STMicroelectronics launches global shutter image sensors

STMicroelectronics (ST) has introduced two new automotive global shutter image sensors designed to enhance driver monitoring in next-generation automotive safety systems.

The VG5661 and VG5761 sensors improve monitoring of vehicle occupants by capturing the scene from the camera while discarding external effects such as sunlight or street lighting.

Image captured by these sensors sharpens the responses of driver-monitoring systems, especially under near-infrared illumination close to 940nm.

It also supports new features, including assessing driver attention, passenger comfort or child behaviour.

The new sensors embed ST’s automotive global shutter technology, which reduces the illumination power consumption.

Data revealed that drivers’ exhaustion is a factor involved in up to 25% of road accidents. Enhanced driver monitoring using ST’s image sensors can decrease injuries and save lives.

The sensing accuracy also helps autonomous-driving systems evaluate a human driver’s fitness to take over any time during a journey, easing transitions between manual and autonomous driving modes for comfort and safety.

ST recently exhibited how the sensors enable next-generation driver assistance in collaboration with Jungo at international industry events.

STMicroelectronics Differentiated Imaging Solutions business line director Aymeric Fuchet said: “Featuring ST innovative automotive global shutter technology, our image sensors are designed to enhance the performance of advanced automotive and industrial machine-vision applications.

“Our successful cooperation with Jungo has shown how these sensors can enhance road safety and extend the performance of autonomous driving systems.”

The sensors are currently available for sampling.

ST is partnering with lead customers to support adoption in new driver-assistance systems for the next generations of vehicles.