STMicroelectronics has introduced a set of plug-and-play hardware kits, evaluation camera modules and software that ease development with its ST BrightSense global-shutter image sensors. By sampling all pixels simultaneously, unlike a conventional rolling shutter, global-shutter sensors can capture images of fast-moving objects without distortion and significantly reduce power when coupled to a lighting system.
ST BrightSense CMOS global-shutter sensors implement advanced backside-illuminated pixel technology, manufactured at ST’s own foundry in France, ensuring high image sharpness to capture fine details such as in barcode reading. Their high sensitivity enhances low-light performance and permits fast image capture, enhancing responses such as obstacle avoidance in mobile robots and face recognition in personal electronics. The sensors’ advanced 3D-stacked construction allows an extremely small die area, easing integration anywhere space is limited especially in the final optical module, while enriching the products with advanced on-chip image processing for auto-exposure, correction, and calibration. Their MIPI-CSI-2 interface makes them ideal for embedded vision and edge AI devices.
Developers can now bring high-performance machine vision to applications that face strict size and power constraints and challenging operating conditions, like factory automation, scanning, domestic and industrial robots, VR/AR equipment, traffic monitoring, and medical devices.
The new ST Brightsense portfolio includes:
- Form factors down to 5 mm.
- Various lens options to suit different application requirements.
- Plug-and-play connector that allows easy swapping.
- Desktop and embedded computing platform integration.
The ST BrightSense global-shutter family currently comprises the VD55G0, VD55G1, and VD56G3 monochrome sensors with resolution from 0.38Mpixel to 1.5Mpixel, as well as the color VD66GY with 1.5Mpixel. The sensors, along with their evaluation camera modules, and development boards are in production now.
