For driver monitoring systems in vehicles, OmniVision offers what is claimed to be the first automotive wafer level camera module. The reflowable OVM9284 CameraCubeChip is a 1Mpixel module which measures 6.5 x 6.5mm. It is claimed to provide maximum flexibility regarding placement within the cabin while remaining hidden from view. It also has, says OmniVision, the lowest power consumption among automotive camera modules; over 50 per cent lower than the nearest competitor.
The OVM9284 is built on OmniVision’s OmniPixel 3-GS global-shutter pixel architecture, which provides best quantum efficiency at the 940nm wavelength for high quality driver images in near or total darkness. The integrated OmniVision image sensor has a three micron pixel and a ¼ inch optical format, along with
1280 x 800 resolution.
Driver monitoring systems (DMS) is expected to be the next growth area for ADAS cameras to address driver distraction.
“Most existing DMS cameras use glass lenses, which are large and difficult to hide from drivers to avoid distraction, and are too expensive for most car models,” said Aaron Chiang, marketing director at OmniVision. “Our OVM9284 CameraCubeChip module is the world’s first to provide automotive designers with the small size, low power consumption and reflowable form factor of wafer-level optics,” he added.
The OVM9284’s integration of OmniVision’s image sensor, signal processor and wafer-level optics in a single compact package reduces the complexity of dealing with multiple vendors, and increases supply reliability while speeding development time. Furthermore, unlike traditional cameras, CameraCubeChip modules are reflowable. This means they can be mounted to a PCB simultaneously with other components using automated surface mount assembly equipment, which increases quality while reducing assembly costs.
OVM9284 module samples are available now, and mass production is expected in Q4 of 2020.
OmniVision Technologies develops digital imaging based on its award-winning CMOS imaging technology for consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones, security and surveillance, automotive, tablets, notebooks, webcams and entertainment devices, medical and AR, VR, drones and robotics imaging systems.
