New sensor delivers outstanding performance for factory-fitted dash cams

ON Semiconductor is now offering a fully AEC-Q100 qualified version of its popular 2.1 MP CMOS image sensor, AR0237 for the burgeoning OEM-fitted dash cam or before-market in-car DVR market.

With more insurance companies offering financial incentives, consumer demand for safety cameras is increasing. Recognizing this, car manufacturers are now beginning to offer dash cams as standard equipment. The first models to feature an OEM-fitted dash cam are already on the market.

The AR0237AT is a cost-optimized, automotive qualified version of the same sensor selected by many manufacturers producing after-market dash cams, which offers Full HD video capture at 1080p/60fps, as well as still image capture. With the application moving into the before-market category, there is mounting demand from the automotive industry for a solution that can operate across the full automotive operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C and deliver the right performance at the right price point. The low-light performance of the AR0237AT is further improved when it is coupled to a Clarity+ enabled DVR processor. ON Semiconductor’s Clarity+ technology employs innovative filtering to optimize the SNR of automotive imaging solutions, which can deliver an additional two times increase in light capture.

“The AR0237AT delivers the same outstanding performance as the non-automotive qualified part, providing impressive daytime color and night time near-infrared image capture from the same sensor,” said Ross Jatou, Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Solutions Division of Image Sensor Group at ON Semiconductor.

“We achieve this without the need for an IR-cut filter, while the high dynamic range means the sensor continues to perform even under changing light conditions. By moving the image processing off chip and qualifying the device to AEC-Q100, we have successfully developed a solution that gives automotive manufacturers more design flexibility yet provides outstanding performance at a competitive price.”

The AR0237AT is now available in an IBGA-80 package, measuring 10x10mm.