work with partners to promote the future of intelligent imaging technology. Deepen development.