OmniVision and INOVA develop HDR automotive camera system

Nov. 8, 2010
OmniVision and Inova say their chipset enables high-performance automotive cameras to transmit video and control data in real time.

OmniVision Technologies (Nasdaq: OVTI; Santa Clara, CA, USA), a developer of digital imaging solutions, and INOVA Semiconductors (Phoenix, AZ, USA), a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in high-speed serial data communication, say they have launched the first APIX Link-based megapixel high-dynamic-range (HDR) automotive camera system at Electronica 2010 (Munich, Germany).

The system features a chipset based on INOVA's APIX Link data interface that connects multiple OmniVision OV10630-based cameras to an automotive control unit. High-performance, real-time data transfer is critical for the broad adoption of multicamera driver assistance systems, and other advanced features.

The APIX Link camera system allows cameras to transmit uncompressed video with full duplex communication over one cable in real time. This arrangement gives the CPU complete control over the cameras at all times—between single frames—while the cameras are continuously transmitting images over the link. The APIX Link also provides power to the cameras.

"Our collaboration with INOVA focused on the development of optimized imaging and connectivity functions that allows driver assistance systems to take full advantage of the image quality and information content as made possible by the new generation of digital CMOS sensors such as OmniVision's new OV10630," says Mario Heid, PhD, automotive technical marketing manager at OmniVision.

The OV10630 transmits fully processed color HDR video data at 30 frames/s in megapixel resolution and uses an 80–96-MHz output clock for its 8–10-bit-wide digital video port. The APIX Link chipset can achieve a zero bit error rate (BER) over a distance greater than 10 m while supporting the OV10630's clock speed, control, and safety features.

The APIX Link camera system will be on display at Electronica from Nov. 9-12, 2010. Visit INOVA at booth #313 in hall A6.

Source: OmniVision Technologies Inc.

-- Posted by Vision Systems Design

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