STMicroelectronics launches a small-sized, low-power, high-resolution global shutter image sensor

Executive Vice President of STMicroelectronics "Our new global shutter image sensor has high resolution and small size, making it suitable for wearable devices such as smart glasses and AR/VR earphones. It is also an ideal choice for personal robots, industrial robots, and smart home devices. All of these applications will benefit from the high performance, small size, ultra-low power consumption, and optimized cost of this image sensor," said Alexandre Balmefezol, General Manager of Imaging Products

The new sensor has a smaller size, only 2.7 millimeters x 2.2 millimeters, and the original resolution is 800 x 700 pixels. Low power consumption means that smaller capacity batteries can be used, with excellent imaging performance and high contrast and image clarity.

This image sensor also provides event like image streaming functionality, making it an ideal choice for eye tracking and other motion estimation purposes.

The new global shutter image sensor also features innovative embedded features, such as a local background removal function that can reduce the host's image post-processing workload. The new sensor also has a "always on" 1mW autonomous mode, which can continuously sense even when the host is turned off, thereby saving electricity. When motion or scene changes are detected, the system will automatically wake up.

The sample of the new image sensor VD55G1 from STMicroelectronics has been launched and is expected to start mass production in March 2024.

STMicroelectronics partners provide packaging and embedded modules of VD55G1 for sensors to meet the needs of various applications and markets.

Technical details:

The VD55G1 global shutter sensor has perfected the professional sensor product lineup of STMicroelectronics, utilizing the company's advanced semiconductor technology to achieve industry-leading 2.16um pixel size, high sensitivity, and low crosstalk. Advanced semiconductor technology combined with innovative pixel architecture technology minimizes the sensor pixel array area on the top of the chip, while maximizing the data processing capability and functionality at the bottom of the chip.

The advanced pixel technology of STMicroelectronics adopts the Total Deep Trench Isolation (DTI) process, while optimizing performance using low parasitic light sensitivity (PLS), high quantum efficiency (QE), and low noise architecture.

The new chip communicates with the main controller through the I3C interface, with a communication speed ten times faster than the previous generation product, and embeds functions such as multiple automatic exposures, high frame rate operation, flexible color tone mapping, and multiple environment switching.