onsemi CMOS Image Sensors for Embedded Cameras
onsemi CMOS image sensors for embedded cameras provide different combinations of resolution, shutter technology, pixel size and imaging speed for industrial and OEM vision systems.
Choosing an image sensor involves more than selecting the highest megapixel count. Object movement, lighting, field of view, optical format, processor support, cable distance and environmental protection all influence which embedded camera will work reliably in the final system.
This article explains the most important onsemi sensor-selection factors and how these sensors are used in The Imaging Source cameras with MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2 and FPD-Link III interfaces.
Download The Onsemi Sensor Camera Guide
The onsemi Sensor Camera Guide provides the complete overview of The Imaging Source embedded cameras using onsemi CMOS image sensors.
The downloadable guide allows you to compare:
- Available onsemi sensor options
- Compatible embedded camera models
- MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2 and FPD-Link III interfaces
- Global and rolling shutter technologies
- Resolution, pixel size and frame rate
- Monochrome and color configurations
- Board-level and IP67 camera designs
- Interface and processor considerations
The current guide covers 14 camera variants, three sensor options and three embedded camera interfaces. The full sensor list, model codes and sensor-to-camera mapping are intentionally kept inside the downloadable document.
Get access to the complete onsemi embedded camera overview and compare the available sensor and camera options without checking individual product pages.
Open the request form to access the guide.
Download the onsemi Sensor Camera GuideWhat Is an onsemi CMOS Image Sensor?
An onsemi CMOS image sensor is a semiconductor device that converts incoming light into digital image data inside a camera.
The sensor determines important imaging characteristics such as resolution, shutter type, pixel size and acquisition speed. However, the image sensor is only one part of the finished camera.
A complete embedded camera consists of more than just the image sensor. It also includes camera electronics, firmware, drivers, connectors, interface hardware, trigger functions, lens-mount options and a mechanical design.
Two cameras using the same sensor can therefore differ in software compatibility, interface, housing and intended installation. Sensor selection should always be considered as part of the complete embedded vision architecture.
Which onsemi Image-Sensor Technologies Matter?
The onsemi image-sensor technologies that matter most are shutter architecture, pixel design, dynamic range, sensitivity and readout performance.
The wider onsemi portfolio serves industrial, automotive, medical and consumer applications. Its product-selection system distinguishes sensors by resolution, frame rate, optical format, shutter type, pixel size, output interface, color response, family and lifecycle status.
The broader portfolio also includes technology families such as Hyperlux and other architectures developed for particular imaging requirements. Not every onsemi family is represented in The Imaging Source embedded camera range, so compatibility should always be checked for the exact finished camera.
Some onsemi sensors support features such as backside illumination, high dynamic range, near-infrared response or specialized low-light operation. These capabilities vary by sensor and should not be assumed from the manufacturer name alone.
What Affects CMOS Image Quality Beyond Resolution?
CMOS image quality depends on pixel size, optical format, dynamic range, noise, lens quality and illumination as well as resolution.
Resolution and Detectable Detail
Resolution determines how many pixels cover the field of view.
The required resolution should be calculated from the inspection area and the smallest feature that must be detected. Additional pixels increase interface bandwidth, memory use and processor workload without automatically improving the result.
Pixel Size and Sensitivity
Pixel size influences how much light is available to each pixel.
Larger pixels can be beneficial when illumination or exposure time is limited. Smaller pixels allow more resolution within a compact sensor format but can place greater demands on the lens and lighting.
Pixel size should therefore be evaluated together with sensor architecture, gain, lens aperture and exposure time.
Optical Format and Lens Coverage
Optical format describes the approximate dimensions of the sensor and affects field of view and lens selection.
The selected lens must provide an image circle large enough to cover the complete sensor. It must also provide sufficient optical resolution for the pixel size. A high-resolution sensor cannot produce the required detail when the lens cannot resolve it.
Dynamic Range and Low-Light Performance
Dynamic range describes the usable difference between dark and bright image information.
