현대의 다양한 애플리케이션에서 높은 해상도와 빠른 이미지 캡처가 요구된다. 이를 위해서 초저전력, 고감도, 고선명도의 글로벌 셔터 이미지 센서가 필요하다. 이런 가운데 ST마이크로일렉트로닉스(STMicroelectronics)의 VD55G1 셔터 이미지 센서가 일렉트로닉 매거진의 2025년 올해의 제품으로 선정됐다. 이 제품은 작은 크기에도 불구하고 높은 성능과 초저전력, 고감도 및 고선명도, 다중 자동 노출, 초고속 프레임 속도의 장점으로 이미지 캡처를 위한 다양한 애플리케이션에서 각광받고 있다. 이에 본지는 ST Alex SEO 부장과 만나 셔터 이미지 센서와 관련 기술에 대해 이야기를 나눠봤다.
“'VD55G1' High-Performance, Low-Power Image Applications in the Spotlight”
Application to various industries such as smartphones, IoT, medical, and machine learning
Providing innovative technologies such as ultra-low power and high image quality
[Editor's Note] High resolution and fast image capture are required in various modern applications. To achieve this, ultra-low power, high sensitivity, and high-definition global shutter image sensors are required. Among these, STMicroelectronics' VD55G1 shutter image sensor was selected as Electronic Magazine's 2025 Product of the Year. Despite its small size, this product is attracting attention in various applications for image capture due to its high performance, ultra-low power, high sensitivity and high definition, multiple auto exposures, and ultra-high frame rates. Accordingly, our magazine met with ST Alex SEO Manager to discuss shutter image sensors and related technologies.
■ Introduction of ST's ultra-low power global shutter image sensor and why it is attracting attention ST's global shutter image sensors are a family of products that combine relatively small size, low power, and a variety of features for their resolution and performance.
Above all, its advantage lies in providing unique features and high-quality performance.
These features are attracting attention as they are being utilized in various cutting-edge applications.
■ What products are being introduced? The product we're introducing today is the VD55G1, a global shutter image sensor that recently won a bronze medal as the 2025 Medical Product of the Year from Electronic Magazine.
The sensor offers 800 x 700 resolution and supports MIPI CSI-2 and I3C.
Despite its small size, functions such as Auto Exposure, Noise reduction, HDR, Dark level calibration, Defect correction, and Gamma compensation for image quality are built into the sensor itself through the ISP Stack structure.
Additionally, power consumption can be minimized through the Auto wake-up function in Ultra-low power mode.
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■ Main application applications are Key application areas include AR/VR headsets, smart glasses, smartphones, IoT devices, laptops and tablets, barcode reading, machine vision, security, and healthcare.
That means the sensor is particularly suitable for next-generation embedded vision systems and smart devices.
■ Key requirements of the market/industry There are many, but among them, one that satisfies both high performance and low power consumption is the best.
Additionally, it requires stable operation in various environments and high resolution in a small size.
To meet these requirements, the sensor offers a small physical size, a variety of functions, and flexible configuration.
■ The main benefits are Let me first explain the benefits of the global shutter sensor technology itself.
Unlike rolling shutter sensor technology, which exposes the sensor's image array line by line, the global shutter approach is advantageous for applications where subjects are moving at high speeds because it exposes the entire image array simultaneously.
Specifically, the main advantages include ultra-low power consumption, high image quality, various Auto Functions, fast context switching, and HDR possible in one frame of an image.
These advantages help improve the performance of various applications.
■ Competitor products (alsoWhat are the differences compared to existing products?
The sensor offers a smaller size and higher resolution compared to competing products.
It also outperforms competing products through ultra-low power consumption and various Auto Functions.
In particular, the Multi Auto Exposure and One frame HDR functions enable the sensor to operate reliably and quickly even in complex environments.
■ Please say a word to e4ds readers regarding the content introduced today. The VD55G1 global shutter image sensor introduced today offers innovative technology and outstanding performance, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
We hope that e4ds readers will explore new possibilities through the advanced features and outstanding efficiency that this sensor offers.
ST's image sensors will be a great addition to your projects.
