The need to operate under poor lighting conditions is a key challenge in the development of modern image sensors. To address this, a new image sensor solution has been released that optimizes performance even in these challenging environments.

ON Semiconductor, a leader in intelligent power and sensing technologies, today announced the launch of its new, innovative image sensor, the AR0822.

Embedded High Dynamic Range (eHDR) and optimized near-infrared (NIR) response are essential for applications with poor lighting conditions, such as security and surveillance, body cameras, doorbell cameras, and robotics. The sensor's low-power architecture and wake-on-motion feature are designed to significantly reduce system power.

The AR0822 is an 8-megapixel (MP) stacked 1/1.8-inch (8.81 mm diagonal) back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS digital image sensor based on 2.0μm pixels. It features a 3840(H) x 2160(V) active pixel array, capable of 4K resolution video at 60 frames per second (fps) and capturing images in linear or eHDR mode (120dB) with rolling shutter readout.

One of the key challenges facing modern image sensors is operating under uncontrolled lighting conditions, particularly in HDR-enabled scenes, which involve images with extremely bright and dark areas. Many HDR technologies use multiple exposure outputs to send up to three differently exposed images to the image signal processor (ISP) for combining, but this approach requires up to three times more system bandwidth and more expensive components, especially at higher resolutions. The AR0822, with its built-in HDR sensor, reduces system bandwidth and processor performance while delivering superior image quality through exposure combinations and intelligent linearization that compensate for motion and flickering light sources.

To meet customer expectations for low-power operation and long battery life in IoT applications, the AR0822 optimizes system power with dedicated features such as Wake-on-Motion. Most cameras operate in a low-power mode when inactive to conserve power and resume normal operation when motion is detected. These systems typically require both the sensor and processor to be active to detect motion. However, the AR0822 intelligently detects sensor motion using Wake-on-Motion. This feature allows the processor to enter a low-power standby mode until the sensor detects motion and triggers the processor to resume operation.

The AR0822 offers enhanced NIR sensitivity and sophisticated camera features such as binning/windowing. Additionally, the device is designed to operate over a junction temperature range of -30 to 85 degrees Celsius, allowing it to be used in harsh environments.

“The AR0822 delivers industry-leading performance in low-light environments while enabling our customers to achieve the 120dB eHDR they need at lower system power and cost,” said Ross Jatou, vice president and general manager of ON Semiconductor’s Intelligent Sensing Group. “This combination creates a compelling value proposition for our customers to meet the advanced imaging market trend toward energy-saving solutions and longer battery life.”