Components & Connectors

New automotive cameras from Tier IV bring advanced imaging to autonomous vehicles

Tue, Jul 02, 2024

TIER IV’s C1 and C2 cameras are designed to deliver exceptional image quality for autonomous vehicles, even in challenging lighting conditions. Featuring a high dynamic range of 120 dB and anti-reflective coatings, the cameras ensure reliable imaging data acquisition in any environment.

The C1 is a 2.5 MP high dynamic range camera and is equipped with LED flicker mitigation, it manages varying light conditions from traffic signals, signs, headlights, and taillights, enhancing operational efficiency. GMSL2 output interface ensures excellent image quality with high bandwidth and low latency. The C2 maintains the performance of the C1 while boosting resolution to 5.4 MP, enabling object recognition at greater distances and with a wider field of vision.

Both cameras are compatible with Autoware, TIER IV’s open-source autonomous driving operating system. Camera driver, ROS driver and multiple applications are available as open source software, streamlining their integration into the vehicle architecture.
Optimised for reliability and performance in diverse and challenging environmental conditions, the cameras offer high-precision imaging, robust sensor fusion capabilities and real-time data processing.

TIER IV’s automotive-grade cameras are being distributed in Europe exclusively by Digiflec, a UK supplier of autonomous imaging technologies, 3D Lidar sensors and digital services.

For more information on TIER IV cameras available through Digiflec, please visit: https://digiflec.com/tier-iv

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Lumawise motion sensors from TE help turn smart city lights into intelligent energy savers

Wed, Jun 12, 2024

TE Connectivity has launched the programmable Lumawise Motion sensor for lighting control in outdoor areas and high-bay warehouses.

With its Zhaga-D4i certification, the sensor simplifies mechanical and electrical installation in luminaires and supports the idea of a sustainable smart city. TE is a regular member of the Zhaga consortium participating in shaping the roadmap and strategy for the lighting industry. The certification makes it easier for manufacturers to develop products that can be easily integrated into lighting systems to meet the market’s increasing demands for flexibility, efficiency and interoperability.

The Lumawise motion programmable sensor detects approaching people in the largest possible detection zone to date and adjusts the brightness of dimmable luminaires accordingly. In this way, TE is helping to ensure that the smart cities of the future stay safer and more secure for pedestrians, while conserving resources and increasing sustainability of public lighting.

The Lumawise motion programmable sensor is typically utilised in outdoor settings like roadways, walk and cycle ways, car parks, railway stations, parks or recreational areas where lighting for pedestrians, wheelchair users or cyclists may be required. Its compact design supports the aesthetics of modern designed luminaires in public spaces. The sensor can also be useful for high-bay warehouse lighting, allowing for energy savings for the system operator, while still providing a higher level of safety for workers.

The sensor is available with two lens types, which respond to movement within a 30 m diameter circle or 30 m x 6 m rectangle at a height of 5 m. If it detects people approaching, it can switch the luminaire to full brightness. If there is no movement in the vicinity of the sensor, the light can be dimmed as required (to 30 % of maximum brightness). The programmable version of the motion sensor allows the user to set various parameters such as individual brightness levels or the switch-on and switch-off times depending on the ambient light.

In addition to switching from incandescent bulbs to LED lamps, economical street lighting also depends on the control system. Using a two-node architecture, the system now accommodates devices such as the Lumawise motion sensor. In particular, these sensors can be integrated into the luminaire either as standalone controllers (Zhaga Type B devices) or in conjunction with a Zhaga-D4i photocell (Zhaga Type A devices).

The Zhaga-D4i certified Lumawise sensor easily fits into the Zhaga-D4i ecosystem, which is gaining popularity as the standard for smart cities. The certification provides for the products to be compatible with each other according to this standard. This supports plug-and-play integration of sensors and control devices, as well as advanced functions for data transmission.

https://www.te.com

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Omnivision has announced two new image sensors to its family of solutions for security surveillance cameras.

