Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has developed a new 2-megapixel (MP) CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras, “CSA02M00PB”, equipped with the industry’s first^*1 LED flicker mitigation function. Sample shipments start in March, 2016.
The new sensor will be exhibited at the 22^nd ITS World Congress 2015 in Bordeaux, France, from October 5 to 9.

The new 2MP sensor is equipped with Toshiba’s original LED flicker (pulsed LED) mitigation circuit^*2 to minimize image flicker caused by LED light sources. When recording LED traffic lights and signs with conventional CMOS image sensors, the output images often flickers, preventing an accurate sensing function. Toshiba’s new sensor mitigates the flicker and delivers clear images for faster, more accurate image sensing.

The sensor also adopts Toshiba’s original next-generation HDR^*3 (High Dynamic Range) system and BSI^*4 process, which together record high-precision images. Toshiba’s next-generation HDR system uses the company’s single frame method for clear images free of the degraded resolution and blown-out highlights typical of high contrast-light conditions^*5. The BSI process, first^*1 brought to automotive image sensors by Toshiba, makes it possible to shoot brighter pictures with higher image quality in low light conditions.

The new sensor integrates functions to meet the requirements of ASIL, the Automotive Safety Integrity Level intended to protect life, and supports failure detection, report flagging and control of vehicles. It is also compliant with AEC-Q100^*6 (Grade 2) and is suited both for front end sensing cameras for the Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) and the latest viewing applications, such as e-Mirror^*7 and CMS (Camera Monitor System).

With increasing concerns for road safety, the importance of advanced driving assistant systems is growing, and will be further spurred by future advances in autonomous cars. Toshiba foresees three-fold growth in the automotive CMOS image sensor market in the period to 2020^*8. Toshiba will continue to develop its automotive CMOS image sensor business to fully meet expanding market requirements.

Notes:
*1 Industry’s first as 2MP CMOS image sensor. (Toshiba survey, as of October 1, 2015)

*2 A circuit to reduce the LED flicker defined in Europe’s EN12966 (LED light driven at a frequency of f > 90Hz). (Patent pending)

*3 Toshiba’s third-generation HDR that delivers a wider dynamic range, eliminating or suppressing resolution degradation and false color, by multiple exposure in one line of the image frame.

*4 BSI: Backside Illumination.

*5 120dB of dynamic range (per Toshiba calculation)

*6 Qualification requirements for components in automotive electronics.

*7 Mirror function using electronic components such as image sensors instead of conventional mirrors.

*8 Toshiba’s estimate of market growth rate.

*9 The maximum frame rate may change per operating conditions specified. Exposure condition 1 assumes 2 different exposure times in a frame; exposure condition 2 assumes 3.