OMNIVISION introduces OV50X 50MP sensor with 110dB HDR and TheiaCel technology for superior mobile imaging

The OV50X is a 50-megapixel  sensor with a 1.6-micron (µm) pixel in a 1-inch optical format, tailored for smartphones that demand high dynamic range  video and preview with single exposure, exceptional low-light performance, rapid autofocus, and high frame rates.

 

“Smartphones are the primary devices for video and photo capture today, and cinematic-quality video recording has become a highly sought-after feature among consumers for flagship mobile phones,” said Takuritsu Li, Marketing Manager at OMNIVISION. “Our OV50X image sensor was engineered with professional videographers and photographers in mind. Featuring a large 1-inch optical format image sensor, it delivers close to 110 decibel (dB) single-exposure HDR. Consumers can now own a smartphone capable of superior video and photo capture around the clock, even in challenging conditions such as sunrise, sunset, nighttime with bright lights, or overcast days.”

 

The OV50X supports 4-cell binning for 12.5MP at 180 frames per second and 60 fps with three-channel HDR. It offers premium-quality 8K video with dual analog gain  HDR and on-sensor crop zoom. OMNIVISION’s TheiaCel technology further expands single exposure HDR close to 110 dB—the highest range possible in smartphones. The sensor also supports 100% coverage quad phase detection  for best-in-class autofocus performance. Built on OMNIVISION’s PureCel Plus-S stacked-die technology, the OV50X ensures excellent low-light performance.

TheiaCel Technology addresses high dynamic range  performance challenges by combining lateral overflow integration capacitor technology with OMNIVISION’s proprietary HDR techniques. This combination allows for superior image quality in various lighting conditions. TheiaCel technology achieves close to 110 dB dynamic range with single-exposure HDR, capturing high-contrast scenes without motion artifacts. The LOFIC technology extends dynamic range by storing overflow electrons in a large capacitor within each pixel, enhancing performance in both low and bright light conditions. Additionally, TheiaCel  technology includes LED flicker mitigation, which is particularly useful in automotive applications, eliminating flicker from LED lights to ensure clear images.

PureCel Technology is OMNIVISION’s flagship pixel technology, designed to deliver ultra-low-power image-sensing performance with improved color reproduction and reduced noise. PureCel technology enhances low-light sensitivity by reducing pixel crosstalk and noise, resulting in better color reproduction under low-light conditions. It also increases full-well capacity and sensitivity, leading to higher sensor dynamic range. The compact design of PureCel technology enables smaller camera modules and longer battery life for mobile devices. Advanced pixel architecture in PureCel  Plus and PureCel Plus-S introduces further improvements like buried color filter array  and deep trench isolation  for better pixel isolation and low-light performance.

These technologies collectively enhance the imaging capabilities of OMNIVISION’s sensors, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from mobile phones to automotive and security systems.

The OV50X stands out in the competitive landscape of mobile image sensors. While competitors like Sony's IMX989 and Samsung's ISOCELL HP2 offer impressive features, the OV50X surpasses them with its unmatched dynamic range of close to 110 dB. The Sony IMX989, for instance, is known for its 1-inch sensor and excellent low-light performance, but it does not match the OV50X's single-exposure HDR capabilities. Similarly, Samsung's ISOCELL HP2, with its high-resolution and advanced pixel technology, falls short in delivering the same level of dynamic range and low-light performance as the OV50X.

For more information, visit www.ovt.com/