Date: 22nd Jun 2011
Automatic EHDR Image Sensor from Melexis
for driver assistance and night vision systems
Melexis has launched new image sensor in the "Avocet"
series, the MLX75412 extended HDR Image Sensor. The MLX75412
includes two on-chip functions: a high performing fully
automatic Extended HDR and exposure control function named
"Autobrite" and an adaptive histogram remapping
function named "Autoview". With these functions,
a full feature set is offered which greatly simplifies building
HDR cameras.
Focus applications include automotive driver assistance
and night vision applications, security/surveillance applications,
fleet safety cameras, truck blind spot cameras, transportation/heavy
vehicle cameras, and other outdoor and all weather cameras.
Features of the MLX75412 series include:
Wide-VGA image sensors with a 1024x512 pixels resolution.
Low light performance extended high dynamic range (Extended
HDR) up to 154dB in every single frame with a full resolution
frame rate up to 60fps.
Sensitivity in terms of SNR10 is 25nW/cm2 @ 25degC @ 535nm.
Supports dynamic range of low light scenes to 120dB and
higher (Dynamic range at dawn or at night is most important.
During nighttime, the brightest lights, like an approaching
car's headlights, come close to sunlight intensities while
the dark areas go much lower in light intensity)
Features enhanced responsivity for near infrared light (800-1000nm).
Anti-reflective coating on the Glass-BGA is specially designed
for night vision, featuring minimal light reflectivity in
the range 400-1000nm, to minimize stray light for visible
and for near-infrared light.
Supports camera based Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward
Collision Warning (FCW) features.
The MLX75412 "Avocet" image sensor is available
in 4 versions: monochrome, RCCC, colors RGBG and color RGBi.
Comments by Cliff De Locht, Product Line Manager at Melexis:
"In side by side tests with other automotive imagers,
we have seen situations where - depending on the position
of the sun - the Avocet imager was able to distinguish faded
lane markings where other image sensors failed."
"Technically speaking, because the Extended HDR technology
is based on 6 partial pixel resets within an exposure period,
the Avocet allows tight control of the response curve to
maximize picture details at all light intensities. Fully
automatic Autobrite uses this capability at maximum to dynamically
and automatically optimize the image sensor response on
a frame-by-frame basis."
"The bottom line is that Autobrite is able to swiftly
and automatically adapt to any lighting condition, including
extreme light conditions like when you are driving towards
the sun. This results in improved detection performance
for lanes, vehicles and pedestrians."
"We did extensive night drive testing with the MLX75412
and are thrilled with the (monochrome) night sensitivity
and behavior of the Autobrite Extended HDR function. We
are confident this offer gives an adequate response to the
many low light and HDR requirements out there."
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