Aptina Looks Forward with High Dynamic Range Automotive Image Sensor

Forward-Facing and Surround-View Applications are Enhanced by Aptina™ DR-Pix™ Technology Driving High Dynamic Range and Ultra Low Light Sensitivity

SAN JOSE, Calif. & MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptina, the leading innovator of CMOS image sensors, announced today the launch of the MT9M024 image sensor, the latest addition to the company’s growing portfolio of automotive imaging solutions. The 1.2-megapixel, 1/3-inch optical format sensor provides a variety of advanced features that include high dynamic range (HDR) greater than 115dB, full motion compensation and DR-Pix™ technology that enhances the performance of the pixel in very low light conditions. Detail-rich high definition (HD) video (720p/60fps), and surround-view ready, the MT9M024 provides advanced imaging technology to improve driver safety as a result of excellent image quality for automotive forward-facing solutions like lane departure warning (LDW) and traffic sign recognition (TSR).

“We listened to our customers in the automotive market and understand the need for high performance imaging solutions in automotive applications”

“We listened to our customers in the automotive market and understand the need for high performance imaging solutions in automotive applications,” said David Zimpfer, Vice President and General Manager, Automotive and Industrial Business Unit at Aptina. “Forward-facing and surround-view applications demand a greater level of technology and sophistication to assist the driver. Solutions like our new MT9M024 enable lane departure warning, sign recognition, stereo vision, pedestrian detection, rear view, surround view and drowsy driver applications.”

High Performance, HDR and DR-Pix™ Technology

The MT9M024 is fueling new trends in automotive camera technology. The sensor provides high performance with HD video capability (720p/60fps) and excellent pixel sensitivity for capturing details in very low light environments. Applying Aptina’s DR-Pix™ technology, low light performance is improved without compromising image quality. The company’s continued focus on high dynamic range (HDR) technology has resulted in a dynamic range of greater than 115dB. This extension of the dynamic range results in excellent image quality in widely contrasting lighting conditions as experienced with forward-facing or viewing automotive applications.

Targeted for automotive suppliers and OEMs, the AEC-Q100 qualified sensor comes in a 9x9mm iBGA package that meets -40^oC to +105^oC operating temperatures. The sensor offers additional features such as on-chip AE (Automatic Exposure), statistics engine, context switching, temperature sensor, parallel and serial outputs and auto black level calibration.

The MT9M024 is currently sampling and will be in production starting Q3 2011.

Aptina DR-Pix Technology

Aptina’s innovative approach to improving low light performance without compromising image quality utilizes a dynamic response pixel, called Aptina DR-Pix technology. Aptina DR-Pix technology combines two modes of operation in one pixel design – low conversion gain mode for large charge handling capacity in bright scenes and a high conversion gain mode with increased sensitivity and low read noise for low-light scenes. The result is a sensor, like the company’s MT9M024, that offers the best possible noise performance over all ISO speed conditions. For more information, visit Aptina’s website at http://www.aptina.com/products/technology/aptina_dr-pix.jsp

About Aptina Imaging

Aptina Imaging is a global provider of CMOS imaging solutions with a growing portfolio of products that can be found in all leading mobile phone and notebook computer brands as well as a wide range of products for digital and video cameras, surveillance, medical, automotive and industrial applications, video conferencing, barcode scanners, toys, and gaming. Aptina enables Imaging Everywhere™ and continually drives innovation in the market as seen with the introduction of the first 14MP CMOS image sensor for point-and-shoot and hybrid cameras (MT9F001), and the industry’s first 5MP SOC with ¼” format (MT9P111). Privately held, Aptina’s investors include Riverwood Capital, TPG Capital and Micron Technology. For additional information on Aptina visit www.aptina.com or subscribe to the latest news from Aptina by copying the Aptina RSS feed into your favorite RSS reader.

©2010 Aptina Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Information is subject to change without notice. Aptina, the Aptina logo, A-Pix, DR-Pix, and Imaging Everywhere are trademarks of Aptina Imaging Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.