STMicroelectronics has launched a comprehensive suite of plug-and-play hardware kits, evaluation camera modules, and software to streamline development with its ST BrightSense global-shutter image sensors.
This ecosystem allows developers of mass-market industrial and consumer applications to achieve superior camera performance by incorporating ST BrightSense image sensors. Unlike conventional rolling shutters, global-shutter sensors sample all pixels simultaneously, enabling them to capture images of fast-moving objects without distortion and significantly reduce power consumption when paired with a lighting system.
The ST BrightSense CMOS global-shutter sensors feature advanced backside-illuminated pixel technology, produced at ST’s own foundry in France. This ensures high image sharpness, capturing fine details such as barcodes. Their high sensitivity improves low-light performance and allows rapid image capture, enhancing responses in applications such as obstacle avoidance in mobile robots and facial recognition in personal electronics.
The sensors’ advanced 3D-stacked construction results in an extremely compact die area, facilitating integration in space-constrained environments, particularly in the final optical module. Additionally, they offer 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.
Previously available only to selected customers, ST’s state-of-the-art sensor technologies are now accessible to a broader market through the ST BrightSense portfolio, which includes industrial-grade products with a 10-year longevity commitment. These sensors, proven with over one billion units shipped, enable developers to bring high-performance machine vision to applications with stringent size and power constraints and challenging operating conditions. These applications include factory automation, scanning, domestic and industrial robots, VR/AR equipment, traffic monitoring, and medical devices.
ST’s new mass-market offering includes evaluation camera modules that integrate image sensor, lens holder, lens, and plug-and-play flex connector for immediate sensor integration. The modules come in various tiny form factors down to 5mm², with different lens options to suit various application needs and a plug-and-play connector for easy swapping. A range of hardware kits assists developers in integrating the sensors with various desktop and embedded computing platforms. Complementary software tools, including a PC-based GUI and Linux drivers, are available for free download on ST’s website, facilitating integration with popular processing platforms such as STM32MP2 microprocessors.
The ST BrightSense global-shutter family currently includes the VD55G0, VD55G1, and VD56G3 monochrome sensors with resolutions from 0.38Mpixel to 1.5Mpixel, and the colour VD66GY with 1.5Mpixel. These sensors, along with their evaluation camera modules and development boards, are now in production.
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