Image sensors have global shutters for automated vision, and are small
- VD55G0 is 640 x 600 pixels and 2.6mm x 2.5mm die
- VD56G3 is 1,124 x 1,364 (1.5Mpixel) and 3.6mm x 4.3mm die, includes optical-flow processing to calculate movement vectors without the need of host computer processing
It claims that they are the smallest on the market in relation to resolution, and applications are foreseen in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) ‘simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) and 3D scanning.
Global-shutter sensors save all pixel data in each frame simultaneously, contrasting with ‘rolling-shutter’ operation that captures pixel data sequentially one line at a time, which makes moving images vulnerable to distortion or in need of additional corrective processing.
“These global shutter image sensors are based on our third generation of pixel technology and deliver significant improvements in performance, size, and system integration,” said ST imaging general manager Eric Aussedat. “They are empowering designers to create tomorrow’s smart, autonomous industrial and consumer devices.”
Full deep trench isolation (DTI) has contributed to the small pixel size (2.61μm x 2.61μm). “The ST approach enables a small pixel on a backside illumination die, which allows vertical stacking of the optical sensor and associated signal-processing circuitry on the bottom die to achieve small sensor size and to embed features including a fully-autonomous optical flow block,” according to the company.
The bottom die integrates digital and analogue circuits and is fabricated on a 40nm process. Features include an exposure algorithm with statistics gathered from up to 336 zones, automatic defect correction and automatic dark calibration. The autonomous optical-flow block is able to calculate 2,000 movement vectors at 60frame/s. Embedded vector generation is, said ST, helpful for AR, VR, robotics, SLAM or six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) use, especially with linited performance host systems.
Multiple frame contexts are supported with programmable sequencing, including illumination control. They also feature an integrated temperature sensor, I2C Fast mode+ control, defect correction, windowing, binning, and MIPI CSI-2 data interface.
There is a little more informmation here for VD55G0 and here for VD56G3. Sadly, the proper data sheets seem to be secret.