Renesas Electronics Corporation and OmniVision Technologies, Inc. are introducing a new integrated reference design for a high-definition automotive camera system. The new design features Renesas’ recently introduced Automotive HD Link (AHL) technology that transmits high-definition video over low-cost cables and connectors. The AHL components in the design pair with OmniVision’s OX01F10 1.3MP SoC, which provides top-tier imaging performance across a wide range of lighting conditions.
Technical Specifications
In a joint statement at the time of this announcement, Renesas and OmniVision explained that HD video is essential for object recognition and other in-vehicle safety systems. As such, the new RAA279971 AHL encoder and RAA279972 decoder use a modulated analog signal to transmit the video, enabling transmission rates 10 times less than required when transmitting HD signals digitally. As described by Renesas and OmniVision, the lower transmission rate means that unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables and standard low-cost connectors can be utilized, as can existing traditional analog video cables and connectors.
Likewise, OmniVision’s OX01F10 SoC integrates a 3.0 micron image sensor and an advanced image signal processor (ISP), complete with the company’s PureCel Plus technology. According to OmniVision, this allows for a number of benefits, including a smaller form factor, lower costs, and improved reliability.
“This reference design featuring our AHL technology combines market-leading technologies from two industry leaders,” said Niall Lyne, Vice President of the Automotive Analog Power and Video Business Division at Renesas. “Together, we’re enabling an efficient and economical HD video system design for any vehicle class worldwide.”
“The 1.3MP OX01F10 provides automotive designers with the industry’s best imaging performance across a wide range of challenging lighting conditions, supporting HDR up to 120dB and high-performance ISP. The sensor features ASIL-B, which targets cost-effective solutions, along with the most compact form factor and lowest power consumption,” added Michael Wu, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at OmniVision. “This reference design with Renesas takes that concept further by pairing with another high-quality, economical solution.”
Reference Design Availability
The new reference design is currently available from Renesas and OmniVision. AHL can also be paired with other Renesas products, such as the R-Car Automotive SoCs, RH850 MCUs, automotive PMICs, and other analog components. Similarly, OmniVision continues to offer a full range of digital imaging solutions, including the OAX4000 automotive ISP and the OX03C10 ASIL-C automotive image sensor.
