OmniVision, INOVA develop high-performance video data solution for automotive camera systems

SANTA CLARA, USA: OmniVision Technologies Inc., a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions, and INOVA Semiconductors, GmbH, a fabless semiconductor manufacturer specializing in reliable high speed serial data communication products, launched the first APIX Link-based megapixel high dynamic range (HDR) automotive camera system at Electronica 2010.

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 multi-camera driver assistance systems with 360-degree view, object/pedestrian detection and other advanced features.

“Because we see the number of cameras in cars increasing, most of which are now designed to support multiple applications such as park distance control, surround view, collision avoidance and scene recognition functions, it is critical to exchange video and control data reliably with the central processing unit in real time,” explained Thomas Rothhaupt, Director of Sales & Marketing at INOVA Semiconductors.

“Through our collaboration with OmniVision, we can now offer the automotive industry a high-bandwidth link with low latency and high-transmission quality for the next generation of advanced driver assistance systems.”

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

“Our new generation of automotive CMOS sensors enables high-quality imaging and sensing applications,” said Dr. Mario Heid, automotive technical marketing manager at OmniVision.

“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.”

The OV10630 transmits high-quality, fully processed color HDR video data at 30 frames per second 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 meters while supporting the OV10630’s clock speed, control and safety features.