To achieve faster autofocus, OmniVision Technologies launches new 50-megapixel image sensor

Recently, OmniVision Technologies announced the new OV50A image sensor, which has a resolution of 50 million pixels and a single pixel size of 1.0μm.

It is reported that the OV50A image sensor is a 50-megapixel (MP) image sensor with a 1.0-micron pixel size, selective conversion gain, and a 1/1.5-inch optical format, with quad-phase detection (QPD) autofocus technology and on-chip repavable mosaics. QPD enables 2x2 phase detection autofocus (PDAF) on the entire image array of the sensor with 100% coverage. Unlike microlens and half-mask PDAF technologies that only capture 3-6% of phase detection data, QPD uniquely captures 100% of this data to improve distance calculation, faster autofocus, and better low-light performance. Combined with an on-chip mosaic display for QPD color filter arrays, it provides high-quality still images and 8K video capture for large and ultra-large main cameras in flagship and high-end smartphones.

The OV50A image sensor has best-in-class low-light performance through a unique combination of a large 1.0-micron pixel size, low noise with selective conversion gain, a high conversion gain mode, and a larger 1/1.5-inch optical format. In addition, the sensor provides excellent HDR through 2- and 3-exposure staggered HDR timing, and has selective conversion gain to achieve the best balance between low-light image quality and HDR. These features provide mobile designers with maximum flexibility to choose the best HDR method for the contrast between 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 mosaicking to significantly improve autofocus performance and provide high-quality 50MP Bayer output or 8K video in real time. The sensor can also output 12.5MP images for 4K2K video at 4x the sensitivity using near-pixel binning, resulting in performance equivalent to 2.0 microns for preview and video. In either case, the OV50A consistently captures the highest quality images and enables 2x digital crop zoom at 12.5MP resolution and fast mode switching.

Image source: OmniVision Technologies

     Output formats include 50MP or 8K video at 30 frames per second (fps) with QPD autofocus, 12.5MP at 60 fps with QPD autofocus, 4K2K video at 90 fps with QPD autofocus, 1080p at 240 fps, and 720p at 480 fps. All of these options can be output via the sensor’s CPHY MIPI interface at up to 3.5 Gsps per triplet.

     Officials said that OV50A samples are expected to be released in the second quarter of 2021.