CMOS image sensor enables 1080p HDR security cameras

The AR0230CS provides 1080p (1920x1088px) video from a 2.1MP CMOS sensor with integrated HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, targeting security camera makers looking to upgrade their current 720p IP camera designs. It enables 1080p HD video capture at 60FPS and includes support for HDR video, with improved motion compensation, advanced local tone mapping and digital lateral overflow to minimise motion artifacts and enhance HDR colour reproduction.

Ensuring a fast time-to-market for HDR 1080p camera designs, the AR0230CS provides interleaved T1/T2 output for those using third-party ISP HDR support. Operating over a temperature range from -30 to +85°C, the CMOS sensor features global reset release shutter mode, sophisticated on-board statistics engine, high-speed configurable context switching, automatic black level calibration, on-chip PLL, on-chip temperature sensor and both parallel and HiSPi interfaces.

The company's proprietary dual-conversion gain 3.0µm DR-Pix pixel technology enhances low light performance and broadens the dynamic range up to a maximum of 105dB. DR-Pix technology provides a low conversion gain mode optimised to offer greater charge handling capacity in bright environments; and a high conversion gain mode which delivers increased sensitivity and reduced readout noise in low light environments.

Alvin Wong, Senior Director, Automotive and Industrial CMOS Imaging products, ON Semiconductor, comments: “With demands for higher resolutions, the growth in professional and consumer 1080p security cameras has been tremendous and the 2.1MP, 1/2.7" AR0230CS sensor is well positioned for this market. This sensor’s extensive dynamic range, superior low light performance and near-infrared sensitivity set it apart from other imaging solutions on the market.”

Offered in a 10x10mm 80-pin iBGA package, the AR0230CS 2.1MP CMOS image sensor is currently sampling and is expected to be in mass production in the first quarter of 2015.