OmniVision Technologies introduces image sensors that enable faster autofocus

     OmniVision Technologies has announced the new OV50A image sensor with 50 megapixels of resolution power and a single pixel size of 1.0μm. The OV50A image sensor is a 50 megapixel (MP) image sensor with a 1.0 micron pixel size, selective conversion gain and 1/1.5 inch optical format, with four-phase detection (QPD) autofocus technology and on-chip relayable mosaics.

     QPD enables 2x2 phase detection autofocus (PDAF) across the sensor's entire image array with 100% coverage. Unlike microlens and half-mask PDAF technologies, which capture only 3-6% of phase detection data, QPD uniquely captures 100% of this data for improved distance calculation, faster autofocus, and better low-light performance. Combined with an on-chip Mosaic display for a QPD color filter array, it provides excellent still image and 8K video capture for large and very large main cameras in flagships and high-end smartphones.

     The OV50A image sensor offers the best low-light performance in its class by combining a large 1.0 micron pixel size, low noise with selective conversion gain, high conversion gain mode and a 1/1.5 inch large optical format. In addition, the sensor provides excellent HDR through interlaced HDR timing of 2 and 3 exposures, with selective conversion gain for the best balance between low-light image quality and HDR. These features give mobile designers maximum flexibility to choose the best HDR method for comparing light and dark areas in any scene.

     Built on OmniVision's PureCel®Plus-S stacked chip technology, the OV50A integrates an on-chip QPD color filter array and hardware Mosaic to significantly improve autofocus performance and deliver high-quality 50MP Bayer output or 8K video in real time. The sensor can also output 12.5MP images for 4K2K video with 4x sensitivity using the near pixel merge feature, resulting in performance equivalent to preview and video 2.0 microns. In either case, the OV50A consistently captures the highest quality images and achieves 2x digital cropping scaling at 12.5MP resolution and fast mode switching.