Low Cost HD SWIR Sensor for Mass-Market Applications
While SWIR cameras have been solving complex vision challenges by utilizing an exotic compound of materials (InGaAs), they have not been available until recently for mass-market applications. TriEye now introduces a CMOS-based HD SWIR sensor that is finally enabling SWIR to enter mainstream usage.
Image 1 | The CMOS-based SWIR sensor Raven has a resolution of 1,284X960 Pixel, a sensor spectrum of 0.4-1.6µm and a maximum speed of 120fps (full frame). The sensors are manufactured at a cost one thousand times lower than that of InGaAs-based SWIR sensors. (Image: TriEye Technologies, LTD.)
Sensor Spectrum: 0.4µm-1.6µm
Shutter Mode: Global/Rolling
Maximum speed: 120fps (full frame)
InGaAs-based sensors involve multiple complex steps, which reduce the yield and make the technology prohibitively expensive. Therefore, it mainly services niche industries who can afford the high cost and require low volume like the science, aerospace, and defence industries. Due to its high price and the limited capability to scale the manufacturing, InGaAs-based technology is not adopted by mass-market applications which can highly benefit from SWIR capabilities, such as seeing in adverse conditions or remote material sensing.
Table 1 | Comparison of the TriEye Raven SWIR sensor with typical InGaAs sensors and the Sony VIS-/SWIR sensor IMX990. (Image: TriEye Technologies, LTD.)
CMOS-Based HD SWIR Sensor
Based on advanced nanophotonics research, TriEye has been able to develop the world’s first CMOS-based HD SWIR sensor at scale called ‚The Raven‘. The CMOS-based SWIR sensor with global and rolling shutter mode has a resolution of 1,284X960 Pixel a sensor spectrum of 0.4-1.6µm and a maximum speed of 120fps (full frame). The sensors are manufactured with high volume manufacturing tools and at a cost one thousand times lower than that of InGaAs-based SWIR sensors. They are more reliable and can be miniaturized and integrated into existing systems without hindering the original hosting system design. TriEye’s technology allows for cost-effective, high-resolution SWIR sensing solutions. The application-centric approach that the company provides allows vision in all weather and lighting conditions with the ability to recognize materials remotely. Additionally, it offers the ability to sense and detect otherwise invisible threats or malfunctions, increasing the consistency and efficancy of existing machine vision systems. The company is already fabricating its sensor in a strategic collaboration together with a global leading CMOS foundry, using HVM tools. Earlier this year, TriEye released the Raven 1.0 sensor its first development kit. The Ovi DevKit, is used by its customers and design partners across Europe, the U.S, and Japan. It offers several important features: seamless and easy operation of the Raven Sensor; fast ramp up to harness the SWIR spectrum; elimination of redundant work to accelerate development cycle, and reduction of the need for technical resources and development costs.
Strategic Partners
While TriEye’s primary target market is the automotive industry, its technology is highly applicable to a wide range of other sectors. TriEye already signed with additional strategic partners in the biometrics, industrial, home appliances, agriculture and medical market segments. The company recently announced a collaboration with Trimble, a leader in machine control technology for agriculture and construction. TriEye plans on using SWIR technology to enable operability in all weather and lighting conditions to detect potential hazards. They also intend on exploring the use of remote material sensing with the Raven sensor. Another deal was made with Continental Engineering, a technology leader in cutting-edge automotive and industrial solutions. This partnership will focus on the use of SWIR for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) to ensure visibility in even the harshest conditions. Additional collaborations previously announced include include the German sports car manufacturer Porsche and global automotive supplier Denso.
