OMNIVISION Has Its Eye on Computer Vision with Its Latest Global Shutter Camera Sensors

OMNIVISION, a semiconductor firm best known for its image sensors, has announced three new global-shutter camera sensors aimed at the computer vision market — featuring 3.45µm back-side illuminated (BSI) sensors and resolutions up to five megapixels.

"OMNIVISION is the leader in high-performance BSI GS [Global shutter] sensors for the machine vision industry with a product portfolio that features 3.45µm and 2.2µm pixel solutions with resolutions ranging from 2- to 9-megapixel," claims OMNIVISION's Kelly Yan of the company's freshly-expanded line-up. "Our patented technologies enable us to deliver higher image quality and better performance in a compact design to improve high-speed image capture, with higher SNR [Signal-to-Noise Ratio] and improved accuracy."

The company's new sensors, all of which offer Low-Voltage Differential Signalling (LVDS) and MIPI Camera Serial Interface (CSI) support and are designed for use with C-mount lenses, are offered in three resolutions and sizes: the OG02C10/1B two-megapixel sensor in a 1/2.53-inch optical format supporting up to 300 frames per second (fps) capture; the OG03A10/1B three-megapixel sensor in a 1/1.8-inch optical format with 150fps capture; and the OG05C10/1B five-megapixel sensor in a 1/1.45-inch optical format with 120fps capture.

All are global-shutter, rather than rolling shutter — meaning an image is captured all at once, rather than across rows or columns. The result is a sensor capable of capturing extremely rapid movement without distortion — ideal for computer vision applications on fast-moving production lines and the like. Other features include, the company claims, improved sensitivity, high shutter efficiency, a higher native dynamic range, and an on-chip dual conversion gain system for extended dynamic range processing.

The OG03A10/1B and OG05C10/1B sensors are sampling now and have entered mass production, OMNIVISION says, with the OG02C10/1B to sample early next year and enter mass production in the second half of 2025. Interested parties are advised to contact OMNIVISION directly — or to visit the company at the VISION 2024 expo in Stuttgart, Germany, between October 8th-10th in Hall 10, Booth 10G82.