STMicroelectronics has introduced the VD56GA, a 1.1MP automotive image sensor designed to push driver and occupant monitoring (DMS/OMS) from premium cars into high‑volume platforms.
DeepNIR pixels for better infrared imaging
The VD56GA is built on ST’s backside‑illuminated DeepNIR pixel architecture, optimized for infrared (IR) operation. Compared to the previous generation, ST claims:
- 35% higher MTF (sharpness)
- nearly 60% higher quantum efficiency in IR.
For in‑cabin cameras this means more robust performance in low light, night driving and under‑display camera placements, without having to move to a larger, more expensive sensor. The higher sensitivity can cut camera module cost by enabling:
- lower‑cost optics,
- simpler IR illumination,
- less demanding optical filtering.
Embedded processing to simplify the system
The sensor comes in a 3.7 mm × 3.2 mm chip‑scale package, ideal for tight in‑cabin camera modules. To reduce external ISP and MCU load, ST integrates several on‑chip processing blocks:
- mirror and crop,
- dark calibration,
- auto exposure,
- piecewise‑linear processing.
The VD56GA supports both RAW and YUV output formats, giving OEMs and Tier 1s flexibility across different ECUs and software architectures.
European manufacturing and automotive focus
Front‑end manufacturing for the VD56GA is done at ST’s Crolles facility in France, with packaging in Asia. Leveraging ST’s Integrated Device Manufacturer model, the sensor is positioned as a building block for high‑volume DMS/OMS programs where cost, supply‑chain resilience and long‑term automotive support are critical.
Market analysts at Yole Group expect combined driver and occupant monitoring system volumes to exceed 70 million units by 2031, underscoring why compact, IR‑optimized sensors like the VD56GA are becoming strategically important.
Samples are available now via ST sales offices, with pricing on request.
Source: eeNews Europe