Mon, Jun 10, 2024

Omnivision has announced the new OS04J10 a 4-megapixel image sensor with a large, 2.9µm backside illuminated (BSI) pixel with PureCel Plus and Nyxel technology for  ultra-low-light conditions and the OS05L10, a 5MP frontside illumination (FSI) image sensor featuring a 2.0-micron (µm) pixel based on Omnivision’s OmniPixel 3-HS technology for high sensitivity and performance.

“These latest solutions are pin-to-pin compatible with some of our previous-generation sensors so customers can seamlessly upgrade to higher resolution devices. OS04J10 features Omnivision’s unique DCG Technology that extends HDR by sampling conversion gains twice and adding exposures for accurate scene reproduction, delivering the most accurate, low-noise and motion artifact-free captures both indoors and outdoors” said Cheney Zhang, senior marketing manager at Omnivision.

Key features of the OS04J10 image sensor:
● 2560 x 1440 resolution (4MP)
● Frame rate of 60fps
● 2-exposure staggered HDR and DCG HDR technology
● NIR quantum efficiency: 850nm and 940nm
● Ultra-low power (<200mW) and noise, long battery life
● High performance 2.9 µm PureCel Plus BSI Pixel
● 1/1.88-inch optical format
● Interface: MIPI/LVDS: 2/4-lane
● CSP package
Key features of the OS05L10 image sensor:
● 2880 x 1620 3K resolution (5MP) to capture real-time fast moving objects
● Frame rate of 30fps
● 2-exposure staggered HDR
● High sensitivity 2.0 µm OmniPixel®3-HS FSI Pixel
● 1/2.7-inch optical format (common size for cost-effective upgrades)
● Interface: MIPI: 1/2-lane
● CSP package

The OS04J10 also features a spread spectrum clocking (SSC) mode that reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiation. Both sensors are available for sampling now and will be in mass production in Q3 2024.

https://www.ovt.com

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DC-DC converter series from TDK is enhanced with adjustable current limit option

Thu, Jun 06, 2024

TDK has announced the addition of adjustable current limit models to the TDK-Lambda brand 300W rated i7C non-isolated DC-DC converter series. These buck-boost board mount power modules have input ranges of 9 up to 53Vdc with output voltage adjustment from 5 to 28V, 8 to 24V or 9.6 to 48V depending upon the output current rating. The i7C topology enables a seamless transition from buck (voltage reduction) to boost (voltage increase) operation. The “Itrim” output current limit function enables parallel operation of modules for higher power requirements, operation in constant current, or reducing device stress where overloading may occur due to charging large capacitive loads.

The new models are ideal for generating additional high-power DC outputs from 12, 24, and 48V system voltages in medical, automated guided vehicles (AGV), Industrial Mobile Robots (IMR), drones, industrial, test, measurement, and battery-powered equipment.

Having high efficiencies of up to 97% reduces waste heat, allowing the product to operate and deliver high useable power in demanding thermal environments. Under light load conditions, the i7C’s control techniques significantly reduce power consumption. Under zero load conditions, the typical input current for these modules is 5mA. When the module is inhibited, this current can be further reduced to approximately 0.25mA. The low quiescent current allows battery-powered equipment to remain functional longer during periods of non-operation.

These additional models include output voltage adjustment, negative logic remote on-off, output current monitoring, positive remote sense, plus input under-voltage, over-current and thermal protection. A sync function enabling a common operating switching frequency between multiple converters to reduce system noise is also included.

Three mechanical configurations are available; low profile open frame measuring 34 x 36.8 x 14.7mm (LxWxH), baseplate construction for conduction cooling (15.5mm in height), or integral heat sink for convection or forced air cooling (24.9mm in height). The i7C converters have the industry standard 1/16th brick pin-out.

All models are certified to IEC/UL/CSA/EN 62368-1 and carry the CE and UKCA marks for the Low Voltage and RoHS Directives.

https://www.jp.lambda.tdk.com/

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