High-speed image sensor enables intelligent vision systems for viewing and AI

ON Semiconductor has introduced the ARX3A0 digital image sensor with 0.3MP resolution in a 1:1 aspect ratio. With up to 360fps capture rate, it can perform like a global shutter in numerous conditions but with the size, performance and responsivity advantages of being a BSI rolling shutter sensor. With its small size, square format and high frame rate, the sensor is especially suitable for emerging Machine Vision, AI and AR/VR applications, as well as small supplemental security cameras.

The device was created to deliver flexible, high-performance image capture with minimal power; it consumes less than 19mW when capturing images at 30fps, and only 2.5mW when capturing 1fps.

The 1/10 in square format allows low height modules, while the miniature 3.5mm die size assists in maximising the sensor’s field of view. Its small size and square format mean the device can be employed in emerging applications where orientation is not fixed, but space is limited, such as AR/VR goggles to monitor the wearer’s eye movement. Eye movement data can be utilised to modify the image viewed, which is considered to alleviate the possible effect of motion sickness as experienced by some users. Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping is another application where the device’s small size and low power image sensors will be crucial.

Gianluca Colli, Vice President and general manager, Consumer Solution Division of Image Sensor Group at ON Semiconductor said: “As we approach an era where Artificial Intelligence is becoming an integral part of vision-based systems, it becomes clear that we now share this world with a new kind of intelligence. The ARX3A0 has been designed for that new breed of machine, where vision is as integral to their operation as it is ours.”