Enables engineers to perform rapid prototyping and experimentation through cameras, lenses, and sensors
Reduced costs through shortened design cycles, supporting automotive design with mix-and-match solutions

ON Semiconductor introduced the Modular Automotive Reference System (MARS), which enables system and software developers to use cameras in research and development activities.

ON Semiconductor stated that the MARS platform enables engineers to perform rapid prototyping and experimentation using cameras, various lenses, image sensors, image signal processors (ISPs), and various communication options.

In addition, they added that due to its diverse and flexible functions, it can be used in various types of automotive camera applications, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), surrounding and rear camera systems, in-vehicle cameras (for motion recognition, driver eye monitoring, and light inspection, etc.), and autonomous driving.



MARS not only reduces engineering costs by shortening design cycles but also supports automotive design teams through the implementation of imaging systems via unique mix-and-match solutions. This allows various hardware components to be adopted into robust and highly adaptable systems in a compact form factor.

Engineers can access ON Semiconductor’s diverse portfolio of image sensors and co-processors available in various board forms, as well as various automotive communication protocols from third-party supply partners.

This offers designers a very wide range of applications in terms of finding the optimal combination suitable for specific system requirements. Since various platforms provide consistent signaling and power to the interconnects used on each board, they can accommodate nearly infinite combinations.

MARS is supported by an ecosystem that includes software development tools, schematics, route Gerbers, bills of materials, etc., and a comprehensive user guide is also included in the attached documents.

Ross Jatou, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Automotive Solutions Unit at ON Semiconductor’s Image Sensor Group, stated, “As image sensing capabilities become more widespread in automotive applications, MARS is significant as a high-value platform that simplifies design and development and enables rapid verification for system and software developers who need to translate concepts into high-reliability, real-world applications.” He explained that it provides scalability to generate diverse ideas, ranging from laboratory testing to real-world automotive testing.

Vice President Jatu also emphasized, “MARS’s flexibility shortens the component selection process by making sensors and coprocessors fully compatible, and this platform reduces engineering costs and shortens project development time by eliminating the need to build separate custom boards for various sensors.”