Toshiba Targets Automotive, Security/Surveillance Markets With New CMOS Image Sensor

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today announced its first image sensor for the automotive and security/surveillance markets, a new ¼ inch optical format VGA CMOS image sensor with industry-leading high dynamic range (HDR) and fast frame rates. The Toshiba TCM5114PL VGA image sensor offers superior image quality, excellent color reproduction, and video usage for up to ten years in 24 /7 operation mode—all ideal for optimum display viewing of automotive telematic systems and surveillance cameras under various light and operating conditions.

"Toshiba is leveraging its industry-leading CMOS imaging technology into new markets with stellar results," said Andrew Burt, vice president of the Analog and Imaging Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. "The low-power consumption, and rich imagery enabled by this device in various light conditions will appeal to manufacturers in the automotive industry where most new car models feature on-board cameras and telematic systems that need to support crisp, clear dashboard display screens, as well as rear-view and surround-view camera systems, etc. Moreover, the high sensitivity at low light provided by this new VGA image sensor includes excellent light stabilization features which are crucial for surveillance cameras operating in high-contrast, light-to-dark and day-to-night modes."

The TCM5114PL image sensor has the industry's best dynamic range of 100dB at 60 fps (frames per second) at full resolution output for VGA. With the combination of large 5.6 microamperes pixel, 640 (H) x 480 (V) array, integrated ISP and HDR functions, the TCM5114PL enables optimal images in low-light conditions, difficult with conventional sensors. The high sensitivity of the sensor (> 6V/lx.s) provides better quality images at very low luminescence levels. The TCM5114PL also facilitates excellent color reproduction through its primary Bayer color filter.

Other key features of the device include a single 3.3V source power supply, which reduces component count and board real estate, lens shading correction, picture flip (both horizontal and vertical), auto white balance, auto luminance (exposure) control, auto flicker detection and correction, defect pixel corrector, programmable gamma correction standby mode (software standby), and power-down mode (hardware standby).

The TCM5114PL has both a digital and analog (NTSC/PAL) interface so it can connect to currently available display panels. The device supports YUV422/RGB565/ RGB888/ RAW10/RAW12 data formats.

Pricing and Availability
Samples of the TCM5114PL VGA image sensor are currently available. Mass production is scheduled for March 2013.  Sample pricing is set at $25 (U.S.).

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide.  A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), discrete devices, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's third largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2011 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue, March 2012). Toshiba Corporation was founded in 1875 and today has over 554 subsidiaries and affiliates, with 210,000 employees worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.  Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications.  In developing designs, please ensure that Toshiba products are used within specified operating ranges as set forth in the most recent Toshiba product specifications and the information set forth in Toshiba's "Handling Guide for Semiconductor Devices," or "Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook." This information is available at www.toshiba.com/taec, or from your TAEC representative.

SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.