At the 2024 Sensors Converge Conference and Expo in Santa Clara, California, STMicroelectronics emerged victorious in the Optical and Imaging category of the 2024 Best of Sensors Awards. Winners were selected by a panel of expert judges who evaluated the entries based on the significance of the problems they solved, their market value, and the uniqueness of their designs. STMicroelectronics' VD55G1 camera sensor captured the attention of industry experts, showcasing the semiconductor company's commitment to innovation in the field of imaging technology.
The VD55G1 camera sensor by STMicroelectronics is designed specifically for advanced computer vision applications requiring compact, low-power solutions. With a resolution of 800 by 700 pixels and the smallest global shutter pixel in production at 2.16 µm, the VD55G1 is the smallest sensor available for its resolution. Despite its size of only 2.73 x 2.16 mm², it has a host of innovative modes and features, including differential mode, multi-auto-exposure, spatial HDR, immediate context switch, and in-pixel background removal.
One of its notable capabilities is its ultra-low power consumption, which makes it ideal for battery-powered devices and always-on applications. The sensor incorporates an intelligent auto wake-up feature, allowing it to operate in a low-power "sleep" mode until an event is detected, at which point it can trigger the host processor to switch into full streaming mode.
The VD55G1's innovative design extends to its on-chip processing capabilities. It offers differential imaging and background removal at the pixel level, eliminating the need for these computationally intensive tasks to be performed by the host system. This method not only reduces latency but also significantly lowers overall power consumption, making it a good choice for edge computing and AI-driven applications.
The sensor's flexibility is further enhanced by a suite of on-chip features for image quality optimization. These include multi-auto-exposure, spatial High Dynamic Range(HDR), and immediate context switching. These features allow the VD55G1 to deliver high-quality images across a wide range of lighting conditions and scenarios, making it suitable for diverse applications from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to robotics and smart home devices.
The VD55G1 has the potential to enable new use cases in computer vision and AI. Its combination of compact size, low power consumption, and advanced features opens up possibilities for integration into devices where traditional image sensors would be impractical. For example, the sensor could be incorporated into slim AR glasses, providing real-time environmental awareness without significantly affecting the device's form factor or battery life.
The VD55G1's single-lane MIDI CSI-2 output and I²C or I3C control interface ensure broad compatibility with a wide range of processing units, simplifying integration into existing and future device architectures. To further support developers and manufacturers, STMicroelectronics comprehensive development kits, camera modules, and drivers are all available through their website.
STMicroelectronics, formed in 1987 through the merger of Italian and French semiconductor companies, has pushed the boundaries of sensor and microchip technology. The company is headquartered in Plan-Les-Ouates, Switzerland, and has sites in Tunisia, Morocco, and Sweden. STMicroelectronics' products are used in a variety of sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial automation.
To explore all the Best of Sensors Award winners, visit this article.