See more, drive safer

Sharp is presenting one of the smallest CMOS camera modules worldwide for automotive applications. Due to the housing volume of just 7 cc, the camera can be hidden almost anywhere in the outer skin of vehicles.

Hamburg, 18 April 2011 – An ambient light of just 1.8 lux, corresponding to the "brightness" of a moonlit road, is sufficient for Sharp’s new CMOS camera module for automotive applications to produce clear images. Hence the RJ642A10000Q CMOS module reaches the high light sensitivity that is usually only found with CCD modules, thus offering all the advantages of CMOS technology - above all the great compactness: With a housing volume of just 7 cc, the Sharp CMOS camera is one of the smallest modules suitable for automotive use currently available on the market worldwide. Due to its reduced dimensions, the camera module can be fit in the outer skin of vehicles, for example as a reversing camera into the frame of the rear window or into the side mirror, in order to eradicate blind spots. Not only does this feature increase the safety of cars but also of trucks and buses.
An additional advantage of the CMOS technology lies in its high recording speed, which is important, above all, for active driver assistance systems. Even at a speed of 140 km/h a vehicle moves almost 40 metres per second - a distance in which a lot can happen. The electronic shutter of the RJ642A10000Q module reaches electronic shutter speeds of up to 1/100,000 of a second. The VGA CMOS sensor captures images in the 1/3.7 format with a resolution of 656 x 492 pixels and a viewing angle of 134° horizontally and 104° vertically. The image data is emitted by the CMOS module in form of an analogue NTSC video signal, which can then be used directly by all common applications inside the vehicle (traffic sign recognition, vision aids for blind spots, lane assistant, parking aids and brake assist systems, etc.). In spite of its high efficiency, the energy requirement of the camera is extremely modest, with a consumption of less than 100 mA.
The Sharp RJ642A10000Q camera module has a robust design making it suitable for use in cars, buses and trucks. The operating temperature of the camera lies between -40º to 85°C allowing it to work reliably in all climate zones and weather conditions. Impact tests at acceleration speeds of up to 1000 m/s² and vibration tests in the range of 10 – 55 Hz give proof of its mechanical resistance. Lastly, the housing meets the IP 67 standard and reliably protects the inside of the module from dust, dirt and humidity.
Thanks to the robustness and high protection class, the CMOS module is also very suitable for certain applications in the field of inspection and safety technology. Noteworthy examples include systems for controlling and monitoring of cavities which are difficult to access, such as water and sewer pipes or underground tanks.
Availability:
Samples of the new RJ642A10000Q CMOS camera module are now available through the sales offices of Sharp Microelectronics Europe.

Specifications

Contact:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Service hotline: +49 (0)180 507 35 07 (0.14 €/min. from the fixed network of DTAG.)
Service e-mail: automotive.europe@sharp.eu

Note:
The availability of the products and components mentioned in this press release is restricted to the European markets. For availability of these products and components outside Europe, please check with the Sharp Device Sales Offices in the respective markets.

About Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Sharp Microelectronics Europe, Hamburg, Germany, is a divisional company of Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies shaping the next generation of electronic applications and products. With a portfolio of more than 2,000 components in the ranges of TFT LCDs in screen sizes up to 108 inches, high brightness white and colour LEDs, optoelectronics, CCD and CMOS camera sensors, photovoltaic components, RF-, IC- und LSI-components as well as advanced packaging and integration skills Sharp Microelectronics Europe offers groundbreaking solutions in particular for applications in automotive electronics, mobile / communications technology, industrial automation, TV- and consumer electronics, e-signage and LED based lighting technology. Sharp is dedicated to the improvement of people’s lives and environmental protection through the use of advanced technologies. Technology and product development at Sharp is strongly determined by innovation, quality, usability and saving of resources.
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responsible:
Sharp Microelectronics Europe
Ralf Schäfer
Sonninstraße 3
20097 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (040)/2376-2487
Fax: +49 (0)40/2376-15-2487
E-mail: press.sme@sharp.eu