Cameras provide a seventh sense in cars
02.02.2009
Sharp starts mass-production of CCD modules for reverse driving cameras. CMOS sensors for driver assistance systems are being developed.
Hamburg, 28 January 2009 – The time has come: in the first quarter of 2009, Sharp will begin mass production of the CCD module RJ841A22000Q, a rearview camera for cars. With an angle of vision of 130°, the module records activities behind the car, even when ambient lighting conditions are difficult. This is possible thanks to the module's high level of sensitivity (900 mV), which means objects can be clearly recognised even in brightness conditions as low as only 0.1 lux – an important aspect when reversing, especially in dark garages or on streets at night where obstacles can only be recognised with difficulty in the cone of light shed by the standard low-intensity reverse light. Measuring only 27.4 x 28.9 x 25.4 millimetres (wxhxd), the RJ841A22000Q is the most compact CCD camera module for automobile applications currently available on the market. This makes it easy to integrate into the car, e.g. into the rear window frame. The module is water resistant up to a pressure of 0.3Mpa/39l/min. In accordance with the requirements for automobile electronic components, the operational temperature ranges from -40 up to +80°C. Thanks to an internal back-up memory, the CCD module retains the images recorded for up to eleven seconds and also offers other features for operational safety that guarantee its function during temporary loss of power supply or use of incorrect supply voltage.
In addition to this, Sharp is also developing CMOS sensors intended for automobile applications. For technological reasons, CMOS sensors attain higher image rates than CCDs and have a greater dynamic range, meaning that CMOS-based cameras supply clear images even during rapid movement and with strong glare from oncoming headlights. As the first sensor of the new CMOS line-up for automobile applications, Sharp is planning to launch a 1/4 inch VGA sensor for rearview cameras onto the market in the second half of 2009. Furthermore, the introduction of a 1/3 inch CMOS sensor in WVGA format is planned as of 2011. With a recording speed of 30 images per second, the sensor is meant for integration in cameras for driver assistance systems that will be front-mounted on the vehicle. In the long term, CMOS sensor development is aiming towards resolutions in the megapixel range and extended angles of vision up to 180°, so that larger fields of vision can be covered with just one camera.
Availability:
Samples of the new RJ841A22000Q will be available as of the 1st quarter of 2009 from Elatec sales offices in Europe.
Specifications
Part code RJ841A22000Q
Technology Colour Interline Transfer CCD
Sensitivity < 0.1 lx Image rate 30 fps Dynamics ~60 dB
Output signal NTSC
Resolution 410,000
Supply voltage 9 – 16 V
Dimensions (h x w x d) 27.4 x 28.9 x 25.4 mm
Temperature range -40 to +80°C
Impermeability 0.3Mpa/39l/min
