World's first hot-pluggable GMSL automotive HDR camera

e-con Systems has launched the STURDeCAM34 – an IP69K-rated 3MP automotive multi-camera designed for the most demanding applications in the automotive and industrial domains. It is based on onsemi's AR0341AT CMOS image sensor that delivers up to 150dB (raw data output). With synchronised multi-camera support, users can connect up to eight cameras to NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin using the GMSL2 interface, delivering high-performance multi-camera setups.

The camera sets a new standard in the industry with its advanced features that address the major pain points in the automotive market. It uses super−exposure pixel technology to ensure superior imaging quality, with an impressive 140dB HDR and superior LFM across the whole automotive temperature range.

A key innovation is the company's patented GMSL hot-plugging/unplugging technology. This technology enables the camera to be connected or disconnected while the system runs, eradicating downtime or disruptions. The camera features an onboard ISP that improves image quality and enables fine-tuning to meet specific customer requirements.

The camera's stream health monitoring and recovery feature ensures reliable operation in automotive applications by continuously monitoring the health of the sensor, ISP, and GMSL link.

"The AR0341AT's super-exposure pixel technology is ideal for demanding environments the STURDeCAM34 camera targets. Its ability to capture clear images in challenging lighting conditions and its low latency and high sensitivity makes it a perfect choice for automotive and industrial applications," said Shinao Ono, senior product marketing manager, Automotive Sensing Division, onsemi. "Additionally, the sensor's low-noise architecture ensures optimal performance across a wide range of operating conditions, further enhancing its suitability for rugged automotive and industrial environments."

"STURDeCAM34 represents a major leap in automotive imaging technology," said Suresh Madhu, product marketing head at e-con Systems. "The newly added GMSL hot pluggable technology, along with the error recovery mechanism, decreases downtime significantly and ensures that there is no single point of failure. The ISP, with enhanced fine-tuning, also promises greater image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions. This makes the camera an ideal solution for ADAS, Surround-view, and other critical applications with challenging environmental conditions."

Some of the key applications include:

Automotive Industry: Overcoming high contrast lighting and LED flicker issues with superior HDR and LFM technology. The IP69K rating also ensures durability in harsh conditions. Autonomous Vehicles: Provides clear imaging across all lighting conditions and ensures robust connections for real-time decision-making. Delivery Robots: Offers consistent performance under bright sunlight with low-latency video transmission. Agriculture Vehicles: The high dynamic range captures multiple exposures for better weed identification in varied lighting. It improves machine learning effectiveness in detecting weeds. Heavy, Construction and Off-Road Vehicles: The camera's HDR, IP69K rating, and GMSL interface ensure clear imaging and reliable operation in tough industrial settings, simplifying cable management.