OmniVision Technologies’ high definition (HD) automotive camera module reference design, developed with collaboration from Leopard Imaging, features technology from Texas Instruments (TI). The compact design includes OmniVision’s OX01B40 image sensor plus image signal processor (ISP) system-in-package (SiP), as well as TI’s DS90UB933-Q1 or DS90UB935-Q1 serializer chip and TPS65000-Q1 power management integrated circuit (PMIC). All four components are AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualified, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C. The reference design can be integrated directly into vehicles or can serve as a starter kit for users who want to create their own camera modules.
The reference design was created to assist in designing automotive viewing cameras, especially rearview cameras or surround-view cameras, where small size, low power consumption, low thermal output, and image quality are critical. Allegedly, this is the market’s first automotive camera module to incorporate all its components on a single printed circuit board (PCB). Existing modules stack at least two PCBs for the image sensor and ISP, respectively, and usually a third for the power ICs.
OmniVision’s OX01B40 SiP combines a 1392 x 976-resolution color CMOS image sensor and an ISP. It supports streaming video up to 60 fps and consumes less than 400 mW. Built on OmniVision’s 2.8-micron OmniBSI-2 Deep Well pixel technology, the OX01B40 delivers 120-dB high dynamic range.
Handling the power needs in the design, TI’s TPS65000-Q1 single-chip PMIC combines low-dropout regulators with a step-down converter that can operate in forced PWM mode or auto PWM-PFM mode, depending on load, to maximize efficiency. This reference design also offers the choice of either parallel CMOS (DS90UB933-Q1) or MIPI CSI-2 (DS90UB935-Q1) FPD-Link serializers, both of which support communication with high-speed image sensors and are for customers designing high-resolution, compact camera modules with 1-MP cameras streaming at up to 60 fps. The DS90UB935-Q1 also removes the need for an oscillator in the camera module, minimizing cost and space while providing reliability.
The reference design is available now from Leopard Imaging. For more information, peruse the reference design datasheet. For more info and pricing, visit Leopard Imaging.