High dynamic range is valuable in scenes containing shadows, reflective components, bright windows or changing outdoor light. Low-light performance also depends on read noise, exposure time, lens aperture, illumination and image processing.
What Does an Image Signal Processor Do?
An image signal processor converts raw sensor output into a usable image.
Depending on the system, an ISP may perform:
- Demosaicing
- Color correction
- White balance
- Noise reduction
- Exposure control
- Lens correction
- High dynamic range processing
The ISP may be integrated into the sensor, processor platform or another part of the imaging pipeline. onsemi lists image signal processors separately from its raw image-sensor portfolio, which reflects the different roles of these components.
ISP support is especially relevant for color cameras and applications with difficult lighting. Engineers should confirm where image processing occurs and whether the selected software exposes the required controls.
How Do You Choose an onsemi CMOS Image Sensor for an Embedded Camera?
An onsemi sensor should be chosen by matching the imaging requirement to the complete camera and processor architecture.
- Define the field of view and smallest feature. This determines the useful resolution instead of simply choosing the largest available sensor.
- Evaluate movement. Use global shutter when motion distortion would affect inspection, positioning or measurement. Rolling shutter may be sufficient for static or controlled scenes.
- Determine the required frame rate. Consider production speed, trigger frequency, exposure time and processing time.
- Select monochrome or color. Color is required when hue differences are part of the inspection. Monochrome is often preferable for evaluating shape, edges, contrast, texture, position or dimensions.
- Confirm the complete setup. Check lens coverage, lighting, software support and long-term availability before designing the camera into the final product.
Which onsemi embedded camera matches these requirements? Download the guide to compare the available sensor, interface and camera configurations.
Compare onsemi sensor and camera options in one guide.
View the onsemi Sensor Camera GuideWhich Camera InterfaceShould Be Used with onsemi CMOS Image Sensors?
The camera interface should be chosen according to cable distance, processor location, available space and environmental conditions.
MIPI CSI-2 Cameras
MIPI CSI-2 cameras provide a direct camera-to-processor connection.
MIPI CSI-2 is suitable for compact systems where low latency, low power consumption and short-distance camera-to-processor connections are priorities. These board-level modules are commonly considered for integrated devices and volume OEM projects.
View MIPI CSI-2 CamerasGMSL2 Cameras
GMSL2 cameras use serialized transmission for longer cable distances and distributed installations.
The Imaging Source Acuva range combines IP67 housings, FAKRA connectivity and coaxial transmission. A complete GMSL2 system also requires a compatible deserializer, carrier board, processor platform and software configuration.
View GMSL2 CamerasFPD-Link III Cameras
FPD-Link III cameras use serializer and deserializer technology for robust camera-to-processor connections.
The portfolio includes board-level and IP67 configurations for systems requiring longer camera distances, trigger and I/O support or flexible mechanical integration.
View FPD-Link III CamerasWhat Should OEMs CheckBefore Designing In an onsemi CMOS Image Sensor?
OEMs should check lifecycle status, software support and complete system compatibility before designing in an embedded camera.
The onsemi catalog distinguishes between active, lifetime, last-shipment and obsolete product states, demonstrating why lifecycle information matters for long-term OEM projects.
Before selection, confirm:
- Exact camera and sensor driver
- Processor and carrier-board compatibility
- Deserializer requirements
- Operating system and acquisition framework
- Triggering and synchronization
- Multi-camera support
- Cable length and environmental protection
- Volume availability
- Long-term hardware and software support
Interface compatibility alone does not guarantee support for a particular camera or sensor.
Frequently Asked Questions About onsemi Image Sensors
Download the Complete onsemi Camera Overview
The onsemi Sensor Camera Guide brings the supported sensors and The Imaging Source embedded camera models together in one document.
Use it to compare resolution, shutter, pixel size, frame rate, colour, housing and interface options across MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2 and FPD-Link III.