Sensor module for MIPI CSI-2 conversion expands ecosystem

FRAMOS also provides a new sensor adapter for MIPI CSI-2 conversion and an updated driver for the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 and AGX Xavier development boards.

The FSM-IMX530 is the first sensor from the fourth generation of Sony Pregius sensors that FRAMOS offers on its own sensor modules. The SLVS-EC interface with up to 8 lanes of 5 Gbps each allows maximum frame rates of 98fps at a resolution of 24.5 MP (5320x4600px). Pixels are sized at 2.74 µm, nearly doubling the pixel density compared to earlier sensor generations, without sacrificing image quality.

Sony has also increased the quantum efficiency to 74% and reduced noise further with this sensor to support especially challenging lighting scenarios. The back-illuminated CMOS sensor is mounted on a FRAMOS sensor module with standard dimensions of 28x28mm. Its image quality, reliability and speed make it suitable for many applications in industry, medical engineering and traffic engineering as well as the professional video sector. The FRAMOS sensor module ecosystem is a platform that supports customers’ entire product lifecycles from development into production and series development.

The optional FRAMOS sensor adapter (FSA) connects easily to the FSM-IMX530 sensor module. It performs MIPI CSI-2 conversion on the SLVS data from the sensor. Via a 60-pin Hirose connector, the sensor adapter enables a direct link to the Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) most commonly used for image processing. The standardised interface ensures direct compatibility with FRAMOS processor adapters.

These already allow easy connection to various NVIDIA development platforms, such as Jetson TX2 and AGX Xavier. Both platforms are supported by a comprehensive FRAMOS software pack update on Jetpack 4.2 and Linux for Tegra (L4T) version 32.2 as part of the FRAMOS sensor module development kits.

André Brela, Product Manager at FRAMOS, said: “The new Sony Pregius S generation sensors have outstanding technical characteristics. By bringing them into the FRAMOS sensor module ecosystem, we provide an open, off-the-shelf, plug-and-play environment that supports all users who want to integrate these sensors into products and systems they are developing.

“For the first time, we also offer optional data conversion from the sensor’s proprietary interface to the widely used MIPI CSI-2 standard. This is done on a specially developed version of the FRAMOS sensor adapter. We therefore enable development teams who lack dedicated FPGA resources to access this technology immediately, without development expenses. Our ecosystem and service offering allow our customers to decide for themselves how much support they want from FRAMOS – to bring successful products to market as quickly as possible and with the least possible risk.”

The new products and the FRAMOS software pack update are available immediately.